Moving along Diagon Alley. Alex kept looking around. After all, it's the first time he's left Ward Hall, and now he can see firsthand how the wizards of the rest of Britain live.
Everything seemed new and unusual to him. The ramshackle houses built by budu out of junk created a truly magical atmosphere, as his mother would have said. And yes, she was damn right about that. It's really magical.
After walking a little further down the street. Greene, who had been leading Alex and watching him the whole time, told him.
-"Alex, we need to go to a store called Potage's Cauldron Shop," pointing to a store with several cauldrons at the entrance.
-"Hmm, try dealing with the salesman yourself this time," Green said with a hint of malice.
After pushing through a few passersby, Green and Alex finally entered the store. Clenching his fists. And once again he spoke to himself the text he had prepared beforehand, about the necessary purchases.
-"Hello, sir" I would like to buy one tin cauldron size # 2, 1 set of glass or crystal vials, 1 copper scale. Alex said in one breath.
"Oh, don't be so nervous. Old Bran is just an old man, not a schoolteacher. You're going to Hogwarts to study. Right? For those like young wizards, I have a set. Wait a second, I'll get it, " said the short but agile old man.
Alex just sighed. Understanding that his communication skills require improvement and practice. It's one thing to live and interact with family members you've known since childhood, but it's quite another to interact with strangers.
After waiting for the seller to return from the warehouse and asking him to send things by mail. The two of them left the store. Before Alex could react, he felt something hit him right in the head and hit the ground. Rubbing his bruised forehead, Alex notices that he has run into a black-haired boy of the same age as him. Green grabbed the disoriented Alex by the arms, and the black-haired man was grabbed by a large, hairy man.
"I'm sorry I didn't see you," Alex said to the boy.
"No, no, it's my fault for looking out the window too long. "I'm sorry," he said in a timid voice, ready to cry. But it was his bright green eyes that caught Alex's attention. But then Green spoke up:
-"I'll forgive prashenia for my pet, he's too excited today. And yes, my name is Green Ward, and my ward is Alex Ward. And you, gentlemen? Green said in a formal tone that made my skin crawl.
- Rebus Hagrid and Harry Potter.
At the name of Harry Potter, the cold mask fell from his face, and he answered:
-"Mr. Potter, how nice to meet you on this wonderful day. Apparently, this is the magic craft that we have introduced you to. Alex's face darkened slightly at the mention of fate. But he was more attracted to Harry Potter.
As he learned from his summer training. He was the one who defeated Voldemort. The boy who survived, and so on. The Ward family wasn't afraid to say his name, especially in the aisles of Ward Hall. But it's best not to talk about it here, or they'll think he's a Death Eater.
-"Nice to meet you, Harry." I can call you that, can't I?" Alex held out his hand for a handshake. "It's nice to meet you, Alex. "You go shopping at school, can we go together?"
I suggested Alex asked, looking expectantly at the two adults.
- Hmm ... I haven't wanted to go out for a drink in a long time."- said Hagrid to Green, who was clearly surprised by Alex's assertiveness, but answered anyway.
-"Why not, Mr. Hagrid. Let's leave the kids and have a cold beer. And don't go to dark places. Is that clear?"" Green asked the boys. They immediately nodded. Hagrid kept nodding his head, as if agreeing with Green's every word. Left with Harry, Alex realized that he hadn't thought through his plan beyond this point, and was a little confused. But he was saved from an awkward silence by a new acquaintance.
-"What haven't you bought for school yet? """ - books, writing materials, and a magic wand.
-"It's like he's memorized a poem," Alex said. And when I realized what it was like. Alex laughed along with Harry.
An hour later, Harry and Alex bought everything they needed for school, except their wands. Harry had to rent a cart for his things. To make it easier to carry things. Alex himself simply requested that his purchases be delivered to his home address. During the time they spent together, they got along well.
As they approached Ollivander's store, they noticed a boy with platinum hair coming out of it. His arrogant gaze and self-confidence screamed about his background. Malfoy, Alex thought. He noticed us and came up to us:
-"You're Harry Potter, right?" My name is Draco Malfoy and I don't know you. "
-Alex Ward," Alex said.
-"I didn't think I'd meet one of the Ward family's fools here. -
-"It is a great honor for me to get acquainted with the legacy of the Malfoy family." Which are only a few hundred years old. But you have everything ahead of you, don't you? I answered according to a pattern I learned in the summer when I met such characters. -
-"How dare you! You know who my father is! Obviously, he wanted to continue his triad when the long-haired man put a hand on his shoulder.
-"Draco, don't make any noise. There are a lot of extra ears here. Apparently, the little boy's father said in a slightly stern but also disappointed voice."Please forgive us. We have to go. the man said, leading his son away.
-"What was that?". Harry asked.
-"This is the Malfoy family , and they are very powerful and rich in Magical Britain. You'd better not call them. These are very dark personalities. Not wanting to continue the conversation, Alex grabbed Harry by the sleeve and dragged him into the store.