Chapter 32 - The guest
The air outside the orphanage was cool, brushed with a lazy afternoon breeze. A tawny owl flapped away from the iron gate, its task complete. Professor McGonagall adjusted her hat as she stood before the modest red-bricked building of St. Theresia's Orphanage. The wooden door creaked slightly as it opened.
"I believe you were expecting a visitor regarding Mr. Thomas Space," Professor McGonagall said crisply.
Sister Mary, still in her habit, gave a firm nod. "Yes, I was. Please, come in. We can talk in my office. I'll call for the boy."
Minutes later, Thomas entered the warm-lit office and took a seat next to Sister Mary. He glanced between the two adults, sensing the weight of the conversation.
Sister Mary folded her hands, her tone protective but calm. "Thomas told me he received a strange letter. And frankly, I'm worried. Thomas is one of the brightest and most precious children we've ever had here. I want to understand what sort of future you're offering him."
McGonagall nodded, her eyes sharp but respectful. "I understand your concern. But you must know—there is something unusual about him. Otherwise, you wouldn't have allowed me past your threshold."
Sister Mary's expression softened. "I only want what's best for Thomas."
"Then allow me to clarify," McGonagall said. "Magic is a natural part of our world. Rare among those not born of wizarding families, but not unheard of. The safest, most enriching way for a child like Thomas to grow is to learn about his magic properly—at a school designed for that purpose."
"You're saying the only option is this school?" Sister Mary asked, still skeptical.
"Not the only option," McGonagall replied. "But the best. Hogwarts is one of the most respected institutions of magical education in all of Europe."
Sister Mary narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "And do you teach there yourself?"
"Indeed. I am the Deputy Headmistress and the Transfiguration professor. One of the most advanced branches of magic. If you wish, I can give a small demonstration."
Sister Mary inclined her head.
McGonagall flicked her wand. Instantly, the teacup on the desk turned into a small, porcelain rabbit, hopped once, and then returned to its original shape. The crucifix on the wall shimmered into a golden lyre before returning to its form. Thomas gasped softly.
Again with a flick of her wand, the pencil transformed into a slender songbird with vivid blue feathers. It chirped once, then shimmered again into a spool of golden thread, then once more into an elegant feather quill before she returned it smoothly to its original shape.
Sister Mary leaned back. "That's... remarkable. And you say students learn this?"
"They can. Transfiguration is complex and demands discipline, but it's absolutely within reach. Students who apply themselves can become masters of their craft—some may even surpass their teachers."
Sister Mary hesitated. "What about magic that allows someone to move from one place to another in an instant?"
McGonagall raised a brow. "You mean Apparition? That is studied in the final years at Hogwarts. It's difficult, even dangerous without training, but any student who applies themselves can learn it."
Sister Mary turned her gaze toward Thomas—soft, reflective, but intense. Her eyes spoke volumes, filled with an unspoken understanding. Thomas looked down at his hands. That gaze… she knew. She had always known. But now it was clear: what he could do wasn't simply rare—it was different.
There was a long silence before McGonagall tilted her head slightly. "Is something wrong?"
Sister Mary kept her voice steady. "Thomas once... relocated. By accident. In a moment of panic."
McGonagall gave a knowing nod. "Accidental Magic is common in young witches and wizards. Especially during emotional stress. It's often a sign of great potential. But also of the need for guidance. Without it, abilities can manifest in dangerous ways."
Thomas remained quiet. Inside, his thoughts raced. So even among magical children, what I've done isn't normal. Apparition is learned much later. But I've been doing this since I was six.
He realized, suddenly and profoundly, that there was something different about him. Not just rare—but apart. And for now, he had no desire to reveal more than what had already been shown.
McGonagall's expression softened. "That's why I'm here. To extend our invitation. Thomas's abilities are extraordinary, but they must be refined. For his sake, and for those around him."
Sister Mary sat in silence for a long moment. Her gaze drifted toward Thomas again, softer now. There was a tremor in her voice, but it held steady. "You seem reliable. And I want what's best for him. But ultimately, the choice is his."
Thomas looked up. His eyes met hers. "Can I go?"
She smiled gently. "My sweet boy. You've already given this place more than we could ask for. If this is what's best for you, then yes. You may."
He moved to hug her, tightly. She embraced him just as firmly, resting her cheek against the top of his head. The warmth between them filled the room.
Professor McGonagall smiled faintly, watching the exchange.
"If you're ready," she said, "we can visit the place where Thomas can purchase his school supplies."
Sister Mary raised an eyebrow. "Am I allowed to come along? As his guardian?"
"Of course," McGonagall replied. "Only guardians are permitted to know. Especially in a Muggle orphanage."
And with that, the world Thomas had known began to change. No longer was he just a secret-keeper. Now, he was on the edge of something bigger—something hidden. And for the first time, he would step into it not alone, but with someone who had always believed in him.