If G is a group of order $p^k$, then a subgroup H of order $p^{k-1}$ is normal.

I'm trying to prove the existence of only one subgroup of order $p^{k-1}$. 

Let $n_p$ be the number of p-Sylow subgroups. We know that $n_p = 1 + pq$ and $1 + pq$ divides $p^k$. So, $n_p = 1$, which implies that we have only one p-Sylow subgroup.

My doubt is: did I misunderstand what $n_p$ is? Because the Sylow Theorem states that G has a subgroup of order $p^a$ if $p^a$ divides |G|, so there are subgroups of order $p^a$ with $a < k$, and this would already imply that $n_p > 1$.

I'm really confused about this $n_p$.

I know it's a very basic doubt; I'm just starting to study Sylow's theorems now. In all the books I've read, I understand the examples but when it comes to this case, these things seem to contradict the theorem.

Thanks.