The bell along the door chimed as Mason stepped out of Ollivanders, clutching his new wand in both hands. The afternoon sun reflected off its bronze surface, as he couldn't help but give it a small flick. A spray of golden particles shot out the tip, nearly singing the hat of a passing witch.
"Careful now," Dumbledore said with amusement. "Magic is not to be thrown around so carelessly, especially on a crowded street."
Mason grinningly lowered his wand, tucking it under his arm as though it were a priceless treasure, yet even a scolding couldn't wipe the grin off his face. The warmth that filled him in Ollivanders was still coursing through his body, slowly pulsing as if the wand was alive and waiting for him to do something.
They moved back into the flow of Diagon Alley, yet the noise of the clatter, creaking carts, and hooting owls felt different now, less overwhelming, like he returned home and was back where he truly belonged.
"What's next on the list?" Mason couldn't help but ask.
Dumbledore pulled a folded slip from his pocket, unfolding it with a hum and read aloud
"Robes, cauldron, potion supplies, books"
"What would you like to get first?" Dumbledore asked
Mason glanced at the bustling street, the passing witches and wizards, and down at his clothing and decided, "Well... Robes"
Dumbledore nodded and put the folded slip back into his pocket.
"A practical choice"
They weaved through the crowd until they stopped in front of a tall shop with windows draped in velvet. The sign above the door read "Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions."
Inside, bolts of fabric floated gently in mid-air, while needles darted around snitching all on their own. A plump witch rustled over, her eyes sparkling.
"First-year dear?" she asked kindly. "Let's get you measured."
Mason climbed onto the stool as enchanted tape measures sprang to life, circling him and tugging at his sleeves and shoulders. He swallowed nervously as one wrapped around his neck for a moment.
"Relax, they don't bite," the witch said.
Within minutes, a stack of black robes lay folded in his arms. Mason thanked her awkwardly, and Dumbledore led him outside.
Dumbledore guided Mason a few steps down the street to a small, cluttered shop with a sign that read: Borgin & Bott's: Cauldrons and Potion Supplies.
And just as quickly as they entered, they left Mason, now holding a cauldron filled with items.
Finally, Dumbledore steered him toward a quaint, crowded shop where the smell of old parchment and ink filled the air—books, the last stop.
The scent of old parchment and ink drifted out the open door, mixing with a faint aroma of wax and leather bindings. Stacks of books in every direction, some piled so high they threatened to topple at the slightest touch.
Mason began to wander through the endless aisles, every so often a book catching his eye: "Advanced Transfiguration for the Ambitious," "Potions Beyond the Basics," "The Art of Magical Creatures", "Death Omens 101," his fingers itched to collect each one and conquer the knowledge within.
"Wait, wait." Dumbledore's voice stopped him mid-reach. Mason froze, holding a hefty tome about dueling as though it were a treasure chest. "The scholarship only covers the essential books; you will have to find these books in the Hogwarts Library."
Mason's cheeks flushed as he cheekily put the tomes back on the shelves where he found them.
"You need The Standard Book of Spells Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk, A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot, ... " instructed Dumbledore, reading off the list.
Mason quickly gathered the required titles, his arms barely holding up the weight of them all. Each one smelled of dust, parchment, and something magical he couldn't quite put his finger on.
Dumbledore watched patiently. "That should do," he said when Mason was finished, "Everything else can wait until you reach Hogwarts."
Mason nodded. Although internally disappointed, he understood. With everything he needed in hand, Dumbledore led him back out of the alley. The cresting sun bounced off the shop windows, as Mason couldn't help but feel some excitement for what was to come.
"Shall we head back?" Dumbledore asked, folding his hands behind his back.
Mason, adjusting the weight of his purchases, grinned and said. "Yes."