Chương 5: The Curse
Professor McGonagall remained silent, her gaze fixed on Artel.
"They're my uncles. This is Jimmy, and this is Michael. My mother passed away, and my father was imprisoned for some reason... Now, they're my guardians."
Artel shrugged nonchalantly.
He hadn't deceived McGonagall. In the eyes of wizards, Muggle matters were mere trivialities. After all, Hogwarts had even accepted the children of Death Eaters; welcoming a Muggle-world gang member wasn't such a stretch.
"Poor boy," McGonagall sympathized, extending her hand to gently touch Artel's head. Then she shifted her gaze to Jimmy and responded:
"I hold the position of Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as well as being a Transfiguration professor."
"Uh…"
Jimmy's expression momentarily turned blank, his brow furrowing as he turned away.
"Sorry, could you repeat what you said?"
"It's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Mr. Jimmy. I serve as the Vice Principal and a Transfiguration professor."
Recognizing that a few words wouldn't be enough to convince a Muggle, McGonagall shifted her approach. She transformed into her animagus form, a tabby cat, providing a visual shock to Jimmy and Michael.
"Oh, damn!"
Jimmy exclaimed, and Michael hit the brakes abruptly.
"Artel, what in the..."
"Professor McGonagall was telling the truth. She's a witch, and I received an acceptance letter from Hogwarts not long ago. I'm a young wizard."
Artel clarified to his two uncles.
"Remember how you've always wondered how I survived that assassination attempt? Well, this is why."
Gradually recovering from the initial shock, Michael and Jimmy, being core members of the Shelby family, returned to their senses. Michael continued driving, sneaking occasional glances at Professor McGonagall through the rearview mirror.
As Professor McGonagall returned to her human form, Artel explained:
"Clearly, what Professor McGonagall said is accurate. She's a witch, and I have magical abilities. I've been admitted to Hogwarts to learn how to harness them."
"A wizard, huh? You sure know how to surprise us," Jimmy said with a half-smile.
Turning more serious, Professor McGonagall continued:
"My purpose for being here today is to make you believe in the existence of wizards. Artel needs to attend Hogwarts to learn about magic. He possesses magical power within him, and if left uncontrolled, it could lead to his demise."
Michael and Jimmy, not wanting any harm to come to Artel, especially now that he was revealed to be a wizard, shared a glance and responded with shared concern.
The conversation shifted toward the implications of Artel's newfound identity. As Michael and Jimmy excitedly chatted, Professor McGonagall interjected with a serious tone:
"Gentlemen, I must interrupt. The wizarding world has strict rules. Any wizard who strays to evil deeds will meet a dire fate."
Professor McGonagall's warning was aimed at both Michael and Jimmy, as well as Artel. Given what she knew of Artel's background, it was important to steer him in the right direction.
"Of course, of course," Michael said with a smirk, sharing a meaningful look with Jimmy.
"Uncle Michael, as a little wizard and a student of Hogwarts, I need to keep this information strictly within our family circle. Only you, Uncle Jimmy, and my father can know about it."
Artel's request was met with Professor McGonagall's approval as she nodded in satisfaction.
"Only Artel's guardians have the right to possess knowledge of the wizarding world's secrets. I hope you two gentlemen will maintain this confidentiality. Anyone else finding out would face curses."
Employing a bit of creative intimidation, Professor McGonagall attempted to emphasize the seriousness of the matter.
Startled by the notion of curses, Michael and Jimmy promptly agreed.
The car eventually parked on the lawn in front of the central castle. Exiting the vehicle, Michael guided Professor McGonagall, while Jimmy stayed behind to manage the others.
Upon entering the reception room and settling in, they were served desserts and drinks by a maid before she respectfully exited, closing the door gently.
"Professor McGonagall, I wasn't certain of your preferences, so I arranged some desserts and black tea. Oh, Jimmy, I recall you possess a hundred-year-old bottle of brandy..."
"No need, Mr. Michael," Professor McGonagall intervened with a smile. "Black tea is perfect."
"Very well," Michael agreed, taking a sip from his teacup before delving into his inquiries. "I'm curious about the tuition costs, the start date of the school, and what preparations are necessary."
"That's precisely why I'm here," Professor McGonagall replied, her attention turning toward Artel. "Hogwarts will commence on September 1st. Young wizards should present their tickets at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters in King's Cross Station to board the Hogwarts Express."
She produced a ticket and handed it to Artel.
"This platform is enchanted, and only individuals with magical abilities can access it. Muggles won't notice a thing. By the way, Muggles are individuals unaware of magic," she explained, casting a glance toward Michael and Jimmy before continuing.
"As for tuition, no worries there. Hogwarts doesn't charge tuition fees. However, young wizards need to acquire required textbooks, books, and various supplies."
"These items can be obtained at Diagon Alley. Wizarding currency consists of Gold Galleons, Silver Sickles, and Bronze Knuts. But for Muggle-born wizards like Artel attending Hogwarts, you can convert British pounds into wizarding currency at Gringotts Bank. Five hundred pounds will fetch you 100 Galleons."
Professor McGonagall's words elicited surprise from Michael and Jimmy. Training a young wizard was far more affordable than they anticipated.
In truth, Michael had been prepared to spend tens of thousands of pounds or even more, but the actual cost amounted to a mere five hundred pounds.
"The entrance to Diagon Alley is located on Charing Cross Road, London. There's a pub called the Leaky Cauldron there, which is enchanted to be hidden from Muggles. However, a young wizard without a wand can't access Diagon Alley alone. A wizard must guide them through."
Pausing for a moment, Professor McGonagall looked at Artel.
"Tomorrow, I'll accompany you and another young wizard to Diagon Alley for your essential purchases. Like you, she comes from a Muggle family. Perhaps you can provide each other support during your time at school."
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