[Hogwarts Between] [HB] Owl Post - Cyrus

[Margaret Dean]

William Dean wrote:

> > > > > Before going off to work that morning, Cyrus Windermere's father
> > > > > Eugene pulled him aside, out of his brothers' earshot.  "Watch
> > > > > the skies today, son," he whispered, barely able to contain his
> > > > > excitement.  "Rumour at the Ministry has it that the letters are
> > > > > going out today."  By 'letters', Cyrus knew his father meant the
> > > > > acceptance letters from Hogwarts.  With a grin, he clapped his
> > > > > son on the back and hustled out the door.
> > > > >
> > > > > Cyrus had kept lookout all day as he did his chores, but it
> > > > > wasn't until mid-afternoon that the letter arrived.  Cyrus had
> > > > > just finished mucking out his horse Chloe's stall when a large
> > > > > owl flew into the barn and landed on the gate to Chloe's stall. 
> > > > > It hooted softly and nudged the letter it held in its beak
> > > > > toward Cyrus.
> > > >
> > > > Hands trembling, Cyrus took the letter from the owl, who promptly
> > > > flew away. Chloe neighed softly as he rushed out of the stall
> > > > towards the house. "Mom," he yelled, "it's here!" His mother
> > > > was in the parlor when he got in the house.
> > >
> > > She straightened up, dustcloth in hand, as Cyrus came charging in
> > > with the letter.  There was a little constraint in her smile, and
> > > her voice as she said, "That's wonderful, love!" was just a shade
> > > too hearty, but she came and put her arm around his shoulders.
> > >
> > > "Let's see what it says, then."
> > >
> > > > Cyrus fumblingly opened the letter.
> >
> > The thick, yellowish parchment envelope, with his name and
> > address in emerald-green ink, yielded two sheets of paper.  The
> > first one had a fancy letterhead at the top with a coat of arms
> > and the legend:
> >
> > HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
> >
> > Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand
> > Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of
> > Wizards)
> >
> > Under that was written, in the same emerald-green ink:
> >
> > Dear Mr Windermere,
> >
> >       We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts
> > School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Please find enclosed a list
> > of all necessary books and equipment.
> >
> >       Term begins on 1 September.  We await your owl by no later than
> > 31 July.
> >
> > Yours sincerely,
> >
> > Minerva McGonagall
> > Deputy Headmistress
> 
> "Aw, little Cyruskins is going to Hogwarts, is he?" said a nasty voice
> behind him.
> 
> "Shut up, Gerald!" said Cyrus. His elder brother had just entered the room.

Their mother straightened up and gave Gerald a Look.  Daphne
Windermere was a small woman.  Both Gerald and his older brother
Gideon were already larger than she was; they'd got Eugene's
height and her stocky build.  However, she'd been a jockey before
she married Eugene.  Convincing a creature many times her size
that she was the boss was second nature to her by now, and
neither of the older boys dared to bully their little brother
when she was around.
 
> "What's going on in here?" said a voice behind Gerald. "Oh, it's just the
> letter from that school. He'll be out of our hair at least. C'mon Gerald.
> Football practice starts in 15 minutes." Gerald gave Cyrus one more
> spiteful glance before following his brother Gideon out the door.

Daphne gave Cyrus's shoulder a comforting squeeze.  "Your da will
be pleased," she told him.