Herbert dialed his father's number, and the old man's voice trembled with emotion upon hearing the news. He promised to visit his grandson soon, eager to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Daisy, however, remained livid. Despite Albert's efforts to soothe her, she couldn't fathom why her usually astute husband was acting so foolishly, falling for what she deemed a ridiculous prank. To her, this was no laughing matter—it threatened her precious son's future.
The rest of the family found the situation intriguing. Magic, after all, was the stuff of fairy tales. Nia, bubbling with excitement, pestered Albert to perform a spell for her.
"I don't know how," Albert said, spreading his hands helplessly.
In truth, he knew a few spells—like the basic Lumos charm—but without a wand, casting them was impossible. He wasn't about to try, especially not in front of others. How would he explain it?
"Nia, magic doesn't exist. It's all sleight of hand," Daisy said sternly, determined to keep her daughter's imagination in check.
"Albert, the letter said you can bring a pet to school. Are you taking Tom?" Nia asked, ignoring her mother and scooping up their cat to sit beside her brother.
"I won't decide until we confirm magic is real," Albert replied seriously, his words carefully chosen to placate his mother, who looked like a volcano ready to erupt.
Just then, an owl swooped through the open window, dropping a piece of parchment onto the table. The note read:
I will visit. Professor McGonagall. Before 3:20.
"3:20?" Albert glanced at the clock, murmuring, "One minute to go."
"I'll expose those frauds," Daisy declared, her eyes narrowing.
At precisely 3:20 p.m., the doorbell chimed. The Andersson family exchanged glances. Herbert, as the head of the household, went to answer it, with Nia trailing behind.
Opening the door, they found an elderly woman standing outside.
"Professor McGonagall?" Herbert asked, eyeing her skeptically. "Please, come in. Albert's in the living room—if you can prove magic exists."
"You know magic?" Nia piped up, peeking out from behind her father.
"That's why I'm here," Professor McGonagall replied with a calm smile. She was accustomed to such skepticism, having visited many Muggle families with similar doubts. "Some Muggle families have questions like yours."
"Muggle? What's that?" Herbert's expression stiffened as he echoed the unfamiliar term.
"Muggles are non-magical people," McGonagall explained, her gaze settling on Albert, the only boy in the room.
"Hello, Mr. Andersson," she greeted.
"Hello, Professor McGonagall," Albert replied, studying the witch. Her appearance differed from the vague memory he had of the films, though he couldn't quite place how.
"We'd like you to prove magic exists," Daisy said, her tone clipped as she poured a cup of unsweetened black tea for the professor.
"Of course," McGonagall said, drawing her wand. With a light tap on the teacup, it transformed into a small gray mouse.
Albert's eyes widened. It was his first glimpse of real magic. Curious, he picked up the mouse. "Incredible."
"This is magic?" Daisy scoffed, her lawyer's sharpness cutting through. "I won't let Albert waste his time learning parlor tricks. Do you expect him to become a stage magician? Forgive my bluntness, but I'm concerned about his future. A diploma from a magic school is worthless in the real world—if you even issue one."
"Every Hogwarts graduate is well-equipped to find respectable work in the magical world," McGonagall assured her. "There's no need to worry."
Daisy couldn't deny what she'd just witnessed, but she wasn't ready to yield. "Albert, Eton is the better choice. You worked hard for that opportunity. If you want a future in finance, Hogwarts won't help you shine."
Herbert sighed, looking at his wife. He knew she was dead-set against Hogwarts. "Son, it's your decision. We'll respect your choice."
"Pardon me," McGonagall interjected, clearing her throat. "Hogwarts teaches young witches and wizards to control their magic. Uncontrolled magic can lead to unfortunate consequences."
"Well, it seems I don't have much choice," Albert said, raising an eyebrow. In truth, he'd already made up his mind.
"Albert—" Daisy began, but Nia cut her off.
"Can I go to Hogwarts too?" Nia asked eagerly.
"Only children who are eleven and have received an invitation can attend," McGonagall replied gently.
"You're not eleven yet, Nia," Albert said, patting his sister's head. Turning to McGonagall, he asked, "Where do I buy my supplies? And the train ticket? Where do I catch the train?"
McGonagall sighed in relief, sensing his acceptance. "You'll find the Leaky Cauldron in London. It's visible to you, though Muggles can't see it. The barman, Tom, will guide you to Diagon Alley. As for the train, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters is between platforms nine and ten at King's Cross Station. Just walk through the barrier."
"A train to a wizard school? Ridiculous. Are your magic carpets broken?" Daisy said, her sarcasm biting.
"Daisy," Herbert said softly, handing McGonagall a notepad to ensure she didn't miss any details.
"We'll see you at Hogwarts on September 1st, Mr. Andersson," McGonagall said, preparing to leave.
"Professor, could you turn it back?" Albert pointed at the mouse, still a transformed teacup.
"Of course." With a wave of her wand, McGonagall restored the teacup.
After Albert escorted her out, McGonagall vanished with a faint pop.
"She just… disappeared?" Herbert stared at the empty spot where she'd stood.
"Are we going to London tomorrow, Dad?" Albert asked.
"Yes, shopping in London," Herbert replied, still dazed.
"I want to come!" Nia said, clinging to her father's arm.
"Next time," Albert said, shaking his head. "I'll scope it out first. Then I'll take you and Mom, and we'll get you a gift."
"You're so annoying, Albert," Nia huffed, stomping off.