Chapter 3: A Visit
Chapter 3: A Visit
Herb called his father, and the elderly man, after hearing the news, became emotional and expressed his intention to visit his grandson soon.
Daisy was still angry, and it was only due to Albert's appeasement that she didn't get into an argument with her husband. The lawyer couldn't understand why her usually intelligent husband had suddenly become so foolish, falling for such a prank and even considering joking about their precious son's future.
In truth, everyone found the situation intriguing, as magic was something that only existed in legends.
Nia even pestered Albert to perform magic for her.
"I can't," Albert said helplessly, spreading his hands.
In fact, Albert did know a few spells, such as the simplest Lumos spell.
However, without a wand, he estimated that he wouldn't be able to cast any spells, so he didn't attempt it.
At the very least, he wouldn't try in front of others; how would he explain it otherwise?
"Nia, there's no such thing as magic in this world. It's all trickery," Daisy said seriously. She didn't want her daughter's head filled with such fantastical notions.
"Albert, the letter said we can bring a pet to school. Are you planning to take Tom with you?" Nia, paying no heed to her mother's words, picked up the short-haired cat and sat next to Albert.
"I won't consider that until magic is proven to exist," Albert said earnestly.
Of course, these words were meant to soothe his mother, Daisy. She looked like a ticking 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.
On the parchment was written:
I will be visiting at 3:20 pm – Professor McGonagall.
"3:20 pm?" Albert muttered, glancing at the clock after taking the parchment. "One minute to go."
"Good. I'll definitely expose those fraudsters."
Right on cue, the doorbell rang at 3:20 pm.
The Andersons exchanged glances, and finally, Herb Anderson, the head of the family, went to open the door, with Nia trailing behind him.
When Herb opened the door, he found an elderly woman standing outside.
"Professor McGonagall?" Herb looked at the woman before him doubtfully. "Oh, well, please come in. Albert is in the hall if you can prove that magic exists."
"You know magic?" Nia asked, poking her head out.
"That's why I'm here!" Professor McGonagall was adept at handling such situations, having experienced many similar incidents. "Families from the Muggle world often have these concerns."
"M-Muggle?" Anderson repeated the word, his expression stiffening as he processed what he'd just heard.
She called them Muggles?
"Muggles refer to non-magical folks, the ordinary people," Professor McGonagall clarified as she entered the living room, her gaze settling on the only boy in the room.
"Good day, Mr. Anderson."
"Good day, Professor McGonagall," Albert said, sizing up the witch before him. Professor McGonagall's appearance seemed different from how he remembered her in the movies. To be fair, it had been over a decade, and his memory of the details was hazy.
"We hope you can prove... that magic exists," Daisy said as she served Professor McGonagall a cup of tea without sugar.
"Of course, watch!" Professor McGonagall drew out her wand and tapped the teacup lightly. To everyone's surprise, the teacup transformed into a small gray mouse.
This was Albert's first encounter with magic, and he curiously picked up the little mouse. "It's amazing."
"Is this magic? I won't let Albert waste his time learning such a boring trick. Do you expect him to become a magician?" Daisy asserted her lawyer-like demeanor and sharply added, "To be blunt, I'm concerned about Albert's future. A graduation certificate from a magic school would likely be worthless in the Muggle world, assuming you even issue such certificates."
"Every qualified graduate of Hogwarts can find a decent job in the wizarding world, so you need not worry on that account," Professor McGonagall explained.
Having witnessed the proof of magic, Daisy knew she couldn't deny its existence, but she made one last attempt. "Albert, I think Eton College is a better option. You earned that spot through your own hard work. If you want to pursue a career in finance, it's best not to go to Hogwarts; your talents won't be put to good use there."
Herb looked at his wife and sighed inwardly. He knew Daisy didn't want Albert to go to Hogwarts.
"Son, the choice is yours. We'll respect your decision."
"If I may be blunt," Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and continued, "Hogwarts teaches underage wizards how to control and use magic. Moreover, when magic goes awry, it can lead to unpleasant situations."
"Well, it looks like I have no choice!" Albert replied, raising an eyebrow. In truth, he had already made up his mind.
"But Albert..." Daisy wanted to say more, but Nia interrupted her.
"Ma'am, can I go to Hogwarts too?"
"Only children who are eleven years old and have received an invitation to Hogwarts may attend," Professor McGonagall politely refused.
"Nia, you're not eleven yet," Albert said, ruffling his sister's hair. He turned to Professor McGonagall and asked, "Where should I go to buy things? And what about the train ticket? Where do I board the train?"
Was this his way of agreeing?
Professor McGonagall breathed a sigh of relief and informed Albert about the route to Diagon Alley, "You'll surely be able to see it, even though the Muggles around you won't be able to... Muggles are non-magical folks. By the way, the pub owner is called Tom, and you can ask him about how to get to Diagon Alley. He'll be happy to guide you."
"As for Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, it's located within the wall between Platforms Nine and Ten at King's Cross Station. Just walk straight through, and you'll get there."
"Taking a train to wizarding school is ridiculous. Have all your carpets broken down?" Daisy asked sarcastically.
"Daisy," Herb coughed lightly and handed over the records from earlier to Professor McGonagall, ensuring they hadn't missed any crucial information.
"Then, we'll see you at Hogwarts on September 1st, Mr. Anderson," Professor McGonagall prepared to take her leave.
"Professor, can you turn it back?" Albert pointed to the mouse that was once a teacup.
"Oh, certainly!" Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and the mouse transformed back into a teacup.
After seeing the professor out, Albert returned to find that she had vanished.
"She disappeared?" Herb stared incredulously at the spot where Professor McGonagall had been standing.
"Dad, are we going to London tomorrow?" Albert asked.
"Oh, yes, we're going to London to shop tomorrow," Herb replied absentmindedly.
"I want to go too," Nia said, tugging on her father's hand.
"Next time," Albert shook his head. "I'll go and familiarize myself with the place first. Next time, I'll take you and Mom together, and I'll buy you a gift when we return."
"I hate you, Albert. You're so annoying," Nia huffed and stormed off.
Albert helplessly spread his hands towards Herb and turned back into the living room, where he had to soothe one big and one small temper.
(End of Chapter)
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