Harry Potter: Reunion with the Enemy

Summer is a great season. Important departures and beginnings usually occur in summer, and this season usually has the most eye-catching sporting events, the longest vacations, the most violent rainstorms and the hottest sun, as well as the longest daylight hours of the year.

The other seasons are merely extensions and preparations for summer.

In the past, even the worst news would not cause a stir during this season. People's hearts would generally fly to the waves and the beach, where the breeze would blow through the paste in people's brains, and it seemed that nothing was worth caring about. The British top leaders once had a secret, which was to announce controversial major decisions before the dog days of summer. The hot summer and the sound of vacation would allow some silent changes to happen quietly - almost no one would make a good fuss at this time.

But this rule does not apply in this summer. The goblin caught everyone off guard.

The Forsyth family received two pieces of explosive news in one day. In addition to the sudden appearance of goblins in the House of Commons, Alex also suddenly received a letter from a school calling itself Hogwarts.

"Who is Minerva McGonagall? What the hell is this?" Matthew yelled, tearing up a pale yellow envelope sent by owl, on which their home address and Alex's name were written in emerald green ink. "Is my day not chaotic enough? A new scam?"

Matthew's anger was not without reason. After seeing the news about goblins, other people immediately reviewed and re-examined the evidence of the existence of wizards, and discussed this new topic with friends. His colleagues in the same industry also paid attention to the reaction of the financial market. The exchange rate of the pound against the US dollar collapsed, and the performance of the FTSE 100 index also reflected the authenticity of the goblin news to a certain extent. The sense of smell of funds is more sensitive than that of dogs. There are already authoritative people in the company who tell everyone that the existence of goblins is absolutely true and not a fabricated prank or joke.

Alex looked at his father who was out of control - perhaps the sharp fluctuations in the stock market today would affect his performance. But he had been waiting for the letter from Hogwarts for a long time, since the day Draco told him that he was a wizard, he had been looking forward to the letter from Hogwarts.

"Dad, maybe it's a good choice for me to study there. My sister has just been born, and you have to spend a lot of energy to take care of her." Alex persuaded calmly, "Besides, the goblin incident has been on the headlines these days. We need to face reality."

"What to do at what time! Mom and I have already arranged everything for you! We spent so much money for you to receive the current education! But you said you want to go to a school you have never heard of!" Matthew began to roar again. "That damn wizard school, can it guarantee your success? According to the plan that mom and I have drawn up for you now, you have a high chance of success in the future. This is a proven path. Your mom and I know nothing about wizards. You have to figure out your future life by yourself!"

Alex sighed at the table. It started again. In his father's mind, he was also one of his hedge fund products, always calculating the input-output ratio, controlling risks, and pursuing higher returns.

"I won't allow it. What if that magic school turns you into a failure or a scum? Who will compensate me for my loss? Raising a child is very expensive. You'd better stay here and apply to the best school." Matthew's brain seemed to be working fast. Although he always had to receive and understand the latest information as quickly as possible to ensure the most effective investment decisions, he was still willing to be more conservative when deciding about his son's bright future.

Alex knew his father's temper very well. He decided to learn to use the way of speaking of his former tutor Draco Malfoy to kick his father's most painful points.

First he let out a British sigh, which was neither rude nor impatient, but could alert the person he was talking to, yet not so heavy as to sound sarcastic and offend others. His overall expression was within a very precise range, conveying the emotion of "restrained and polite disappointment."

Matthew hesitated when he saw his son's expression, and Alex knew that he had sighed well. It was the same sigh that Draco Malfoy had used to get himself to do some homework on his own after he had gotten over his guilt.

"Dad, you know what? Wizards are more powerful than Muggles. Many Muggles need money or tools to achieve their goals, but wizards can accomplish them with just a wave of a wand. If wizard school is really not good enough, I can study there for a year or two before returning to the Muggle world and continuing my current path." Alex emphasized the word powerful. "And the tuition at Hogwarts is much lower than those of private schools and universities - even after converting to wizard currency. If it takes less time and money, it's a good thing."

Matthew walked around Alex with his hands on his hips, as if these words had touched him a little.

After a while, another owl flew over and flapped its wings against the window, as if urging the people in the house to take the letter away quickly.

Matthew took the new identical letters in his hands and read them. The acceptance letter from Headmistress McGonagall, the list of necessary supplies, and the admission route guide for Muggle families. Platform Nine and Three Quarters... Ridiculous stuff. The titles of several textbooks were also very eye-catching, "Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration" and "Magic Potions and Liquids". Maybe his son was right, ordinary people would never be able to learn these in their lifetime...

"Let's each take a step back." Matthew cleared his throat. "While you are in Hogwarts, you must also learn about Muggle school content so that you can always retreat back to our current life. You can't fall behind on either side."

Alex's eyes trembled. He had been very enthusiastic about studying in recent months, but his parents didn't know that he was studying hard under the lamp and studying the textbooks of the magic school. The old first-year textbooks that Harry and Draco gave him were almost torn apart by him. But he knew that he had no choice at the moment. It was good enough that Matthew could give in.

"Okay, Dad." Alex forced a smile. "I can go shopping for these textbooks and other things needed for the new semester. You can spend more time with mom and sister, or take care of work... I won't let you down, I promise."

Matthew nodded absentmindedly, as if still doubting whether he had made a good decision.

Alex took all the letters brought by the owl and tried to make his steps look steady, but a happy balloon was already inflated in his heart. The new door had appeared in front of him, and now he just needed to reach out and push it open.

He was going to Diagon Alley now, where Harry and Draco had taken him before.