Diagon Alley

The next day, the Hall couple had specifically cleared all their work appointments, all to wait for that so-called professor from the magic school.

"Couldn't they schedule a time in advance?"

Mrs. Hall began to complain as the aimless waiting dragged on.

"Uh... I don't think the letter mentioned one."

Just as Eli finished speaking, the doorbell rang.

"Oh, speak of the devil!"

Eli shrugged.

Mrs. Hall got up to answer the door.

Though she was staying home today, even her loungewear had been carefully chosen by Mrs. Hall.

Simple yet dignified, comfortable yet elegant.

When she opened the door, a very tall witch stood outside.

Her hair was pulled into a tight bun, making her look exceptionally stern.

She wore emerald-green robes. Elegant as they were, only a wizard would dress like that.

Of course, Eli and the others probably did not know that Professor McGonagall had specially dressed up for visiting a Muggle family.

She had not even put on her pointed witch's hat.

"Hello, is this the Hall residence?"

Yes, she had the bearing of a true aristocrat. It could not be denied that as a talented and accomplished witch, Professor McGonagall carried herself with remarkable poise.

Mrs. Hall was no less composed. "Yes. You must be the professor from Hogwarts. Please, come in."

Mrs. Hall led Professor McGonagall into the house.

Professor McGonagall's first impression of the family was quite good. She had visited many Muggle families, and they were always so noisy.

The interior design of this Muggle home also pleased her—simple, spacious, and meticulous.

Mr. Hall rose to greet her, and Professor McGonagall gladly returned the gesture.

Not bad. They had excellent manners.

"Hello, Professor. I am Eli Hall's father, Ernest Hall, and this is his mother, Doris Hall."

Professor McGonagall introduced herself as well. "I am Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts."

Mr. Hall smiled and nodded.

Eli, meanwhile, was used to his parents suddenly becoming so serious.

"Professor McGonagall, this is our first time encountering your magical school. Could you perhaps tell us more about it? For example, the quality of its faculty?"

Professor McGonagall smiled.

What a joke. When it came to faculty, who had Hogwarts ever feared?

Their headmaster was the greatest white wizard of the century, while their professors included a modern dueling master, Potions master, Transfiguration master, and Herbology master.

With a lineup like that, who could compete?

After Professor McGonagall's introduction, the Hall couple gained a basic understanding of the magical school.

At the very least, judging from all those impressive titles, it could not be bad.

Mr. Hall became serious again. "Professor McGonagall, forgive my rudeness, but could you demonstrate some magic for us?"

Professor McGonagall readily agreed. In fact, this request was practically standard for Muggle families.

She took out a slender wand and pointed it at the vase on the table.

Eli could clearly feel an exquisite stream of magic flowing from Professor McGonagall's wand, spreading over the vase like mercury.

The vase shifted and transformed, eventually becoming a white cat, head held high and tail raised proudly.

Though they had already witnessed Eli's magic yesterday, seeing something so intricate today still left them somewhat incredulous.

But their fine upbringing allowed them to maintain their composure.

Compared to the shrieking and commotion of other Muggle families, the Hall Family was practically a breath of fresh air.

Once, a Muggle family had even fainted on the spot from fright. After she revived them with a spell, they had stubbornly insisted that she was a devil.

Of course, as a professor, how could she rough up a student's parents?

One Obliviate was enough.

"I think the two of you should prepare Eli's school supplies as soon as possible. Everything is listed in the letter."

Professor McGonagall reminded them.

"Of course, but we truly do not know how to get to Diagon Alley. Could you perhaps take us there?"

Professor McGonagall readily agreed.

They set the time for tomorrow morning.

Soon, the appointed time and place arrived.

"Eli, did you see that Leaky Cauldron place?"

Mrs. Hall looked everywhere but could not find it.

Naturally, Mrs. Hall could not find it, because the Leaky Cauldron had been enchanted with a Muggle-Repelling Charm. Every passing Muggle would unconsciously overlook it.

Eli led his parents to the entrance of the pub and pushed open the door.

"Oh! Why didn't I notice this pub just now?"

Mrs. Hall was utterly astonished.

The Leaky Cauldron was filled with wizards, all of whom instinctively looked toward the group that had suddenly entered.

Their clothing made it obvious that this was probably a Muggle-born young wizard heading to Hogwarts.

They met up with Professor McGonagall in the pub.

The professor tapped the wall several times with her wand, and the bricks contracted and slid aside.

A world like a hidden paradise appeared before them.

"Welcome to Diagon Alley."

The Hall Family was clearly captivated by Diagon Alley's distinctive style.

The alley was somewhat narrow, packed with people in all manner of wizarding attire.

The shops lining both sides could only be described as wildly varied in style.

"I suggest we first go to Madam Malkin's to order school robes. Before that, though, we need to exchange Galleons at Gringotts. Muggle money is useless here."

Gringotts was a crooked-looking white building, and all its employees were short goblins.

The Hall couple exchanged quite a few Galleons for Eli in one go.

When they came out, Mr. Hall was still marveling at the bizarre exchange rate of wizarding currency.

One Galleon equaled seventeen Sickles, and each Sickle equaled twenty-nine Knuts.

After ordering Eli's school robes, Professor McGonagall suggested that they split up.

Professor McGonagall and the Hall couple would buy Eli's cauldron and other supplies, while Eli would go to Ollivanders Wand Shop alone to buy a wand.

The idea suited Eli perfectly.

Eli went to the wand shop by himself.

The sign bore these words.

"Ollivander, maker of fine wands since 382 BC."

Ollivander, a master wandmaker.

As he stepped through the door, a complex, aged scent of wood washed over him.

"Oh, a new Hogwarts student!"

A silver-haired old man suddenly appeared.

This old man is always being so mysterious. He doesn't even make a sound when he walks.

Eli silently grumbled.

Ollivander, however, fell into thought as he studied Eli's face.

"Actually, if I remember correctly, you remind me of an old customer. I remember every customer who has ever come to my shop. May I ask who your elders are?"

Ollivander looked at Eli expectantly.

Eli's heart skipped a beat. He had nearly forgotten about this old man, who was practically a bug in human form.

His memory was absurdly good. No matter how long ago a customer had visited, he could accurately recall the details of the wand he had sold them.

More precisely, he remembered the wands he had sold.

With a face seven or eight parts similar to Lily's, Eli was bound to remind him of someone.

He hurriedly explained, "Sir, I come from a Muggle family."

Ollivander froze, then said apologetically, "Oh, forgive me. It seems I am getting senile."

He turned and fetched a measuring tape, though the doubt on his face had not faded in the slightest.

The tape moved over Eli's body as if alive, measuring him from all directions.

Eli could not help feeling puzzled. Why did buying a wand require body measurements?

Wouldn't the measurements change once he grew up?

He voiced his question. "Sir, I don't quite understand. Why do you need to measure my body?"

Without looking up, Ollivander replied, "For good luck."

"Impressive indeed... Hm? What did you say?"

"For good luck."

Ollivander turned and brought over a wand. Eli was certain that a trace of slyness flashed through his eyes.

I can't believe this guy just showed me up.

Eli did not want to ask any more questions, lest this old man with his bizarre methods pull another one over on him.

"Apple wood, dragon heartstring, thirteen inches. Powerful, but unsuitable for Dark magic. Give it a try."

Eli took the wand and gave it a light wave.

Boom!

A powerful shockwave slammed into a nearby counter, smashing it to pieces.

"Oh..."

Eli stared at the wand, his eyes shining.

Ollivander was somewhat stunned. "Oh, not suitable, not suitable. You should try another."

But Eli had a different idea.

Damn, it had this much power with just one wave. Wouldn't it be unstoppable in a fight?

Why the hell would he need to fear Voldemort then?

He looked at Ollivander with sparkling eyes, as if they were saying, Boss, this is the one I want.

Ollivander looked back at Eli with a dark expression, and the meaning in his eyes was obvious.

No, you don't.

Understanding Ollivander's meaning, Eli could only return the wand with an embarrassed look.

Ollivander took out another. "Willow wood, unicorn hair, twelve inches. Very suitable for Transfiguration."

Eli took it and tapped the flickering lamp beside him.

With a whoosh, the flame, which had been no bigger than a peanut, seemed to have been doused in gasoline and burst into a wild blaze.

"Oh no! Definitely not this one!"

Ollivander snatched the wand back again, ignoring Eli's reluctant expression.

Just like that, the boxes beside them piled higher and higher, while more and more sweat gathered on Ollivander's forehead.

He had never seen such a... such a violent customer!

Every wand became extremely unruly in Eli's hands, displaying tremendous power.

"Perhaps... he could try that one."

As if he had thought of something, he turned and hurried into the depths of the shelves.

The little old man is surprisingly lively.

After a while, Ollivander opened a box with a mysterious expression.

"Yew wood, Thestral tail hair, thirteen and a half inches. An odd combination, exceptionally odd, exceedingly ominous."

Eli was utterly confused by the old man's sudden mysticism. Odd and ominous? Was he trying to harm him?

Ollivander did not take the wand out. He handed the entire box to Eli.

Eli picked up the wand with a strange expression. It did not seem like anything special.

A faint glow rose from his body. His magic and the wand both trembled, gradually resonating with each other.

A ripple spread from the wand, and Ollivander beside him felt a sudden, inexplicable chill in his heart.

Eli felt as though the wand was connected to his mind, like an extension of his arm.

"I think this is the one!"

Ollivander gave his verdict with some hesitation.

"I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble today."

Eli felt somewhat apologetic. After all, he had practically given Ollivanders Wand Shop a complete renovation.

"It's all right, child. This is quite common. Seven Galleons, thank you for your patronage."

Ollivander said it was fine, but when he glimpsed the mess all around them, the corner of his eye twitched furiously.

Eli readily paid the Galleons and took his leave.

"Remember, child, the wand chooses the wizard."

Eli smiled. He did not disagree. At least, that was indeed how it appeared in the films.

He left the shop.

Ollivander murmured, "The power to master death."

He turned around and saw the wreckage scattered across the floor. "Oh! Merlin's underpants!"