Chapter 119: Flourish and Blotts
Chapter 119: Flourish and Blotts
Since Rolf was a first-year student and needed to purchase quite a few things, the group set off early.
Upon arriving at Diagon Alley, they split up as planned—
Rolf's mother took him to buy a suitable wand while his father went to purchase crucibles and similar items.
Steven and Wade, on the other hand, headed first to the apothecary.
Wade needed to pre-order some potion ingredients and request for them to be mailed to him at school later.
The shops in Diagon Alley frequently did business with Hogwarts students, and their credibility in this regard had been built up over many years, so there was no worry about them breaking their promise.
Steven was there to buy some powder to de-worm Kneazles and to sell some of the materials he had collected from the farm, such as Murtlap essence.
After making their rounds, the group agreed to meet up at the ice cream shop. Wade and Steven sat down to rest at a table outside, enjoying some drinks, until they were joined by Rolf, who had just gotten his new school robes tailored.
"Mom, please buy me a Firebolt firework," Rolf pleaded, tugging on Mrs. Scamander's sleeve. "Even just one!"
"No," Mrs. Scamander gently refused. "The school doesn't allow you to bring those."
"I won't take it to school. I'll just keep it at home," Rolf said. "I want to see what it looks like when it blooms in the water."
"Go ahead and buy it for him," urged Rolf's father. "How can a child not have any toys?"
On their way to Flourish and Blotts, they made a detour to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
Rolf was dazzled by the array of magical fireworks and Wade bought a variety of them. Steven also recommended a can of colorful candy.
"These are fun. After you eat one, a plant will sprout from your head. It disappears after a few minutes, so there's no need to worry about any harm," Steven explained, taking two cans for himself as well.
There were also self-shuffling playing cards, quills that suddenly turned into large spiders, and realistic toad replicas that could spray a foul stench.
Wade had no interest in these prank toys and put them down after a brief glance.
There were more people around Flourish and Blotts than they had expected, but most of the crowd was gathered outside, and a large proportion of them were middle-aged witches.
They lined up in a winding queue, holding a book or two, occasionally tidying their hair or straightening their skirts.
Several adults hesitated at the sight of the crowd, but Wade pulled Rolf along, skillfully weaving their way through the gaps.
Most people were there for the book signing event, so there were relatively fewer customers inside the store. The two boys informed a staff member of their year, and the young man efficiently retrieved two packaged parcels.
"Do you want new books?" The staff member kindly reminded them, seeing that they were both children. "If you want second-hand books, they're a bit cheaper."
"New books are fine, thank you," they replied.
Wade and Rolf both took out their Galleons to pay.
Gilderoy Lockhart's books were not cheap, and the two heavy bags of Galleons were placed on the table.
Carrying their books, the two boys made their way out of the bookstore and happened to catch sight of Gilderoy Lockhart holding Harry's hand for a photo opportunity, surrounded by excited onlookers. However, Harry wore an expression that clearly said he wanted to escape.
"Harry Potter? Is he here too?"
Upon hearing Harry's name, Rolf tried his best to tiptoe and stretch his neck to get a glimpse.
Unfortunately, he was too short, and all he could see were rows of backs, obscuring the black-haired boy from view.
As he watched Rolf nearly get jostled by the crowd, Wade pulled him back and asked, "Curious?"
"Of course!" Rolf exclaimed excitedly. "I grew up listening to his stories! I heard he recently foiled the Dark Lord's plot again. Is that true?"
"It is," Wade confirmed. "But there's no need to push your way through now. Once you get to school, you'll be able to see him every day."
"Then can I take a picture with him, too?" Rolf asked eagerly. "I want to hang his photo on my wall."
"I have a camera," Wade replied. "But whether or not you can take a picture with him depends on getting his permission."
Wade pulled Rolf towards the exit, still able to hear Lockhart's voice from behind—
"It is with great pleasure and pride that I announce that this September, I will be joining Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!"
—Luckily, I've already found a truly competent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for myself.
Wade mused to himself.
If not for that, he would have had to figure out a way to get rid of this Lockhart fellow.
After safely returning Rolf to his parents, Wade heard the boy excitedly telling them, "Guess who was there, Mom and Dad?"
"Lockhart?" Mr. Scamander chimed in.
"No, Harry Potter! He was taking a photo with Mr. Lockhart, and there were journalists taking pictures of them!" Rolf exclaimed, jumping up and down.
"I'm going to be classmates with Harry Potter!"
"Calm down," Mrs. Scamander said as she wiped the sweat from his forehead, gently admonishing him. "Also, remember not to ask him about his scar or how he defeated the Dark Lord the first time, alright?"
"But why, Mom? I'm so curious!" Rolf protested.
"He lost his parents back then, silly," Mrs. Scamander said softly.
Suddenly, the crowd became chaotic, with people screaming and scurrying for safety.
Wade heard one of the Weasley twins shout, "Hit him, Dad!"
Mrs. Weasley's voice rose above the din as she cried out, "Stop it, Arthur, don't!"
"Try this, Ron Weasley!" Malfoy's voice was distinct amid the chaos.
"I think I heard a familiar name." Wade handed the other items to Steven. "Hold these for a moment; I'll go see what's going on."
Weaving his way back into the crowd, Wade witnessed Hagrid effortlessly pulling apart Ron's father, Arthur Weasley, and Lucius Malfoy.
Ron and Malfoy, who had been brawling, were separated by Harry, who had discreetly taken Ron's side. Malfoy's eye was turning purple from a punch landed by Ron.
Lucius Malfoy's pale blond hair was dusty and disheveled, and he wriggled free from Hagrid's grip to shove a worn-out copy of a textbook into Ginny Weasley's hands.
"Take your book!" he said arrogantly and disdainfully. "This is the best thing your father can give you."
Wade subtly flicked his wand, hidden in his sleeve, and Ginny stumbled as if pushed.
"Lucius Malfoy, how dare you lay a hand on a child!"
Arthur Weasley flew into a rage and lunged forward, only to be restrained once more by Hagrid.
"This is too much!" The half-giant was also angry, his gaze filled with contempt for Malfoy. "If this is the best you can do, don't show your face to me again!"
(End of Chapter)
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