THE ALCHEMIST OF HARRY POTTER

Mr. Prewett must have done something to comfort Niya and calm his temperamental granddaughter.

Over the next few days, Herb and Daisy returned to work, while Albert and Niya remained at 21 Prewett Lane for the rest of the summer holiday.

Albert spent much of his time reading A History of Magic, Magical Theory, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with his grandparents. He also practiced his spells, demonstrating simple charms like Lumos and Reparo for them. His grandfather, Mr. Prewett, who had once dreamed of attending Hogwarts himself, watched with fascination.

One afternoon, Albert decided to spend a handful of Galleons at Quality Quidditch Supplies via owl order and asked Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes to procure a set of enchanted wizard's chess. When the package arrived, he eagerly opened it and studied the board.

At first, Niya was startled by the living chess pieces. The tiny stone knights and rooks grumbled and shouted as they followed Albert's instructions, sometimes outright arguing with him. But soon enough, she grew fond of the game, especially when her pieces would cheer upon victory.

Unfortunately for Niya, Albert quickly mastered the strategies, studying the movements like he had analyzed Magical Drafts and Potions. Within days, he became nearly unbeatable, causing his sister to huff and refuse to play against him anymore.

Wizard's chess, though similar to Muggle chess, had a major difference—the pieces moved on their own and had personalities. A player didn't simply move a knight; they had to command it, and the knight would stomp across the board. If someone attempted to move a piece without a proper command, it might retaliate by smacking their hand with a miniature sword.

"Are you sure this leaf is supposed to float?" Niya asked skeptically, staring at the small oak leaf Albert had placed on the park bench.

Albert sighed. "I think my wand movement is off." He flicked his wrist again, but the leaf barely twitched. The Wingardium Leviosa spell required precision, something Professor Flitwick had emphasized in The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1. Even a slight mispronunciation or incorrect flick could cause the spell to fail.

Without a teacher to guide him, Albert had to experiment on his own, correcting mistakes as he went. He could have spent some of his accumulated experience points to instantly master the spell, but he preferred to figure it out manually. It made learning magic feel more satisfying.

"Turns out magic isn't so easy after all," Niya remarked, watching her brother's failed attempts.

"Of course not. It's like learning Arithmancy—step by step," Albert replied, giving her a playful push on the swing. "You can't give up just because it's difficult."

"I hate when you say things like that," Niya muttered, though she was secretly pleased.

By now, she had mostly accepted that she probably wasn't a witch. After her grandfather's explanation about Squibs, she had let go of the idea that she would be attending Hogwarts with Albert.

One afternoon, while practicing at a quiet spot in the park, Albert finally managed to make the leaf float. "Wingardium Leviosa," he murmured, flicking his wand precisely. The leaf wobbled before lifting a few inches into the air.

But just as he smiled in triumph, he noticed someone watching him.

Albert quickly lowered his wand, glancing toward the onlooker—a teenage boy, perhaps a few years older than himself, standing near the swings.

"Something wrong?" Albert asked, raising an eyebrow. His grip on his wand tightened slightly, but he wasn't too concerned. His karate skills—honed since he was eight—had made him more than capable of handling trouble.

When Albert had first started karate, it was meant as a defense against bullies. After he had taken down three older boys at school, word had spread that Albert Anderson was not to be messed with. The incident had led to a stern meeting with his teachers, but his mother, Daisy, had fiercely defended him, making full use of her skills as a lawyer to turn the blame on the school's lack of discipline.

The teenage boy hesitated before stepping closer. "You're a first-year at Hogwarts, right?" he asked. "Be careful where you practice magic. If Muggles see you, it'll cause trouble."

Albert blinked, realizing the boy was a wizard.

"I appreciate the warning," Albert said, sensing no hostility. He glanced at Niya and gestured for her to stay close.

"I'm Gabriel Truman," the boy introduced himself. "Hufflepuff, third year. I live nearby." He grinned. "You're a first-year, huh? Maybe you'll be sorted into Hufflepuff too."

"Hufflepuff?" Albert repeated, curious.

Truman chuckled. "Guess you don't know much about the four houses yet. The Sorting Ceremony will decide which one suits you best."

Before he could explain further, an owl swooped down and dropped a letter at Truman's feet.

Albert immediately recognized the red wax seal of the Ministry of Magic.

Truman bent down, picked up the letter, and opened it. His expression darkened.

Niya, sensing the change in atmosphere, gripped Albert's sleeve nervously.

"What's wrong?" Albert asked.

"I've been expelled," Truman whispered, his face contorting in shock and fury. He read aloud: Underage Wizardry Prohibition Act: Magic performed in the presence of Muggles. Wand use detected. Immediate expulsion from Hogwarts.

Albert's mind raced. "That's not right. You didn't use magic."

Truman's eyes flashed with sudden realization. "It was you." His gaze snapped to Albert. "They think I cast the spell!"

Before Albert could explain, Truman lunged at him, but within seconds, Albert had twisted his arm and forced him onto the ground.

"Calm down," Albert said, keeping his voice level but firm. "Losing control won't help."

Truman struggled for a moment before slumping in defeat. "I didn't even have my wand on me," he muttered bitterly.

Albert helped him up. "Then we'll write to the school and explain. I'll testify that I was the one who cast the spell."

Truman stared at him. "You'd do that?"

"Of course. I can't let you be expelled for something I did."

Truman exhaled heavily. "I don't have an owl."

At that moment, Niya pointed at the sky. "Sheila!"

Albert followed her gaze and saw their family's owl swooping toward them, as if sensing they needed her.

"Perfect timing," Albert said, smiling. "Owls really are amazing creatures."