"You know, that scarf looks rather good on you," Hermione said, her cheeks slightly flushed, as she approached Dudley.
"I really like it," Dudley said, touching the scarf around his neck.
Standing behind them, Harry overheard their conversation and realized that the girl was the same one he'd seen at school. His curiosity, like a dragon's fiery breath, was instantly kindled.
"I can't believe you're a student there, too. I was worried it would be boring without you." Hermione, who'd been a bit of a bossy hen a moment ago, now sounded as quiet as a little quail.
Behind the two kids, Petunia and Mrs. Granger were whispering to each other, while Vernon and Mr. Granger were already making plans to go fishing again soon.
"Gentlemen, ladies, let's not forget we have business to attend to. I think it's time we were on our way," Professor McGonagall said, clearing her throat when she saw they could chatter away forever.
They all came back to their senses and apologized to Professor McGonagall. Realizing that the Grangers' family also had a young witch, they congratulated them.
"It's quite alright. Since you all know each other, this will be much easier," McGonagall said. She wasn't an old stick-in-the-mud. Since the families already knew each other and were so friendly, she knew the trip would be a breeze.
With everyone gathered, it was time to head to the magical world. Their destination was a pub—the entrance to the amazing wizarding world.
Of course, they took a car. St. John's Wood was utterly bereft of witches and wizards; there wasn't a single Muggle-born wizard within ten kilometers. The wizard named "Jensen" that McGonagall had mentioned earlier had moved away five years ago. After all, this was a bustling Muggle commercial district, and pure-blood wizards who considered themselves high and mighty naturally disliked such noisy places.
After parking the car, the group stood in front of a small, dirty pub in London.
"Oh, this pub looks… well, it looks ancient," Vernon said, frowning at the filthy sign. He wouldn't step into a dump like this even if they offered him a free drink.
The Grangers were frowning, too.
Only Petunia was intrigued, peering through the grimy window into the gloom inside. The glass was so dirty, she couldn't make out anything at all.
Professor McGonagall, who was used to this reaction, pulled out her wand and waved it in front of them.
"Huh?" Vernon said, touching his forehead. That feeling of wanting to avoid the place at all costs had vanished.
"This place has a spell on it. Most Muggles can't see it, and even if they can, they're magically repelled," Professor McGonagall explained.
It was a Muggle-Repelling Charm. It made sure Muggles couldn't get into the place. People with exceptionally strong wills, however, weren't affected.
"Lily used to mention it," Petunia said. "I can't believe the Leaky Cauldron is here."
Petunia's words made Professor McGonagall look at her with new interest.
With the chime of a bell, they pushed open the dirty door. Once inside, they were astonished.
The pub was far larger on the inside, at least ten times bigger than it looked from the street. There were a few strangely dressed patrons scattered at tables. They were all wearing robes and pointed hats, just like Professor McGonagall. A few old witches sat in a corner, sipping sherry from small glasses. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A short man with a top hat was chatting with the balding, walnut-like pub owner.
The moment they walked in, the chattering stopped. When the patrons saw Professor McGonagall, they gave her a friendly look.
"Professor McGonagall, hello. Are these the new Hogwarts students?" the pub owner asked respectfully.
McGonagall simply gave a polite nod and led them through the bar to a small, walled courtyard. Mr. Granger and Vernon were tempted to order a magical drink, but McGonagall's serious expression kept them in check.
"I'll only do this once. Pay close attention."
Professor McGonagall took out her wand and gently tapped a particular brick on the wall three times. A wondrous thing happened next. The brick she'd tapped began to tremble and move. A small hole appeared in the middle, growing wider and wider until, in a few moments, a wide archway opened up before them, leading to a twisting, cobblestone street that disappeared into the distance.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Diagon Alley."
Just as they stepped through the archway, the wall behind them solidified once again.
"Amazing," Mr. Granger said, truly impressed.
Mrs. Granger and Vernon were also curious, taking in the sights. Harry and Hermione were practically spellbound, their heads swiveling back and forth, and even Dudley found himself taking a good, long look.
The street was lined with shops of all kinds: cauldrons, quills, ingredients, pets, scrolls, and herbs—everything you could imagine. Wizards and witches bustled between the shops. The street was as busy as any Muggle shopping district. Diagon Alley was, for all intents and purposes, the commercial heart of the wizarding world. It was where young witches and wizards got all their school supplies for Hogwarts.
Aside from Professor McGonagall, the only one who remained composed was Petunia. Calmly, she said to Professor McGonagall, "Professor, I think we should get some wizarding money first."
Neither the Grangers nor the Dursleys had a single knut of wizarding currency on them.
"I almost forgot. We need to go to Gringotts first," McGonagall said, leading the group toward the center of the street.
"I hope I brought enough," Vernon muttered to himself. The pocket of his jacket was bulging with pounds sterling. He had gone to the bank the night before to withdraw it.
They arrived at a tall, white, medieval-style building. A massive, shiny bronze door was at the front.
"This is Gringotts," Professor McGonagall said, pointing to the attendants at the door. "Those are goblins."
Following her gaze, they saw several short, pointed-eared creatures standing by the door. The Grangers and Vernon looked at them with fascination; it was the first time they had ever seen a non-human being.
"I must give you a warning. Do not get too entangled with these goblins," McGonagall said. "They are known for their greed. They'll do anything for money."
Hearing this, Vernon instinctively clutched his pocket, convinced he hadn't brought enough money. 'I hope the exchange rate isn't too bad,' he thought.
With that worry in mind, the group stepped into Gringotts.