Herb called his father. The old man was emotional after hearing the news and said he would come to see his grandson in the next few days.
Daisy was still angry. It was only thanks to Albert's placating that she didn't get into a full-blown argument with her husband. The lawyer simply couldn't understand how her intelligent husband had suddenly become so foolish, deceived by such a childish prank, and willing to gamble with their son's future.
In truth, everyone else found it fascinating. Magic, after all, was something that only existed in legends.
Nia even started pestering Albert, begging him to perform magic for her.
"I can't," Albert said, holding his hands up helplessly.
In reality, Albert did know a few spells, like the simple glowing charm. But he figured it was impossible to cast without a wand, so he didn't even try.
At the very least, he wouldn't try it in front of anyone else. How would he explain it?
"Nia, there's no such thing as magic in this world. It's all a trick," Daisy said seriously. She didn't want her daughter's head filled with such strange ideas.
"Albert, the letter says you can bring one pet. Are you going to take Tom to school with you?" Nia asked, ignoring her mother. She scooped up the British Shorthair and sat down next to her brother.
"I won't consider that question until we have confirmed that magic exists," Albert said in a very proper tone.
Of course, this was said to appease his mother. She currently looked like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any second.
An owl flew in through the open window and dropped a piece of parchment on the table.
Written on it was a single line:
I will be visiting before 3:20 PM. — Professor McGonagall.
"3:20 PM?" Albert picked up the parchment and glanced at the clock. "That's... in one minute."
"Good," Daisy said, her voice tight. "I'll be sure to expose these liars' tricks."
As the clock ticked over to 3:20 PM, the doorbell rang.
The family members glanced at each other. Finally, Herb Anderson, as the man of the house, went to open the door. Nia tagged along right behind him.
When he opened the door, Herb found an elderly woman standing on their doorstep.
"Professor McGonagall?" Herb looked at the woman skeptically. "Oh, well, please come in," he said dryly. "Albert is in the living room. If you can prove that magic exists."
"Do you know magic?" Nia asked, poking her head out.
"That is why I am here," Professor McGonagall replied. She was clearly an expert at handling this, having gone through it many times before. "We often encounter similar questions from Muggle families."
"Mug... what? Muggle?" The Andersons' expressions stiffened.
Did she just call us Muggles?
"A Muggle is the term for a non-magical person," McGonagall explained as she entered the living room. Her gaze immediately fell on the only boy in the room.
"Hello, Mr. Anderson."
"Hello, Professor McGonagall." Albert studied the witch before him. She definitely looked different from the movie, though his memory of it was a bit vague.
"We expect you to prove... that magic exists," Daisy said, handing Professor McGonagall a cup of black tea, no sugar.
"Of course. Please watch." McGonagall drew her wand and tapped the teacup. It instantly transformed into a small, gray mouse.
This was the first time Albert had ever seen real magic. He curiously picked up the little mouse. "Incredible."
"This is your 'magic'?" Daisy's voice was sharp, her lawyer persona taking over. "I will absolutely not let Albert waste his time learning such boring tricks. What do you expect him to be, a stage magician? Frankly, I am deeply concerned for his future. A diploma from a 'magic school' is nothing but waste paper in the real world, I assume. That is, if you even issue diplomas."
"Every qualified graduate from Hogwarts finds a respectable job in the wizarding world, Mrs. Anderson. You need not worry on that account," Professor McGonagall explained calmly.
Having seen the transformation, Daisy knew she couldn't deny the existence of magic, but she made one last attempt. "Albert, I still think Eton College is the better choice. You earned that spot yourself. If you want to go into finance, you shouldn't go to this... Hogwarts. They cannot possibly nurture your talents there."
Herb looked at his wife, sighing inwardly. He knew how desperately Daisy wanted Albert to refuse.
"Son, the choice is yours. We will respect your decision."
"If I may," McGonagall cleared her throat. "Hogwarts teaches young witches and wizards how to control and use their magic. Uncontrolled magic, I must warn you, can lead to... unfortunate incidents."
"Well," Albert said, raising an eyebrow, "it seems I have no choice, then!"
In truth, his decision had been made the moment he saw the quest.
"But, Albert..." Daisy began to protest, but Nia cut her off.
"Ma'am, can I go to Hogwarts, too?"
"Only children who have reached the age of eleven and received an invitation letter may attend," McGonagall said, gently refusing her.
"Nia, you're not eleven yet," Albert said, patting his sister's head. He turned back to the professor. "Where do I go to buy my supplies? And the train ticket? Where do I catch the train?"
That means yes?
Professor McGonagall let out a small breath of relief. She told Albert the general route to the Leaky Cauldron. "You will be able to see it, though the Muggles around you will not... Muggles, as I said, are non-magical folk. The owner is named Tom. As for how to get to Diagon Alley, you can ask Tom. He will be happy to show you the way."
"As for Platform 9 3/4, it is located at King's Cross Station, in the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Just walk straight through it."
"Taking a train to a wizarding school? That's ridiculous," Daisy muttered sarcastically. "Are all your magic carpets broken?"
"Daisy," Herb coughed, shooting her a look. He handed the notes he'd been taking to Professor McGonagall, to double-check the information.
"Well then, we shall see you at Hogwarts on September 1st, Mr. Anderson." Professor McGonagall prepared to leave.
"Professor, could you change it back?" Albert asked, pointing to the mouse.
"Oh, of course." Professor McGonagall flicked her wand, and the mouse was a teacup once more.
Albert walked her to the door. The moment she was outside, Professor McGonagall Apparated and vanished on the spot.
"She... she's gone!" Herb stared in disbelief at the empty spot where she had been standing.
"Dad, are we going to London tomorrow?" Albert asked.
"Oh... Oh! Yes, tomorrow. We'll go to London to buy your things," Herb said, still in a daze.
"I want to go too!" Nia said, grabbing her father's hand.
"Next time," Albert shook his head. "I need to check the place out first. I'll take you and Mom next time, I promise. I'll even buy you a present."
"Hmph! Albert, you're so annoying!" Nia huffed and stomped away.
Albert shrugged helplessly at his father and turned back into the living room. He still had one big and one small person to placate.