Morning light spilled into the cozy nook where Alex had been staying, warming the wooden beams of the Leaky Cauldron.
[Alex, why do you want to join Hogwarts? Can't you just go to this universe's core and extract the knowledge you need there?]
"That would be boring. I might turn into an emotionless entity. Isn't it exciting to learn and live like the students? Besides, I don't want to go back yet."
[If you say so.]
He descended the narrow staircase to find Hagrid waiting near the bar, sipping from an oversized mug.
"Ah, there yeh are!" Hagrid said with a grin, setting the mug down with a thud that rattled the table. "Ready to see Diagon Alley, then?"
Alex nodded with a smile. "Lead the way."
The two walked to the brick wall behind the Leaky Cauldron, Alex observed carefully as Hagrid pulled out his pink umbrella, tapping a specific sequence of bricks.
With a grinding sound, the bricks rearranged themselves, forming an archway that opened into a bustling cobblestone street.
Diagon Alley stretched before them, alive with color and movement.
Shop signs swayed gently in the breeze, advertising everything from cauldrons to broomsticks.
Witches and wizards darted between the stores, their robes swirling as they carried parcels and chattered animatedly.
"This here's Diagon Alley," Hagrid said, pride evident in his voice. "Everythin' a wizard needs is 'ere."
Hagrid guided Alex through the street, pointing out key landmarks.
They passed Flourish and Blotts, where tall windows showcased stacks of books ranging from leather-bound grimoires to slim pamphlets titled Tips for the Aspiring Potion-Master.
Nearby, a group of young witches pressed their noses against the glass of Quality Quidditch Supplies, ogling a broomstick displayed prominently in the window.
"Quidditch is a big deal 'round 'ere," Hagrid explained. "That there's the latest model, the Nimbus."
They stopped briefly at Slug & Jiggers, the apothecary, where a heady mix of aromas wafted out the door: crushed herbs, sulfur, and something faintly metallic.
Hagrid explained the importance of potion ingredients, though Alex's interest lay more in observing how wizards interacted with their world than in the ingredients themselves.
As they passed Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Hagrid suggested Alex get fitted for some robes, but Alex politely declined. "I think I'll manage for now," he said.
Finally, Hagrid brought Alex to the towering white structure of Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
"If yeh ever need a place to store yer valuables, this is the safest spot," Hagrid said, lowering his voice. "But don' go tryin' any funny business—goblins don't take kindly to trouble."
They continued exploring until noon approached, the sun climbing higher in the sky. The streets grew busier, and Hagrid suggested heading back to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Well, Alex," Hagrid said as they reached the pub's entrance, "reckon yeh'll be alright fer now. Just remember, keep yer wits about yeh, an' if yeh need anythin', send me an owl."
"Thank you, Hagrid," Alex said with a nod. "I'll take it from here."
Though Hagrid hesitated, Alex's firm insistence eventually won out. The half-giant gave a final wave before heading off.
As soon as Hagrid was out of sight, Alex stepped into a quiet alley beside the pub. He scanned his surroundings, ensuring he was alone, and allowed his glamour to fade.
His true form returned—a taller figure with sharper features and an aura of quiet confidence that set him apart from the bustling crowd outside.
In the shadows of the alley, Alex's eyes caught a discarded piece of iron scrap lying near a stack of crates.
He picked it up, running his fingers over its rough surface. Closing his eyes, Alex recalled the events of the previous night—the golden light in Dumbledore's hand, the transformation of a simple nail into gold.
Alex focused on the iron scrap, visualizing the rearrangement of its structure down to its core.
Energy stirred in his palm, and a warm glow enveloped the metal. When the light subsided, the jagged scrap had become a solid gold bar, smooth and gleaming in the dim light.
He turned the bar over in his hand, inspecting it with a satisfied nod. "Looks like I'm getting the hang of this. Is this the essence of creation?" he murmured.
[You do realize you can create that thing without picking up a scrap, right?] Lily's voice echoed in his mind.
"Yeah, but isn't it interesting to know how they work and study the principles behind it?"
[It is. Also, that old man will surely find you soon.] Lily muttered.
"Yes, bet he's probably pacing back and forth in his office, chewing candies, thinking of how to take advantage of me, and about Voldemort's matter."
Alex smiled smugly, pocketing the gold. He stepped out of the alley and headed toward the Leaky Cauldron and back to central London.
He decided to book a more comfortable room at an upscale hotel nearby.
He found a discreet gold exchange shop tucked away in a side street.
The transaction was straightforward; the clerk, though surprised by the quality of the gold, asked no questions beyond the necessary formalities.
Alex left with a generous stack of cash and booked a room at the Ritz London.
The Ritz was a renowned luxury hotel, famous for its grandeur and history. It was also the closest to the Leaky Cauldron.
As he relaxed in his new accommodations, Alex considered his next steps.
Tomorrow, he would exchange gold at Gringotts and buy a traceless extended box or bag to study.
Beyond that, the magical world holds countless amazing stuff, and Alex intended to collect some.