Professor McGonagall wrapped up her conversation with Ethan's parents smoothly. Unlike some other parents who asked endless questions about magic, Philemon and Nitya Adrian seemed primarily interested in understanding the learning environment and Hogwarts' rules, which reassured McGonagall.
"It's perfectly normal not to fully understand Transfiguration before receiving formal training," Professor McGonagall said, noticing that Ethan was still contemplating her earlier demonstration. "Once you start your studies at Hogwarts, things will become clearer. And if you have questions then, you can always come to me."
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall!" Ethan replied, setting down the cat and smiling gratefully.
McGonagall returned his smile. "It's all part of my duty as a professor." With a wave of her wand, she restored the room—the cats floated back to their original forms as a fruit bowl and apples, and even the sofa bore no signs of the recent scratching spree. Then she stood, ready to proceed.
"Mr. and Mrs. Adrian, it's time to take Ethan to Diagon Alley for his school supplies," she said. Philemon gathered some British pounds, and the family escorted McGonagall and Ethan to the door. Satisfied with her identity and reassured by her guidance, they gave their approval.
In the courtyard, McGonagall turned to Ethan. "Hold on to my hand tightly. Apparition can be a bit uncomfortable, but it's the fastest way to travel."
Ethan nodded, bracing himself. He'd read about Apparition and knew it could be jarring for newcomers.
With a sudden pop, they arrived in front of a shabby, nondescript pub nestled between shops in a London neighborhood. Ethan took a moment to adjust, gulping down air as he shook off the queasy, compressed feeling of Apparition.
"Are you alright, Mr. Adrian?" McGonagall asked.
"Yes, just a little dizzy at first, but I'm fine now," Ethan replied, nodding.
"Good. Apparition is an advanced travel method for wizards, one you'll have the option to learn in sixth year," McGonagall explained. "But it's risky and requires a license from the Department of Magical Transportation."
She gestured toward the pub's weathered exterior. "This is the Leaky Cauldron. Only wizards can see it, and it's the entrance to Diagon Alley. Remember its location—you'll need to come here on your own in the future."
Inside, the pub was nearly empty. Only Tom, the hunchbacked bartender, was cleaning chairs. Seeing McGonagall, he straightened up. "Good morning, Professor McGonagall! Here with another new student?"
"Yes, indeed. Good morning, Tom," McGonagall replied as she led Ethan through the bar. He wondered why Tom didn't use a cleaning charm but assumed he simply preferred the old-fashioned way.
They reached a small, unremarkable courtyard at the back. McGonagall stopped before the wall, gesturing to Ethan. "Pay attention, Mr. Adrian. Count three bricks up and two across." She tapped the brick with her wand, and the wall rearranged itself, forming an archway into a bustling wizarding street.
Ethan's eyes widened as he saw the winding cobblestone roads, quirky buildings, and wizards hurrying about in their robes.
"Our first stop is Gringotts, the wizard bank, to exchange your currency for Galleons," McGonagall said, guiding Ethan down the street. Gringotts' imposing marble building soon loomed before them.
Inside, Ethan was greeted by an inscription on the silver-white doors:
"Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed."
Ethan raised an eyebrow at the warning, amused by the irony, given the goblins' reputation for valuing wealth.
A goblin in a crisp suit approached them. "Professor McGonagall, how may I assist you?"
"Mr. Adrian here needs to exchange currency," she replied.
Following the goblin's lead, they arrived at a counter. Five pounds exchanged for one Galleon, and McGonagall advised Ethan that a hundred Galleons would be sufficient for the school year with some to spare.
Once he had his Galleons, McGonagall outlined their next stops. "Now we'll visit Ollivanders for your wand, then the bookshop, clothing store, and potion supplies. I like to start with the wand—students always look forward to it."
As they exited Gringotts, Ethan felt a sense of excitement build. He was finally stepping into the world of magic.
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