Chapter 7 - 7: Diagon Alley

After dinner, Edward took Audrey to see Professor McGonagall to arrange her accommodation. Professor McGonagall's office was a small study on the second floor of Hogwarts Castle, with a window overlooking the Quidditch pitch. Though she appeared strict and old-fashioned, in her youth, she had been a true Gryffindor lioness—bold, adventurous, and passionate about Quidditch. Despite it being the summer holidays, the fireplace in her office was still lit, yet the room remained at a comfortable temperature—a testament to the wonders of magic. As soon as Audrey stepped into the office, she saw a tabby cat grooming itself leisurely. For a brief moment, their gazes met, and the tabby cat's body swiftly expanded, transforming into Professor McGonagall—who now appeared as an exceptionally mature cat-girl. "Oh, so you must be Miss Audrey Hall, the transfer student Professor Dumbledore mentioned." "That's right. Good evening, Professor McGonagall," Edward said, once again acting as Audrey's translator. Audrey resisted the urge to ask why a person could turn into a cat. Instead, she maintained her composure, delicately pinching the hem of her dress and offering a graceful curtsy. "Follow me." As always, Professor McGonagall was swift and efficient. She led them briskly to the Gryffindor dormitories, seamlessly introducing Hogwarts, explaining the Gryffindor house traditions, and arranging Audrey's room—all in one smooth motion. By the time Edward and Professor McGonagall left the Gryffindor common room, they were the only two remaining. "Edward, over the next few days, I'd like you to teach Miss Hall some English and then take her to Diagon Alley to purchase her school supplies," Professor McGonagall instructed. "Normally, this would be my responsibility, but as you know, I need to visit the Muggle world to ensure that the incoming first-years can enrol on time." "No problem, Professor." "Oh, and one more thing—the school has allocated a scholarship fund for Miss Hall. I'll entrust it to you." Handing over a pouch filled with Galleons, Professor McGonagall swiftly departed. Edward stood in the empty castle and sighed. He walked to the window, gazing at the star-strewn sky, momentarily lost in thought. Until today, his focus had been simple: study magic, locate Voldemort's Horcruxes in advance, intervene at critical moments to prevent unnecessary tragedies, and ultimately research the Philosopher's Stone—seeking immortality on the level of Nicolas Flamel. But the emergence of the Lord of the Mysteries world had forced him to reevaluate everything. Even Susie, who had only just advanced to Sequence 9, already displayed remarkable resistance to magic. Clearly, magic alone wouldn't be enough to handle the challenges of the Mystical World. That meant he had to consume a potion. But which Pathway should he choose? ——— Meanwhile, having finished washing up, Audrey lay on her soft bed, unable to calm her thoughts. Before today, as the young lady of the Hall family, she had believed her experiences were already extraordinary—mysterious Tarot Club meetings, the powerful Fool, Susie consuming potions, and countless stories and rumours about the Mystical World. Yet now, a whole new world of wonders had suddenly unfolded before her. After going through fear, confusion, anxiety, and curiosity, she was left with only one feeling—excitement. She couldn't wait to see what other surprises this world had in store for her. Audrey let out a soft breath, closed her eyes, and whispered, "Good night, Hogwarts. Good night, Mom and Dad. Good night, Audrey." Then, suddenly, her eyes snapped open. Oh no! What about the weekly Tarot Club meeting?! ——— For the next three days, Edward started teaching Audrey English from scratch, beginning with the alphabet. Edward's English proficiency had come from his mastery of the language in his previous life, while his accent came as a natural benefit of his transmigration. His teaching methods were based on what he had learned from English classes in his past life. He was initially worried that he might end up turning Audrey into another "mute English" learner—someone who could read and write but not speak fluently, as was common amongst Asian students in his previous world who had studied the language for over a decade yet still struggled with conversation. However, he soon realized that he had completely overthought it. People from the Mystical World seemed to have an extraordinary talent for learning languages and acquiring esoteric knowledge. In the supernatural circles, not knowing Jotun, Hermes, or Elvish was practically embarrassing. Even someone as lazy as Danitz could speak multiple mystical languages proficiently. Seizing the opportunity, Edward had Audrey teach him Hermes as well—after all, aside from Loenese, he hadn't acquired any other mystical languages. After three days of study, Audrey had already mastered basic daily conversations, while Edward's progress was much slower. Even Lilith, who had been lounging nearby the whole time, occasionally cast him a look of disdain. "..." "It's definitely because I haven't taken a potion yet!" Edward consoled himself. "Yeah, yeah, that must be it." Audrey comforted him in return. And just like that, the day for their trip to Diagon Alley finally arrived. Originally, Edward had planned to use Professor McGonagall's office fireplace to travel via Floo Network directly to the Leaky Cauldron. However, Professor McGonagall had left early in the morning, so he had no choice but to turn to Dumbledore. The moment Fawkes delivered them to the entrance of Diagon Alley, the phoenix let out a sharp crack and vanished—so swiftly that Edward didn't even get the chance to thank him. Honestly, Edward felt a little wronged. Back when he had asked Fawkes for a feather, all he had wanted was to make a few more "twin wands" like Voldemort's. Imagine the final battle—everyone wielding a wand that could counter the Dark Lord's! That would surely teach that dark fucker the true meaning of despair. Before them stretched a cobbled street lined with shops on both sides. Wizards in robes of various styles bustled past, hurrying along their way. For the past few days, Audrey had only interacted with Edward, Professor McGonagall, and a handful of others at Hogwarts. Now, suddenly finding herself surrounded by so many people—especially with quite a few casting admiring glances her way—she felt a little overwhelmed. Edward handed her an envelope. "This is your Hogwarts acceptance letter from Professor McGonagall." He shrugged. "It's a little late, but at least you get to experience the official process and ceremony." Audrey opened the letter and saw elegantly handwritten words, penned with a quill: ——— HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards) Dear Miss Hall, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on 1 September. Yours sincerely, Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress — [Second page] HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY UNIFORM First-year students will require: 1. Three sets of plain work robes (black) 2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear 3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar) 4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings) Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags. COURSE BOOKS All students should have a copy of each of the following: The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble OTHER EQUIPMENT 1 wand 1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2) 1 set glass or crystal phials 1 telescope 1 set brass scales Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad. — PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK — Yours sincerely, Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus, Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions ——— Although Audrey could now manage simple conversations in English, reading the letter was still a challenge. Seeing this, Edward simply read it out loud in Loenese for her. "Our goal today is to follow this list and get everything you need," Edward said, leading her toward Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. "First, let's get you a proper set of wizarding robes. You can't keep wearing that dress everywhere." The moment they stepped into the shop, a short and plump Madam Malkin greeted them enthusiastically, her smile exaggerated and her tone dramatic. "Oh, my dear! I swear, you are the most beautiful young lady I've ever seen! You must be heading to Hogwarts, yes? But why have I never seen you before?" "I…I just transferred to Hogwarts. This is my first time here." Audrey answered in surprisingly fluent English and even remembered to add, "Thank you for your kind words." Madam Malkin flicked her wand, and several measuring tapes flew to Audrey's side, automatically taking her measurements as the seamstress jotted down notes. "Oh, what absolutely perfect proportions! Once the robes are finished, may I keep your photograph in my shop?" Audrey, fascinated by the floating measuring tapes, nodded slightly. "That would be fine." The process of making her robes took far longer than Edward's had. Madam Malkin treated it as if she were crafting a priceless masterpiece, ensuring every stitch and thread was flawless. More customers came and went, but she barely acknowledged them. Eventually, she simply shut the shop doors. "Alright, my dear." Nearly two hours later, Madam Malkin stepped back and admired Audrey in her new Hogwarts uniform. "I swear, this is the finest work of my life!" Edward, who had been dozing off from boredom, immediately perked up and prepared to pay. "How dare you tarnish such a perfect masterpiece with money?!" Madam Malkin huffed indignantly. "It's free! From now on, every uniform she needs will be free!" Edward and Audrey exchanged glances. "Being good-looking really is a privilege," Edward muttered. "Thank you," Audrey said with a laugh. Unlike the empty flattery she often received in Backlund, she could tell that Madam Malkin's admiration was heartfelt. ——— After that, they quickened their pace. To avoid further incidents like this, Edward bought her a mask to wear. They swiftly gathered the rest of her supplies—cauldron, textbooks, quills, ink, and parchment. Soon, only one thing remained: a wand. Ollivanders was a small, worn-down shop. The golden lettering on the sign above the door had faded with age, but it still read: Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. Through the dusty display window, a single wand rested on a faded purple cushion. "Oh, if it isn't Mr. Edward?" An elderly man with pale skin and silver eyes emerged from the dimly lit shop. "I remember you. Blackthorn wood, phoenix feather core, fourteen and three-quarter inches, firm and powerful—well suited for casting strong magic. I have no doubt you will make a fine Auror someday." Audrey, using her Spectator ability, quickly analyzed him. This old gentleman was clearly confident in his expertise. His effortless recollection of his customers and their purchases wasn't just a showcase of memory—it was a subtle way of establishing his authority and influence. "And as for this lovely young lady…" Ollivander's keen gaze shifted to Audrey. "I believe you have not purchased a wand from me before, correct?" "You have an excellent memory, Mr. Ollivander," Edward praised as usual. "Today, I'm here to help this transfer student find her wand." "Oh, how wonderful!" Ollivander responded cheerfully, pulling a long measuring tape with silver markings from his pocket. "Which hand do you use for casting, miss?" Audrey hesitated. She had never actually considered this question before. "I suppose…my right hand?" "Excellent!" Ollivander expertly measured her arm length, hand size, and even the space between her fingers. "A proper wand must not only align with your magical nature but also fit your body's proportions. After all, in a duel, even a second's delay in drawing your wand could be the difference between victory and defeat." He turned to the towering shelves packed with wand boxes and began his search. "Now then, let's see which wand chooses you." ——— [Note]: If you liked the book so far, please don't forget to leave a review.