While changing clothes, Henry stood by the window and watched London’s lights gradually illuminate the city.
He thought of Hogwarts Castle.
He thought of the Sorting Hat.
He thought of all the magical classes he had read about countless times in the books.
But this time, he was no longer a reader.
He might actually become a participant.
More complicated still, he would be entering that world as the heir to the British throne.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
“Your Royal Highness?” It was Paul’s voice.
“Her Majesty would like you to stop by her study before dinner.”
Henry changed into formal dinner attire.
His dark blue suit complemented the color of his eyes.
When he entered the Queen’s study, he found that his grandmother had already changed into a pearl-gray suit.
She stood by the window with her back to the door, gazing toward the garden as night began to fall.
“Henry.” She turned around, holding a thick book with a dark red leather cover.
“This is a copy of the Royal Secret Records compiled during the reign of George III. It contains some family history that is not made public.”
She handed him the book and opened it to a certain page.
On the yellowed paper, a passage had been recorded in elegant handwriting:
“In the summer of 1789, the Prince of Wales, George, received three mysterious visitors at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. They claimed to be representatives of the wizarding world and presented a detailed explanation of the Statute of Secrecy. His Royal Highness displayed great interest in the demonstrations of magic, particularly the demonstration of Transfiguration. However, after examination by the Court Physician, it was confirmed that His Royal Highness himself possessed no magical talent. A regrettable matter indeed.”
Henry looked up, his eyes filled with surprise.
“So the Royal Family has always known that the wizarding world existed?”
“Only the monarch and a very small number of core members.” Elizabeth closed the book.
“Just as I told you earlier, whenever the monarch changes, the Minister for Magic secretly meets with the new monarch and reaffirms the confidentiality agreement. The wizarding world promises not to interfere in Muggle affairs—that is what they call non-magical people—while the Royal Family promises not to reveal their existence.”
She walked toward the fireplace, the flames flickering in her eyes.
“But you are special, Henry. Never before has a direct-line heir displayed magical talent at such a young age. This means you will belong to both worlds at the same time and carry two sets of responsibilities.”
The study door was gently knocked.
Paul’s voice came from outside.
“Your Majesty, the Prince of Wales has arrived.”
Elizabeth smiled and straightened her back.
“Let us face this interesting evening, dear. Remember, no matter what happens, you are first a member of this family, and second, the heir to the throne. Your magical talent is a third identity, not a replacement for the first two.”
The atmosphere at dinner was fairly harmonious at first, with exquisite silverware and crystal glasses arranged along the long table.
Charles talked about his latest environmental protection projects, while Diana shared amusing stories about William and Harry’s experiences at school.
It was not until dessert was served that Elizabeth calmly spoke.
“Henry received a letter this afternoon.”
Everyone’s movements stopped.
Charles put down his fork, his brow slightly furrowed.
“What letter, Mother?”
“An acceptance letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”
Silence descended over the dining table.
William’s eyes widened curiously.
“What’s Hogwarts?”
Diana’s hand trembled slightly, knocking over her water glass.
An attendant quickly stepped forward to deal with it.
“A magic school?” she repeated softly, her gaze moving between Henry and the Queen.
“Is… is this some kind of joke?”
“It’s not a joke.” Elizabeth’s voice remained as steady as ever.
“Tomorrow afternoon, the headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, will be visiting to discuss Henry’s enrollment.”
Charles’s expression became confused and skeptical, with a hint of displeasure.
“Magic? Mother, do you realize how absurd this sounds? Henry is the heir to the throne. He needs a proper education, not some fairy tale!”
“This is not a fairy tale, Charles.” Elizabeth’s gaze sharpened.
“The wizarding world truly exists and has maintained cautious contact with the Royal Family for centuries. Your great-great-grandfather, Edward VII, even invited the Minister for Magic of the time to attend his coronation—of course, under complete secrecy.”
Diana reached out and took Henry’s hand.
Her palm was cold.
“Is it safe? That school… that magic…”
“According to the records, Hogwarts is one of the oldest and safest magical schools in Europe,” Elizabeth replied.
“But we need to speak with Headmaster Dumbledore and understand all the details before making a decision.”
“No, wait, Mother…” Charles suddenly looked at Elizabeth as though his entire understanding of the world had collapsed.
“So you’ve always known that the wizarding world existed, but you’ve been hiding it from me all this time?”
“Not hiding it from you, Charlie.” Elizabeth spoke softly.
“You are the first heir. Once you ascend the throne, you will naturally learn of the wizarding world.”
Henry lowered his head, struggling to keep himself from laughing.
He knew that his cheap old man would eventually break the record for the longest-serving Prince of Wales
Ascend the throne?
Wait another thirty years!
Charles took a deep breath and shifted the subject back to Henry.
“I don’t think this is a good idea. Henry’s education plan has already been arranged. Eton College, followed by the University of St Andrews. Suddenly sending him to… a magic school will complicate his future.”
“My future is already complicated, Father.” Henry spoke for the first time, his voice firmer than he had expected.
“From the moment that owl flew into the garden today, my future could no longer be as simple as planned.”
Everyone’s eyes focused on him.
Henry continued, “If magical talent truly exists, and if I really can use magic, then ignoring that ability and pretending it doesn’t exist would be the truly irresponsible thing to do. I need to understand it and control it, no matter what kind of person I become in the future.”
William tugged at Diana’s sleeve with his little hand.
“Mum, is Henry going to learn magic? Like in the fairy-tale books?”
Diana did not answer.
She merely held her younger son a little tighter, while her gaze never left Henry.
Elizabeth slowly nodded.
“Henry’s point is very insightful. After our meeting with Headmaster Dumbledore tomorrow, we will have more information. Until then, I want everything discussed tonight to remain within this room. Paul has already ensured that all the staff have left.”
As dinner came to an end, Charles stopped Henry as he was preparing to leave.
“Henry.” His voice was unusually gentle.
“I’m just worried about you. The responsibilities of the Royal Family are already heavy enough, and then there’s magic…”
He shook his head.
“It would be a double burden.”
“Or a double advantage, Father,” Henry replied softly.
“If we look at it the right way, it might even become an opportunity for the Royal Family.”
Charles stared at his son for a moment before finally nodding.
“I’ll attend the meeting tomorrow. I want to see this headmaster of the magic school with my own eyes.”