<a class="postlink" href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/cf/9a/18/cf9a18aaa2f497241e8c30a2f385e29e.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/>As it turned out, Philip's Hogwarts letter served to liven up what appeared to be a typical day in the Tyre household. Philip had been outside puttering about his garden, which he typically did when his governess dismissed him from a break from his schoolwork. Philip lived for those times. Other than plant and animal biology (not human biology; that was just as boring as everything else), and naturalistic studies, there was nothing that could occupy Philip's interest. Though of course he was too polite to inform his governess; she would only take it that her teaching style was boring, which was the opposite of what Philip wanted. She wasn't boring; the subjects she taught were boring.<br/><br/>The garden was actually a recent development. It was a gift for his tenth birthday. He had always wanted a garden. When he was younger, he used to wander outside to watch the gardeners at work about Tyre Manor's many leafy inhabitants, in particular, the grounds surrounding the Manor, as far as the eye could see. The chief gardener had recommended this for Philip's birthday present, and he and the other gardeners had put together a beginner's gardener package for their little unofficial garderner, and Philip had been beside himself with joy, and would have run out in the middle of his birthday celebration to plant everything if his parents had not stopped him. Besides gardeners, the Tyres also employed servants, a butler, chefs and cooks. There was always someone in the house, so it was perfect all right for Mr and Mrs Tyre to leave their children unattended, as long as they were in the company of the governess.<br/><br/>It was then that he heard his name being called, and he looked up, only to find a slight, lithe figure headed towards him. He frowned. This was a strange development. His governess was a tall, stocky figure, so that could not be her. Perhaps she was one of the servants, though they usually called him "Young Master Philip", not plain Philip like that person had done. As she neared, he could pick out light brown wavy hair and a nervous expression, and Philip had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. What disaster could have occurred  if his mother had seen fit to seek him out personally? She very rarely did so.<br/><br/>"Philip," she said again, a distinct hint of nervousness in her voice, and Philip tensed in return. "Your Hogwarts letter has arrived."<br/><br/>Philip blinked. That was unexpected. "Is that a magic school?" He asked, curiosity coloring his tone.<br/><br/>"Yes," his mother replied. She extended the hand holding the letter out to him, and he automatically took it, still eyeing his mother. "That is the school that I attended, and your sister is attending currently. You would join her there once school starts in September. Tomorrow, you shall accompany us to shop for your school supplies. Read the letter, so you would know what you need."<br/><br/>"Yes, mother," Philip said. She nodded to him once, then turned to head back to where she came from. Philip eyed the letter in his hand. He was not quite sure if he was looking forward to this development. His mother had not seemed pleased, unlike his father, who had happily been signing all his brothers up for Eton, the school he had come from, with the enthusiasm of a dog wagging it's tail. But at least he would not be attending it alone.