Daily Life at Hogwarts - Chapter 8

Two days later, the Anderson family drove to Charles Street, where Albert’s grandparents resided at number 21. Every year, the Andersons would make time to visit the elderly couple. During the summer vacations, Albert would always spend a few days there.

“Dad, I’m here,” Herbert greeted.

“Albert, come here, let me see you!” Luke, focusing entirely on his grandson and paying no attention to his own son, beckoned Albert closer. “Herbert mentioned you received a letter from Hogwarts. That’s wonderful. If there’s anything you want to buy, just let me know…”

“Dad, I’ve already taken Albert to Diagon Alley in London for shopping,” Herbert interrupted with a resigned expression, clearing his throat. “I also brought you a gift.”

“I’m not a child anymore. What do I need gifts for?” Luke remarked dismissively, taking Albert’s hand, “Let’s go inside and you can tell me about the magic you’ve learned.”

“Luke’s been excited for days now, like a child,” Sansa, Albert’s grandmother, told Herbert and his wife. “He never mentioned this to me before; I only found out a few days ago. Nia, it’s been so long since I last saw you. Have you missed me?”

“Brother never lets me touch his wand. He guards it from me like it’s some treasure,” Nia immediately tattled to her grandmother.

“Herbert, watch Tom. Don’t let him run around,” Daisy said, grabbing packages from the car. She instructed her husband to carry Tom’s cage, ensuring the mischievous cat wouldn’t dart out the moment it was released.

“Can Albert really perform magic?” Sansa asked curiously, amused at the thought of her grandson being a rumored wizard.

“Yes, he can make his wand light up. He practices secretly in his room every night,” Nia revealed, holding her grandmother’s hand and snitching about her brother. “He even said that if I touched the wand, I would blow up the whole house.”

“Mum, you don’t understand, that wand is truly dangerous. Let me explain…” Herbert began as he trailed behind the two, narrating his experiences in Diagon Alley.

Daisy added, “Albert believes it’s dangerous to mess around with magic.” Having read books on magical history, she was somewhat informed about the magical world.

“I’m sure it’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be,” Sansa reassured.

“No, mum. Even in the wizarding world, children aren’t allowed to just play with wands,” Daisy sided with Albert, confident in their son’s judgement.

“How do you know?” Herbert asked, curious.

“If you’d actually finished reading those books, you’d know,” Daisy chided her husband, “Please take Albert’s magical journey seriously. He’s our precious son.”

“Relax, Albert has always been self-sufficient,” Herbert remarked, confident in his son’s abilities.

“Even so, you should show more concern,” Daisy urged, closing the door behind her after entering the house.

Freed from his cage, Tom raced around while Sansa and Daisy moved to the kitchen to prepare desserts and tea. Meanwhile, Luke and Herbert chatted about Diagon Alley, filling in gaps in each other’s stories.

Luke was familiar with the moving portraits of the wizarding world and knew of Dumbledore. He kept the chocolate frog card Herbert gave him in a large glass jar, placing it as a decorative piece in the living room.

“I even wrote to Headmaster Dippet back in the day, asking why I didn’t get an invitation,” Luke reminisced. Over the years, he had come to terms with it. “Due to my lack of any magical abilities, being what they call a ‘Squib,’ I was sent away by my family at the age of eleven, handed over to distant non-magical relatives to raise.”

“How could they do such a thing?” Herbert exclaimed, a mixture of confusion and anger evident in his tone. He felt that what his father’s family had done was far too extreme.

“Being a Squib is considered a shame in a wizarding family,” he explained, “They tend to hide this secret and even act as if the person doesn’t exist.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Nia consoled.

“After all these years, I’ve moved past it and completely cut ties with that side of the family,” Luke continued, hugging Nia, “However, Albert being a wizard did come as a surprise. When Herbert didn’t get his letter, I had completely given up hope.”

During their casual chat, Albert showcased his magical abilities. Thanks to his Level 2 Wizard Bloodline, he demonstrated spells like Lumos, Reparo, Scourgify, and Alohomora. Although not yet a master, seeing a cracked teacup slowly repair itself and spilled tea vanish without a trace was quite astonishing to the observers.

“I want to as well,” Nia said, looking at her grandfather with a pouting expression. “I want to learn magic too. Albert is just too cunning.”

Luke looked towards his grandson, seeking his opinion. He knew that Albert had his own ideas and wouldn’t decide on something so important impulsively.

“You have to do it my way,” Albert said, gazing at his little sister. He was genuinely curious to find out whether Nia had a knack for magic.

“I will, I promise,” Nia nodded repeatedly, eager to agree.

“You agree so quickly, but I doubt you’re even listening,” Albert said, eyeing his sister suspiciously.

“I am, I really am,” Nia quickly defended.

“Repeat after me, ‘Lumos Maxima.'”

“‘Lumos Maxima,'” Nia hastily recited, recognizing the spell.

“Say it a few more times slowly. If you mispronounce it, who knows what might happen,” Albert instructed. “And when I lend you my wand, don’t poke around with it. Don’t point it at people. Don’t chant spells without knowing what they do. And even if the magic doesn’t work, you can’t lose your temper.”

“I get it,” Nia said, a hint of impatience in her voice.

“What did I just say?” Albert suddenly quizzed.

“Don’t poke around with the wand, don’t…” Nia trailed off, struggling to remember. “I can’t remember everything like you can,” she complained.

“If you can’t remember, I won’t lend you my wand. It’s for your own safety,” Albert stated seriously.

“But… okay, say it one more time,” Nia finally relented.

Seeing Albert managing Nia’s antics made the entire Anderson family chuckle. Children always have a mischievous side, and Nia was no different. But Albert had ways of dealing with her mischief.

After Nia memorized his instructions, Albert handed over his wand.

Receiving the wand with excitement, Nia was given a stern look by Albert, making her calm down. She then tried to perform the Lumos spell, but it didn’t work.

“Breathe deep, focus, and try again,” Albert advised, placing a hand on Nia’s shoulder.

The Lumos spell was one of the simplest. If Nia couldn’t cast it, it could indicate she lacked the innate talent to be a witch.

“‘Lumos Maxima,'” Nia tried several more times, but to no avail.

“You’re getting anxious. The more anxious you are, the more likely you’ll fail,” Albert said, gently patting her head, looking over at their grandfather for guidance.

Luke shook his head subtly, and Albert understood the unspoken message.

“Do I lack the talent to be a witch?” Nia’s face dropped, looking heartbroken.

“I’m not sure,” Albert consoled, “Perhaps you’re just too young.”

“I hate this. Albert, you always lie. I’m sure I don’t have the talent,” Nia said, throwing down the wand and running away in frustration.

Albert sighed, picking up the dropped wand and staring in the direction Nia had run off to, contemplating if he should chase after her.

Children can be so troublesome.

“I’ll go find Nia,” Luke said, rising from his seat and moving in the direction of his granddaughter. He understood her current emotions all too well.