The Tale of Magnus

On an Autumn evening in the north of England, a warm light emanated from the windows of a quaint, cosy stone cottage. Sheltered from the bitter wind of the night, a small group of friends and family wiled away the hours with pleasant pass-times. Of the children, Elizabeth and Antony were engaged in a game of Wizard Chess in front of the fire, Crispan read his battered copy of "Quidditch Through the Ages", and Nevan tried to teach his magipedes to jump through miniature hoops. Their aunt Tess stared into the fire, thinking of times long passed.

"Aunt T," piped Crispan, having grown tired of his book, "won't you tell us a story?"

"That would be rather good of you," said Elizabeth, hope bright shining in her eyes. Aunt T always told the best stories. Tess smiled at them, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"Well, it is getting late."

"Oh, just a short one, then," piped Nevan as he jumped to his feet in excitement. "One with pirates, and adventure and danger and magic!"

"And honour and duty," interrupted Antony as he straightened his glasses.

"And potions," chimed Crispan.

"And charms," insisted Elizabeth, more to Crispan than her aunt. Tess laughed lightly as the children bombarded her with their requests, and futilely held up her hands for peace.

"Alright, then, my dears. A story you shall have. I think I have one in mind that will please all of you. It is about a group of very brave, talented and noble young wizards - and one witch - and their adventures battling the minions of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named." The children grew quiet and wide-eyed as she spoke, and the wind rattled the windows as if to emphasise her every word.

"It's not about that Potter boy, is it?" Nevan asked dubiously.

"He's not very.... British, is he," Antony said with noticeable disdain.

"No, not at all," answered Tess. "No, this is a story about true heroes. It is a story about danger, adventure, duty and honesty. Most of all, it is about bravery and friendship. It is the story of three young wizards and one young witch, fresh out of Hogwarts, and how they saved a great many innocent lives. My story is about how these four friends defeated the lieutenant of Voldemort's forces, the great and terrible wizard Magnus...."