Besides the required textbooks on his supply list, Sterling also purchased two of Lockhart's adventure novels, "The Tales of Beedle the Bard," "Adventures of Plumpluff the Pixie," and "Merlin's Legendary Stories."
"Merlin's Legendary Stories" sold the best among all the fairy tale collections, which Sterling attributed to what he privately called the "Merlin effect." As for "Adventures of Plumpluff the Pixie"... Sterling was genuinely curious to discover what kind of literary masterpiece could be so poorly received by readers.
Effective learning required examining both excellent and terrible examples.
When paying for his purchases, he also impulsively picked up a "Family Spellbook Compendium" because he suddenly remembered wanting to leave a strong impression on Professor McGonagall as an intelligent and diligent student. Simply buying storybooks might appear frivolous and childish.
Although he had initially felt excited about publicly available magic books, he reconsidered his priorities. The start date on his acceptance letter wasn't far away, and it remained uncertain whether he could master all of Lady Maleficent's advanced magic in such limited time. Purchasing additional magic books might prove wasteful.
Hogwarts was reportedly the finest magical school in all of Britain, so naturally it must possess the most comprehensive library.
Sterling preferred being careful with his money.
This relatively simple-looking magic book represented just the right amount of leisurely reading material. Besides, Sterling had never witnessed food prepared by magic before.
Perhaps the dream world contained such culinary magic, but Sterling simply hadn't discovered it during his visits.
"Mr. Page, I should warn you that not all the information in Lockhart's novels is entirely accurate. Although he claims everything is completely true, only about half of the supposedly useful information is actually reliable."
Looking at "Traveling with Trolls" stacked on top of the overflowing bag, Professor McGonagall frowned with obvious disapproval.
She genuinely disliked this particular former student.
"Understood, Professor. I originally intended these purely for entertainment."
"Oh, his books are reasonably decent for passing time." McGonagall's frown eased considerably as she observed Sterling's bulging book bag and cast a helpful floating charm to lighten its considerable weight.
"Next, we need to find you a proper companion."
"Companion?" Sterling withdrew his new wand. "You mean like this?"
"Oh no, Hogwarts allows young wizards to bring one cat, owl, or toad. A living companion that can provide considerable comfort when you're feeling homesick or overwhelmed."
Sterling shook his head politely but firmly.
"Professor, may I choose not to get one? I don't particularly enjoy keeping small animals."
Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows in genuine surprise. Few children his age didn't eagerly want a magical pet.
"Certainly, Hogwarts allows pets but doesn't require them... however, if that's your choice, you'll need to use the school's public owls to maintain contact with your family."
"That's perfectly acceptable, Professor."
The professor nodded approvingly. This guidance session had been an unusually pleasant experience for her. People who hadn't experienced it could hardly imagine how difficult some parents could be, and some obvious little Gryffindors... being spirited was wonderful, but excessive energy could prove quite troublesome.
"Well then, I believe it's time to return home... Would you like to try another method of long-distance wizard transportation?"
Seeing the somewhat mischievous smile spreading across Professor McGonagall's face, Sterling instinctively shook his head in polite refusal.
"Very well then, same as our arrival, Mr. Page. Hold tightly to my arm and absolutely do not let go."
Professor McGonagall sighed inwardly with mild disappointment. She had wanted to introduce him to the Knight Bus, and though she was getting older, she still possessed the adventurous heart of a true Gryffindor...
How could this not count as experiencing the magical world properly?
Seeing Sterling gripping her left hand with determination, the professor swiftly turned in place. CRACK!
This time Sterling was mentally well-prepared but still became dizzy from the awkward teleportation method. Even worse, he had foolishly tried to sense the magical energy during transportation.
When he closed and reopened his eyes, he saw twisted, writhing black and white lines dancing across his vision.
Fortunately, McGonagall promptly offered the calming draught, exactly like the previous time. Otherwise, the expensive French wool carpet in his living room, purchased just two months ago, might have ended up in the rubbish bin.
"Ahem... Thank you, Professor..."
McGonagall gently patted his back to provide comfort.
She felt genuinely puzzled. Usually, the first Apparition caused the strongest adverse reaction, and one would naturally expect to adapt gradually. Why was Sterling's reaction now even more severe than his initial experience?
After quite some time, Sterling reluctantly settled himself on the familiar sofa.
He had been far too bold this time. In the dream world, his magic use had always been under the careful protection of great witches, either Lady Maleficent or Fairy Godmother Vivian. Under their experienced guidance, Sterling could treat magic like an entertaining toy.
In the waking world, having never had previous contact with magic and hardly ever using dream world magic here, he still applied dream world logic incorrectly.
But this situation was completely different.
Not only was he without the great witches' meticulous protection, but the magical composition itself had significant differences.
The twisted black and white lines he'd glimpsed during Apparition had emanated some sort of frightening "presence" that he couldn't adequately describe. Simply recalling the experience made his spine chill with unease.
"My apologies, Professor, for causing you such trouble."
"It's perfectly alright. I didn't properly assess your physical condition beforehand... Apparently, we'll need to exercise much greater caution with your use of Apparition in the future..."
Professor McGonagall would never blame such an intelligent, well-behaved boy. However, she glanced discreetly at the wall clock. Soon it would be time for her appointment with another magical family.
Oh yes, a doctor's family. Among all Muggle families Professor McGonagall was required to visit, medical doctors topped her list of least favorites. They invariably sought to understand the precise biological differences between wizards and Muggles.
But magic completely defied scientific logic. If magic could be properly explained by Muggle science, would it still deserve to be called magic?
"Mr. Page, how are you feeling now?"
"Much better, Professor. I'm confident I can take proper care of myself going forward."
Sterling noticed McGonagall's concerned glance at the clock, and being naturally perceptive, he chose to help ease her mind. Besides, he genuinely did feel considerably better now.
For some inexplicable reason, his physical recovery had always been quite extraordinary.
"Well then... Mr. Page, I must depart for another family now. Another young wizard awaits their introduction to the magical world."
"Of course, goodbye, Professor McGonagall. You'll allow her to personally open the entrance to Diagon Alley, correct?"
"Indeed, naturally... but no more Apparition this time. Farewell, Mr. Page."
Professor McGonagall spun once gracefully and left a small crimson and gold note behind. Sterling picked it up carefully and read the elegantly yet precisely written message:
"Platform Nine and Three-Quarters is located within a pillar between Platforms Nine and Ten at King's Cross Station. When you arrive, simply run straight through the barrier with confidence."
What absolutely magical engineering! How could an entire railway platform be concealed inside a seemingly ordinary pillar?
Sterling pondered this mystery thoroughly and couldn't recall any dream world magic that corresponded to such architecture.
Perhaps it represented a fascinating form of spatial magic. Sterling decided to research it extensively in the Hogwarts library after term began to understand exactly how such enchantments functioned.
For now, however, the most pressing matter was simple.
Food.
After wandering through Diagon Alley all morning, Sterling felt hungry enough to devour an entire roasted boar.