Heart and Harmony (VIII) (CH 29)

Maverick walked down the stairs, getting himself ready for the conversation ahead. He knew that Isabella's mother had likely noticed something about their relationship, but her father—who was also Maverick's teacher—either hadn't noticed or didn't mind.

He felt fairly confident that his teacher wouldn't mind if his relationship with Isabella went beyond just friendship.

A few days ago, during their awkward lunch, Isabella mentioned that most men who showed interest in her had one thing in mind—they wanted to get on her father's good side. Getting close to her was just a way to get close to him.

She mentioned that her parents were furious about it and warned her to be careful, even hiring No-Maj psychology experts to coach her, helping her see through people's motives.

Maverick wasn't very surprised. Her parents weren't prejudiced against non-magical people—her mother was one, after all.

Her parents didn't mind her starting a relationship once she turned 15. This wasn't the normal world. Wizards and witches grew up and matured faster than regular people, and many old wizarding families encouraged young relationships.

The Garling family was no different. Although Edward had a more modern outlook, he was still a wizard. As a speaker at the ICW, his status was equal to, if not higher than, any ancient family patriarch's.

Edward and Silvia knew their daughter would eventually be approached by the opposite sex, but as her parents, they would obviously protect her from people with ulterior motives.

Then there was Maverick. His family and Isabella's family had known each other well for years. And since Maverick had shown magical talent, that bond had grown even closer.

Maverick felt fairly confident that his teacher would see him as a good match for his daughter. Edward obviously trusted him, or he wouldn't have taken him on as an apprentice. He wasn't concerned about Silvia—her approval was clear from her face.

Still, these were just guesses. Maverick was about to find out if they were true.

When Maverick walked back into the dining room, he saw both his teacher and Silvia watching him. Silvia looked curious, while Edward had one eyebrow raised, as if saying, explain yourself.

Maverick cleared his throat and sat down. "She'll be fine. Just a bit upset... but she's alright now."

Silvia's brow relaxed. "Well, I'm glad you two talked it over."

But Edward cut in, his tone sharp. "And why, pray tell, was she upset?"

Maverick stiffened nervously. Edward clearly wanted an explanation, and he didn't have one ready. Thankfully, Silvia stepped in. "Oh, hush. They're young. Let them handle their own business."

Edward glanced at his wife, then turned back to Maverick, who looked uneasy. Edward paused, studying him closely, and Maverick felt like his teacher could see straight through his soul.

After a moment, Edward sighed. "You're a good kid, little Rick." His words left Maverick feeling both relieved and a bit confused.

Just then, footsteps sounded behind Maverick as Isabella walked in, now changed from her school uniform into something more casual.

She came over and sat next to him without saying a word. Maverick glanced sideways, meeting her eyes, and gave her a nod and a smile, which she returned.

To Isabella's parents, their behavior seemed a bit unnatural, but they didn't press. Silvia had shared her thoughts with her husband, and now they both had a general idea of why.

Sensing the tension, Maverick cleared his throat to break the silence. "Uh… so, I was thinking… when I go back to the UK tomorrow, why don't you guys come along too? Spend the weekend."

"Thats a wonderful idea..." Silvia said, then send a glance to her husband, to which he nodded.

"Ah… that reminds me," Edward said, turning to Maverick. "We should get you registered with the British Ministry of Magic soon. Your father called about it a month ago."

Maverick looked at him, puzzled. "Dad did? Why?"

"He wanted to know when you'd be done with your training. Once you're finished, he wants you registered in Britain, not with MACUSA. Apparently, the Queen advised him."

Maverick looked even more confused. "How did she know?"

"Well, he is the current Prime Minister. Having a secret wizard son isn't ideal for a No-Maj leader on paper. We discussed the matter," Edward said, meeting Maverick's eyes.

"Sorry we didn't tell you earlier," he continued. "Your father asked me not to worry you with it and said he would handle it… We gave the Queen the same story about you that we give anyone else."

Maverick gave his teacher a thoughtful look. "How did she take it..."

"Well, since I'm a speaker at the ICW, keeping your wizarding identity private couldn't be questioned—even by the Queen."

Maverick, along with Isabella and Silvia, listened closely to Edward's explanation.

"Will there be any issues with magical or non-magical laws?" Silvia asked.

"No. The law allows ancient families and ICW speakers to take in magicals born from No-Maj families, openly or privately. So we haven't broken any laws," Edward said.

"Hmm... I think I get it. Politics... Is my dad going to be in trouble… I mean, could he lose his position because I'm a wizard?" Maverick asked.

Edward touched his chin, thinking. "Not likely. Your father mentioned that the Queen wants to meet you. I think she'd rather you be on their side than on the British Ministry of Magic's—probably because you're my apprentice."

"Their side?" Maverick asked, trying to understand. "Wizards are wizards, even if they work for No-Maj governments, right?"

Edward chuckled. "Hah… since World War II and the talks that followed, there's been this quiet tug-of-war for magical talent," he said, glancing at his family and Maverick.

"This isn't exactly classified—it's more of an open secret. Young witches and wizards are highly coveted by No-Maj governments, and they're offered a lot. So, more graduates are choosing to work for No-Maj government agencies in their countries.

But No-Maj authorities can only approach No-Maj-born wizards, and only if they agree. So it's limited… and, well, our numbers aren't very high to begin with.

The Wizarding authorities want to keep magicals close. Most magical societies have dropped, even banned, the old ideas about blood status because of this—though only in some countries," he said, looking at Maverick.

"Unfortunately, the British and their 'pure-blood' nonsense are still around. Bunch of backward fools…"

Maverick cleared his throat, smiling sheepishly. He was aware of it, but what could he do? He didn't get to choose which country he was born into.

"Hey, don't compare Maverick to those bigots," Silvia cut in, glancing at her husband.

"I'm not saying he's one of those idiots. You think I'd take him as an apprentice if he thought that way?" Edward said, glancing at his wife, then at Maverick.

Maverick smiled, scratching his head as he continued to listen.

"I'm just saying… if the British Ministry of Magic doesn't wake up soon, they're going to be left behind by the rest of the world."

"Ricky can move to America…" Isabella, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up, making all three turn to her. She blushed and lowered her head.

Silvia smiled, amused at her daughter's comment.

"Hehe, yeah… if things get bad, I'll just ask Mom and Dad to move to the States," Maverick joked, hoping to ease Isabella's embarrassment.

Maverick could see a hopeful gleam in her eyes, even as she kept her head down.

Edward chuckled but didn't comment.

"Well, then, we'll make the trip," Edward said, making Silvia sit up with a smile. He looked at her, "Give Ariel a call. Tell her we'll be visiting by Floo tomorrow at… let's say nine in the morning, London time."

Then he glanced at Maverick. "When you visit the No-Maj monarch, I'd like to go with you."

Maverick nodded quickly. "Yeah, I'd like that… but will she be okay with it? I mean, Teacher, you're not just anybody…"

"Don't worry. No non-magical monarch or president would turn down a meeting with a speaker. She'll be more than happy to see me," Edward said, grinning.

"Alright then, it's settled. I'll go call London," Silvia said, then glanced at her daughter. "Sweetheart, could you clear the table after you three are finished?"

Isabella nodded, still looking down. "Got it, Mom." She was still flustered, but now, it was the thought of going to Maverick's home and meeting his parents.

It wasn't like she and Maverick were in an official relationship yet, and it wasn't the first time she would be meeting them. But after they'd confessed to each other and agreed on their two-year commitment, she still couldn't act naturally when it involved Maverick.