With first year over, Richard left Hogwarts along with all other students. But he didn't leave the magical world. After leaving platform 9 3/4, Richard made his way straight to the leaky cauldron. Where he quickly wrote a letter to Mrs Hagner saying that he'll be taking a detour through Diagon alley to pick up a couple of more supplies.
"Anything more for you, Mr Cloverfield?"
"Yeah, can I borrow an owl, Mr Tom? I just need to mail this to Mrs Hagner."
"Sure" The old inn keeper didn't seem to mind. "White feet is in the back. Just put a knut in its pouch, and he'll have your letter delivered in a day."
"Thanks."
After delivering the letter, Richard walked to the back of the inn and tapped the bricks, while mentally counting them .
Most people, especially muggleborns don't see the importance of diagon alley. With their restrictions on magic, and currency, they hardly visit diagon alley for more than a couple of times a year. And that too, to resupply on books, or supplies, or an occasional magical snack, while the wizards are more drawn to the hidden and dangerous knockturn alley.
Richard knew the importance of diagon alley. It was the largest gathering place of magical wares and knowledge and trinkets available through the whole of Britain with items ranging from the simplest flying Frisbee to complete books on magical remedies, all gathered at a single place, ready to be found if one knew where to look.
Richard browsed around, keeping his eyes peeled. He didn't know what he wanted, but he would know when he sees it. In other words, he was shopping. And his target, was the entire diagon alley.
He had a few locations noted beforehand, from his last trip at the begining of the year. A couple of bookshops, with some nearly collapsing over from age. Some alchemy shops, and some miscellaneous item shops that caught his eye during his shopping spree with Mrs Hagner.
Money was a problem. He had to withdraw all he had for next year supplies prematurely. But, his cost for supplies next year wouldn't matter, because he had found a room filled with many lost items. Including many of his books for the coming year. As for Lockhart's recommendations, yeah, he didn't care about that stuff. Not one bit. No way would he spend a couple of galleons on a scam artist's biography. Nope.
There weren't much, but by that evening, Richard had a considerable amount of books and trinkets gathered on top of his bed back at the orphanage.
With lights out after curfew, Richard quietly moved out with an outdated lamp and a book in his hand. The book had a very interesting title. "Ten ways to keep your knives sharp and squeaky clean". Really, it was too bad he was not back at the leaky cauldron. Otherwise he could've practiced spells instead of just learning by book