It was 1991 in London, Britain.
Living up to its name as the "Foggy City," the entire city was shrouded in mist, and the gray sky offered no sunlight.
Professor Filius Flitwick knocked on the door. As a Hogwarts professor, guiding children from Muggle families into the school was one of his annual duties.
This job was always a mixed bag. Some Muggle families were very cooperative, while others were incredibly stubborn, only reacting when the most astonishing magic was performed right before their eyes—finally realizing it wasn't a magic show.
"Will Berens… hmm, I hope this family is more reasonable," Professor Flitwick thought.
The door opened, revealing a somewhat peculiar child. The boy had pale skin, a cold expression, and silvery-gray eyes devoid of warmth. His entire demeanor exuded a sense of detached aloofness.
At this moment, Professor Flitwick did not know that he would remember this child forever.
The boy spoke first.
"Hello, Professor Flitwick."
Professor Flitwick was momentarily stunned. He was a well-known figure in the wizarding world, so being recognized was normal—but only there. According to the records, this child had been born into a Muggle family.
"Mr. Berens, how do you know me?" Professor Flitwick asked, curiosity rising.
"You are very famous, Professor Flitwick—Dean of Ravenclaw and Professor of Charms at Hogwarts," Will replied casually, as if he were discussing fish and chips for lunch. Then he gestured politely. "Please come in, Professor Flitwick."
Flitwick entered the house with Will. It wasn't large, but it was remarkably tidy. Everything was in its place, spotless and orderly. Photos hung on the living room wall, seemingly of a mother and son.
Will invited Professor Flitwick to sit before turning to prepare tea.
Flitwick noticed an open book on the table, beside a stack of older books that appeared to have been read repeatedly over a long period of time.
Ah, a young wizard who loves to read—very likely Ravenclaw material. Especially since the child was reading The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Studies on the Development of Modern Magic. Excellent books. He himself had enjoyed them greatly.
A Guide to Magical Cooking… a practical choice. Some Potent Potions—not bad at all. Broad interests, and an inclination toward Potions as well.
Wait.
Something felt wrong.
This boy came from a Muggle family.
"Mr. Berens, do you have any wizard relatives?" Flitwick asked, his tone turning serious. If this child truly came from a Muggle family, then it was possible someone had violated the Statute of Secrecy.
"No, Professor. Everyone related to me by blood should be Muggles," Will replied calmly.
Flitwick sensed a chill in his voice. The child might have encountered an unlawful wizard.
Moreover, Will seemed to be home alone.
"Are your parents not home?" Flitwick asked gently. He wondered if he should wait and speak with them properly.
"Professor, my mother passed away two years ago," Will said as he poured black tea into a cup. "I am my father's illegitimate son. I rarely see him, but he sends money. He doesn't know about my mother."
"Child… I am very sorry," Professor Flitwick said softly, his manner of address shifting unconsciously.
He hadn't expected such circumstances.
"But where did you obtain these books?" Flitwick continued. "If someone gave them to you, that person might be dangerous."
A solitary orphan could easily be targeted by certain wizards.
"A year and a half ago, I passed by the Leaky Cauldron," Will explained calmly, his maturity far beyond his years. "It made me curious. No one else around seemed able to see it, so I walked in. Then I followed a group of red-haired people into Diagon Alley. That's how I entered the world of magic."
Flitwick had never heard of such an unconventional entry.
In all his years of teaching, he had visited many families, but never encountered a student like this—Muggle-born, from a broken home, and having entered the wizarding world entirely on his own.
Reckless. Dangerous.
He almost foresaw the boy being sorted into Gryffindor.
"Child, a thirst for knowledge is a good thing," Professor Flitwick said seriously, "but the unknown is dangerous—especially in the wizarding world. You must always remain vigilant."
"Thank you for the reminder, Professor. I will be careful," Will replied obediently.
Flitwick wasn't convinced he had truly taken the warning to heart. But a child's nature could not be changed with a few words.
Once the boy entered Hogwarts, there would be time.
"Very well. You should pack up. We'll go to Diagon Alley shortly to purchase your school supplies."
"Professor, I finished buying everything the day before yesterday."
Flitwick was speechless.
This was, without question, the most effortless student he had ever encountered.
"Professor, would you like to stay for lunch before you leave?" Will offered, breaking the brief silence.
"Oh? That would trouble you," Flitwick replied, though he didn't wish to refuse. The child's life already seemed painfully lonely.
No matter how the food tasted, he resolved not to hurt the boy's feelings.
However, Will surprised him from the moment he began cooking.
When Flitwick saw Will use the Peeleus Separatus spell to peel tomatoes, he was already astonished. Will stir-fried the tomatoes smoothly, prepared the meat sauce with practiced movements, and finally used a cleaning spell on the stove.
Ravenclaw. Definitely Ravenclaw.
When two steaming plates of spaghetti were placed on the table, Flitwick was thoroughly shocked. After tasting it, another thought crossed his mind.
Perhaps Hufflepuff, too.
The spaghetti was genuinely delicious.
"Child… where did you learn magic?" Flitwick asked.
"From books," Will replied, chewing slowly.
They spoke at length—from Will's daily life to the books he read. Eventually, Will asked his own question.
"Professor, I have many questions about spells. Why do books only mention gestures and incantations? What is the underlying logic? What is the core behind them?"
For the first time in his life, Professor Flitwick lectured an un-enrolled wizard for an entire afternoon.
Will listened with absolute focus, growing visibly happier the more he learned.
You have acquired new Charms knowledge.Charms Experience +1.
You have acquired new Charms knowledge.Charms Experience +1.
You have acquired new Charms knowledge.Charms Experience +1.
…
"When we first met, I thought you would go to Gryffindor," Professor Flitwick said thoughtfully. "Then Ravenclaw. I even considered Hufflepuff. But now, I am certain—you belong in Ravenclaw."
Will had nearly memorized not only first-year Charms theory, but much of the second-year material as well. His practical application was equally impressive.
Flitwick hadn't reached this level at the same age.
More importantly, he felt relieved.
The child had not yet touched the Dark Arts.
Students with such thirst for knowledge, in his experience, always came from Ravenclaw—and most went on to become exceptional wizards.
Will would be no different.
"Once you arrive at Hogwarts, you may always come to me with questions," Flitwick said. "I will help you to the best of my ability."
"I understand, Professor Flitwick. I'll see you at the start of term," Will replied, though a hint of reluctance lingered.
Flitwick felt a quiet ache in his chest. A child living alone so young—it was only natural he craved connection.
As he left, Flitwick made a silent decision.
No matter which house the boy was sorted into, he would ensure the other professors paid attention to him—and above all, that he never went astray.