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Chapter 6 - What's Magic Without A Few Surprises

May 1, 1991

London

.....

Well Chat, it looks like it's almost time. I've been in this new life since I gained consciousness at Heathrow Airport on July 1, 1987 at 11:52 in the morning. Right after I stepped foot on British soil, so to speak.

My name, in case you've forgotten during the past 5 years, is Joshua E. Myrddin. Son of Ivan L. Myrddin and Marie R. Myrddin née Bagshot. Why the initials? Mind your business! Where was I? Oh, right my background in this world. Well, much like my previous life, I am from the United States of America. What's weirder, is that just like my previous life, I was born and raised in North Alabama. 😱!

What's a southern boy doing in London you might wonder. Well, I'm getting to that.

My family has an odd tradition. The summer of our 10th year, we visit the "old country" and meet our extended family. The same thing happens after getting married, conceiving a child, and so on. Major life events according to my father. 

My older sister was here for a couple of months, a couple of years ago, and now it's my turn. 

Prior to my gaining control of this body, oddly similar in appearance and sharing the same first name of my previous life, this Joshua had just finished his college education! Neat. Although, from my perspective it's wild. A 10 year old college grad in the 80s is insane. In my first life I wasn't even born until December 1991. College graduate with a Master's degree in physics and applied sciences. New me, makes old me look like a joke.

In addition to that, new me is in much better physical shape. No glasses, and my mass is due to being taller than average and packing muscle from martial arts. Gotta love the 80s Hong Kong fever. Anyway. I'm a 10 year old, with a Masters degree in a field I was only mildly familiar with in my previous life, solo in a country I've never been to and my original birthday is still 4 and a half years away.

I stood there watching a dark blue Rolls Royce Silver Spirit pull up in front of me. Beautiful car for the 80s. The last really decent decade for cars until the late 2010s. Heck, that's a good car even in the 20s if it was properly maintained. At any rate, a pristine piece of gorgeous craftsmanship. That stopped right in front of me.

The Window rolled down, and a slightly older middle aged man leaned forward, "Joshua"? I nodded my head. "Brilliant. I thought that was you. Not many kids as tall as you at your age, and you look like your parents". He said. "Go ahead, and climb in the back, and I'll take you to the Hotel you'll be at for the next month until your grandfather's estate is ready for you".

Estate? I feel like I'm missing something, but if this goes well, I should be set for the next few years.

"Thank you, Mr..."? "Skeeter. Jack Skeeter." He introduced himself, reaching out to shake my hand. "Thank you Mr. Skeeter. Please call me Josh."

...

May 1, 1991

.....

The last thing I remember from my original life is vague memories of getting ready for my son to do something..... I'm sure it'll come to me eventually. I hope. Until then I've got 34 more years to figure it out. In all honesty, I remember everything about my previous life except for my home life since 2019. I think I'm going to make some investments in the tech sector within the next 6 years and cover my bases. Google first, then Amazon. Once the 2000's get here Meta, bitcoin, and so on. Before that, I should finish my education on the other side. Oh, right sorry chat. I didn't mention earlier. I'm a wizard.

.

..

...

....

You seem less surprised than I was, but we will get to that.

...

July 30, 1987

London, The Langham

...

The past month has been rather interesting. I have met with Mr. Skeeter almost every day now. He'll show up after breakfast, check the view from the windows, and then make small talk as we head out and explore London. I have a rough idea of my family's business interests over here now, and can see why my family decided to stay in the U.S. rather than move over here. Personally, I think I would like to stay here for the weather at the very least. I never was a fan of the humidity and heat back home. Here, it even though it rains a good deal, the humidity is not as bad as back in Alabama. 

This morning, I am supposed to meet my great grandfather. I don't know what he's like, but if Jack's words can be taken at face value I should get along with him well enough. For a man in his 70s, he's done a great job keeping in shape, and has made great strides in the private sector in manufacturing. First though, breakfast. Luckily the chef in the hotel kitchen is French. I don't know if I can handle a full English breakfast every morning. It's very heavy. Today's breakfast is a 2 egg omelette du fromage, with 3 pieces of French toast, 4 pieces of crispy bacon, some fresh sliced strawberries and a latte. This is the life. 

TAP TAP TAP

There is an owl at my window. 

Knock Knock Knock

Jack is at the door.

...........

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Myrddin,

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 on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)

2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)

Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.

COURSE BOOKS

All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand

1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

1 set glass or crystal phials

1 telescope

1 set brass scales

Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS

ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK

Yours sincerely,

Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus

Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions

.........

"Ah, good. You're grandfather will be pleased. Bring your letter with you, and we'll set out to meet him as soon as you've finished your breakfast." That's all Jack would say about the letter, when he saw the owl. 

Guess it's time to meet my Grandfather. Maybe that will help with this icon that popped up in my vision as soon as I had the letter in my Hands.

Lock 1 Unlocked. Full integration in 3 years, 9 months, 2 days

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