Chapter 114: Heading to Diagon Alley
It was Saturday morning, and Ron and Neville were already awake and dressed by the time the sun peeked over the castle walls.
The other Ravenclaws in the boys' dormitory also stirred around 8 o'clock, their internal clocks conditioned by habit, even on a day off. Though they tried, none of them could manage to fall back asleep.
Golden sunlight streamed through the elegantly arched windows draped in blue-and-bronze silk. In the warm glow, several first-years clustered around Ron, pestering him to double-check the long shopping list he had scribbled the night before.
According to the letter Ron had received from his mother, the arranged meeting time in Diagon Alley was 9 o'clock. Still, there was quite a bit of time before they needed to depart.
The group decided to head to the Great Hall for breakfast.
The Great Hall, bathed in the soft morning light, was sparsely populated. Aside from the Ravenclaw table, only a few scattered students from other Houses were present.
Alexander Smith observed the scene calmly and couldn't help but reflect with a hint of amusement: No wonder there were so few Ravenclaw students featured in the original story. From Harry's Gryffindor-centric perspective, most mornings skipped entirely, often replaced with spontaneous adventures and skipped classes.
On weekends like this, it was common for students to relax and bond. The Gryffindor version of "fun" often involved Quidditch practice or spontaneous mischief, but in Ravenclaw, things were quieter — conversations about books, magical theory, or the latest Charms class discovery.
After breakfast, the group returned to the common room. Ron clutched the parchment list tightly as if afraid something might vanish from it. Neville followed close behind, clutching his coin pouch nervously. The two had never led a group out of Hogwarts before, but Alexander walked behind them calmly, exuding a quiet confidence that helped settle their nerves.
"I still think we should double-check this list again," Ron muttered, casting another glance at it. "We can't afford to forget anything. Mum said we need everything before term starts."
"I already checked it three times," Neville said, a bit defensively. "It's all there—extra cauldron polish, fresh potion ingredients, and the new edition of Magical Drafts and Potions. Slughorn's requirements are stricter than Snape's."
Ron sighed, then turned back to Alexander. "You're sure we'll get there without any trouble?"
Alexander nodded slightly. "I've used the Floo Network more times than I can count. The fireplace in Professor Flitwick's office is already connected to the Leaky Cauldron today — he confirmed it."
Ron still looked hesitant, but he didn't argue further.
Soon, the three boys, along with two other Ravenclaws, made their way through the winding corridors of Hogwarts to Flitwick's office. Professor Flitwick, ever cheerful and organized, was waiting there with a bowl of Floo powder ready.
"Ah, excellent timing, boys!" he said, his voice squeaky with excitement. "Remember, speak clearly — The Leaky Cauldron! Don't mumble, or you might end up in Knockturn Alley."
Ron gulped audibly, but Alexander gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You'll be fine."
One by one, they stepped into the green flames and vanished.
Alexander emerged last, stepping out gracefully into the dim, warm interior of the Leaky Cauldron. Dust motes danced in the sunlight slanting through the windows, and the usual low murmur of morning patrons filled the room.
Standing near the entrance was a red-haired woman with a kind face, waving toward them with relief.
"Ron! Neville! Over here!"
"Mum!" Ron rushed forward with a grin, followed by Neville, who shyly greeted Mrs. Weasley.
She hugged them both, then turned to Alexander. "And you must be Alexander Smith," she said warmly. "Thank you for watching over the boys."
Alexander inclined his head politely. "It was no trouble at all."
Mrs. Weasley gave him an appraising glance — not judgmental, but quietly impressed. "Well, I've heard good things about you from Professor Flitwick. I'm glad Ron and Neville have made such a responsible friend."
Ron flushed, clearly pleased.
They exited the Leaky Cauldron and passed through the enchanted brick wall into the bustling street of Diagon Alley. Sunlight spilled over cobbled stones and colorful shop signs, and the street was already full of witches and wizards shopping for the new school year.
"Let's stick together for now," Mrs. Weasley said, corralling the boys. "We'll stop at Flourish and Blotts first to pick up your books, then on to the apothecary."
As they walked through the vibrant crowd, Alexander couldn't help but smile to himself.
He had long ago grown used to the wonders of this magical world, but there was still something special about watching Diagon Alley come to life in the summer — seeing families laugh, children point excitedly at broomsticks in shop windows, and older students reunite with friends.
Even now, the magic still stirred something in him.
And deep down, Alexander knew… this was only the beginning of another eventful year at Hogwarts.
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