Early in the morning, a sliver of sunlight filtered through a gap in the curtains, casting a glow onto the sleeping boy’s face. Albert was not yet awake, but he would be soon.
The bedroom door at the top of the second-floor stairs was pushed open quietly. A brown-haired girl poked her head in, her large brown eyes fixing on the boy still fast asleep in bed. "Albert, time to get up," she whispered.
Seeing no reaction from the boy, the girl pouted in dissatisfaction. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, followed by a British Shorthair cat.
"Tom, I leave it to you," the girl said. She scooped the cat onto the bed, gently took its tail, and swiped it across the boy’s face twice.
Albert, still half-asleep, reached out to swat the cat’s tail away. He opened his eyes to see his mischievous younger sister, smothered a yawn, and greeted her: "Good morning, Nia!"
"Dad said he’s taking us to London today," Nia blinked at him. "To get you fitted for your Eton College uniform and, while we're at it, buy the items on your list."
"Right, I know. I’ll go get changed." Albert stifled another yawn, picked up the Shorthair, which was busy extending its claws on the bedsheet, and set it on the floor. He stretched, got dressed, and then headed to the living room for breakfast after freshening up.
"Stayed up late again?" Daisy placed a hearty breakfast on the plate in front of Albert.
"Son, we’d better hurry. It’s a busy day," Herb said, spreading out the letter Eton College had sent a few days prior, his face beaming with pride.
As everyone knew, private schools were where the elite were cultivated in Britain, and Eton College was the cream of the crop. To get in, one needed two things: talent and wealth. The Anderson family were middle-class; the couple ran a law firm and had a decent amount of savings. As for Albert, he was considered a genius in everyone's eyes—not only were his grades excellent, but he had participated in and won numerous inter-school competitions.
Whether Albert was truly the genius people thought he was, only he knew. A genius? No, Albert never considered himself one. He had a secret he kept to himself: he was a reincarnator. As for why he had been branded a genius, he was as baffled as anyone. A child who didn't even know what a Rubik's Cube was, yet could easily solve a scrambled 3x3 one? In the eyes of most adults, that was genius. In reality, he could solve it because he had played with them in his past life and knew the shortcuts.
As for maintaining the image of a genius, Albert wasn't worried about being exposed because he had a legendary "cheat code." Reincarnators coming with cheat codes—internet novels never lied. It all started when he was seven and a panel suddenly appeared in his mind. The panel had two main functions: accepting quests and allocating skill points. Sometimes tasks would pop up; completing them earned experience or skill points. Experience could be used to improve skills, and skill points could instantly raise a skill by one level.
The first skill Albert possessed was English Proficiency. It took him several years to get that skill to Level 3. If an average Briton's English was Level 2, then a standard English teacher's would be Level 3. As long as he maxed out his technology-related skills, Albert could become a genius scientist. Of course, Albert never wanted to be a scientist; he hadn't had that ambition in his past life, either. In his previous life, he loved reading and eventually became an average web novelist. He had written a few books, managed to save a little money, and lived a carefree life doing what he loved. In other words, his past life was basically that of a "salted fish."
As for how he died? It was embarrassing. One day, while leaning on the sofa watching a *Mr. Bean* movie, he was snacking on an apple. The movie was so hilarious that he forgot he was chewing and choked to death on a piece of apple at the age of thirty. When he woke up, he found himself an infant, spent several years dazed in this new life, and eventually got another cat, also named Tom. Of course, the name actually came from the cartoon *Tom and Jerry*.
At age seven, when the game panel appeared, Albert had started to doubt reality, even wondering for a while if he was an NPC in some game. Later, since he never encountered any "players," he treated the panel as a blessing for reincarnators. Connecting reincarnation with a cheat code equaled a winner in life. Albert didn't have grand ambitions. He thought it would be best to have a few romances after coming of age, land a simple and easy job after university, get married before thirty, and earn enough wealth to squander for a century so he could live the rest of his life free and carefree. To achieve this, he had already made plans: he would head to Wall Street in America after graduation. Relying on his maxed-out economics skill and the lingering memories of his past life, he believed he would soon be making tons of dollars.
However, the panel skills were not easy to level up, especially after level two; every level required massive amounts of experience. Albert needed to complete tasks to earn experience and skill points, and getting accepted into Eton College was one of those tasks.
"Son, what are you thinking about?" Herb asked, slicing a steak on his plate as he looked at his son, who was lost in thought.
"I was thinking about what I want to do in the future," Albert said after swallowing a mouthful of fried egg.
"And what is it you want to do?" Daisy asked curiously. The couple rarely heard the children talk about their dreams.
"Finance," Albert replied without hesitation.
"We thought you’d want to be a scientist or an astronaut," the Andersons looked at each other.
"What is finance?" Nia was unhappy about being left out of the conversation.
"Finance is good for making money," Albert said, looking up. "While we’re out, help me buy a few books on economics. Consider it an early birthday gift."
"Son, don't mislead your sister; only the really sharp guys make money in that field." Herb’s face twitched, and he covered his mouth with a fist to cough. "Besides, our family isn't exactly poor."
"Alright, eat your breakfast and enough with the nonsense," Daisy interrupted. "Nia, remember to finish all your milk."
"Oh!" Nia didn't really like drinking milk.
Life after rebirth was beautiful—a cute sister, a harmonious family, a prosperous life, and a cheat code that could take him to the pinnacle of life. If there was one thing that depressed Albert, it was British food. He used to be half-skeptical when people online called Britain a "gastronomic desert," thinking that British people mostly just liked a simple and comfortable life. However, after experiencing it firsthand, he no longer doubted the accuracy of those descriptions.
After finishing the meal and tidying up the house, the Anderson family prepared to head out. Albert had just opened the door of the Ford to get into the backseat when he heard Nia exclaim in surprise, "Look, is that an owl?"
The Andersons looked doubtfully in the direction their daughter was pointing. They saw an owl flying toward them, and as it glided over their heads, it dropped a letter at Albert’s feet. At that moment, the expressions on the faces of the entire Anderson family froze.
An owl... delivering a letter? Since when did owls start moonlighting as postmen?
***
No one moved; they all stood frozen for at least half an hour... well, in reality, it was probably only ten seconds.
Albert bent down to pick up the yellowish envelope. It was a letter without a stamp, and a line of text was written on it in emerald green ink. He read it aloud: "Mr. Albert Anderson, 19 Tibei Avenue, Front Door."
As Albert read the text, he realized he had triggered a task: *The Wizard's Path*. "You have the potential to become a wizard, but you are not qualified yet. Now you have a precious opportunity: go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and become a student."
Reward: 10,000 experience, 2 skill points, Wizard Bloodline +1.
Wizard bloodline? Albert was stunned. What the hell was this? The two skill points were very tempting; even getting into Eton College had only been worth one point, and in all his years of saving, Albert had only accumulated three, which he hadn't even dared to use. What was even more baffling was that this was actually the world of a novel—the wizarding world from the *Harry Potter* stories?
Albert flipped the envelope over and, sure enough, saw the Hogwarts coat of arms featuring a large letter "H" surrounded by a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake.
"Mom, do zoos train owls to be postmen now?" Nia asked, staring curiously at the owl lingering nearby.
"Nia, I don’t think anyone uses owls to send letters. At least, no normal person would. Maybe it’s just a prank." Daisy looked at her husband, and seeing the deep frown on Herb’s face, asked, "What’s wrong, dear? Aren't we supposed to be leaving?"
"It’s nothing. Albert, let me see that letter," Herb said softly.
"Oh, here," Albert handed the envelope to his father.
"Dear!" Daisy said, clearly displeased.
Herb didn't notice his wife's annoyance. He quickly tore open the envelope, scanned the parchment inside, and said, "Kids, it looks like our plans are going to be delayed."
"My dear Herb, what’s going on? What’s in the letter?" Daisy felt her husband was acting strangely and her tone grew sharper.
"Dad, what does it say?" Nia couldn't help but ask. Albert, the recipient of the letter, seemed the least affected.
"Let’s go back to the living room first, Daisy." Herb slammed the car door shut and led his family back into the house. The owl that delivered the letter had not yet left even after the front door was closed.
"Dear Herb, you’d better give me a proper explanation." Daisy looked furious; she was dying to see her son in his Eton College uniform.
"Dad, what is in the letter? Read it out so we can all hear. I want to know who could possibly predict my location," Albert said, his face calm. Of course, he knew what this letter was. Had he not experienced reincarnation and the panel, he might have been shocked, but having been through that, finding himself in the world of a novel didn't seem too strange. Besides, he had read the *Harry Potter* series and even written fanfiction back in the day. He had done quite a bit of research and understood the world-building of the novel.
"Alright, I'll read it." Herb glanced at his son, who was as calm as ever, and read the contents of the parchment:
*Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Albus Dumbledore (President of the International Confederation of Wizards, Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengamot, Order of Merlin, First Class).*
"Hogwarts... School!" Daisy’s eyes widened in shock because she had already guessed what this was—an admission letter?
"Magic? Is there really magic in this world?" Excitement was etched on Nia’s face. "I want to learn magic too! I want to go to a magic school."
"Ugh, Albert, let go of me!" Nia looked at her brother in annoyance as she tried to lean in to see the letter, only to be held back by him.
"Nia, let Dad finish reading," Albert gestured for his father to continue, while pulling his mother down to sit.
"Son, I will never let you go to some Hogwarts..." Daisy was angry; she felt her husband might know something.
Herb coughed and continued reading:
*Dear Mr. Anderson:*
*We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find an enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment.*
*Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 21.*
*Yours sincerely,*
*Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress.*
Herb finished reading and handed the letter to his son. Albert glanced at it and passed it to his curious sister, who then ran over to her mother’s side with it.
After studying the letter sentence by sentence, Daisy said, enunciating every word: "I absolutely do not agree to let Albert go to such a school. No, this must be a prank. Perhaps we should call the police immediately and catch that annoying little joker."
"Mom, does 'await your owl' on the letter mean we’re supposed to send them a reply?" Nia suddenly asked.
Daisy didn't speak but stared at her husband with intense pressure.
Albert asked, "Dad, do you know something?"
"I wouldn't say I know it," Herb reached up to rub his head, seemingly falling into a brief memory. "When I was about your age, my father—your grandfather—was very disappointed that he hadn't received a letter from Hogwarts."
"I asked him once what Hogwarts was, and he only said it was a school."
"Later, when he was drunk, I asked him why he wanted me to go to Hogwarts."
"He only said he was a Squib, but I didn't know what that meant." Herb’s voice was low; he still remembered his father crying that day. "I think I know what kind of place Hogwarts is now. My father would be very happy to know his grandson received a letter from Hogwarts."
Albert, of course, knew what a Squib was, but he never really thought he had any relation to wizards. Then again, he didn't have any such skills in his skill panel; otherwise, he would have noticed it long ago.
"Right, I should write him a letter—no, call him! He’ll be so happy!" Herb said suddenly, seemingly intending to call his father.
"Herb Anderson!" Daisy shouted, "Albert is going to Eton College! He will achieve things beyond our imagination, not go to some school we’ve never heard of! Do you know what this means for his future? I will absolutely not allow you to..."
"Mom, we haven't confirmed if magic even exists yet." Albert grabbed his mother, who was on the verge of exploding, and comforted her softly. "Doesn't the letter say they await our owl? Perhaps we should write back and ask this Hogwarts school to send someone to prove whether magic exists. If they can’t prove it, then it’s clearly a fraud."
"Fine, son, I agree with you. Let that damn school prove whether this letter is real or not." Daisy clenched her fist and swung it forcefully. "Just wait, I’ll make sure to call the police and arrest those scammers, let them rot in jail for a few years."
***
Herb called his father, and the old man was overcome with emotion, stating he would come to visit his grandson soon. Daisy was still angry, but with Albert’s comfort, she managed not to get into a fight with her husband. The female lawyer couldn't fathom why her usually brilliant husband had suddenly become so foolish, falling for such a boring joke and even planning to gamble with their son’s future.
Actually, everyone thought it was interesting; after all, magic was something that only existed in legends. Nia even pestered Albert to perform magic for her.
"I don't know how," Albert shrugged helplessly. In truth, Albert did know a few spells, like the simple Lumos charm, but without a wand, he likely couldn't cast it, so he didn't try. At least, he wouldn't try in front of others; otherwise, how would he explain it?
"Nia, there’s no such thing as magic in this world; it’s all just cheap tricks," Daisy said earnestly. She didn't want her daughter filled with these strange ideas.
"Albert, the letter says I can take a pet to school. Are you going to take Tom with you?" Nia didn't care what her mother said and picked up the Shorthair, sitting down next to Albert.
"I won't consider that until I'm sure magic exists," Albert said solemnly. Of course, this was just to appease Daisy, who currently looked like a ticking time bomb.
Just then, an owl flew into the living room through the window and dropped a piece of parchment on the table. It read: *I will visit before 3:20 PM — Professor McGonagall.*
"3:20 PM?" Albert took the parchment and looked at the clock. "One minute left."
"Good. I will definitely expose the tricks those scammers are playing."
At 3:20 sharp, the doorbell rang. The Andersons looked at each other. Finally, Herb, the head of the house, went to open the door, with Nia following behind. Upon opening the door, Herb saw an elderly woman standing outside.
"Professor McGonagall?" Herb looked at the woman with suspicion, saying dryly, "Oh, right. Please come in. Albert is in the hall. If you can prove magic exists, that is."
"Do you know magic?" Nia poked her head out to ask.
"That is exactly why I am here," Professor McGonagall was well-versed in dealing with such situations; she had seen many like this. "Many families from the Muggle world have similar questions."
"Mug... what? Muggles?" The Andersons’ expressions froze. They repeated the word they had just heard. The woman had called them Muggles?
"Muggles are ordinary people who cannot perform magic." After entering the living room, McGonagall’s gaze fell on the only boy in the room. "Hello, Mr. Anderson."
"Hello, Professor McGonagall," Albert examined the witch in front of him. McGonagall’s appearance was indeed different from the films, though his memories of that were vague.
"We would like you to prove... the existence of magic," Daisy served Professor McGonagall a cup of unsweetened black tea.
"Of course, please watch!" McGonagall drew her wand and tapped it lightly on the teacup. The cup actually turned into a small mouse.
This was the first time Albert had ever seen magic. He curiously grabbed the little grey mouse. "Amazing."
"Is this magic?"