Making a Choice

"For example, could you tell us a little about your... uh, schools of magic? Things like faculty, public facilities, and so on. Perhaps you could also tell us about the employment rates and career prospects of your respective graduates."

Love for his son had overshadowed Allen's worries. He spoke faster and faster, his thoughts growing ever clearer.

"Also, I wonder whether your schools accept donations in the form of school selection fees. Since there is Sean... there should be other Wizards from ordinary backgrounds as well. That proves there is still some overlap between your world and ours. Which also means there can be an exchange of goods—or rather, assets. Of course, I don't know whether you accept pounds sterling, but I could offer other things, such as gold or gemstones."

Though two Wizards sat across from him, Mr. Wallop continued speaking without pause. As a shrewd businessman, now that the matter had been decided, he had to fight for the best possible future for his child.

Charlotte felt a headache coming on. Though she was highly capable and had an outstanding record, dealing with Muggles—especially an intelligent Muggle—was still troublesome.

I can't believe they abandoned the tradition of putting Muggle-Confunding Charms on the letters.

She cleared her throat. "I don't think you need to worry, Mr. Wallop. Hogwarts is the best School of Magic in all of Europe." She placed particular emphasis on the word "best."

"Our school has the greatest Wizard of this century, Mr. Dumbledore, who is also Hogwarts's headmaster." To Sean's surprise, Colton did not refute her.

Charlotte continued, "No Wizard who graduates from Hogwarts needs to worry about the employment issues you mentioned. Everywhere in the Wizarding World will welcome them."

"In fact, you need not worry at all about whether a Wizard can support himself." Colton still spoke in that detached tone.

"Newmontgard is different from Hogwarts. We provide the elite education best suited for Wizards, rather than, like them..." Colton shot Charlotte a faint glance.

"Letting them run free."

Seeing that the phrase "elite education" seemed to have struck a chord with Mr. Wallop, Charlotte spoke up. "Hogwarts is located in England, while Newmontgard is in Austria."

This was a battle for students, and in Muggle Families, parents' wishes often influenced their children. She had to make an effort.

Without changing expression, Colton continued to lay out his advantages. "For Wizards, distance is not an issue at all. And Newmontgard is not only exceptional in education; our alumni are spread across the world. Most Hogwarts students come from within England, but we are different. Newmontgard's students include outstanding young people from all across Europe."

He spread his fingers and steepled his hands. "Although Sean was born into the Muggle world, at Newmontgard, he can build connections with Wizards from all over. He will not have to limit himself to the tiny British Isles."

Charlotte immediately retorted, "Wizarding connections are something everyone accumulates over seven years of school, and birds of a feather flock together. Hogwarts Wizards would make more suitable friends. At the very least, we would not abandon our companions when they came under attack."

The two of them were at each other's throats again.

Mr. and Mrs. Wallop exchanged a glance. Parents always wanted their child to remain closer to them, but Newmontgard's elite education philosophy was certainly tempting.

Allen coughed lightly and said calmly, "I believe both Hogwarts and Newmontgard are excellent schools of magic, but please forgive us—we knew nothing about this before today. Perhaps you could give us a little more time, along with some more information about your schools..."

"I'm sorry," Colton interrupted Allen.

"For Wizards from Muggle Families, we must receive an answer during the visit. Those are the rules."

Sean looked at Charlotte, who nodded.

There was the problem...

Sean frowned. He had originally wanted to buy a copy of History of Magic and have a proper look first.

Mr. and Mrs. Wallop turned their eyes to their son. No matter what, the final decision had to be his.

"Think carefully, son." Allen patted him on the shoulder.

"I understand, Dad."

After thinking for a while, Sean said:

"I think I've made my choice. Hogwarts."

At least Sean knew something about Hogwarts, unlike Newmontgard, which was a complete unknown to him.

Besides, Sean felt that the Wizarding World was not exactly a safe place. If he wanted to begin his magical life in peace, he should avoid the side with more unknowns.

Though Grindelwald was exceptionally brilliant and incredibly charismatic, Sean felt that his educational philosophy might not suit him.

After all, in his previous life, Grindelwald had been classified as a villain. What kind of school would he have built? A magical military academy?! Just thinking about it was terrifying.

"Very well." With a stiff face, Colton rose at once. He did not seem inclined to say goodbye. After striding out the door, he vanished from the spot with a loud crack.

"Don't mind him." Charlotte was delighted. Today, she and Colton had visited five families one after another, and Sean was the first to choose Hogwarts.

"However, I need to leave as well, everyone. There's another family I need to visit."

She handed over a piece of parchment. Sean glanced at it and saw the prominent title: Precautions for New Students from Muggle Families in Diagon Alley.

After telling Sean the address of the Leaky Cauldron, she winked at him. "You have magic inside you, so you'll definitely be able to see the pub. That paper lists the general points. It could have been more detailed, but Professor Dumbledore said that curiosity and exploration bring greater understanding. Well, that's his usual style. Oh, and if you need anything, remember to find Tom, the pub owner. He'll be more than happy to help you."

With that, she left in the same manner. There were still many more families to visit.

The family stared blankly at one another, then all turned to look at Sean.

"Uh... it really has been a magical day." Sean shrugged.

Allen Wallop slumped onto the sofa in a daze. He had never imagined that his dream of restoring the family's glory would end just as it began.

And now, there was going to be a Wizard in his family...

In Austria, centered around a towering black spire that inspired dread, stood a massive ancient castle amid the mountains. Of course, should any traveler wander into the area by mistake, they would see nothing but a field of jagged rocks.

In a room on the top floor of the tower, a heavy wooden door carved with intricate, exquisite patterns was gently pushed open. A middle-aged woman who still retained her charm walked in. Wrinkles had already appeared on her face, but traces of her youthful beauty could still be seen.

She wore a fitted black robe and a pointed Wizard Hat. Her gaze was indifferent, and she radiated an air that warned strangers to keep their distance.

Yet when facing the man standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, her eyes still held the fervor of her youth.

"Lord Grindelwald."