So, as it turned out, Tristeza actually had found her way to Privet Drive, and now I had a seven foot snake that crushes people in my backyard. Oops.

Bad news, I had a huge snake in my yard. Good news... I didn't have to feed her and could scare people?

My plan for my Hogwarts letter definitely wouldn't be winning any prizes, but it would (probably) work.

I had penned out a reply, and was waiting at early o'clock for the owl that would bring my letter.

I was talking to Tristeza, who had been hiding in the yard completely unnoticed somehow, about what we would do about Hogwarts. Currently, I was going to get a trunk with compartments you could live in, and I was going to set up a place for her to live during the school year. We were debating whether or not I should bring her food, or whether she should hunt for herself.

"You can't! What if someone sees you?"

Hatchling, they will see me anyway. I am not exactly small.

"That doesn't matter! I don't even think most wizards even know what type of snake you are, other than Muggleborns. They're clueless."

You are taking me to classes, yes? If they see me there, when I am acting harmless, they would be less likely to freak out when I hunt.

"Wait, when did we say you were going?"

She flicked her tongue out. Hatchling, I think your owl is here.

The flutter of wings stopped me before I could protest further.

The barn owl landed before the Dursleys' front door. There was a letter in its beak, a letter addressed in green ink, a letter to me.

The owl dropped the letter on my foot. I picked it up with shaking hands.

"C-could you wait a minute?" I said to the owl. It danced around a bit, impatiently ruffling its wings, but it stayed.

I opened the letter.

Hogwarts School

of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins September 1. We await your owl no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Ɱìղҽɾѵą ⱮçƓօղąցąӀӀ

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

The letter, the one I had waited so long for, was finally here.