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"I didn't expect this scarf to suit you so well."
Hermione stepped closer and glanced at the scarf wrapped around Dudley's neck. Her cheeks turned slightly pink.
"I really like it," he replied, gently brushing his fingers over the soft fabric.
Harry, walking just behind them, overheard the exchange and immediately recognized the tone from the classroom scene. His eyes lit up.
'Gossip! This is definitely gossip!'
"I never imagined you'd be going there too. Honestly… if you weren't, it would be terribly boring."
The girl who once carried herself like a proud little hen now sounded more like a shy kitten.
Behind them, Petunia and Mrs. Granger chatted quietly, while Vernon and Mr. Granger were already enthusiastically debating when to schedule their next fishing trip.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's not forget we still have important matters to attend to," Professor McGonagall interrupted with a polite cough.
Everyone apologized at once.
Once they realized the Granger family also had a young witch, congratulations were exchanged all around.
"It's even better that you already know one another," McGonagall remarked. "It makes my job considerably easier."
…
With everyone gathered, they set off for the magical world.
Their destination was a pub — the entrance to something extraordinary.
And once again, they went by car.
There wasn't a single wizard living within ten kilometers of St. John's Wood. The family McGonagall had previously mentioned had moved away five years earlier.
After all, it was a busy commercial district. And many witches and wizards, cautious as they tended to be, preferred quieter surroundings.
They parked near a narrow, grimy-looking building along a London street.
"This pub looks a bit… dated," Vernon muttered, frowning at the stained sign.
The Grangers wrinkled their noses as well.
Only Petunia seemed captivated, trying to peer through the foggy window.
McGonagall sighed and, with a subtle flick of her wand, dispelled the uncomfortable feeling hovering over them.
"The establishment is protected by a charm. Most Muggles cannot see it. And even when they do, they feel a strong reluctance to enter."
It was the Muggle-Repelling Charm.
"Lily once mentioned the Leaky Cauldron…" Petunia murmured.
The professor gave her a curious look.
With the soft chime of a bell, they stepped inside.
…
The moment they entered, everyone was stunned.
The interior was far larger than it appeared from outside — at least ten times bigger.
The tables were occupied by people in eccentric attire: robes, top hats, long cloaks.
Several elderly witches sipped sherry in the corner; one of them smoked from a long pipe.
A man in a tall hat was speaking with the innkeeper, a walnut-faced fellow with deep wrinkles.
The chatter faded as soon as they noticed McGonagall.
"Professor McGonagall! These must be the new Hogwarts students?"
The pub's owner spoke respectfully.
She simply nodded and guided the group toward the back, into a small courtyard enclosed by brick walls.
Vernon and Mr. Granger clearly wanted to try some magical beverage, but the professor's stern posture discouraged them.
"Pay close attention. I will demonstrate this only once."
She tapped a specific brick three times with her wand.
The brick trembled and shifted.
A small hole appeared and began to widen.
Within moments, a wide archway opened, revealing a winding cobblestone street beyond.
"Ladies and gentlemen… welcome to Diagon Alley."
As soon as they stepped through, the wall sealed itself behind them.
"Incredible…" Mr. Granger murmured.
Everyone stared in wonder.
Shops of every kind lined the street: cauldrons, quills, ingredients, pets, parchment, herbs.
The place was bustling with activity.
It was, essentially, the commercial heart of the wizarding world.
Even Dudley couldn't help taking everything in with sharp attention.
Only Petunia managed to maintain her composure.
"Professor, I believe we should exchange our money first."
Not one of them possessed a single Knut.
"Of course. We'll head to Gringotts."
…
As they walked:
"Do you think I brought enough?" Vernon muttered, gripping the pocket stuffed with pound notes.
He had gone to the bank the night before.
Ahead of them rose a tall, imposing white building in medieval European style.
A gleaming bronze door stood at its entrance.
"This is Gringotts," McGonagall explained. "And those are goblins."
Small creatures with pointed ears stood guard.
The Grangers and Vernon watched with fascination.
"One piece of advice: don't get too involved with them. Goblins are famously shrewd — and they'd do almost anything for a few extra Galleons."
Hearing that, Vernon tightened his grip on his pocket even more.
'I just hope the exchange rate isn't outrageous…'
With that uneasy thought lingering in his mind, they all stepped into Gringotts.
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