"You don't know what we just went through!" Harry exclaimed to Brian, his voice brimming with excitement as they stepped out of Gringotts, a heavy bag of coins slung over his shoulder.
"Oh? What happened?" Brian asked, standing leisurely to the side with a soft chuckle.
"In my vault, I couldn't even count the gold coins and silver ingots. They were stacked like mountains! It was so cool—I've never seen that much money before. It's a good thing my aunt and uncle don't know, or they'd definitely try to take it all."
"Are your aunt and uncle not good to you?"
"Well, I've had a bit of a rough time," Harry admitted.
"Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions is just ahead," Hagrid interrupted, pointing forward. "Why don't you two go get your uniforms first?"
"Okay," Harry and Brian said in unison.
Hagrid rubbed his hands together, his beard trembling slightly. "I'm heading to the Leaky Cauldron for a quick drink—if you don't mind. That Gringotts cart was dreadful."
"Old drunkard," Brian muttered under his breath, then led Harry into Madam Malkin's shop. As first-time visitors to the wizarding world, both boys felt a little nervous.
Madam Malkin, a short and plump witch in a purple robe, greeted them warmly.
"Here for Hogwarts uniforms? We've got plenty in stock. In fact, there's another young man trying on robes right now."
Brian pulled a parchment from his pocket, scanned it carefully, and said, "Yes, Madam. We each need three sets of plain work robes—black, I believe."
Harry remained quiet, his eyes wide as he watched a measuring tape fly through the air on its own.
Madam Malkin smiled and gestured toward the back of the shop. "Of course. Who's first?"
Brian stepped forward and stood on a footstool as instructed. The tape measure floated around him, taking precise measurements.
Once both boys had been measured, Madam Malkin explained that the robes would take some time to prepare and suggested they shop for other supplies in the meantime.
Hagrid soon returned, flushed and holding two chocolate ice creams. Brian suspected it was a bribe—but they were delicious nonetheless.
They continued their shopping, picking up parchment, quills, a pewter cauldron, brass scales, and a telescope. Hagrid also stopped by the apothecary to collect some pre-ordered powders.
Outside the apothecary, Hagrid checked Harry's list and nodded with satisfaction. "Just textbooks and wands left now. Head over to Flourish and Blotts for your books. Most Hogwarts students shop there. After that, collect your robes and we'll meet at Ollivander's for your wands." He paused, then smacked his forehead. "Oh! I haven't bought you a birthday present yet, Harry."
"You don't have to," Harry said quickly, though hope sparkled in his eyes.
Brian adjusted the items on his back and handed Harry a colorful box with a smile. "Happy birthday, Harry. This is for you."
Harry fumbled with the box, clearly moved. It was the first birthday present he had ever received. Birthdays had always been a painful reminder—no parents, daily bullying from Dudley, and relatives who didn't care. No one had ever remembered.
"Th-thank you," he stammered.
"It's just a little snack I picked up while waiting for you at Gringotts," Brian said with a chuckle. "Looks like a wizarding treat. I hope you like it."
"I do. I really do."
"They're Chocolate Frogs," Hagrid explained. "Come with cards of famous witches and wizards. Kids collect them."
He then turned to Harry. "I know you don't need one, but I'm getting you an owl. He'll deliver letters and packages for you."
Harry looked like he might protest, but Hagrid waved him off. "Go get your books. We'll meet at Ollivander's."
Flourish and Blotts stood right next to Madam Malkin's. It was the largest bookstore in Diagon Alley—and likely in all of London. Its towering shelves were packed with books, some even floating in mid-air. There were leather-bound tomes as large as paving stones and tiny ones no bigger than postage stamps. Some were covered in strange symbols, others were completely blank.
Using their school list, Brian quickly gathered all the required first-year books. When he turned, he found Harry completely engrossed in Curses and Counter-Curses. Shaking his head with a smile, Brian ventured deeper into the store to pick up Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling.
Brian knew next to nothing about the wizarding world. Books were his best tool for catching up. Though much of the content was confusing, he read with intense focus. If he wanted to survive at Hogwarts, understand alchemy, and live comfortably, he needed deep knowledge of this world. That was both respect and necessity.
"I don't know if it was a good idea letting you two come in alone," Hagrid muttered as he tugged them away from their reading. "You don't need those spells yet. You've got a long way to go."
"I understand!" Brian replied, paying for three extra books. He tilted his head and smiled. "But it never hurts to know a little more."
Hagrid inspected the titles. "Magical Theory, A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, and Magical Drafts and Potions. Not bad. You'll find all of them in the Hogwarts Library."
Then he turned to Harry. "This is for you!"
Harry's eyes lit up. In Hagrid's hands was a large birdcage with a stunning snowy white owl inside, fast asleep.
Harry was overjoyed, thanking Hagrid over and over.
"You're welcome. Now, just one stop left—Ollivander's. He's the only wandmaker in town, and you'll get the best wand there."
Even Brian looked visibly excited now. For both boys, this was the moment that made the magic feel real.
The three of them arrived at a narrow, crooked little shop. In the dusty window sat a single wand on a faded velvet cushion.
The door hung slightly open. Vines and tendrils curled along the walls, and the paint on the sign above had all but peeled away. A wooden plaque stood near the entrance:
Ollivanders – Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.
Inside, the shop was narrow and packed to the ceiling with stacks of long, slender boxes. Only a small space was cleared near the counter and along the back wall.
Hagrid sat heavily on a bench while Brian stared at the piles of boxes. Harry shivered beside him.
"Good afternoon," came a soft voice from the shadows.
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