"Well then, my dear friend, make your choice."
Professor Fig rose from his chair, extending his hand towards Ethan in an exaggerated gesture, looking every bit like a mystical old wizard from a fantasy tale.
"In that case, there's only one possible answer," Ethan sat up, playing along with the theatrics. "I will go with you—to Hogwarts."
Ethan reached out, and their hands clasped firmly together.
Of course he was going to Hogwarts—was this even a question? What could possibly be more exciting than studying magic at Hogwarts?
"Excellent. I'll inform the Ministry right away. You just lie here quietly and rest for now."
Professor Fig reminded him once again to stay put and recover, then turned and left the hospital room. The moment the door clicked shut behind the professor, Ethan dropped the serious act entirely. He leaned back against the headboard, staring up at the ceiling, unable to suppress a goofy grin.
"Hehe... Hogwarts... hehe..."
---
"We're here," Professor Fig announced, stopping abruptly.
Snapped out of his reverie, Ethan raised his head and gazed at the tiny, shabby pub in front of them.
"The Leaky Cauldron," Professor Fig explained. "Quite famous in the wizarding world—and the entrance to Diagon Alley."
For a famous establishment, The Leaky Cauldron appeared far too small and run-down, especially compared to the other shops along the bustling street. Yet the passing crowds seemed oblivious to this odd little pub, their eyes instead drawn to the bookstore and music shop next door.
"Those people—Muggles—they can't see it, can they?" Ethan guessed thoughtfully.
"Correct. It's enchanted with a Muggle-Repelling Charm. Maintaining secrecy is essential, after all. Come along, follow me." Professor Fig led Ethan into the pub, weaving between scattered tables and a handful of patrons until they reached the equally shabby bar counter.
"A rare visitor indeed! Finally have time for a drink, Fig?" The bartender greeted Professor Fig cheerfully, clearly familiar with him.
"Not today, Tom. I'm bringing a student to buy school supplies in Diagon Alley. We'll have that drink another time," Professor Fig politely declined, gesturing toward Ethan.
They passed behind the bar into a small, brick-walled courtyard at the back. Apart from a covered trash bin and some overgrown weeds, it appeared entirely empty.
Approaching the brick wall near the bin, Professor Fig counted carefully. "Watch closely now—three up from the bin, two across to the left, tap three times."
He drew out his wand and tapped the indicated brick three times.
"Step back, Ethan. Remember this brick; in future, you'll be able to enter Diagon Alley on your own."
The brick trembled and shifted, causing surrounding bricks to move aside, creating a small hole that quickly expanded. Before them appeared a wide stone archway, revealing a twisting, cobblestone street bustling with activity and stretching away out of sight.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley, Ethan."
As they stepped through the archway onto the street, Ethan glanced back just in time to see the bricks tremble again, reforming into a solid wall behind them.
"Potage's Cauldron Shop, sells cauldrons of every size and material for potion-brewing; Quality Quidditch Supplies, specializing in broomsticks and Quidditch robes; Eeylops Owl Emporium, where you can purchase owls to deliver your mail and packages; Flourish and Blotts for textbooks and reference materials you'll need at Hogwarts; Scribbulus Writing Instruments, where you can buy quills, ink, and parchment... "
"Ah, that tall white building ahead is Gringotts." Professor Fig guided Ethan past various unusual shops, pointing each out in turn. "—though we've already gathered most of your essential supplies, and many other things can be bought later in Hogsmeade. Let's see... You're still missing a wand, and a set of properly-fitted robes. Ah, and you'll need an owl to deliver your mail."
They paused before a shop marked Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"Madam Malkin's—finest robes in Britain. You go in and get fitted, Ethan. I'll go choose an owl for you."
Ethan entered Madam Malkin's alone, looking around curiously.
"Here for Hogwarts robes, dear?" a short, plump witch in mauve robes emerged from behind a curtain, smiling warmly. Clearly, this was Madam Malkin herself.
"Yes, ma'am," Ethan replied politely.
"Come along to the back, then. I'll measure you up and find something perfect."
Ethan followed Madam Malkin to the back of the shop and stepped onto a footstool. She slipped a plain black robe over his head and began measuring quickly.
"Hmm, five foot ten inches... Arms out... turn around... splendid. All done, dear. Wait out front a moment, and I'll have your robes ready."
The fitting was brief. Ethan hopped down from the stool and returned to the front, browsing the various robes displayed on the walls.
Tap tap tap—
A knock on the window caught Ethan's attention. Outside stood Professor Fig, smiling and waving cheerfully, holding up a cage in his other hand. Inside perched a pure-black short-eared owl.
Madam Malkin reappeared, handing Ethan a neatly packed bag. "Three sets of robes—waterproof, self-ironing and self-repairing, with maximum pocket space—all ready for you. That'll be ten Galleons, dear."
Ethan dug into his bulging pocket, pulling out the Galleons Professor Fig had given him earlier—apparently a stipend for new students. He counted ten shiny gold coins and placed them in Madam Malkin's palm, accepting the bag with the other hand. "Thank you, ma'am."
"Looking forward to seeing you again, dear," Madam Malkin called kindly after him.
Ethan joined Professor Fig outside, inspecting the owl curiously. The short-eared owl sat quietly, tilting its head from side to side, staring back at Ethan.
"Looks like a black cat—let's call him Black Cat," Ethan suggested, noting the owl's distinctive ear tufts that resembled feline ears.
"You can hand your robes over to Black Cat now, and he'll take them to the carriage," Professor Fig opened the cage. Black Cat fluttered out, landing gracefully on Ethan's arm.
"Now, all that's left is to purchase your wand—and then head to Gringotts to investigate that mysterious key."