Wayne hadn't expected Humphrey to say something like that.
It must be that, after going home yesterday, he'd accessed a good deal of information about the wizarding world through the Downing Street channels.
Wayne hurriedly explained Humphrey's job to Professor McGonagall, feeling a little touched in his heart.
Humphrey had done this research—for him, his nephew.
Even if the information was slightly outdated, Wayne appreciated the thought.
Professor McGonagall gave Wayne a long, thoughtful look.
This young wizard's family held quite a prestigious position in the Muggle world.
He even held a noble title. In the wizarding world, that was on par with the famed old pure-blood families—the Sacred Twenty-Eight.
There were many Muggle-born students at Hogwarts, but someone like Wayne?
She really hadn't seen such a case before.
But perhaps that wasn't a bad thing.
At least she wouldn't have to spend time explaining all sorts of questions that parents usually raised.
Wayne had accepted the existence of magic very quickly.
"Mr. Lawrence, since you don't have any more questions, let's head to Diagon Alley," she said.
"Oh, and bring along some Muggle money—you'll need to exchange it for wizarding currency."
She glanced at the time. It wasn't yet half past nine, but McGonagall still seemed in a hurry.
Bringing Muggle-born students into the wizarding world was normally divided among the Heads of House.
But Professor Sprout was off visiting an old schoolmate in America, and Snape had been roped away by Dumbledore.
This year, McGonagall was burdened with a heavier load. She still had to visit another young wizard's home in the afternoon.
Someone named… Granger?
"Please wait a moment," Wayne replied obediently.
He ran upstairs, grabbed a backpack, and came down again.
McGonagall gave it a quick glance—it looked heavy—but said nothing. She simply placed her hand on Wayne's shoulder.
"Hold your breath. This might feel a little unpleasant, but it'll be over quickly."
Before Wayne could respond, McGonagall had already activated Apparition.
With a loud crack, the two of them twisted and vanished on the spot, like being flushed down a giant toilet.
Wayne felt the world spinning wildly.
By the time his vision cleared again, they were standing in a narrow alleyway.
"Apparition," McGonagall explained. "It's one of the ways wizards travel—usually for short distances."
"The first time is always uncomfortable. It gets better later. Are you alright, Mr. Lawrence?"
"I'm fine. Just a little dizzy."
Wayne quickly pulled himself together, rubbing the sore spot between his brows.
He hadn't slept the whole night, and after the wild ride just now, he was starting to feel a bit drowsy.
Following McGonagall, the two of them arrived at the entrance of a pub.
The door looked extremely rundown, in stark contrast to the modern record shop and bookstore on either side.
None of the passersby seemed to notice the pub—or perhaps they simply didn't know it existed.
Once they stepped inside and people caught sight of McGonagall's face,
the previously noisy environment immediately quieted down.
Several wizards even stood up instinctively, looking nervous—so much so that Wayne almost laughed.
Most English witches and wizards had graduated from Hogwarts.
Many of the wizards here were once McGonagall's students.
Now, seeing their former teacher again, they were instantly reminded of the fear she had once instilled in them—just like mice seeing a cat.
"Professor McGonagall!"
The bartender, Tom, greeted her with a smile.
"Oh my, what a handsome young wizard. Is he one of this year's first-years?"
Wayne smiled shyly, looking a little bashful.
Professor McGonagall nodded.
"That's right. I brought him here to buy his textbooks and equipment. By the way, Tom, I remember your child is starting Hogwarts this year too, isn't she?"
"Of course."
At the mention of this, Tom visibly brightened.
"Hannah's been waiting for this day for a long time. But chances are, she'll end up in Hufflepuff."
McGonagall smiled as well.
"If a member of the Abbot family ever ends up in Gryffindor, it would surely make the front page of the Daily Prophet."
A few people nearby chuckled at that.
The Abbot family was also one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight—pure-blood families. Every known member had been sorted into Hufflepuff for generations. There had never been an exception.
After a few more pleasantries, McGonagall led Wayne past the bar and into a small courtyard enclosed by brick walls. Besides a trash bin and some weeds, there was nothing of note.
"Three up, two across," McGonagall muttered softly as she tapped her wand against a brick that was slightly more recessed than the others.
She tapped it three times.
The bricks began to tremble rapidly, forming a small hole. The hole expanded until it revealed a winding cobblestone path.
"Remember this brick and what I just did, Mr. Lawrence. That way, you'll be able to enter Diagon Alley on your own in the future."
Wayne asked softly,
"Professor McGonagall, if... I mean, if—"
"If the trash bin is moved, or replaced with a bigger or smaller one, what happens?"
McGonagall twitched slightly and stared at Wayne in disbelief.
That "if"... really gave her a scare!
"Mr. Lawrence, once upon a time, there were two young wizards who thought the exact same thing as you. They moved the trash bin to the other side."
At this, Professor McGonagall pressed her lips together, her expression darkening.
"Hogwarts received an official complaint, and their house lost... fifty points."
"After that, the trash bin was placed under a Permanent Sticking Charm. It can no longer be moved or replaced."
Wayne wisely refrained from asking which house those two mischievous students had belonged to.
Judging by Professor McGonagall's expression, he could already guess.
Following the witch through the archway, Wayne stepped onto the cobbled street—what could only be described as the magical world's equivalent of a Central Business District.
On both sides of the long, winding street stood countless shops. Many of the signs hung crookedly, and the street was packed with bustling witches and wizards. Apparition pops rang out as people appeared and disappeared, accompanied by loud cracking sounds.
In the distance, a gleaming white building split Diagon Alley into two forks.
"First, we exchange your money. Then we'll get your wand."
Along the way, Wayne's eyes never stopped moving, darting between the dazzling array of shops. Professor McGonagall had seen this same scene countless times, but she still couldn't help smiling.
Watching Wayne eagerly rush into Gringotts, she recalled the question he had asked earlier.
She had a hunch.
This boy might not be as obedient and well-behaved as he looked.