Chapter 28: An Unexpected Visit and a Trip to Diagon Alley
The morning sun shone through the large windows of Wayne Manor, casting a golden hue over the polished floors. Alfred Pennyworth was in the middle of his morning routine, ensuring that everything was in perfect order when he heard a distinct knock at the front door. Raising an eyebrow, he straightened his suit before making his way toward the grand entrance.
Upon opening the door, he was greeted by a tall, stern-looking woman clad in emerald-green robes, her dark hair pulled into a tight bun. She had an air of authority that was impossible to ignore, and the sharp eyes behind her square spectacles immediately assessed Alfred with a calculating gaze.
"Good morning," the woman said crisply. "My name is Professor Minerva McGonagall. I am the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am here to speak with Mr. Barrett Wayne regarding his acceptance into our institution."
Alfred, being the refined gentleman he was, did not let his surprise show. Instead, he gave her a small nod and stepped aside. "Please, come in, Professor McGonagall. Master Wayne is expecting you."
If McGonagall was taken aback by his composed response, she didn't show it. She stepped inside, immediately noticing the pristine condition of the manor. However, the moment she passed through the threshold, a faint shimmer of magic pulsed through the air. She stiffened slightly, sensing the presence of enchantments layered throughout the estate.
'Wards… and strong ones at that. But these are not conventional wizarding wards. What kind of magic is at play here?' she thought, her curiosity piqued.
As she followed Alfred deeper into the manor, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just entered a fortress unlike any she had ever encountered before. The sheer precision of the wards, combined with something she couldn't quite identify, made her uneasy.
McGonagall was led into a spacious room lined with bookshelves filled with both ancient tomes and modern technological manuals. At the center of the room sat Barrett Wayne, an unreadable expression on his face as he gazed at the visitor before him.
"Professor McGonagall," Barrett greeted with a slight smile, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "I've been expecting you."
McGonagall hesitated for just a second before nodding. "Mr. Wayne. It is a pleasure to meet you. I trust you have read your letter?"
"I have," Barrett replied. "It was quite enlightening, though I admit I have some… questions."
Before McGonagall could respond, her eyes caught sight of something peculiar—small metallic orbs floating in the air, scanning her with eerie precision. A soft hum of energy vibrated through the room. She turned to see an advanced-looking console in the corner, displaying what appeared to be… magical readings?
"What… is this?" she asked, unable to hide her shock.
"Oh, just a little project of mine," Barrett said casually, motioning toward the hovering drones. "I like to combine magic and technology to see what happens."
McGonagall's lips thinned. "Magic and technology do not mix, Mr. Wayne."
Barrett gave her an amused look. "Are you sure about that? Because from where I'm sitting, they seem to get along just fine."
McGonagall composed herself. "Hogwarts is a place for learning magic. We do not deal in Muggle technologies. The Statute of Secrecy exists for a reason."
Barrett leaned back, fingers steepled. "I understand the need for secrecy, but don't you think it's a bit… limiting? There's so much more magic can do when paired with the right advancements."
McGonagall pursed her lips. "Be that as it may, you will be expected to follow the rules set forth by the school."
Barrett merely smiled. "Of course, Professor."
Sensing that this conversation could go on for hours, McGonagall cleared her throat. "I am here to assist with your preparations for school. However, due to your location, we must first collect another student before proceeding to Diagon Alley. We will be using a Portkey."
She held out a simple, worn-out book. Barrett glanced at it, then at Alfred, before standing. "Alright, let's get this over with."
With that, they touched the Portkey and vanished in a swirl of energy.
As soon as they landed in front of the Leaky Cauldron, Barrett took a moment to adjust. The pub was dimly lit, and the air smelled of butterbeer and old wood. Wizards and witches glanced at him as he followed McGonagall inside.
Tom, the barkeep, nodded at McGonagall. "Professor! A pleasure as always."
She gave a polite nod. "Good to see you, Tom. We'll be heading through."
Barrett watched as she tapped the bricks in a specific sequence. The wall shifted, revealing the hidden entrance to Diagon Alley. As they stepped through, he took in his surroundings with an analytical gaze. The cobbled streets, the bustling shops, and the eccentric wizards—it was all fascinating.
McGonagall handed him his school shopping list. "You will need to acquire your books, robes, and, of course, a wand."
Barrett, however, had his own plan. "First stop, Gringotts."
McGonagall sighed but did not object. The moment Barrett stepped inside the grand goblin bank, a ripple of energy passed through the building. The goblins stiffened, immediately sensing his immense magical power.
Barrett approached the counter. "I would like to make a vault deposit."
The goblin clerk eyed him warily. "And what currency are you depositing?"
Barrett smirked and gestured to a large briefcase Alfred had provided. Inside was an impressive collection of solid gold bars, rare gemstones, and ancient coins. The goblin's eyes gleamed with greed and curiosity.
Minutes later, he was escorted to a private meeting room where the highest-ranking goblin, Ragnok, awaited him.
"You are an interesting one, Mr. Wayne," Ragnok said. "Your magical presence is… unusual."
Barrett smirked. "I get that a lot."
After discussing his vaults, investments, and securing himself as Gringotts' top VIP client, Barrett had one more request.
"I would like a wizarding credit card."
Silence.
McGonagall looked as if she had swallowed a lemon. The goblins looked confused.
"A… what?" Ragnok asked.
"A credit card," Barrett repeated. "Something I can use to make purchases without having to carry around bags of gold like a medieval noble."
The goblins exchanged looks before Ragnok sighed. "We shall… see what can be done."
McGonagall could only shake her head. 'This boy is going to turn Hogwarts upside down.'
Barrett simply grinned. He couldn't wait to have some fun.