Half an hour earlier...
When Professor McGonagall first arrived at the Swinton house, she was greeted with a warm reception by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. They had prepared cake and biscuits in advance and brewed a fresh pot of milk tea, inviting Professor McGonagall to sit down. They then enthusiastically began asking questions about the magical world and Hogwarts.
This unexpected turn of events left the normally composed Professor McGonagall a little bewildered. She had mentally prepared for all sorts of reactions before entering the house, but she had never anticipated something so welcoming.
In her experience with Muggle-born students, she was more often met with skepticism and suspicion than a genuine, warm reception like the one the Swintons were giving her.
Although she was initially caught off guard, the Swintons' attitude quickly endeared them to Professor McGonagall. She patiently answered their questions, a rare gesture for her, and in doing so, learned that Victor could use magic at will.
This astonished her.
Based on her experience, the consequences of an untrained, wandless wizard using magic were usually very serious. For Harry to turn his Aunt Marge into a balloon was a mild case; if his emotions had been more volatile and he had a stronger thought of "burst her," Aunt Marge would have likely exploded into chunks of flesh.
So, out of a sense of responsibility as the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall asked Victor to demonstrate his magic so she could conduct a basic assessment of the as-yet-un-enrolled student.
Victor, for his part, was also curious to see how Professor McGonagall would react to his magic, so he agreed.
That was when the scene from before took place.
Of course, Professor McGonagall had no idea that casting a fireball was one of Victor's most basic skills and didn't even require a magic circle.
Casting a simple spell... could it possibly be more difficult than eating mashed potatoes?
So the result was a clash between two different magical systems and philosophies, leaving both Victor and Professor McGonagall utterly bewildered by something beyond their understanding.
"Mr. Dreyar, to be honest, you are the most astonishing student I have ever encountered. In the entire history of Hogwarts, no one has been able to cast such powerful and stable magic at your age." Although Professor McGonagall was in a state of shock, she maintained her composure and a professor's dignified demeanor. "However, let's leave this topic for now. We can discuss your unique situation after you've enrolled."
"And now, Mr. Dreyar, I must remind you that we are running out of time. I still have two other students' families to visit. You must get your school supplies. Mr. and Mrs. Swinton, would you like to join us?" Professor McGonagall asked, standing up straight.
"Yes!"
Before Mrs. Julie could answer, Aliya and Rick, who had been sitting quietly, answered in unison. They could no longer contain their curiosity. Their desire to learn about the magical world was driving them mad.
"Well, all right, we'll come with you!" Wilson said, slapping his thigh. He was also eager to see what this magical world was like.
And so, after a quick tidy-up, Victor and the four Swintons set off with Professor McGonagall. Of course, they went by the Underground. The Leaky Cauldron was in London, so Apparating there was unnecessary. Besides, Professor McGonagall wasn't confident in her ability to Apparate with so many people.
An hour later, at Charing Cross Road, Victor and the others had just gotten off the Underground with Professor McGonagall.
"The Leaky Cauldron is up ahead. It was established by Daisy Dodderidge in the early 16th century. Behind the pub is Diagon Alley, where Mr. Dreyar can get all of his school supplies," Professor McGonagall said, pointing ahead.
"A pub? Where's the pub?" Rick looked around, confused. People without magic could not see the Leaky Cauldron.
"The Leaky Cauldron is protected by a powerful concealment charm. Muggles cannot see it," Professor McGonagall explained, leading them toward the pub.
It was only when Professor McGonagall touched the greasy doorknob of the Leaky Cauldron that the four Swintons were able to see the pub for what it truly was. Of course, Victor was an exception; he had seen the dilapidated pub from a distance, standing out conspicuously on the bustling street. Its subtle magical aura was enough to catch his attention.
As soon as they entered the pub, a musty smell assailed them.
Compared to the worn-out front door, the interior was filthy and shabby.
The Leaky Cauldron was dimly lit, the only light source being a small window overhead. The gray, damp walls were covered in mold due to the lack of ventilation.
Portraits of unknown figures hung on the walls; some were repeating the same actions, while others were chatting with one another across their frames. Beneath the portraits were long tables and wooden benches arranged along the walls.
In the center of the pub were several old, large wooden tables, their surfaces smooth and worn with age. A few wizards sat there, drinking and talking. At the bar at the back of the pub was a balding bartender wiping the counter; he was Tom, the current owner of the Leaky Cauldron.
"Hello, Tom," Professor McGonagall said, walking up to him.
"Oh, hello, Professor McGonagall! It's been a while," Tom responded, looking up and smiling when he saw a familiar face. "What can I do for you?"
"Thank you, Tom. We'd like to pass through to Diagon Alley."
"Ah, of course, no problem. My, how time flies. Is it time for the new Hogwarts students to enroll again?" Tom turned to look at Victor, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. He had clearly guessed that Victor was a new student this year. He didn't have to guess, really. Aliya and Rick were obviously too old, and the looks on their faces as they looked around showed that this was their first time here.
"A Muggle-born wizard, is that right? What's your name?" Tom asked, leaning in.
"Victor. Victor Dreyar," Victor replied.
"Dreyar, a rare surname..." Tom stood up. "Well, Mr. Dreyar, please follow me." He then turned and opened a hidden wooden door behind the bar.
The group followed Tom inside, where they found a very narrow courtyard filled with wooden barrels and rubbish.
"Mr. Dreyar, please remember: three up from the dustbin, and two across. Tap each of them with a wand in order," Tom said, facing a brick wall and tapping it a few times with a wand. The bricks on the wall began to shake mysteriously and rapidly moved apart. Soon, an archway appeared.
The theme song to Harry Potter began to play silently in Victor's mind.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley!" Tom exclaimed.