Harry immediately recognized it as the cupboard under the stairs he used to live in at the Dursley family home.
"Where is this?" Cassandra asked curiously, noticing a large spider climbing down from the floorboard.
However, she saw Harry quickly pull out a large spider from his pocket and fling it aside.
"This is where I used to live," Harry told Cassandra, "Do you remember? It's the cupboard under the stairs at the Dursley family home I once told you about—"
Of course, Cassandra remembered what Harry told her, but the cupboard under the stairs...
Back then, no matter how hard she tried, she imagined the size of the Malfoy family's storage room, yet she never imagined such a narrow space, where she couldn't even straighten her back.
So, it was like this...
Harry felt around under the pillow and soon found a letter.
"This is the letter I received back then," Harry said to Cassandra, as he opened it, it read:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Principal: Phineas Black
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
On behalf of the entire staff, I extend our warmest congratulations on your outstanding magical potential.
We eagerly await your arrival on September 1st, at which time the Hogwarts Express will be ready to transport you to our beloved school.
Enclosed you will find a list of necessary equipment, required books, and a ticket for the Hogwarts Express. Your parents or guardians are welcome to accompany you to Diagon Alley to purchase the required items.
Once again, congratulations on receiving your acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We will patiently await your owl by July 31st for your response.
Vice Principal (Female)
Matilda Weasley
"I remember the last line, the 'Once again, congratulations on receiving your acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.'" Harry shook the letter in his hand, smiling at Cassandra, "Principal Black asked Lady Weasley to add that in, I heard it from Gareth—he said his aunt scolded the arrogant Principal Black for it at a family dinner."
Cassandra's lips twitched slightly as she turned her head.
"Open the door," Harry said to Cassandra.
The two of them stepped out of the cupboard and found themselves in the Broken Cauldron Bar.
"That's how I ended up here a hundred years ago, Cassandra," Harry told her, "I don't know why this happened, but after I pushed the door open, I found myself here... At the time, I thought the letter was just a prank... you know, my cousin Dudley loved to tease me."
"Oh, I know," Cassandra said lightly, "That pig with a wig, right?"
"Even though that's not a nice way to describe him, I'm not going to disagree," Harry said with a laugh, "Dudley told me the other day he's planning to take up boxing."
As he spoke, he was responding to questions from Mr. Abbo, the bar owner.
Before long, Vice Principal Weasley appeared in the Broken Cauldron Bar.
"Mr. Potter," Vice Principal Weasley said when she saw Harry, walking over, "I'm the Vice Principal of Hogwarts, and Mr. Abbo mentioned you've suddenly appeared in the Broken Cauldron Bar, correct?"
"Yes, ma'am," Harry nodded.
"Step this way, Mr. Potter," Vice Principal Weasley said as she rose and walked toward a corner of the bar.
"Although I'm not sure what's happening, I suspect your letter is a Door Key," Vice Principal Weasley said, "May I see your letter, please?"
Harry took the letter from his pocket and handed it to Vice Principal Weasley. She examined it for a while and then kept it.
"I understand the situation now. Tell me about your family background—like your address. I think your family would be upset if they knew you went missing."
"I'm sorry, Principal, my parents have both passed away," Harry said softly, "I'm currently living at my aunt's house. They probably wouldn't worry about me..."
After chatting for a while, Professor Weasley said, "I understand the situation now. Welcome to Hogwarts, Mr. Potter."
"Okay, Professor," Harry nodded, "But—right now we are..."
"Remember, Mr. Potter," Vice Principal Weasley said softly, "Don't tell anyone about your situation—about the things from a hundred years in the future, not even Principal Black, understand?"
"I understand, Professor," Harry nodded eagerly and asked, "But—I don't have money, Professor, I don't know if I need to pay tuition..."
"Oh, that's not necessary, child," Vice Principal Weasley's gaze softened, "The school has a policy where students in circumstances like yours can apply for a scholarship... Follow me, I will take you to Principal Black, we need his consent to apply for the scholarship."
"Alright," Harry nodded obediently.
Vice Principal Weasley stood up and walked forward, gradually disappearing from sight.
Soon after, the customers in the Broken Cauldron Bar also vanished from this scene of memory.
"How touching, Potter," Cassandra held her chin with one hand, a playful smile on her face, her tear mole quite conspicuous, "Just like Cinderella leaving her stepmother... My goodness, I feel like I'm watching a Grimm's Fairy Tale, should I get you two pairs of crystal high heels?"