章 3: Chapter 3: Visit
Herbert called his father, and the old man became excited after hearing the news. He said he would come to visit his grandson soon.
Daisy was still angry, but with Albert's reassurance, she refrained from arguing with her husband. The female lawyer couldn't understand why her usually smart husband suddenly became so foolish, falling for such a silly prank and joking about their precious son's future.
In reality, everyone found it amusing. After all, magic was only supposed to exist in legends.
Even Nia begged Albert to perform magic tricks for her.
"I can't," Albert said helplessly, spreading his hands.
In truth, Albert did know some spells, like the simplest one to make something glow.
But without the help of a wand, he probably wouldn't be able to perform it, so Albert didn't bother trying.
At least, he wouldn't attempt it in front of other people. How would he explain it if he failed?
"Nia, there is no magic in this world. It's all tricks and deception," Daisy said seriously. She didn't want her daughter to have such peculiar thoughts in her head.
"Albert, the letter said we can bring a pet to school. Are you going to take Tom with you?" Nia disregarded her mother's words and brought the short-haired cat to Albert's side.
"I won't consider that until we are sure magic exists," Albert said earnestly.
Of course, he was actually reassuring his mother, Daisy. She now seemed like a time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.
An owl flew into the living room through the window and dropped a piece of parchment on the table.
The parchment read:
"I will visit before 3:20 PM — Professor McGonagall."
"3:20 PM?" Albert took the parchment and glanced at the clock, muttering, "Just one minute left."
"Very well, I will expose the tricks of those scammers."
At 3:20 PM, the doorbell rang.
The Anderson family exchanged glances, and finally, Herbert Anderson, the head of the family, went to open the door, with Nia following behind.
Upon opening the door, Herbert saw an elderly woman standing outside their home.
"Professor McGonagall?" Herbert looked at the woman in suspicion and said dryly, "Oh, well, please come in. Albert is in the hallway, if you can prove the existence of magic."
"Do you know magic?" Nia asked, poking her head out.
"I came precisely for this!" Professor McGonagall was skilled at handling these situations as she had experienced many similar ones. "Some families from Muggle backgrounds have similar doubts."
"Muggle what? Muggles?" Herbert's expression stiffened, repeating the words he just heard.
The other party referred to themselves as Muggles?
"Muggles refer to ordinary people who cannot perform magic," McGonagall explained as she entered the living room, her gaze falling on the only boy in the room.
"Hello, Mr. Anderson."
"Hello, Professor McGonagall." Albert examined the witch in front of him. Professor McGonagall's appearance seemed different from what he remembered in the movies. To be honest, his memories in that regard had become fuzzy after more than a decade.
"We hope you can prove... the existence of magic." Daisy served McGonagall a cup of unsweetened tea.
"Of course, watch this!" McGonagall drew her wand and lightly tapped the teacup, which unexpectedly turned into a small mouse.
This was Albert's first time witnessing magic, and he curiously picked up the gray little mouse. "It's amazing."
"Is this magic? I will never let Albert waste his time learning such silly tricks. Do you expect him to become a magician in the future?" Daisy displayed her lawyer's demeanor, pointedly saying, "Forgive me for being frank, but I am concerned about Albert's future. Graduation certificates from magical schools are probably no different from scraps of paper in the Muggle world. That is, if you truly issue graduation certificates."
"Every qualified graduate from Hogwarts can find a decent job in the magical world, so you don't need to worry about that," Professor McGonagall explained.
After witnessing magic firsthand, Daisy realized she couldn't deny the existence of magic. However, she was still determined to make a final attempt. "Albert, I believe Eton College is a better choice. It is an opportunity you earned through your own efforts. If you want to pursue finance, it's better not to go to Hogwarts. They won't be able to fully utilize your talents there."
Herbert looked at his wife and sighed inwardly. He knew Daisy strongly opposed Albert going to Hogwarts.
"Son, it's your choice, and we respect it."
"Forgive me for speaking out," McGonagall cleared her throat and explained, "Hogwarts teaches underage wizards how to control and use magic. Moreover, if magic goes unchecked, it can lead to some unpleasant consequences."
"Very well, it seems I have no other choice!" Albert raised an eyebrow, but he had already made his decision long ago.
"But Albert..." Daisy wanted to say something, but Nia interrupted her.
"Ma'am, can I also go to Hogwarts?"
"Only children who are eleven years old and have received an invitation from Hogwarts can go there to study," McGonagall politely declined.
"Nia, you're not yet eleven years old," Albert ruffled his sister's head and turned to Professor McGonagall, asking, "Where should I buy supplies? And what about the train ticket? Where do I catch the train?"
Was this considered agreeing?
Professor McGonagall couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief as she explained the approximate route to the Leaky Cauldron to Albert. "You'll definitely be able to see it, even though the Muggles around you won't... Muggles refer to ordinary people who don't understand magic. By the way, the pub owner's name is Tom. As for how to get to Diagon Alley, you can ask Tom, and he'll be happy to guide you."
"As for Platform 9¾, it's located inside the barrier between platforms nine and ten at King's Cross Station. Just walk through it, and you'll be there."
"Taking a train to the wizarding school is quite ridiculous. Are all your magic carpets broken?" Daisy sarcastically remarked.
"Daisy," Herbert cleared his throat and handed over the notes to Professor McGonagall, ensuring no crucial information was missed.
"Well then, Mr. Anderson, we'll see you at Hogwarts on September first," Professor McGonagall said, preparing to leave.
"Professor, can you restore it to its original state?" Albert pointed to the teacup that had turned into a mouse.
"Oh, of course!" McGonagall waved her wand, and the mouse transformed back into a teacup.
After seeing the professor off, McGonagall disappeared with a disillusionment charm.
"She disappeared?" Herbert couldn't believe his eyes, staring at the spot where Professor McGonagall had been standing.
"Dad, are we going to London tomorrow?" Albert asked.
"Oh, uh, we're going to London tomorrow to buy supplies," Herbert said absentmindedly.
"I want to go too!" Nia clung to her father's hand and coquettishly pleaded.
"Next time," Albert shook his head. "Let me familiarize myself with the place first. I'll take you and Mom next time and buy you a gift."
"Meanie, Albert is such a meanie," Nia grumbled and left in a huff.
Albert helplessly spread his hands to Herbert, then turned and entered the living room, where he had a big and a small person to comfort.
(End of this chapter)
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