Ainsley laid sprawled in the tall grass, her best (and only) friend, Lily, lying beside her with a book in hand. Ainsley listened intently as Lily read aloud, watching the clouds as they moved overhead. For years they’d pretended that this backyard was their fortress, but now it was Ainsley’s eleventh birthday, and at some point between now and three months earlier, at Lily’s own birthday, Lily had decided that it was time to lay down the pretend swords and fake wands (that were really only sticks they pulled from a tree) and grow up. Apparently, her idea of growing up was reading Shakespere out loud for hours on end in Ainsley’s backyard. Though Ainsley didn’t agree with Lily, she’d decided after the first day that if her friend wanted to spend all day reading Shakespere, that she wouldn’t argue, which certainly pleased Ainsley’s older sister, Wren.
“Okay, bunnies.” Lily paused, frowning at Marshal as he walked up. That was another thing that she’d decided that needed to end. For as long as Ainsley could remember, Marshal had called her and Lily ‘bunny’ but the first time Lily had come over after her birthday, she’d told Marshal that he wasn’t allowed to call them that anymore because they were going to be ladies now. “Sorry, ladies,” he corrected, winking at Ainsley who smiled, quickly turning her head away so that Lily couldn’t see. “Wren has made a cake for Ainsley, and Lily, your brother stopped by. He took a piece of cake and wanted me to tell you that you’re wanted at home.” he reached out, taking Lily’s hand and helping her to her feet. He then turned to Ainsley, pulling her upright and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “It seems like only yesterday that I was picking up finalizing little five-year-old Ainsley’s adoption and bringing you back home to Wren.”
Ainsley smiled, recalling that day. Her and Wren’s parents had died when she was only a baby, which left both girls in an orphanage. But Wren, being twelve years older than Ainsley, married after five and left the orphanage. It was a long six months without Wren, but eventually, Marshal got the story of Archie and Lucy Thatchere’s death out of Wren and returned for Ainsley. Wren never had anything to say while Marshal was telling the story, so Ainsley didn't know what Wren said to him to get him to go back for her, but whatever it was, Ainsley was eternally grateful that she’d said it.
Marshal released Ainsley and trailed behind as the two girls looped arms and headed inside together. Only a small cake rested on the table, and though Wren looked slightly guilty, it was Marshal who spoke first.
“Sorry, bunny. We couldn’t afford anything else,” he apologized, easing around Lily to get to Wren, who was still silent.
“It’s okay,” Ainsley forced a smile and glanced at Lily. Lily’s family never struggled with money. She lived in a nice, four bedroom home where everyone had their own room, and brand new clothing. Though Ainsley wasn’t jealous of Lily, she did hate it when it was obvious how much money trouble she and her family had. Lily backed away slowly, glancing at Ainsley.
“You know what? I’ll come back later, okay?” she smiled at Ainsley, who immediately knew what she was doing. Lily wasn’t going to come back for a piece later. She was going to come back with a whole cake later, and possibly supper if she could talk her mum into it. Ainsley grabbed her hand, shaking her head slightly, but Lily simply pulled free and smiled in response. “I’ll see you later, Ainsley. Bye,” she waved to Marshal and Wren and quickly departed. It was only when the door slammed shut and the sound of a baby’s cry began from upstairs that anyone moved. Wren quickly headed upstairs, calming little baby Theodore before returning downstairs.
“Now, you know we were tight on money this year, but I still managed to get you a present.” Wren turned her head sharply to stare at him, anger practically radiating off of her.
“I thought we agreed, Marshal, that we weren’t going to get a present,”
“Honey, I didn’t have to spend any money on this, I promise.” He reached into the top drawer of the cabinet behind him and pulled out a yellowish envelope, holding it out to Ainsley with a giant smile on his face. Confused, she took it, surprised by how thick it turned out to be. Her eyes fell on the seal and that only increased her confusion. Who actually sends letters to people anymore?, she thought. She flipped the letter over and read the emerald-green letters. Once. Twice. Three times.

She glanced up at Marshal and arched an eyebrow and then read aloud:
“Miss. A. Thatcher. The Upstairs Bedroom. Crayford, London”
Marshal grinned wider and nodded. “Open it,” he urged. She shook her head, still quite confused, but obeyed his wishes and flipped it over, popping the strange seal and allowing the thick parchment to fall into her palm. She slowly opened it, widening her eyes at what she read. Stunned, she began to read aloud once more.
“Dear Miss Thatcher, you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.” Ainsley paused and then lifted her eyes to Marshal, holding the letter up. “What’s this mean? What’s...this Hogwarts place, and why have I been accepted there? I didn’t do anything to get accepted anywhere.”
“You don’t have to do anything, bunny.” Wren stared at Marshal curiously, but stayed silent as he gestured for Ainsley to sit. “Hogwarts is a school for people like me, and people like you.”
Ainsley shook her head, frowning at him.
“What do you mean? I’m exactly like Lily and all the other kids at school. I'm exactly like you, and Wren and Theodore” Marshal smiled at her words and glanced at the table, joining her.
“Ainsley, you remember the day after your eighth birthday? I took you to the park, remember?” he said, still smiling. Ainsley nodded. She did vaguely remember that. Lily had joined them soon after they’d gotten there. “You were climbing trees before Lily arrived, and you fell. You should’ve gotten hurt. But you didn’t. Not even a scratch, Ainsley.” Wren moved behind Ainsley, placing her hands on her shoulders.
“Shouldn’t that be a good thing? Did you want my sister to get hurt?” she snapped, glaring at Marshal, who quickly shook his head.
“No, no. I didn’t. I don’t. But she should have. Ainsley, ever since that day after your eighth birthday, you’ve been doing...strange things. When you are happy, or sad, or angry.” Ainsley stared at the table, considering what he’d said. His hand came over hers, and she rested her gaze on him once more. “Am I wrong?” Slowly, she shook her head. No. Flowers have bloomed in the palm of her hand. She’s never gotten hurt, or sick. Ever. Bullies that were teasing Lily have had branches fall and scratch them, or had the wind blow so hard that they fell. She’d consider all of those strange things. “Hogwarts is a school for people like us, Ainsley. Witches and wizards, like us.” Ainsley giggled, suddenly overcome with laughter. But when Marshal stayed silent, she realized that he was being serious.
“Wait...like...you’re serious?” she stared at him, confused. He smiled, proudly and nodded.
“My little bunny got into Hogwarts.” he laughed, almost as though he was in awe, and then leaned over, hugging Ainsley tightly. Wren’s hands disappeared from Ainsley’s shoulders and Ainsley heard her step away.
"Ainsley, go upstairs" Wren ordered.
"What? Ainsley asked, confused by Wren's sudden shift in mood.
"Upstairs. Now" Confused, Ainsley rose, glancing at Marshal who smiled and nodded for her to go ahead.
"I'll come talk to you later, okay, bunny?" Ainsley nodded and exited the small room. As she headed upstairs, She heard Wren say something, and by her tone, Ainsley could tell, she wasn't happy about Marshal announcing he, and her little sister, were a witch and wizard.

Ainsley’s bedroom was small with only her bed, her dresser and baby Theo’s crib. There was barely enough room for her to stand up and take five steps, and only one person could stand in the room at a time if Ainsley was standing in there. Ainsley leaned over the side of the crib, playing quietly with Theodore. Wren and Marshal had been arguing downstairs for the past few hours, but it had finally grown silent. Ainsley wasn't sure exactly what was said, but from how Wren raised her voice and Marshal didn't, she was sure that Wren was just being overly protective or something. It was only a few minutes before a knock sounded on the door and Marshal stuck his head inside.
"Lily came back earlier. She just wanted me to tell you that her mum wanted her at home tonight." he said, stepping inside and peering down at Theodore. "Wren's got supper ready. She wants us downstairs."
"Okay," as Marshal started to exit the room, Ainsley stopped him, glancing toward the door. "Are you serious? About Hogwarts?" Marshal smiled slightly.
"Yes, I'm serious. You, Ainsley Thatchere, are a witch," he said, wrapping his arm around her. "And you are going to Hogwarts School in September." he paused ,glancing down at her quickly. "If you want to, of course," he added, stepping out of the room.
Ainsley followed him, smiling. He's serious. She's going to a magic school in September. A real school of magic, not something like she and Lily used to play in Ainsley's backyard, but a real school. Downstairs, Wren had already set the table and was sitting down. When Marshal and Ainsley entered the room, she didn't look up, instead starting to eat. As Ainsley sat down, she glanced at Marshal who shrugged.
"So...it's my choice, right?" Ainsley asked, directing the question at Marshal. He nodded, glancing at Wren. "Okay, I want to go."
"Absolutely not." Wren interjected, glaring across the table at Marshal, who sighed.
"Wren…" Marshal sighed again, shaking his head.
"We don't have enough money to put her through school, Marshal," Wren snapped. "I don't know why you're getting her hopes up."
"It doesn't cost very much. All that she needs is a uniform and her school supplies." Marshal argued. "We can easily pay for that." he directed his next words to Ainsley. "I'll take you tomorrow to get everything.”
Wren stayed silent, but from the look she shot Marshal, Ainsley could guess that she’d have something to say about it later.
“What’s Hogwarts like?” she asked, picking at her food. Marshal nudged her arm and nodded at her food.
“Eat,” he mumbled. “It's er...it’s magnificent.Now, I know most muggleborns like yourself aren’t told any of this, but I’m going to tell you.” he took a bite of food, keeping his eyes on his plate as he began speaking again. “There are four Houses at Hogwarts. Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. On your first night at Hogwarts, you will be sorted into one of these Houses.”
“What house were you?” Ainsley’s head swung around, peering at Wren, who was watching Marshal carefully, awaiting an answer.
“Gryffindor,” he said carefully, smiling slightly. Ainsley’s eyes drifted back to him and she paused, thinking.
“Do you want me to be in Gryffindor?” she questioned. Marshal smiled at her, shaking his head.
“Ainsley, it doesn’t matter to me what house you’re placed in.”
As they continued eating, Marshal spoke quietly about the wizarding world, telling Ainsley about Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade (which Ainsley was very disappointed to learn she’d have to wait until 3rd year to go to) and even Quidditch. She asked a few questions, but mostly settled with listening intently until Wren insisted that Ainsley help do the dishes. Only then did Marshal stop talking about Hogwarts and instead took a bottle up to Theodore.The only thing Wren said when Marshal left the room was “don’t get your hopes up, Ainsley. You're not going to that school.” Ainsley simply sighed and assisted in washing dishes, and as she was told, went straight up to bed. Marshal stopped her as she was opening her door.
“Good night, bunny. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. We’ll have breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron and then go get your school supplies.” he hugged her goodnight and entered his own room. That night, Ainsley slept with all sorts of scenarios dancing in her head, each of them better than the last. And all of them starting with her leaving for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.