NOVEL WEB Chapter 4: Shopping
"Let's get going to Gringotts and exchange some money. I can tell you're eager to see what you've got," Professor McGonagall said, smiling knowingly.
She had noticed Alex's excitement and found it amusing. As they walked, Professor McGonagall gave him a quick explanation.
"Gringotts is the only wizarding bank in the UK. It's run by goblins and is known as the second safest place in the world, after Hogwarts."
Alex followed her through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley. The street soon split into two: one path led to Knockturn Alley, a darker, more sinister area, while the other continued along the main road. Right at the intersection stood Gringotts, a grand, gleaming white building with a goblin guard at the entrance, proudly dressed in a striking scarlet and gold uniform.
They entered through a large set of bronze doors. The goblin guards bowed respectfully, and Alex couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. They passed through another set of silver doors and entered a grand marble hall. The room buzzed with activity; goblins sat behind long counters, scribbling in enormous ledgers, weighing stacks of coins, and examining glittering gemstones through tiny eyepieces. Despite the chaos outside, the goblins seemed unaffected, calmly going about their business.
Professor McGonagall led Alex to one of the counters. He showed his Hogwarts admission letter, and after a brief conversation, he received a bursary of 12 gold Galleons meant to help students who needed it.
Alex had planned to exchange his pounds as well, so he took the bursary and added another 100 Galleons from his British pounds. For an eleven-year-old, it was a enormous sum, and his leather pouch now felt satisfyingly heavy with the weight of gold.
As they stepped outside, Alex examined one of the Galleons in his hand with curiosity. "It looks like pure gold, but it feels a bit different."
"That's because goblins made them," Professor McGonagall explained. "They use special techniques and enchantments, making sure no one can forge them outside the bank."
She glanced at Alex's gold-filled pouch and smiled. "I imagine you're eager to get your own wand now. In the wizarding world, you can't do much without one."
Alex nodded eagerly as they made their way to Ollivander's, the famous wand shop with a long, mysterious history. The shop was small and a bit shabby, but it had an air of mystery about it. In the front window, a single wand lay on a faded purple cushion, and inside, towering shelves were filled with narrow, dusty boxes stacked to the ceiling. Behind the counter, a thin old man was carefully polishing a wand. His pale eyes looked up as they entered.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Ollivander. We're here to buy a wand," Professor McGonagall greeted him warmly.
"Ah, Minerva," Ollivander said in a soft, raspy voice. "Nine and one-half inches, cold wood. I remember it well." He looked at Alex, his eyes narrowing with interest. "Ah, a new student! Ready for your first wand?"
"Hello, sir. My name is Alex Wilson."
Ollivander gave a small smile. "Ah, polite young man—rare these days." He pulled out a long silver measuring tape. "Let's find the right wand for you. Which hand do you use?"
"My right hand," Alex replied.
Ollivander measured him from shoulder to fingertip, wrist to elbow, and even around his head. He hummed thoughtfully, feeling Alex's arm. "Quite strong for your age. Impressive!"
Alex tensed slightly, feeling a bit uneasy. 'Isn't he just supposed to measure me? Why's he feeling my muscles?'
Ollivander quickly pulled a wand from the shelf. "Try this one—ash, phoenix feather core, eleven and a half inches, quite sturdy."
Alex took the wand and gave it a gentle wave. The tip sparked a small flame.
"Hmm, no, that's not quite right," Ollivander muttered, taking it back and handing him another. "Elm, dragon heartstring core, nine and three-quarters inches. Wisdom and grace."
The moment Alex touched it, Ollivander snatched it back. "No, not this one either."
After a few more tries, Ollivander retrieved another box from the shelf, his eyes glinting with interest.
"Now, try this. Ebony, with a core of Augurey feathers, twelve and a quarter inches. Firm, unshakable. A wand for someone with great determination."
As soon as Alex grasped it, he felt a strange connection, like it was an extension of his arm. The dark wood gleamed, and the tip flickered with a faint electric light.
Ollivander's face lit up. "Ah, there it is. A perfect match. It's always a joy when a wand finds its true owner."
Alex smiled, giving the wand a gentle wave. The connection felt natural, as if the wand was meant for him. "Thank you, Mr. Ollivander. I really like it."
"Ebony is excellent for combat magic and transfiguration. This wand will serve you well. Remember, your first wand is priced at seven Galleons, and the rest is covered by Hogwarts. Be careful with it—wands are irreplaceable once bonded."
Alex paid the gold, thanked Ollivander again, and left the shop with Professor McGonagall. His heart raced with excitement as they walked down Diagon Alley. He finally had his own wand, and the magical world felt even more real now.
"Alright, Alex, we spent a bit of time on the wand. We need to hurry and get the rest of your school supplies," Professor McGonagall said, glancing at the sky as evening approached.
"Got it, Professor," Alex replied, eager to continue.
With Professor McGonagall by his side, they moved between shops across Diagon Alley. At the Transforming Ink Stationery Store, Alex bought parchment, ink, and a few quills. Then they went to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where he was fitted for his Hogwarts uniform. Next was the Potage Cauldron Shop for a standard pewter cauldron, followed by Blossom Bookstore to pick up a full set of textbooks.
Alex also stopped at the Magical Menagerie, where he bought an owl—a lively creature with bright eyes—and supplies to take care of it. He felt surprisingly happy with the owl, sensing it would be a good companion.
By the time they finished shopping, the sun was setting, casting long shadows over the street.