The next morning, the Dawkins household buzzed with excitement and nervous energy. William woke up early, his mind still reeling from the previous night's revelation. He got dressed quickly, his heart pounding with anticipation. He couldn't believe he was about to step into the world he had only read about in books.
Downstairs, Lisa was preparing breakfast while Marcus was reading through a pamphlet McGonagall had left about Hogwarts. Nina sat at the table, swinging her legs excitedly and chattering about magic.
"Good morning, everyone," William greeted as he entered the kitchen.
"Good morning, dear," Lisa replied, placing a plate of pancakes in front of him. "I hope you're ready for today."
William nodded, trying to eat despite the butterflies in his stomach. "Yeah, I can't wait."
Marcus looked up from the pamphlet, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "It says here that you'll need to get a wand, books, and other supplies. Are you sure you're ready for this?"
William smiled, feeling more confident than ever. "I am, Dad. I've always felt different, like I was meant for something more. This is my chance to find out who I really am."
Just then, the doorbell rang again. "Ding dong!" The family exchanged glances before Lisa went to answer it.
This time, when she opened the door, she was greeted by McGonagall's familiar face. "Good morning, Mrs. Dawkins. May I come in?"
"Of course, Professor," Lisa replied, stepping aside to let her in.
McGonagall entered the house and greeted the family with a warm smile. "Good morning, everyone. William, are you ready for our trip to Diagon Alley?"
"Yes, Professor," William said, his excitement barely contained.
"Wonderful. Shall we?" McGonagall gestured towards the door.
Lisa gave William a tight hug. "Be careful, okay? And listen to Professor McGonagall."
"I will, Mom," William assured her.
Marcus patted William on the back. "Have a great time, son. We're proud of you."
Nina bounced on her toes. "Bring me back something magical, Will!"
William chuckled. "I'll see what I can do."
With farewells exchanged, William followed McGonagall out of the house. As they walked down the street, McGonagall took out her wand and hailed the Knight Bus, which appeared with a loud bang and screech of tires.
"Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. My name is Stan Shunpike, and I will be your conductor this fine day," said a young man in a purple uniform as he hopped off the bus.
"Two to Diagon Alley, please," McGonagall said, handing over a few coins.
"Righto. Hop on board!" Stan ushered them inside.
The ride on the Knight Bus was a whirlwind of jolts and sharp turns, but William was too enthralled by the magical sights to feel much discomfort. Before he knew it, they had arrived at their destination.
Stepping off the bus, William found himself in front of the Leaky Cauldron, an unassuming pub sandwiched between a bookshop and a record store. McGonagall led him inside and through to the back courtyard. With a few taps of her wand on the bricks, the wall shifted and opened, revealing the bustling, hidden world of Diagon Alley.
William's eyes widened with amazement. Shops of all kinds lined the cobblestone street, their windows displaying a plethora of magical items. Witches and wizards in colorful robes hurried about, chatting animatedly and carrying parcels.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley," McGonagall said with a smile. "Let's start with your school robes."
They entered Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where a squat, smiling witch greeted them. "Hogwarts, dear?" she asked, eyeing William.
"Yes, ma'am," William replied.
"Come along then, we'll get you measured up," Madam Malkin said, leading him to a raised platform where she began taking his measurements and fitting him with black school robes.
As Madam Malkin worked, McGonagall chatted with William. "Hogwarts robes are quite practical. They have been designed to be durable and comfortable, considering the various activities you'll be engaged in."
Next, they visited a stationary shop to purchase quills, ink, and parchment. William marveled at the variety of quills—some with feathers of phoenixes, others of peacocks. He selected a simple but elegant black quill.
Their next stop was Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore. Inside, the shelves were filled to the brim with books on every magical subject imaginable. McGonagall handed William a list of required textbooks, and together they gathered titles like "The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1" and "A History of Magic."
"Books are the cornerstone of your magical education," McGonagall said. "You will find yourself referring to them frequently."
Finally, they reached Ollivanders, the wand shop. The small, dusty store was filled with narrow boxes stacked high. A bell tinkled as they entered, and an elderly man with wide, pale eyes appeared from behind a shelf.
"Ah, Professor McGonagall. Another new student?" Ollivander said, his voice soft and mystical.
"Indeed, Mr. Ollivander. This is William Dawkins," McGonagall introduced.
"Welcome, Mr. Dawkins," Ollivander said, peering at William. "Let's find you a wand, shall we?"
Ollivander began handing William various wands to try, each accompanied by a brief history of its core and wood. But each time, the wand seemed to reject him, resulting in flickers of light or minor explosions.
"Tricky customer," Ollivander murmured, his eyes glinting with interest. "I wonder..."
He disappeared into the back and returned with a dusty box. "Try this one. Ebony and phoenix feather, eleven inches, supple."
William took the wand, and the moment his fingers closed around it, he felt a rush of warmth and power. A soft glow emanated from the wand's tip.
"Ah, yes. A unique wand for a unique wizard," Ollivander said, nodding approvingly. "This wand has a connection to darkness and shadows, but it also has a fondness for the light. A perfect match, I believe."
William felt an immediate bond with the wand. "Thank you, Mr. Ollivander."
"Take good care of it, Mr. Dawkins. It will serve you well," Ollivander advised.
Their last stop was Gringotts, the wizarding bank. The grand, white marble building loomed over the alley. Inside, goblins scurried about, attending to various tasks. McGonagall led William to a counter where a goblin with sharp features and a calculating expression awaited.
"Good day," McGonagall greeted. "We need to open a vault for Mr. Dawkins."
The goblin eyed William. "Very well. Follow me."
They descended into the depths of the bank, riding a rattling cart along twisting tracks until they reached an ancient-looking vault. The goblin unlocked it with a large, intricate key, revealing piles of gold, silver, and bronze coins.
"These are Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts," McGonagall explained. "You will need these for your expenses."
William took a handful of each type of coin, marveling at their weight and feel. But that wasn't the only matter. During William's tour to diagon alley, he could sense the tension everyone was emiting. "So it has began huh," thought William. He knew that the wizarding war will beginning in this very year. The rise of Voldemort and the death eaters, the death toll, everything. He could even sense the tension inside the gringott bank as well.
Once their shopping was complete, McGonagall handed William a train ticket. "This will take you to Hogwarts. Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station. Be sure to be there on the first of September."
"Thank you, Professor," William said, pocketing the ticket.
As they returned to the Dawkins' house, William couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. His life had changed so dramatically in such a short time. He now had a wand, magical books, and the promise of a new world to explore.
Back home, his family eagerly awaited his return. Nina squealed with delight when she saw the wand, and Lisa and Marcus listened intently as William recounted his adventure.
"So, it's really happening," Marcus said, a note of wonder in his voice.
"Yes, it is," William replied, smiling. "And I can't wait to see what comes next."
As the evening wore on, William lay in bed, clutching his wand. His mind swirled with thoughts of Hogwarts, the magical world, and the adventures that awaited him. Tomorrow, he would step onto Platform 9¾ and begin a journey that would change his life forever.
He fell asleep with a sense of purpose, excitement and fear. Dreaming of the wonders that awaited him at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.