Roy walked into an empty alley. Without even taking out his wand, he vanished from the deserted alley with a crack.
At the same time, Roy abruptly appeared beside two rubbish bins in a narrow alley opposite the Leaky Cauldron on Charing Cross Road in London.
"Apparition really is convenient."
Roy casually remarked, smoothed his hair, then strode out of the alley, crossed the road, and headed straight for Diagon Alley opposite.
With Christmas just around the corner and Hogwarts students all returning home, Diagon Alley was especially bustling today.
Countless students newly released from school holidays strolled across Diagon Alley's clean paving stones with their parents, picking out Christmas gifts through shop windows hung with festive decorations.
Many students out shopping recognized Roy. Quite a few approached him in shock to greet him.
After all, Roy's miserable state in the dining hall had frightened many Hogwarts students. Although Connor deserved most of the credit for everyone getting out three days early, Roy losing an ear had certainly played no small part.
Roy only exchanged a few words with them. He was short on time and had plenty to do. After withdrawing money, he still had lots to buy, and he had to take the children shopping that afternoon. This time, he could not spare even seven minutes to play with them.
Gringotts was still remarkably efficient. In less than twenty minutes, Roy walked out carrying a bulging bag full of Galleons and pounds.
Carrying the money he had just withdrawn, Roy went down the row of shops in Diagon Alley, buying item after item.
By the time he had made the rounds, Roy had bought nearly everything available.
Ten full sets of cauldrons were sent directly to the school dormitories; a large bundle of hardcover books on every subject