Chapter 29: Vernon: Hope the exchange rate isn't too high

"Didn't expect this scarf to suit you quite well."

Hermione walked up, looking at the scarf around Dudley's neck, her face slightly blushing.

"I really like the gift," Dudley said, touching the scarf gently.

Behind the two, Harry, hearing their conversation, suddenly realized that the girl was the one he had seen in the classroom. His gossip spirit ignited instantly.

Eat Melon Eat Melon

Just watching, not getting involved.

"Didn't expect you were a student there too. I thought it would be boring without you around."

The once arrogant little hen now sounded like a little quail, speaking softly.

Petunia and Mrs. Granger followed behind the two, chatting quietly. As for Vernon and Mr. Granger, they were already discussing when they could go fishing again.

"Gentlemen and ladies, don't forget we have important business to attend to. I believe it's time to go," Professor McGonagall interrupted as the group chatted endlessly.

Everyone apologized to Professor McGonagall, realizing that both families had a young wizard now. They congratulated each other on the newfound magical connection.

"No problem. Since you all know each other, it makes things much easier," Professor McGonagall said, not being a rigid person. If there was already a connection between the families, it would make the introduction to the wizarding world smoother.

With the people recruited, it was time to head to the magical world. The destination this time was a pub, the entrance to the magical Diagon Alley.

Of course, they took the car because, in the vicinity of St. John's Wood, there were no wizards around. The wizard named Johnson, mentioned by Professor McGonagall, had moved away five years ago.

Parking the car, the group arrived in front of a dirty, narrow pub on the streets of London.

"Oh, this pub looks really vintage."

Vernon frowned at the shabby sign. Even if he were offered free drinks, he wouldn't step inside such a run-down place.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger also frowned at the sight.

Only Petunia was interested, peering through the dim glass from the outside. Perhaps due to the lack of cleaning, she couldn't see the inside clearly.

Professor McGonagall had already anticipated this situation. She took out her wand and waved it in front of them.

"Huh?" Vernon touched his forehead.

That inexplicable resistance to entering the place disappeared.

"This place is enchanted. Most Muggles can't see it, and even if they see it, their minds reject entering," Professor McGonagall explained simply.

The Muggle-Repelling Charm could repel Muggles, preventing ordinary people from entering a magical location.

"Before Lily and I married, she mentioned this place. I didn't expect the Leaky Cauldron to be here."

Penny's exclamation made Professor McGonagall glance at her.

With the clear sound of a bell, the dirty door slowly swung open.

As they entered the pub, the noisy chatter suddenly stopped, and when they saw Professor McGonagall, they all cast friendly glances.

"Professor McGonagall, hello. Is this year's Hogwarts student?"

The bartender spoke respectfully.

Professor McGonagall just nodded politely to everyone. Then, she led the group through the pub to a small courtyard surrounded by walls. Mr. Granger and Vernon were eager to order a wizard-specific drink, but Professor McGonagall's serious attitude made them restrain themselves.

"I'll demonstrate it once. Please remember."

Professor McGonagall took out her wand and lightly tapped a spot on the wall three times.

A magical scene unfolded. The brick she tapped started to shake and move, creating a small hole in the center that expanded rapidly. In no time, a broad archway appeared in front of them, leading to a winding, cobblestone-paved street with no visible end.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Diagon Alley."

As they stepped through the archway, the wall behind them turned solid again.

"It's truly magical," Mr. Granger couldn't help but exclaim.

Mrs. Granger and Vernon were also curious, looking around at the surroundings. Harry and Hermione, not to mention Dudley, couldn't help but glance around. Both sides of the road were lined with various shops—cauldron shops, quill shops, material shops, pet shops, parchment shops, and herb shops—everything one would need for a magical life. Wizards moved between these shops, creating a lively atmosphere, not much different from the commercial districts of ordinary people.

Diagon Alley was, in a sense, the wizarding world's commercial street.

Most of the daily necessities for students at Hogwarts could be purchased here.

"Professor McGonagall, I think we should go exchange some wizard money first."

Both the Grangers and the Dursleys didn't have any wizarding currency.

"I almost forgot. We need to visit Gringotts first."

With that, Professor McGonagall led everyone toward the central district.

"I wonder if it's enough."

On the way, Dudley heard Vernon muttering to himself. The bag on the right side of Vernon's waist was bulging, filled with British pounds he withdrew from the bank the night before.

They arrived in front of a tall, white building with a European medieval style. Directly in front of them was a shiny bronze-colored door.

"This is Gringotts."

Professor McGonagall introduced them, then pointed to the goblins by the door, saying, "Those are goblins."

Looking in the direction she pointed, they saw several short creatures with pointed ears standing in front of the main entrance.

The Grangers and Vernon looked curious. It was their first-time seeing creatures different from humans.

"Let me remind you, never get too involved with these goblins."

"Goblins are notorious for their greed in the wizarding world. They'll do anything for money."

Hearing Professor McGonagall's warning, Vernon instinctively tightened the grip on his pocket, feeling that he might not have brought enough money.

"I hope the exchange rate isn't too high," Vernon thought anxiously.

With these thoughts in mind, the group entered Gringotts' large door.

(End of Chapter)

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