While Harry was tinkering with the birthday gift Archer sent, Archer had already arrived at Diagon Alley. His target this time was the Magical Menagerie on the south side.
As the name suggested, this place sold ordinary magical creatures like owls, fire crabs, and Puffskeins. Most Hogwarts first-years bought their pets here. It was the most popular pet store in England, with branches across the country.
"Welcome," greeted a witch as soon as Archer stepped inside. She was a store clerk, smiling warmly. "Do you need a pet? We just got a new batch of owls today."
Archer shook his head slightly, polite as always. "Thank you, but I'm not here to buy a pet. Is the boss in?"
The clerk hesitated, her expression turning a bit troubled. "Sir... you can tell me what you need. If it's really necessary, I can pass it on to the boss."
Before Archer could reply, realization flickered in her eyes. She leaned closer, peering into his face. "Ah, are you Mr. Archer?"
Archer nodded.
With confirmation, the clerk's expression shifted. She looked suddenly apologetic and smiled. "You should have mentioned you had an appointment earlier, Mr. Archer. The boss is waiting for you in the back."
"Thank you."
Following her guidance, Archer walked through a narrow corridor and stopped in front of a wooden door.
"Ms. Roskin? Mr. Archer is here," the clerk announced, knocking.
"Please come in," a crisp voice responded.
The clerk opened the door, and Archer stepped inside. The room was simple: a table, two chairs, and animal portraits on the walls. On one portrait, an Erumpent was depicted mid-step.
Ms. Roskin, as the clerk had called her, sat behind the cluttered table piled with books and scrolls. She had black, slightly curly hair and wore an elegant gray robe. She looked about Archer's age, much younger than he had expected for the owner of such a famous store.
So young and already running this successful place? Archer couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration.
"Mr. Archer, hello," Roskin greeted warmly, standing up and extending her hand.
Archer shook her hand firmly and went straight to the point. After all, this wasn't a social call—he had already paid heavily for his order.
"Ms. Roskin, it's a pleasure. Have you received my order?"
"Of course."
Roskin shuffled through her disorganized papers until she pulled out a crumpled parchment. "Ah, here it is." She looked a little embarrassed, smoothing out the page. Then she gave Archer a teasing glance. "To be honest, when I first saw your list, I thought it was a joke and almost tossed it."
Archer's heart sank slightly. "You can't get them?"
Roskin chuckled. "You'd better look at what you wrote, Mr. Archer. Mortrats, Pygmy Puffs, Augureys—that's all normal. But! Venomous Tentacula and a Horned Serpent? Do you want me sent straight to Azkaban?"
Archer sighed inwardly. As expected. He had never counted on getting those rare, dangerous creatures here anyway. Even if Roskin could procure them, he couldn't afford them. And even if he could afford them, he wouldn't dare flaunt them around Hogwarts students.
The real reason he came today was to buy creatures to prepare for the Care of Magical Creatures class. He needed plenty of standard magical creatures for the curriculum.
Roskin suddenly leaned forward with a wink. "If you can keep it hidden from the Ministry of Magic... it's not impossible."
That made Archer blink. "Really?"
"Just kidding," she said with a shrug, though Archer couldn't shake the feeling that there was some truth hidden in her jest.
"Alright, Ms. Roskin," Archer said with a wave, "Let's get serious. Do you have the other items on the list?"
Roskin scanned the parchment again and grinned. "The rest is no problem. But are you sure you want all of them? That's going to cost a lot of Galleons!"
"I want them all." Archer nodded with satisfaction. "Just send the bill to Hogwarts."
At that exact moment, far away at Hogwarts, Dumbledore sneezed loudly.
...
After sealing the deal, Archer decided to celebrate with a drink at the Leaky Cauldron. Luckily, he ran into some old acquaintances.
"Good morning, Hagrid."
Hagrid was sitting alone in a corner, cheerfully drinking mead. When he heard his name, he looked up and broke into a broad grin.
"Ah, Professor Archer! Come sit! Out for a drink too?"
Archer slid into the seat next to him and ordered his own glass of mead.
"Do you come here often, Hagrid?" Archer asked casually.
Hagrid's eyes sparkled. He lowered his voice a bit. "Aye, I come here or to the Three Broomsticks when it's holiday time. Hogwarts gets mighty quiet during breaks. And the drinks here? Best in London."
Archer nodded and they chatted idly, the warmth of friendship filling the air. Soon, their conversation drifted to Harry.
"Harry's a good lad," Hagrid muttered, rubbing at his eyes. "When we came to Diagon Alley yesterday, he even bought you a gift."
Archer blinked. "Bought something for me? What did he get?"
Hagrid chuckled. "Looks like you haven't gotten it yet. Best to let it be a surprise."
...
As they spoke, Hagrid suddenly pointed across the pub. "That's the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor."
Archer turned and spotted a figure sitting with his back to them, a thick turban wrapped around his head.
The new professor? That must be Quirrell, Archer thought.
"Eldra," Archer murmured, summoning the Tree of Wisdom in his mind.
[Name: Quirinus Quirrell]
[Occupation: Wizard]
...
[Name: Tom Riddle]
[Occupation: Wizard]
...
Two names appeared at once.
Archer's heart thudded. Quirrell had already been taken over by Voldemort.
"Lord Voldemort..." Archer muttered under his breath.
His fists clenched. Hatred burned in his chest. Voldemort was not someone he could ever forgive.
...
As the day wore on, Archer's mind turned over everything he'd learned. Between stocking magical creatures for his class and sensing Voldemort's shadow lingering near Hogwarts, he knew the coming term would be anything but ordinary.
But for now, he would finish his drink, enjoy the warm chatter with Hagrid, and prepare for the battles yet to come.