After lunch, Allen turned to say a few words to Draco, then left the Slytherin table.
His gaze swept over the other three tables, and he soon spotted several Muggle-borns looking at him with reverence.
The Crown Prince pointed toward the doors behind him, and soon more than a dozen students from different years and Houses followed him.
"Your Highness!"
"Prince Allen!"
The young witches and wizards stood before Allen, flushed with excitement and stumbling over their words. "We had no idea you were coming to Hogwarts too!"
"God knows, we don't even know what to say!"
"Does His Majesty the King know? He actually let you come..."
"We're just so happy! We couldn't even sleep last night..."
Allen clasped his hands in front of him and led them toward an empty classroom, answering them as he walked.
"Thank you for your affection! I hadn't expected Hogwarts to have so many young witches and wizards from ordinary families."
He led the group into the classroom. Though he lacked height, he was entirely in command.
Once everyone who had followed him was inside, he closed the door and stood at the front of the classroom.
"First, thank you all very much for your trust and affection. I'll briefly explain the matters you've been wondering about!"
His rather formal wording quieted the young witches and wizards, who obediently listened.
Allen nodded with a gentle smile. "On the day I was formally invested as a prince, I received a letter from Hogwarts-and His Majesty the King learned of it at the same time.
"After looking into the matter, we wrote back to Hogwarts and received a reply from Headmaster Dumbledore..."
He briefly recounted what had happened that day, then smiled mischievously.
"Our people would never imagine it. How does that phrase go again? The Muggle King and the most powerful light wizard held a historic meeting."
The young witches and wizards burst into laughter.
Allen waited for their laughter to subside before continuing. "I've always known how much affection you hold for me and the Royal Family. His Majesty and I keep that close to our hearts.
"But at Hogwarts, I am not a Crown Prince. Instead, I want to be your friend."
Their eyes shone, and they clenched their fists in excitement.
"But," Allen said, knitting his brows in distress, "you're all paying far too much attention to me. It really is a delightful dilemma-you all know I was sorted into Slytherin House."
They fell silent, suddenly realizing something. An angry voice rang out. "Have they been bullying you?"
The others quickly caught on, their faces filling with indignation.
Allen chuckled softly. "How could they? Would the Sorting Hat put someone who didn't belong in Slytherin into that House?"
He looked at the young witches and wizards before him. "Now that we're friends, there's something I don't want to keep from you."
He spread his arms. "Everyone, I've come with a mission to ease relations between Muggle-borns and Pure-bloods! Ultimately, it's so that both the Wizarding World and the Muggle World can continue to develop in peace and stability."
"You've all spent some time at Hogwarts. Clever as you are, I'm sure you've already noticed-
"Some wizards harbor intense loathing and hatred toward Muggles, and those people pose a tremendous threat to our world too!
"Even their children, influenced by their parents, despise us ordinary people-they despise our parents and our blood!"
Looking deeply troubled, Allen placed a hand on the lectern and leaned forward.
"I've come precisely to guide those young witches and wizards whose views can still be changed, to let them see who we truly are! To better protect our families!"
Smiling, he looked at each face before him, giving them all his full attention as he encouraged them. "You are my comrades!"
The young witches and wizards eagerly rubbed their hands together, their blood fired up. "Your Highness! Just tell us what you need!"
"Exactly! We're not afraid of Slytherin!"
A young lion roared.
Allen couldn't help laughing and nodded to the speaker. "Admirable courage, sir!"
He said gently, "Changing people's minds takes time. Please don't rush things, and above all, don't go making trouble for Slytherin on my behalf. That would only make my mission harder.
"I already have an important task to entrust to you-"
He looked encouragingly at each young witch and wizard before him. "Please tell all the other young Muggle-born witches and wizards not to pay too much attention to me until I ask for your help!"
A fountain pen and notebook floated from his backpack into his hands.
"I'll write down your names. If there's any progress or you have any questions, or if you'd like to hold a gathering, please send me a letter by owl!"
Sunlight streamed through the high windows, and the blond Crown Prince looked like a seraph descended from heaven.
He stood at the front of the classroom as though he stood upon a throne.
As though he would soon sweep away every misfortune and bring everlasting light.
Under their reverent gazes, he bowed with a hand over his heart, his voice warm and clear-
"And I shall await your good news!"
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