Chapter 2: Shopping in Diagon Alley

What was Wade Gray’s background?

Though he came from a wizarding lineage, both of his parents were squibs—ordinary people with no magical ability. In the eyes of true wizards, such a child was no different from a Muggle.

Ferdinand had carefully explained to Wade the recent turmoil caused by Grindelwald, and the brutal massacres unleashed by the Second Dark Lord. Even the last news they had received from the magical world was that their parents had both died in the war.

"Wade," Ferdinand said, his voice heavy with sorrow, "you’ve always been extraordinary—your mother and I are so proud of you. But you must understand: in the wizarding world, bloodline is everything."

"Pure-blood, half-blood, Muggle-born—many people instinctively place them into a hierarchy. About a decade ago, the most powerful dark wizard of the time—the Dark Lord—was a fierce believer in blood purity. He and his followers slaughtered countless Muggles and Muggle-born wizards, as well as pure-bloods who opposed him."

"My wife and I were forced to sever all ties with the wizarding world back then… Even now that peace has returned, there are still countless wizards who cling to the belief in pure-blood supremacy. I have no doubt they pass down their prejudice and hatred to their children."

"Wade… I’m worried. Hogwarts might not be as wonderful as we imagined…"

Ferdinand spoke with deep anxiety.

Wade listened in silence, then smiled softly.

"Don’t worry, Dad. There must be other students like me at school. As long as I have enough friends around me, no one will dare pick on me, right?"

He paused, then added: "Besides… wherever I go, real strength can shatter any prejudice. I’ll study hard and become the best I can be."

Ferdinand didn’t feel reassured. He quietly thought: But son… you’ve never shown any magical talent. Your magic might be only slightly stronger than that of a squib… How can you have strength like that?

Yet, out of respect for his son’s pride, he kept those thoughts to himself.

…

Minerva McGonagall arrived sooner than Wade had expected.

The next day after receiving the letter, as Wade’s family was having breakfast, a knock came at the door.

Wade set down his knife and fork and opened the door. The moment he saw her, he instantly recognized her.

It wasn’t because she looked exactly like the actress in a long-forgotten movie—years had erased most of his memories of that film, and certainly not the face of some distant actor.

Nor was it because she wore a striking green robe, an outfit no ordinary person would dare wear.

It was because a handwritten name floated above her head—Minerva McGonagall.

Wade fell silent, his mind swirling with doubt: Is this real? Or have I not actually crossed into the world of Harry Potter… but into a game called Harry Potter? Am I just an NPC who’s awakened with memories of a past life and a sense of self?

"Good morning, Mr. Gray," McGonagall said, offering a faint, carefully controlled smile—though her expression remained stern.

"I’m Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts."

Wade snapped back to reality. "Welcome, Professor McGonagall. Please come in for a cup of tea."

Mr. and Mrs. Gray hurried out, staring at the imposing figure with awe. The woman radiated mystery and an air of being difficult to approach. They stammered, unable to find their words:

"Y-yes, welcome… Professor, ma’am… please come in!"

Ferdinand forced a bright smile while quickly glancing at his son, as if afraid the witch might cast a curse on him on the spot.

Wade, on the other hand, remained calm. He knew this woman was kind and upright at heart.

He kept his gaze from lingering on the name floating above her head and stepped aside to let her pass.

McGonagall’s visit had two purposes: to confirm the reality of the magical school and convince the family to allow their son to attend; and to escort Wade to purchase his school supplies.

She’d faced countless Muggle families who doubted magic, feared she was trying to kidnap their children for secret experiments, or even wanted to send their kids to Muggle schools. She’d prepared several well-rehearsed arguments. But this family didn’t question magic at all—instead, they were more concerned about the quality of the school environment. Her first task was completed with ease.

Soon, the group arrived at Charing Cross Road in London. McGonagall led them into the shabby, unassuming Leaky Cauldron.

It was still early, so the pub was nearly empty. A hunched man wiping a table greeted her.

"Good morning, Professor McGonagall."

He glanced at the family—particularly the unusually short Wade—and asked casually, "Is this boy one of this year’s Hogwarts first-years?"

"Good morning, Tom," McGonagall replied. "I’m here to help Mr. Gray buy his school supplies."

The group passed through the pub and stepped into the back courtyard. McGonagall stood beside a rubbish bin, drew her wand, and instructed, "Mr. Gray, remember this spot. To enter Diagon Alley, you must pass through this wall—count three bricks upward, two to the side…"

She tapped the wall with her wand three times.

The bricks began to shift, as if moved by an invisible hand, rearranging themselves in perfect order. In an instant, a wide archway opened, and the sounds of bustling crowds poured out.

"Woah—"

The Gray family gasped in wonder.

Before them stretched a winding, lively street lined with countless shops, each filled with strange and magical items. Wizards and witches in flowing robes walked past, haggling over prices, children tugging at their parents’ sleeves, others laughing and chasing each other through the crowds—alive with energy and noise.

McGonagall led them through the market to Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

Ferdinand had already prepared the necessary money. He handed over a large sack of clinking British pounds and received fifty Galleons in return.

Before leaving, McGonagall had warned them: Muggle paper money had limited exchange value at Gringotts, but coins, gold, and precious gems were accepted without restriction.

Next, they bought school robes, textbooks, a balance, a cauldron, and other essentials—finally ending with a snowy white owl as a pet.

With Professor McGonagall by their side, shopkeepers treated them with courtesy, even though they were dressed like Muggles.

Incidentally, Wade’s wand was made of hawthorn wood, with a unicorn hair core—twelve inches long (about 30 centimeters). Hawthorn symbolized rebirth, and Wade felt an odd sense of connection to it.

It was as if the wand had somehow seen through his secret.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end