An Eleventh Birthday

As time went on, Yulian and Hermione's relationship grew closer. They would discuss difficult class problems together, share books they loved, and occasionally walk together after school as cherry blossoms fell.

"Yulian, you'll be applying to secondary schools after the summer break, right? Which school are you planning to go to? Eton College or Merton College? Or will you apply directly to Oxford Preparatory?"

This day, after school, Hermione and Yulian walked side-by-side on the sidewalk. She couldn't help but ask. This was already the Nth time she had asked this question. In her opinion, with Yulian's grades and family background, he would undoubtedly choose one of the top aristocratic secondary schools in Britain.

Yulian's footsteps paused, and the corners of his mouth curved into a mysterious smile. "It's a secret for now. When the time comes, you'll naturally know."

Hermione frowned, clearly not satisfied with this answer. "Why can't you tell me? Aren't we good friends?" There was a hint of grievance and confusion in her tone. She was still hoping to attend the same secondary school as Yulian.

"Precisely because we are good friends, I don't want to say it yet." Yulian turned to look at Hermione, his eyes serious. "Trust me, you'll have a surprise."

Looking at Yulian's determined eyes, Hermione, though filled with doubts, also felt a strange sense of happiness.

Days passed, and the semester quietly slipped away amidst busy studies and occasional playful moments.

The cherry blossoms on campus bloomed and then faded. The leaves of the plane trees turned from tender green to dark green, and then gradually to golden yellow. In the blink of an eye, the final exams ended, and the footsteps of summer vacation grew closer.

Hermione's 11th birthday fell on the eve of the summer holidays. That day, she specially brought a delicate chocolate cake to school and shared it with her classmates. Yulian also received a piece. The cake was sweet but not greasy, with a delicate texture, clearly carefully chosen.

"Happy birthday, Hermione," Yulian said with a smile as he took the cake. "May you always maintain your love for knowledge, and may you receive a special gift."

Hermione's cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her head and said softly, "Thank you, Yulian."

However, after her birthday, Hermione seemed like a different person. She no longer frequently pestered Yulian about his secondary school choices as before. Even when Yulian brought up the topic, she would deliberately avoid it, her eyes darting away, her tone becoming somewhat unnatural.

"Hermione, have you decided which secondary school you're going to?" Yulian asked intentionally during a break.

Hermione's hands, which were organizing her books, paused. Her eyes were a little unfocused as she mumbled, "Still... still haven't. I might go to a nearby public secondary school." After saying that, she picked up her books and quickly walked out of the classroom, as if escaping something.

Yulian watched Hermione's hurried retreating back, a knowing smile appearing on his lips. He knew that the owl had already flown past Hermione's house and would soon fly past Privet Drive. No wonder she had been so secretive lately. She must have thought there was no possibility of attending the same secondary school as him.

Yulian did not expose Hermione's secret. He knew that for a Muggle-born witch about to enter the wizarding world, this surprise and apprehension would be indescribable.

He didn't want to break this exclusive time for Hermione and wanted to give her a surprise when the time came.

(Inner thought: Congratulations, Ms. Hermione Granger, on officially entering the "Pre-Hogwarts Anxiety Period.")

And himself?

Grandfather said that children of the Black family, as long as they are not Squibs, their Hogwarts letters might be late—but they never miss.

Summer vacation arrived quickly. The students of St. George's Primary School cheered, finally free from "boring and dull" primary school. They were all planning how to spend a pleasant holiday.

Thomas invited Yulian to go on a beach vacation together, but Yulian declined. He knew that this summer had more important things for him. He was about to celebrate his 11th birthday and receive that fateful acceptance letter.

"Shilam, your 11th birthday is coming soon." One evening, his father Altair came into Yulian's room and sat by his bed, speaking in a gentle tone. "What birthday gift do you want? The latest game console, or the astronomical telescope you've always wanted?"

Yulian looked up, met his father's gentle gaze, and smiled. "Dad, I don't want anything. Grandpa said I would receive a special gift."

Altair paused, then asked doubtfully, "A special gift? Is it something Grandpa and Grandma are going to give you? How come I don't know?"

Yulian didn't answer, just smiled mysteriously.

"Anyway, Grandpa and Grandma will be back in a couple of days to celebrate your birthday," his father said with a smile. "I'll know then. Grandpa and Grandma's gifts might not be as good as mine and Mom's, though."

His mother, Clara, had also noticed Yulian's anticipation. Although she didn't know what her son was expecting, she could feel that he was filled with some strong desire.

She didn't ask further, but quietly prepared a birthday party for Yulian, inviting some relatives and friends, hoping to give her son an unforgettable birthday.

Following his parents' suggestion, Yulian also invited some classmates he got along well with at school. Most of these classmates would be applying to famous aristocratic secondary schools and would likely be Yulian's future classmates.

Of course, as for Yulian's own application, the old man said he would handle it personally.

However, Hermione, Yulian's best friend, hesitantly declined Yulian's invitation, saying she had an important engagement that day. She gave Yulian a vinyl record of R.E.M.'s Out of Time as an early birthday gift.

August 3, 1991, Yulian's 11th birthday banquet.

The house on Charing Cross Road was decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with a festive atmosphere. Relatives, friends, and classmates arrived one after another, presenting carefully prepared gifts and good wishes.

In the living room, various wines and drinks were available, and the air was filled with the sweet aroma of cake and the fragrance of flowers. The background music playing was Out of Time.

Grandmother Elodie had already protested three times: "This song sounds like owls arguing outside the window!"

"No," Yulian insisted. "This is art!"

--Actually, he just felt the lyrics "Time ticks away" were particularly fitting: the Hogwarts letter, it should be here.

The birthday boy was wearing a dark green suit with a silver tie embroidered with a subtle vine pattern—exactly the same as his grandfather Alphard's. This was a "heritage piece" of the Black family, rumored to ward off low-level curses (though Yulian suspected his grandfather was bragging).

Grandfather and Grandmother had flown in from Bordeaux that morning, their suitcases packed with gifts: an antique French pocket watch, singing crystal wine glasses, and a top-of-the-line Italian AGV motorcycle helmet—matte black, streamlined design, so cool it would make Dudley kneel on the spot and call him "big brother."

"Happy birthday, little wizard," Grandfather winked and said in a voice only they could hear, "The helmet lining has anti-fall runes. Don't ride your broom too fast—unless you want to crash into a Muggle airliner."

Yulian almost burst out laughing. Just as he expected! This was a hint that he could officially learn to fly!