Hedwig

"Every first-year student is allowed to bring a pet to Hogwarts, be it an owl, a cat, or a toad. Of course, if you want to bring a more unusual animal, that's not impossible, but personally, I'd recommend bringing an owl."

Professor McGonagall walked ahead of the group, speaking quickly as they navigated the bustling Diagon Alley.

"Owls have always been wizards' most trusted friends. They can help you deliver letters, and during your time at school, you can also use owls to purchase goods and snacks from Diagon Alley via mail order. Just give them the money and a list tied to their leg, and they'll bring back whatever you want."

"If you're looking to pick out a companion you like, you should be able to find one at Eeylops Owl Emporium and the Magical Menagerie."

After leading them to Eeylops Owl Emporium, Justin quickly chose his companion—a majestic Great Horned Owl, a type of owl.

Gemini's gaze, however, fell upon a cage behind the display window. Inside was a snow-white owl, currently sleeping soundly with its head tucked under its wing.

There were four or five white owls in the shop, but this one was entirely snow-white, without a single blemish. It was a beautiful Snowy Owl, and its price certainly matched its beauty—a full twenty-five Galleons, which was no small sum.

Gemini calculated the time. From when he received his letter until now, he should have arrived a few days earlier than that Harry Potter. This Snowy Owl was most likely the future Hedwig.

The little creature was quite pitiful; it was hit by the Killing Curse in the final installment.

Gemini leaned closer to the birdcage. Perhaps sensing something, the large white bird in the cage lifted its head, its round, large eyes curiously observing Gemini.

"Very well, from today on, your name is Hedwig. You're my bird now."

Gemini shrugged and picked up the birdcage.

Whether he should save this cute little thing for the Chosen One? Gemini hadn't even considered it. He was in the arms dealing business, not charity.

First come, first served.

"Hoo~" Hedwig nodded its little head, looking adorable.

"It looks so beautiful," Hermione said, coming up beside Gemini and admiring Hedwig.

"Hermione, what kind of owl do you want to buy?" Mr. Granger asked, gently stroking Hermione's messy hair.

Hermione shook her head. "I'll pass for now. I'm just starting school, and for me right now, learning is the most important thing. I don't think I'll have much time to raise an owl. I suspect my coursework will keep me quite busy."

"A very good idea, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall nodded, giving Hermione an appreciative look. "For sending letters, the school has an owlery, or you could ask someone else's owl. Usually, for a few Knuts, they'll be happy to run an errand for you."

"Owls... also charge money?" Gemini's eyes were full of strangeness.

"Of course. Wherever there are wizards, there are owlries. These little fellows can buy snacks from the owlery caretakers—dead mice and such. They're very smart."

"Alright..." Gemini's lips twitched.

With Professor McGonagall's help, Gemini and the other two quickly bought everything they needed for school.

"Excellent, you've bought everything you need," Professor McGonagall said, nodding with satisfaction at the three of them. She took out three train tickets from her bag and handed them to each of them. "These are your tickets to Hogwarts. You just need to go to King's Cross Station on September 1st, find Platform Nine, and take the Hogwarts Express."

"Platform Nine? Is there a Platform Nine at King's Cross Station?" Mr. Finnegan asked politely.

"The dividing wall between Platform Nine and Platform Ten is the entrance to Platform Nine," Professor McGonagall nodded. "You just need to walk through the middle of that wall."

The group nodded, not asking any more questions. After all, they had just walked through a wall in the Leaky Cauldron's courtyard that morning, so nothing was particularly surprising anymore.

"Well then, I'll be leaving now. Could I trouble you to see Mr. Fox back for me?"

Professor McGonagall asked politely.

"Um..." Gemini opened his mouth. "I plan to stay at The Leaky Cauldron for a while to learn more about the wizarding world."

Professor McGonagall hesitated to refuse, but finally nodded. "Alright, if you insist. But I hope you'll write to that drunken priest."

She wasn't too worried about Gemini's decision. After interacting with him for a day, she could tell that Gemini's way of thinking was very mature and he had strong opinions. Even if she sent him back, he would probably come back on his own.

He had his own ideas and the drive to act on them. Most importantly—he had money...

Smart people wouldn't easily integrate into the wizarding world just because of a Hogwarts acceptance letter, especially if that smart person was alone and without support. Therefore, letting Gemini see and understand things for himself was also a good thing.

After bidding farewell to the group, Gemini went to The Leaky Cauldron and got a room. With Old Tom's warm hospitality, he settled in.

The room rates at The Leaky Cauldron were very reasonable. Ten Silver Sickles could get you a day's stay, which also included unlimited refills of hot butterbeer and two meals a day. Converted to Muggle currency, it was only about three pounds, much cheaper than hotels in the Muggle world.

During the day, Gemini had noticed that the cost of food and accommodation in the wizarding world didn't seem expensive. Although magic couldn't create food out of thin air, with the help of magic, obtaining food was quite easy.

Accommodation was even less of a concern. There was a wizarding travel agency in Diagon Alley called 'Terror Tour' that sold tents. For just thirty Galleons, you could get a top-tier luxury tent with three bedrooms and a living room.

Previously, Gemini had held back on buying many coveted items to be safe. He planned to visit Diagon Alley again tomorrow to buy things that interested him.

"Hoo~"

In the birdcage, Hedwig blinked its beautiful large eyes.

"Sorry, you must be uncomfortable in the cage," Gemini said with a gentle smile, reaching out and opening the birdcage.

As soon as the cage opened, Hedwig flapped its wings and flew to Gemini's shoulder.

Gently stroking Hedwig's fluffy little head, Gemini smiled. "Wait a moment, I need to write a letter to the Headmaster to let him know I'm safe."

Saying that, Gemini took out paper and a pen from his Undetectable Extension Charm Pouch, wrote a note, and then wrote an address on the back for Hedwig to see. Hedwig carefully examined the address on the note, then opened its beak and took it.

"Thank you for your hard work. I'll treat you to something delicious when you get back," Gemini said.

Hedwig hooted and flew out through the open window, its white form slowly disappearing into the night.

'Headmaster, good evening.

I have finished purchasing the supplies needed for school and am currently writing to you from a wizarding inn called The Leaky Cauldron. There are many interesting things here. I heard there's even whiskey that makes you squeak when you drink it. I'll bring you a bottle if I get the chance.

Considering I will be living in this world for the next few years, I plan to stay here for a while to learn more about it. I will head directly to the school after some time, so please do not worry about me.'

This Snowy Owl is my companion and messenger; you can give him any replies.

May you be in good health.

— From a Gemini fox.

This was Gemini's note.

His name was taken from Gemini because he was born on the first day of Gemini—May 21st.

About an hour later, Hedwig flew back to the room with the Headmaster's reply.

'Understood, take extra care of yourself while you're out alone.'

This was the Headmaster's reply, the note carrying a faint scent of alcohol, very much his style.