A Journey to Diagon Alley
586 Words
"Son, where is this address written here? Could it be that Professor Batflea made a mistake?"
"Dad, hold my hand and look again."
"I refuse! You're an adult now; you should learn to hold hands with the opposite s*x unless you like homosexuals."
Daniel arrogantly took his wife's hand while scorning their son.
Samuel's face darkened as he reluctantly took his i***t father's hand.
"Dad, I see it! It's amazing! Let's go quickly!"
As soon as Samuel touched him, the Leaky Cauldron materialized before their eyes. Daniel rushed in to examine everything while Claire also showed great curiosity.
The patrons in the bar immediately recognized them by their outfits and Samuel's appearance - such family combinations weren't uncommon before Hogwarts started its new term.
"Mr. Tom, I'm a Hogwarts freshman. Could you please help us?"
Samuel behaved impeccably compared to his irresponsible father. Tom, being the proprietor of the Leaky Cauldron, was duty-bound to assist with such requests.
They made their way through the entrance to Diagon Alley using the method Tom explained. Daniel inwardly wondered if anyone would forget how to open the passage if someone stole the trash bin, but Mrs. Morgan gave him no chance to act on that thought.
"First, let's exchange our pounds for Galleons. Did Dad bring enough gold?"
"Rest assured, we're fully prepared," Daniel said confidently, patting his suitcase.
Samuel wasn't sure about Muggle families' restrictions on exchanging currency at Gringotts, but figured pure-blood wizards likely faced different rules. He also knew that replicating spells were easier than forging banknotes, but gold held special appeal for goblins.
"Samuel Ginter, exchanging Galleons for Hogwarts student."
Gringotts' goblin eyed them warily. "Pure-blood wizards can't exchange pounds for Galleons."
"How about gold?" Samuel asked smoothly.
"Gold we'll accept."
Samuel had anticipated this. He didn't mind the goblin's reluctance when they opened the chest containing 6,700 gold coins.
"A 400-cubic-inch Extendable Spell-locked box," the goblin demanded grudgingly after counting.
Without Ministry approval, such containers were illegal, so legitimacy was essential. The transaction earned the goblin a handsome profit, which expedited the process.
They declined the goblin's offer to store their remaining gold and left, leaving the creature looking disappointed.
"Dad, are you a pure-blood wizard?"
"Yes, though the Ginter line is extinct."
His parents didn't press further, sensing his lack of sorrow. They were more curious about his magical knowledge but chose not to inquire for fear of upsetting him.
Next stop: Ollivanders for wand selection.
"Welcome to Ollivanders, where every wizard finds their true companion. Please stand here..."
The trio was greeted warmly despite Samuel's impatient nature. He had discreetly placed spicy snacks on his father to avoid being bitten during measurements.
Ollivander meticulously recorded his arm lengths, even measuring nasal spacing - a ritual he found unnecessary but complied with politely.
"The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Ginter. Patience, please."
When Samuel impatiently waved a random wand, it unleashed chaotic energy. Ollivander intervened, testing another wand before finally presenting a weathered blackthorn wand with dragon nerves and a 15-inch length.
"There's something ancient about this," Samuel sensed instantly. The wand responded powerfully to his magic, almost like an extension of his arm. "It thrives on strong, controlling magic - perfect for Transfiguration and Potions."
He paid ten Galleons happily, aware of Ollivander's aristocratic background and mutual respect between their families.
Daniel coveted the wand throughout the shopping trip until Samuel reminded him of wizarding prejudices against non-magicals. With a roll of his eyes, Claire took Samuel's hand instead of her husband.
- Writer
