Time flew by, and July was already drawing to an end. Harry knew that any day now, his Hogwarts acceptance letter would arrive.
But lately, he couldn't focus on his Potions studies at all. Every ten minutes, he'd glance out the window, hoping to see an owl swoop down with his letter. Eventually, Professor Vison noticed and decided to cancel Harry's Potions class for the day.
On the afternoon of July 24th, Harry arrived at Vison's shop like usual. As soon as he stepped inside, he ran straight to his professor. Vison was leisurely watering the potted plants on the shelves—ever since Mr. Lupin had started helping, Vison had more free time. He even had moments like this to tend to his plants, though the calm made him feel oddly uneasy after so many hectic days.
"Professor!" Harry panted, his face anxious. "An owl delivered a letter today, but my Aunt grabbed it before I could even read it. She tore it up! I just know it was my Hogwarts letter!"
Vison set down the watering can and raised his hands in a calming gesture. "Calm down, Harry. It's not a big deal."
But Harry's shoulders slumped, his eyes dimming. "Does this mean... I won't be able to go to Hogwarts?"
Vison couldn't help but chuckle at the boy's misery. He had considered teasing Harry further but thought better of it. No need to leave a child with lasting trauma.
"Relax, Harry." Vison walked behind the counter and settled into his chair. "Hogwarts always makes sure every student gets their letter. If you didn't read the contents yet, they'll just keep sending more."
Harry finally took a deep breath, visibly relieved. He trusted Vison's words completely.
"But," Vison added with a knowing look, "to attend Hogwarts, you still need your guardian's consent."
Harry's face fell again. "They'll never agree. They hate me."
Vison crouched down, ruffling Harry's messy hair. "Maybe. But think about it, Harry—nobody wants to keep someone they despise around. If you can make them hate you even more... or fear you, perhaps they'll gladly send you away."
Harry blinked and then nodded slowly, his mind racing with possibilities.
Vison spotted the glint of thought in the boy's eyes and smiled slyly. "Of course, if you're stuck, I could always help. One flick of a wand, and problem solved."
Harry hesitated. "But... isn't it illegal to use magic in front of Muggles, Professor?"
Vison raised an eyebrow. "Who told you that?"
"Mr. Lupin," Harry replied nervously. "He said the Ministry of Magic enforces those rules, like the police. But don't worry—I never told him about that time you used magic on my Aunt."
Vison chuckled and pressed a finger to his lips. "Shh—let's keep that our little secret, alright? I'm not one to follow the Ministry's rules to the letter. If magic can fix a problem, why not use it?"
Harry grinned, feeling reassured. "I'll get that letter," he promised.
Days passed, and Harry didn't appear at Vison's shop. Mr. Lupin noticed the absence too and found it unusual.
"Don't you find this odd?" Lupin asked, glancing at Vison, who was calmly brewing potions behind the counter. "Harry's been gone for days. He's never missed this many lessons before."
Vison shrugged, unbothered. "Probably grounded by his Aunt and Uncle. If you're worried, go check on him yourself. Though I doubt you'd enjoy a visit to the Dursleys."
Lupin frowned, frustrated by Vison's indifference. "What are you brewing, anyway?"
Vison focused on the swirling potion. "Secret. A birthday gift for Harry."
Lupin blinked in surprise. "Birthday? When's his birthday?"
Vison gestured to the calendar where today's date was circled in red. "If I remember right, it's today."
"Today?" Lupin looked genuinely shocked. "Why didn't Harry mention it?"
Vison gave him a bemused look. "Maybe because... he doesn't like you?"
Lupin chuckled awkwardly. "I doubt that."
For wizards, turning eleven was a milestone. It meant their magical abilities had matured, and they were ready for formal education. Vison, of course, hadn't forgotten and was preparing something special.
Lupin scratched his head. "Is it too late for me to get him a gift?"
Vison smiled, adding the final ingredient to the cauldron and peering out the window. "Unless you can turn back time to yesterday, I'd say yes."
Lupin followed his gaze and spotted two figures approaching—the smaller one was clearly Harry. The larger one made Lupin squint in recognition.
Just as Vison finished tidying his workspace, a sharp knock echoed through the shop. Moments later, the door flew open, and Harry burst inside, beaming with excitement.
"Professor! I got it!" he shouted, panting as he handed over the envelope. The Hogwarts crest gleamed brightly on the front.
Vison smiled warmly. "Congratulations, Harry."
He was about to open the letter when a loud thump came from the doorway. A giant man ducked inside, still managing to bump his head on the frame.
"Hiss… ow…" The man rubbed his scalp, then looked around and blinked in surprise. "Is anyone here? Harry said—ah, why's it you, Professor Weasley? And… Mr. Lupin?"
It was Hagrid, and even he looked slightly stunned by the scene in front of him.
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