The king's kindness

At Allen's invitation, Hagrid carried the owl cage into the shop.

He looked at Allen with some hesitation. The boy's neat clothes and blond hair had immediately reminded him of Malfoy.

"Oh, Harry! Is this a new friend of yours?"

Harry looked uncertainly at Allen. Seeing his warm, encouraging expression, he exclaimed happily, "Yes! He's the crown prince of our Muggle world!"

Hagrid relaxed and muttered something.

Allen listened closely and caught things like "Gave me a right fright" and "Thought he was another troublesome pure-blood..."

He chuckled and held out his hand to Hagrid in a friendly gesture. "Hello, Mr. Hagrid! I'm Harry's new friend."

But he soon regretted it, because Hagrid held out a hand larger than his chest.

Apparently noticing his hesitation, Hagrid thoughtfully patted his shoulder instead, nearly knocking him to the floor.

A little while later, Madam Malkin emerged with a parcel.

"Your robes will take a little longer, Harry!" she told him kindly.

Then she handed the parcel to Allen and said with a smile, "I've wrapped up all five sets of robes for you, young man!"

The school required two robes, but Harry saw nothing wrong with that. Of course Prince Allen ought to have a few extra changes of clothes!

Allen picked up the parcel and bought a simple hooded wizard's robe in an adult size, along with a smaller one in the same style.

He settled the bill and sat down beside Hagrid to wait for Harry-they had just agreed to go across the street to find Dumbledore afterward.

Before long, Harry's robes were ready too.

Allen rose smoothly and bowed with a hand over his heart. "Thank you very much, my lovely lady! We look forward to seeing you again!"

Madam Malkin, who had completely forgotten about Allen earlier, giggled. "What a silver tongue you have, young gentleman!"

Allen smoothly went through all the motions of a farewell guaranteed to charm a lady, then turned and led Harry and Hagrid out.

He took the lead so naturally that by the time Hagrid realized it, he was already standing before Dumbledore.

Allen handed the robes to Edward and bowed. "Your Majesty, allow me to make an introduction."

He turned around and found no sign of Harry. Puzzled, he looked the other way and, sure enough, spotted the Chosen One standing frozen in the doorway.

Allen beckoned. "Harry, come here!"

Harry quickly straightened his clothes and drifted over on unsteady legs.

His eyes were so glazed that he failed to notice Dumbledore standing nearby.

...His Highness said he was taking me to the teashop across the street.

His Highness said Dumbledore was there...

But His Highness never said His Majesty the king would be here too!

Harry swallowed. Allen gave him a gentle pat on the back, and he immediately snapped out of it and stood ramrod straight, dimly hearing Allen's introduction...

"This is Harry Potter, whom Professor Dumbledore mentioned."

"Harry."

A gentle pat on the shoulder finally made Harry look at the king opposite him, who bore an unmistakable resemblance to Allen. He heard Allen say, "This is my father, Edward."

Noticing Harry's unease, Edward smiled warmly and held out his hand. "Hello, Harry."

In a daze, Harry shook hands with the king, then greeted Dumbledore in the same dazed state.

This dream is getting completely out of hand, he thought. I've even dreamed of shaking hands with the king...

Allen cleared his throat loudly twice. Seeing that Harry still seemed rather dazed, he said, "Harry! Harry! Didn't you have something you wanted to ask Professor Dumbledore?"

Harry suddenly came to his senses and finally shifted his attention from the king to Dumbledore. "P-Professor Dumbledore..." he began hesitantly.

The old man's blue eyes regarded him with warmth and understanding. "Yes, Harry. Is there something you'd like to ask?"

Harry finally gathered his courage. "Did you know my parents? Could you tell me about them?"

Dumbledore looked at him with gentle sadness and nodded. "Of course."

"It's almost like seeing the past come to life again... Harry, you look exactly like your father, except for your eyes. Those are just like your mother's...

"Merlin knows how much trouble your father gave his professors-he got into no end of mischief trying to win your mother over!"

Dumbledore put on an air of relief, and Harry burst out laughing.

"Still, there's no denying that your father had an extraordinary talent for magic. He was very good at Quidditch too...

"His medals are still kept in the castle. Once you start school, you can explore for yourself!"

Dumbledore winked at him. "And your mother, Harry, had an exceptional talent for potions. She was Professor Slughorn's favorite student in those days!"

"Is that professor still at the school?" Harry asked eagerly. "Sir, I'd like to ask him for some photographs of my mother!"

Dumbledore shook his head gently. "No, he has retired from teaching, Harry. At present, no one knows where he is."

Harry lowered his eyes in disappointment, then asked, "Who's the Potions Professor now, then?"

Dumbledore winked playfully. "Oh, Severus Snape."

"Did he know my mother?"

Dumbledore paused before answering softly, "...Yes."

"Then I can ask him for some photographs of her!" Harry said happily.

Dumbledore said nothing.

Hagrid gave a light cough-though even his light cough sounded like a motorcycle horn-and caught everyone's attention.

"Harry, I could get in touch with your parents' friends and put together a photo album for you!" he said.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when Harry finally stopped pursuing the subject.

When they looked over, they saw Edward and Allen sipping their black tea with identical movements, discussing something in low voices.

Dumbledore smiled and picked up his teacup. "Oh, we must have given His Majesty and the young prince quite a spectacle."

"Not at all, Professor Dumbledore."

Edward nodded gently. Looking at Harry, who was talking to Allen, he lowered his voice. "I have a favor to ask."

The old man's gaze sharpened, but he leaned forward slightly to show he was listening.

"It's rare to meet a young wizard from the non-magical world. I'd very much like him to keep Allen company." Edward raised an eyebrow slightly. "Would that interfere with anything?"

Dumbledore took a small sip of tea. "Would it cause any difficulties for the royal family?"

"The media won't hear about this." Edward raised his own teacup.

"Then I'm sorry for the trouble, Your Majesty." The old man smiled and lifted his cup slightly.

Receiving his father's signal, Allen gave a slight nod and said casually to Harry, "Harry, if your relatives aren't treating you well, would you like to come and stay at Balmoral for a few days?"

Harry's mouth fell open.

Allen put on a troubled expression. "Usually, I don't have anyone to talk to, let alone a friend from the magical world."

A surge of courage rose in Harry's heart. "I'd love to!" he said loudly. "It's just..."

"Hmm?"

"My aunt and uncle..."

Hagrid thumped his chest. Allen eyed that enormous hand with lingering apprehension as Hagrid declared in a deafening voice, "Leave that to me!"

And so, with Dumbledore's tacit approval, Harry's visit to Balmoral Castle was settled.