"Minerva McGonagall?"
Andrew paused, feeling a slight sense of familiarity with the name, though he wasn't entirely sure. After all, McGonagall wasn't an uncommon surname.
'I'll set aside time to think about this name later. For now, let's focus on dealing with the school application.'
With no other choice, he had to consider how to handle his earnings from his writing, as he was unsure about the laws in the UK. Truthfully, nobody in the orphanage really understood the law in depth either.
While he knew professional writers existed, he couldn't help but wonder if there would be scrutiny or even an investigation into a minor participating in paid writing. Could this lead him to be sent to a special school? The idea made him nervous.
Perhaps he could put the author credit in someone else's name? But trusting someone else with this responsibility could lead to financial disputes down the line—especially since his pen name had already gained some recognition, and his earnings were no small amount.
Finding reliable people was no easy task. The kids in the orphanage couldn't be trusted with secrecy, and the staff, while willing to look the other way, would never agree to put their name on his work.
As for finding someone outside the orphanage…
Wait… Andrew suddenly realized he might be overthinking it.
Why was he so afraid of a "special school" anyway? It would likely just be a place with a group of administrators and students. With his current understanding of his "psychic ability," he wasn't at risk of being overpowered by any of them. If the staff weren't corrupt, there'd be no reason to fear them. And if they were, his income alone would be enough to make them reconsider.
If that was the case, he really had nothing to be concerned about.
So let it come.
"Three months ago, the Quill of Acceptance wrote down his name..."
Minerva McGonagall walked along a poorly maintained road, glancing at the name on her list.
Every child born within Britain's magical community was automatically screened by the Quill of Acceptance until they turned twelve. When a child exhibited magical talent, the Quill inscribed their name in the Book of Admittance, marking them as eligible to attend Hogwarts.
Barring exceptional circumstances, each listed child would receive an acceptance letter from Hogwarts, and if they came from a non-magical family, a Hogwarts professor would personally visit to guide them.
This was the Hogwarts admission process. Since the school's founding by the four Founders, no one not listed in the Book of Admittance had ever been admitted.
"Without attracting the Ministry's attention, this child must have shown a very subtle magic signature… still, I'm glad we made it in time…"
Professor McGonagall even felt a sense of relief for the young student. If someone's magical abilities didn't manifest until after age twelve, even children from magical families could face significant difficulties in education, potentially living as Squibs for life.
She considered the child's Muggle upbringing; without Hogwarts, they might have spent their life without any connection to the magical world at all.
"This should be the place," she murmured, looking at an old wooden sign before her. Ahead was a secluded yard, surrounded by high fences and centered around an old building.
After Professor McGonagall knocked, a woman wearing an apron soon led her into the hall.
"Are you Ms. McGonagall?"
Camille, the orphanage head, arrived, holding a sturdy willow switch. Judging from the wear on it, some unfortunate soul must have recently experienced its wrath.
"Yes, Camille. I mentioned in my letter yesterday that I am here to speak about Andrew Taylor."
"Certainly, right this way."
It wasn't until Camille extended her hand that she noticed the switch in her grip. After glancing at it, she let it hang at her side.
"My apologies, things have been rather hectic today. The boys are far more unruly than you'd expect." She sighed. "The nannies are far too soft; someone has to instill a bit of fear in them."
"Indeed," Professor McGonagall nodded, her expression sympathetic. "They're always getting into the most unimaginable trouble."
The exchange relaxed the atmosphere between them, and Professor McGonagall was soon led to a modestly tidy office. Despite its mismatched furniture and sparse decor, the room clearly reflected the owner's financial hardships.
"Please, have a seat, Ms. McGonagall. You mentioned that you're here about young Andrew, though as far as I know, he hasn't applied to any school. I only just finished writing his recommendation letter for the public school."
"True, he hasn't applied. But our school found that he possesses qualities we're looking for, so I came to invite him to join us."
"Your school?" Camille's eyes narrowed with scrutiny as she looked across at Professor McGonagall.
"Yes, our school. I am one of its professors."
"Then…" Camille's tone grew colder. "What kind of school is this, exactly?"
"The name is Hogwarts. We specialize in students with unique qualities."
"I don't see the need," Camille responded coolly. "Andrew is a bright child. Though he's a bit too old for adoption now, his intelligence and manners are exceptional. He'll attend public school, go on to a good university, and fulfill all our expectations."
"So, I'm afraid I must decline his enrollment in any 'special' school, Professor McGonagall. Please, leave."
Surprised, Professor McGonagall pulled out a blank piece of parchment, touched it gently, and then handed it to Camille.
"It's not a 'special' school," McGonagall said. "We follow formal procedures and adhere to official guidelines."
Camille examined the blank parchment, almost as if she saw official seals on it.
"Well..."
She hesitated. "It appears that Hogwarts is indeed a legitimate institution, so perhaps we should allow Andrew to decide for himself."
This turn of events slightly surprised Professor McGonagall, but she had intended to meet the boy in person anyway. Given his background, she would need to introduce him to Diagon Alley, guide him in acquiring his school supplies and wand, and provide him with a ticket for the Hogwarts Express.
"Then let's go, Mrs. Camille. I believe he will enjoy Hogwarts."