Diagon Alley was as lively as ever.
Shops glittered with enchanted displays.
Owls hooted from cages.
Students rushed past in excitement, clutching supply lists and freshly purchased robes.
Walking beside his mother, Alexander carried several neatly packed bags.
Inside them—
New Ravenclaw robes.
Fresh parchment.
Ink.
Refined quills.
Updated textbooks for second year.
Standard school shopping.
As they continued down the cobblestone street—
They passed a storefront that immediately caught his attention.
Quality Quidditch Supplies.
The window display shimmered with enchantment.
Front and center—
Resting on a velvet stand—
Was the newest racing broom.
Nimbus 2000.
Sleek mahogany handle.
Polished to perfection.
Tight golden-bound bristles.
It practically radiated speed.
Alexander slowed his steps.
Eyes lingering on it.
Thinking.
Mrs. Chen noticed instantly.
She followed his gaze and smiled.
"Honey dear… do you want one? We can buy it if you want."
Alexander blinked—
Snapping out of his thoughts.
He shook his head lightly.
"Yeah… I want one."
Then he added calmly—
"But it's not for me."
Mrs. Chen raised a brow.
"Oh?"
Alexander kept looking at the broom.
"It's for Cho. I remember she loves Quidditch… talks about it a lot. I don't really care for the sport."
Mrs. Chen laughed softly.
"That's thoughtful of you."
She glanced back at the broom.
"We can always buy it now… or later. What's your choice?"
Alexander thought for a moment.
"If she really wants to join the Quidditch team… then we'll buy her the broom."
Mrs. Chen nodded approvingly.
"That's fine, dear. We aren't lacking in money anyway."
Alexander laughed lightly.
"Yeah…"
As they resumed walking, a thought crossed his mind.
It really is nice being born into a family with money.
Unlike the Weasleys—
Who had to pinch every coin carefully.
But he never said that thought out loud.
They turned down another busy stretch of shops—
When Alexander spotted a very familiar figure.
Large.
Bearded.
Towering above the crowd.
Rubeus Hagrid.
Standing beside him—
Was a small, skinny boy.
Messy black hair.
Oversized glasses.
Oversized clothes.
The boy looked around Diagon Alley with wide, amazed eyes.
Hagrid spotted Alexander first.
His face lit up.
"Little Alex! Nice ter see yeh, haha!"
He stepped forward enthusiastically.
"And this must be yer mother—Mrs. Chen, pleasure ter meet yeh."
Eleanor smiled warmly.
"A pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Hagrid."
They exchanged greetings politely.
Alexander's gaze shifted to the boy beside him.
He already knew.
But he asked anyway.
"And who's this?"
Hagrid beamed proudly.
"This is Harry Potter. First year."
Mrs. Chen froze for half a second.
Recognition was clear in her eyes.
But she recovered quickly.
"Hello, Harry. It's nice to meet you."
Harry nodded shyly.
"H-Hi…"
Alexander studied him quietly.
Just like the films.
Just like the descriptions.
Skinny.
Glasses.
Lightning scar hidden beneath his bangs.
The Boy Who Lived.
Alexander gave a simple nod.
"Hi."
Harry nodded back, still a bit overwhelmed.
As they prepared to part ways—
Hagrid suddenly scratched the back of his head.
"Say, Little Alex…"
His tone shifted slightly.
"Try not ter cause too much trouble this year, eh? Filch an' I always end up cleanin' it up."
Alexander laughed.
"No promises."
Hagrid groaned good-naturedly.
"I was afraid you'd say that…"
As Alexander and his mother walked away—
He glanced back once at Harry.
Then spoke quietly.
"That's him… isn't it?"
Mrs. Chen nodded.
"Yes. The Boy Who Lived."
She exhaled softly.
"It's been that long already."
Alexander looked forward again.
"Don't worry. With Dumbledore there… it'll be fine."
Then he smirked slightly.
"Besides… with me there, how can Death Eaters dare show their face?"
Mrs. Chen laughed, but immediately followed with—
"No more trouble. Focus on studying. Stay safe."
Alexander laughed as well.
"Yes, Mom."
They finished the rest of their shopping without incident.
Bags filled.
Lists completed.
Errands done.
By evening—
They returned home.
Dinner waiting.
Another peaceful summer night.
But Alexander knew—
Very soon—
Stupid Racist Hat, I can't wait to see you!