Chapter Sixty-One: Journey to Diagon Alley

“Hogwarts? I’ve never heard of that school. Is this some new kind of scam? Don’t pay it any mind, Hermione. Let’s have dinner first.” Mr. Granger, having read the invitation from Hogwarts, was completely baffled by its contents. There was no such school among London’s renowned institutions, so he concluded it must be some sort of trick. He resolved to ask around the neighborhood the next day to see if any strangers had been seen nearby.

Karn, however, was rather looking forward to what would happen next. Once the Grangers came to terms with this, he planned to take the opportunity to ask if he could accompany them to see the wizarding world. If he found a way in, Karn could begin doing business with wizards. Potions, alchemical items—just the thought of these marvelous things stirred an urge to trade within him. If possible, he would gladly spend all the gold he’d brought with him.

Even the cells of those magical creatures held tremendous value for Karn. If his research succeeded, he believed he might enable ordinary people in the Marvel world to acquire some abilities from magical beings—like fire dragons or phoenixes. Such things would be hard to come by, but at least there was hope.

“This is not a scam, Mr. Granger.”

A swirling vortex suddenly appeared in the living room, and a tall, slender wizard emerged. Though her face was aged, her upright posture and medieval wizard’s robes gave her an air of nobility that made Karn see her as anything but ordinary.

“Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has a history spanning a thousand years and has produced many outstanding wizards for the magical world. Hermione Granger is a natural-born witch, which is why she received Hogwarts’ invitation. In the past, Miss Granger must have experienced a few unusual incidents.”

After a brief introduction of herself and Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall drew her wand and performed a transfiguration spell, turning the sofa into several puppies that pranced around the Grangers before returning to their original form.

“Oh, that’s amazing!”

The Grangers were nearly dumbfounded at the sight of transfiguration magic. It was their first time witnessing something so miraculous. Moreover, Professor McGonagall’s words brought to mind the strange occurrences that had happened to Hermione when she was younger.

“Miss McGonagall, are you saying my daughter is a witch?”

“Yes, Mr. Granger. Hogwarts can help Miss Granger learn to control the power within her, so she won’t have to experience another magical outburst like the one when she was eight.”

With even such private details revealed, the Grangers began to trust Professor McGonagall’s words. As for the matter of schooling…

Their gazes turned to Hermione. Their daughter had always been exceptionally bright—sometimes almost like a little adult—so they felt they ought to seek her opinion on the matter.

Hermione asked excitedly, “Can I really go to a school for magic? Is it full of other witches and wizards, and are there lots of magical creatures from fairy tales?”

“Of course! Hogwarts is open only to wizards and witches. Every student there is just like you—a young witch or wizard.”

At these words, Hermione turned eagerly to her parents. “Mum, Dad, I’ve made up my mind. I want to go to Hogwarts!”

The Grangers considered it for a moment, then agreed. “Alright. But, Professor McGonagall, will we be able to visit Hermione at Hogwarts?”

“In principle, the wizarding world does not welcome Muggles. Without a guide, entering the magical world is dangerous for non-magical people. However, Hogwarts’ holidays are just like those of other schools. Hermione will be home for winter and summer breaks.”

Seeing their confusion, Professor McGonagall explained, “A Muggle is just a non-magical person. During the term, you can still communicate by sending letters with a messenger.”

The Grangers nodded, then asked about other aspects of Hogwarts and the wizarding world. For them, this was an entirely new universe. Karn, too, listened with rapt attention. Though he knew a little about the magical world, hearing it from Professor McGonagall was fascinating.

“Then, tomorrow at ten in the morning, I’ll escort the new students to purchase the items listed on their Hogwarts letters. By the way, for the first trip, the Grangers may accompany us.”

With that, Professor McGonagall offered a small nod and disappeared with a crack of Apparition.

“Oh, it’s hard to imagine—my daughter is a witch…”

After Professor McGonagall left, the Granger family excitedly discussed all that had happened, until their enthusiasm finally settled and they noticed Karn sitting quietly to one side.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Pont. We—”

“I understand, Mr. Granger. In fact, when I saw the sofa turn into puppies, I was just as astonished. To think that wizards really exist among us!”

Karn feigned astonishment, then smiled somewhat sheepishly at the Grangers.

“Mr. Granger, though we’ve only just met, I hope you won’t mind my asking. After seeing such marvelous magic, I know I would deeply regret missing this chance. May I accompany Miss Granger tomorrow to see the wizarding world?”

“Well…” The Grangers exchanged a glance, then looked at Hermione.

Hermione thought nothing of it—it was just a trip to the magical world, after all. Anyone invited to a family dinner by her parents must be a friend. She agreed at once. “Dad, I think it’s fine. Tomorrow I can ask Professor McGonagall.”

With Hermione’s approval, the Grangers nodded their consent. After expressing his thanks, Karn agreed on a time to meet them the next morning.

Dinner that evening was a joyous affair. To the Grangers, the day had brought the resolution of problems with their clinic’s equipment, and their daughter’s discovery as a witch—a day well worth celebrating.

* * *

The following morning

Five minutes before the appointed time, Karn arrived at the Granger house. When Professor McGonagall arrived, Hermione explained Karn’s request.

Professor McGonagall was not concerned about one more Muggle visiting the wizarding world; they would only have this one opportunity. Without a wizard’s guidance, no Muggle could ever enter the magical world, as every entrance was protected by anti-Muggle spells.

Under Professor McGonagall’s guidance, they soon reached the Leaky Cauldron.

“From here, go past the bar and you’ll find the entrance to Diagon Alley. There, Miss Granger can buy all the school supplies listed in her letter.”

She led them to the small courtyard behind the Leaky Cauldron, then demonstrated: she tapped a particular brick three times, and the bricks shifted and rotated, opening a doorway into the magical world.

“Welcome to Diagon Alley.”