Because Rolf is a new student and needs to buy a lot of things, everyone set off early.
After arriving at Diagon Alley, they split up as planned—
Rolf's mother took him to buy a suitable magic wand, while his father went to buy cauldrons and such.
Steven and Vid went to the pharmacy first.
Vid needed to order some Magic Potion materials and asked the store manager to mail them to the school later.
The stores in Diagon Alley have been doing business with Hogwarts students for years, and their reputation in this regard is well-established, so there's no worry about them reneging.
Steven planned to buy some powder to de-worm his cat raccoon, and also sell some materials he collected from the farm, like Motra Rat Juice.
After wandering around for a while, they agreed to meet at the ice cream shop. Vid and Steven sat down at a table outside the shop to rest for a bit, had something to drink, and then waited for Rolf, who had just ordered new school robes.
"Mom, buy me a Fireworks, please." Rolf tugged on Madam Scamander's sleeve, pleading: "Even just one would do!"
"No." Madam Scamander gently refused: "The school doesn't allow you to bring such things."
"I won't bring it to school, I'll just set it off at home," Rolf said. "I want to see what water blooming looks like."
"Buy it for him." Rolf's father also interceded for his son: "Kids need toys, don't they?"
On their way to Flourish and Blotts, they first stopped by the Magic Joke Shop.
Rolf was dazzled by the array of magic fireworks, Vid bought a bit of everything, and Steven even recommended a can of colorful candy to him.
"This is very interesting, after you eat it, a plant will sprout from the top of your head. It disappears after a few minutes, so there's no need to worry about harm to your body."
Steven explained while also taking two cans for himself.
They also had self-shuffling playing cards, a quill that could suddenly turn into a giant spider, and realistic toads that could emit a stench.
Vid wasn't interested in these prank toys. He glanced at them and put them down.
There were more people around Flourish and Blotts than expected, but most of the crowd was gathered outside, and the majority were middle-aged witches.
They were lined up in a winding queue at the entrance, holding one or two books, occasionally tidying their hair or dusting off their skirts.
A few adults refrained from approaching the crowd, while Vid pulled Rolf and weaved agilely through the gaps in the people.
Most people were there for a book signing, so there were fewer people inside the store. They told the store clerk their grade and the young man expertly retrieved two pre-packaged parcels.
"Do you want all new books?" asked the clerk, noticing they were both kids, and kindly reminded them: "Used books could save you a bit."
"New books are fine, thank you."
Vid and Rolf both took out Galleons to pay.
Gilderoy Lockhart's books weren't cheap, with two heavy bags of Galleons placed on the table.
The two left the store with their books and happened to see Gilderoy Lockhart holding Harry's hand for a photo op with the reporters. The surrounding crowd was buzzing with excitement, while Harry looked like he wanted to escape.
"Harry Potter? Is he here too?"
Upon hearing Harry's name, Rolf stood on tiptoe, craning his neck to see.
Unfortunately, he was too short, and all he could see were a sea of backs, making it impossible to spot the dark-haired boy.
Seeing Rolf almost knocked over by the crowd, Vid pulled him back and asked: "Curious?"
"Of course!" Rolf excitedly said: "I grew up listening to his stories! I heard he recently foiled the Mysterious Man's scheme again, is it true?"
"It's true. But there's no need to push in now. Once you get to school, you can see him every day."
"Can I take a picture with him?" Rolf pressed on: "I want to hang his photo on my wall."
Vid said: "I have a camera. But whether you can take a picture together, you'll have to ask him yourself."
Vid pulled Rolf towards the exit and could still hear Lockhart's voice from behind—
"I am immensely pleased and proud to announce that starting this September, I will be the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"
—Luckily, I've already found myself a truly competent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Vid muttered in his heart.
Otherwise, he would have to find a way to drive this Lockhart away.
Vid safely returned Rolf to his parents and heard the boy excitedly telling them: "Mom, Dad, guess who's there?"
"Lockhart?" Mr. Scamander chimed in.
"No, it's Harry Potter! He's taking photos with Mr. Lockhart, and the reporters are snapping pictures!"
Rolf was bouncing with excitement: "I'm going to be classmates with Harry Potter!"
"Calm down." Madam Scamander wiped the sweat off his forehead and gently reminded: "Also, don't ask him about his scar or the first time he defeated the Mysterious Man, got it?"
"Why, Mom? I'm really curious!" Rolf exclaimed.
"Silly child, he lost his parents back then!" Madam Scamander said gently.
The crowd suddenly became chaotic, with people screaming and others scrambling to avoid the commotion.
Vid heard one of the Weasley Twins yelling loudly: "Hit him, Dad!"
And Mrs. Weasley shouting: "Don't, Arthur, don't!"
"Try this, Ron Weasley!" Malfoy's voice was particularly clear.
"I think I heard some familiar names." Vid handed everything else to Steven: "Hold these for me; I'm going to see what's going on."
He squeezed back into the crowd and saw Hagrid separating Ron's father Arthur Weasley and Lucius Malfoy effortlessly, one in each hand.
The brawling Ron and Malfoy were also pulled apart by Harry, who discreetly took sides. Malfoy's eye was left black and blue from Ron's punch.
Lucius Malfoy's pale blond hair was covered in dust. He broke free from Hagrid's grasp and handed the worn Transfiguration textbook to Ginny Weasley arrogantly.
"Take your book!" he sneered disdainfully: "It's the best thing your father can give you."
Vid, with his magic wand hidden in his sleeve, gave it a light flick. Ginny suddenly seemed to be pushed, staggering a step and falling over.
"Lucius Malfoy, how dare you lay hands on a child!"
Arthur Weasley was instantly furious and made to lunge into another fight, only to be stopped by Hagrid again.
"That's too much!" the Half-Blood Giant was angry too, looking at Malfoy with contempt: "If that's the extent of what you can do, you'd be better off not showing up in front of me!"