As he dressed for dinner, Henry stood by the window, watching the lights of London gradually illuminate the sprawling city below.
His thoughts drifted to Hogwarts Castle, the Sorting Hat, and the magical lessons he had devoured countless times in books from his previous life.
This time, however, he was no longer a mere reader; he might soon become an active participant.
Complicating matters further, he would step into that enchanted world as the heir to the British throne.
A knock at the door pulled him from his reverie.
"Your Highness?" Paul's familiar voice called through the wood. "Her Majesty requests your presence in her study before dinner."
Henry finished adjusting his dark blue suit, which complemented the deep shade of his eyes, and made his way down the corridor.
When he entered the Queen's study, he found his grandmother already changed into an elegant pearl-grey suit.
She stood by the window with her back to the door, her gaze fixed on the garden as dusk settled over the grounds.
"Henry," she said, turning to him while holding a thick book bound in deep red leather, "this is a copy of the Royal Records compiled during the reign of George III. It contains certain family histories never disclosed to the public."
She handed him the volume and opened it to a specific page.
On the yellowed parchment, an elegant handwritten entry read:
"In the summer of 1789, Prince George of Wales received three mysterious visitors at Brighton House. They claimed to be representatives of the wizarding world and provided a detailed explanation of the Statute of Secrecy. His Highness showed great interest in the magical demonstrations, particularly the one involving Transfiguration. However, the court physician confirmed that His Highness himself possessed no magical talent, a truly regrettable circumstance."
Henry looked up, surprise widening his eyes. "So the royal family has always known about the existence of the wizarding world?"
"Only the reigning monarch and a very small circle of core members," Elizabeth replied, closing the book with a soft thud. "As I mentioned earlier, at every change of monarch, the Minister for Magic meets secretly with the new sovereign to reaffirm the agreement. The wizarding world pledges not to interfere in Muggle affairs—non-magical people, as they call them—while the royal family promises to keep their existence hidden."
She moved toward the fireplace, where the dancing flames reflected in her eyes.
"But you are special, Henry. No direct heir has ever manifested magical talent during childhood. This means you will belong to both worlds at once, carrying the weight of two distinct responsibilities."
A gentle knock sounded at the study door, and Paul's voice carried through. "Your Majesty, His Highness the Prince of Wales has arrived."
Elizabeth smiled and straightened her posture.
"Let us face this interesting evening, dear. Remember, whatever unfolds, you are first and foremost a member of this family, and secondly the heir to the throne. Your magical talent forms a third identity, one that does not replace the first two."
The atmosphere at dinner began in harmonious calm, with exquisite silver cutlery and sparkling crystal glasses arrayed along the long table.
Charles spoke at length about his latest environmental protection initiatives, while Diana entertained the group with amusing stories of William and Harry's school days.
Only when dessert arrived did Elizabeth address the room calmly. "This afternoon, Henry received a letter."
Everyone froze. Charles set down his fork, his brow creasing slightly. "What letter, Mother?"
"An acceptance letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
A profound silence fell over the table.
William's eyes widened with open curiosity. "What is Hogwarts?"
Diana's hand trembled, knocking over a water glass; a servant swiftly cleared the spill.
"A magic school?" she echoed softly, her gaze darting between Henry and the queen. "Is… is this some kind of joke?"
"No, it is not a joke," Elizabeth answered, her voice steady as always. "Tomorrow afternoon, Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, will visit to discuss Henry's enrollment."
Charles's expression shifted from confusion to doubt and then to a flicker of displeasure.
"Magic? Mother, do you realize how absurd that sounds? Henry is the heir to the throne; he requires a proper education, not some fairy tale!"
"This is no fairy tale, Charles," Elizabeth's gaze sharpened. "The magical world truly exists and has maintained a discreet connection with the royal family for centuries. Your great-great-grandfather, Edward VII, even invited the then Minister for Magic to his coronation—in complete secrecy, of course."
Diana reached out and clasped Henry's hand; her palm felt icy.
"Is it safe? That school… that magic…"
"According to the records, Hogwarts ranks among the oldest and safest magical schools in Europe," Elizabeth replied. "Nevertheless, we must speak with Headmaster Dumbledore to learn every detail before reaching any decision."
"No, wait, Mother…" Charles turned to Elizabeth, doubt clouding his features as though questioning reality itself. "So you have always known about the wizarding world, yet kept it from me?"
"I am not withholding it from you, Charlie," Elizabeth said softly. "You stand first in line to the throne. Once you ascend the throne, you will naturally learn of the wizarding world."
Henry lowered his head, struggling to suppress the smile tugging at his lips.
He knew his father held the Guinness World Record as the longest-serving heir apparent—seventy years and still counting. Ascending the throne? He would have to wait another thirty years at least.
Charles drew a deep breath and steered the conversation back to Henry.
"I do not believe this is wise. Henry's educational path is already mapped: Eton College, followed by St Andrews University. Sending him suddenly to… a magic school will only complicate his future."
"My future is already complicated, Father," Henry spoke up for the first time, his voice emerging more resolute than he had anticipated. "From the moment that owl arrived in the garden today, my future has never been as straightforward as we planned."
All eyes turned to him. Henry pressed on. "If magical talent is real and I can truly wield magic, then ignoring this ability or pretending it does not exist would be truly irresponsible. I need to understand it, to master it, regardless of the person I am destined to become."
William's small hand tugged at Diana's sleeve. "Mom, is Henry going to learn magic? Like in the fairy tales?"
Diana offered no reply; instead, she drew her youngest son closer, her eyes never leaving Henry.
Elizabeth nodded slowly. "Henry makes an insightful point. We will learn more after tomorrow's meeting with Headmaster Dumbledore. Until then, I trust tonight's discussion will remain within these walls. Paul has ensured the staff have withdrawn."
As dinner drew to a close, Charles called out to Henry, who was about to depart.
"Henry," his voice carried an unusual gentleness, "I am simply worried for you. The responsibilities of the royal family already weigh heavily enough, and now magic…"
He shook his head.
"It would become a double burden."
"Or perhaps a double advantage, Father," Henry replied softly. "If viewed in the proper light, it might even present an opportunity for the royal family."
Charles studied his son for a long moment before finally nodding. "I will attend the meeting tomorrow. I wish to meet the headmaster of this magic school in person."