Movies are just movies.
They are restricted by special effects and camera angles; they only present the tip of the iceberg of Diagon Alley.
When truly stepping here.
Ian felt that it was absolutely not the county market many people joked about, nor was it a relic of a backward and decayed era; it was the most prosperous gathering place for wizards on the British Isles!
"Truly... enchanted!"
Ian was very excited.
He didn't feel the nausea that should accompany Apparition for the first time, realizing later it should have been due to a potion from Snape that tasted much better than milk.
Unexpectedly, Snape actually has such a meticulous side, which somewhat overturned Ian's understanding of Snape's character, while making him recall Dumbledore's words.
What kind of debt of gratitude.
Could make Snape show such meticulousness, inconsistent with his character?
"Could it be that my parents in this life actually died due to his tasks during his time with the Death Eaters?" Ian felt puzzled, continuously thinking in his mind.
And at this moment.
"Follow me."
Snape already released his grip from Ian's neck, quickly walking forward without looking back, Ian promptly dragged his large suitcase and followed behind.
On the bustling street, Snape didn't turn around, but maintained a pace that Ian could keep up with, preventing him from being lost in the crowd.
"Professor, where are we going? Is it the bank?"
Ian asked curiously.
"It's called Gringotts; do not use Muggle's foolish thoughts to ponder the rules of the Wizarding World." Snape's tone was icy, but he still gave Ian a reminder.
"Restrain your mind, all here are wizards. They don't spare you just because you're a child; a Dark Wizard could snatch you for evil experiments at any moment." Snape sinisterly frightened Ian, clearly warning him not to provoke other wizards with his Thought Perception.
"I'll try my best..."
Ian attempted to clear his mind; indeed, doing so could reduce the sensitivity of his Extraordinary Traits related to Thought Perception a lot. He genuinely couldn't fully control this trait ability.
To divert his attention.
Ian began to be curious about the magic creatures living alongside wizards.
Besides the Fantastic Beasts.
Creatures from fantasy stories like giants and dwarves almost all existed in this magic world Ian now lived in. He was very curious about how truly hideous the elves looked.
Yet.
Snape did not take him to Gringotts.
"Give me all the textbooks required for first-year at Hogwarts." The first stop Snape took Ian to was Li Hen Bookstore, which sold various magic books. Who knows which pure-blood clan stands behind it, monopolizing the textbook sales rights for the entire British Wizarding World.
Just like before Ian's journey, schools would designate specific bookstores for students to purchase workbooks and books, Ian indeed did not believe such similar situations lack the exchange of interests.
"Alright, Professor Snape."
The staff inside the bookstore seemed not unfamiliar with a Hogwarts teacher. He was even somewhat timid facing Snape, unsure if he was a graduate of Hogwarts.
"I still don't know what textbooks I need? I haven't even received a Hogwarts acceptance letter." Ian grumbled standing behind Snape.
"You care about a meaningless piece of paper?"
Snape glanced sideways.
"It just feels like something is missing."
Ian blinked.
"Ha, a laughable obsession indeed."
Snape sneered, reached into his pocket and pulled out a wrinkled piece of paper, tossing it towards where Ian stood as if discarding trash.
Ian quickly extended his hand to catch it.
You could see.
On the most conspicuous position of the paper, a large letter "H" was composed of a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake. This was Ian's acceptance letter.
[Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(President of the International Wizarding Federation, Level 1 of the Merlin Order, Great Mage, Chief Mage of Wizengamot
Dear Mr. Prince:
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An overview of required books and equipment is enclosed. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl no later than July 31.
Deputy Headmistress
Minerva McGonagall]
...
Behind the notification information was a lengthy appendix, basically what new students need to purchase, Ian quickly glanced through and got a general understanding.
"Now, Mr. Full of Problems, are you satisfied?" Snape's voice was still prolonged, even giving Ian an annoying nickname.
"I thought I could see a Hogwarts owl though."
Ian pouted.
"Instead of focusing on useless vanity, why not think about how you can learn useful skills at school to avoid ending up with a life as miserable as those Hufflepuffs."
Snape said this.
A store clerk, just at that moment, was coming over with a big pile of books for Ian.
From his slightly annoyed but restrained expression, Ian suspected that Snape might have been mocking the store clerk while lecturing him.
This guy really has a terrible personality.
"Thank you."
Ian didn't want to be resented because of Snape's comments, so he quickly thanked the clerk sincerely and took the heavy pile of books from him.
"Don't believe what Snape says; Hufflepuff has produced many outstanding wizards, like the author of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them', Master Newt Scamander."
"Being a Hufflepuff is a very honorable thing." The clerk, as he handed the books to Ian, quietly defended Hufflepuff.
"I think so too."
Ian replied with a smile.
The clerk felt comforted and patted Ian's head.
"15 Golden Galleons, please."
At this moment, the store's cashier spoke up before Ian could respond, and Snape had already pulled out a small money bag and stepped up to the counter to pay for the books.
"Is this a student loan, Professor?"
Ian actually wanted to go to Gringotts to exchange money himself.
"That's not something you need to worry about."
Snape replied coldly.
Once he paid,
he saw Ian struggling to fit the books into an already overfilled suitcase, so he raised his hand and cast a spell on Ian's clothes and miscellaneous items in the trunk.
"Reducio."
The next moment,
as all sorts of random stuff shrank, Ian was able to easily fit the books into the suitcase.
"This is amazing!"
Ian's expression was very excited.
"Just a kind reminder, this magic only lasts for 24 hours. If you don't take the items out in time... ha, you won't want to see what happens."
After Snape said this,
he swirled his cloak and walked towards the door.
Ian hurried to catch up.
I have to admit, with Snape's spell, the suitcase felt much lighter to carry; the wonders of magic indeed make even Lavoisier turn in his grave.
Mass isn't conserved!?
It's so unscientific!
I like it!
Ian's desire to learn magic was growing stronger.
"Professor! Wait!"
Faced with Snape's quickened pace, Ian could only rush with all his short legs.
Then,
Snape took Ian shopping for other necessities, the whole time paying for everything himself.
Even,
when they were buying a crucible for brewing potions, the clerk had already brought out a standard student entry set, but Snape told the clerk to switch to a brass crucible.
More expensive.
Much pricier than an ordinary crucible.
"Professor, the notification says to buy a standard size 2 tin crucible." Ian held his notification, feeling a bit uncertain as he spoke.
Unexpectedly,
when paying, Snape simply retorted with a mocking tone.
"It seems Mr. Prince thinks he's learned all there is, and is starting to direct the Professor of Potions on what the right choice is?"
Filled with sarcastic mockery.
It left Ian speechless.
If not for Snape constantly paying, Ian would've surely dared to talk back—truth be told, Ian felt more confused than before.
Could it be,
that Snape really killed his own parents with a guilty conscience when he was a Death Eater? If not, why would Snape show such unusual favor?
It was truly baffling!