Chapter 7: A Shopping Spree in Diagon Alley

In the evening, George's consciousness returned to his Marvel body, and after another day of grueling training, nothing particularly special had occurred. However, his instincts told him that the escape might happen soon.

He noticed that the mutant children had recently acquired a comic book titled Extraordinary X-Men. Up to now, he hadn't fully grasped the historical context of this universe. Given that there were X-Men and related comics, it implied that mutants were once quite famous. So why was there a super-soldier program and Captain America? These questions would need to wait until he escaped the experimental base and could investigate history for answers.

In the Harry Potter world, morning arrived.

George found a letter in the mailbox outside the shop.

"Finally here."

The envelope was a light yellow color, and addressed in emerald green ink were the words: For George, of Merton's Potion Shop, Knockturn Alley.

Indeed, this was the reissued acceptance letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although he had been assured by Scrying and Tonks that it was correct, receiving the letter still left him feeling excited and unsettled.

Hogwarts! A real magic school, and soon he would be able to learn all kinds of wondrous magic.

"Time for a big shopping spree!"

After quickly finishing breakfast, George, with the list of books and supplies provided in the envelope, set out with enthusiasm from Merton's Potion Shop.

However, his good mood was spoiled the moment he stepped outside.

"Isn't this little Dora? I heard you've been readmitted to Hogwarts. Off to buy your school supplies, I see?"

An old, hunched-over wizard with greasy hair stood at the entrance of the shop across the street, greeting George with a sneering look.

"Good morning, Mr. Bogin. I'm just heading out to buy some school books. By the way, I now go by George," George replied politely, though internally he was irritated.

This old wizard, Bogin, was a significant figure in Knockturn Alley, one of the most senior dark wizards around. His shop, Bogin & Burkes, was the largest in Knockturn Alley, dealing in dark magic artifacts and other dangerous items. Voldemort had once worked there as a young man and had used his connections to create and find Horcruxes.

Bogin was the one George was most concerned about. If this man decided to ignore him, then it was unlikely any other dark wizards in Knockturn Alley would bother him about his inherited potion shop.

"How very dutiful of you. I heard that Auror Tonks was having lunch at your place yesterday?" Bogin said, with a slightly eerie smile.

George also smiled back, but his was bright and warm.

"Yes, Tonks really enjoyed my cooking. She mentioned she'd bring her colleagues and Mr. Scrying for a meal next time."

"How kind of you."

Bogin squinted slightly.

George, feigning innocence, replied, "It's no trouble at all. I love cooking. If they come by again, I'll make extra. Mr. Bogin, you're welcome to join and taste my cooking as well."

"Uh… no, that's alright."

Bogin's face stiffened, and he turned to retreat into his dark, dingy shop.

Watching Bogin leave, George muttered to himself, "If you're going to make trouble, I'll eventually take your shop and deal with you, you old fool."

With his mood restored, George set off again into Diagon Alley.

Compared to the narrow, gloomy Knockturn Alley, Diagon Alley was much brighter and bustling with activity, filled with normal witches and wizards shopping with their children and shopkeepers hawking their goods.

"Dragon liver, sixteen Sickles per ounce…"

"Cauldrons, copper, brass, tin, and silver cauldrons, all models available, automatic stirring and foldable…"

"Barn owls, screech owls, tawny owls, brown owls, snowy owls—whatever pet you want, we have it…"

"Firebolt 2001, the fastest broomstick on the market, you deserve it…"

Wandering through the lively Diagon Alley, George spent freely, purchasing only the best tools. Although there were many cheaper options, he felt that high-quality tools would be more efficient. Since he had the money, why not splurge?

"A full set of robes, cauldrons, telescope, potion bottles, scales, wands—just missing the books and, oh, a pet."

Two hours later, George, pushing a cart full of various school supplies, mentally reviewed the items still on his list.

Purchasing the other items didn't take much time. Even the wands were quickly chosen—he tried a few and picked the one that felt best. The main delay was in buying the robes, which required taking measurements.

"Owl Emporium, perfect. I'll get an owl."

Spotting an owl shop by the street, George decided to enter, pushing his cart inside.

Young witches and wizards had many pet options, but he felt an owl would be the most useful. Unlike ordinary owls, magical owls in the wizarding world were much more intelligent and had built-in tracking magic, allowing them to find recipients regardless of their location, unless a blocking spell was used. They could also deliver various items and could carry loads of up to twenty pounds with ease.

Being a pragmatist, George thought that if he was going to get a pet, it should be one with real utility. Otherwise, it would be a waste of time, and he wasn't interested in pet care.

"Welcome to the Owl Emporium, sir. What kind of owl are you looking for?"

A store clerk quickly approached George as he entered.

"That one!"

Scanning the shop, George quickly identified the owl he wanted.

The clerk's eyes widened in surprise as he followed George's pointing finger.

"Are you sure you want that one?"

"Absolutely."

George nodded firmly.

The clerk hesitated for a moment before explaining, "I should inform you that that owl is ten times more expensive than a normal owl. It costs one hundred Galleons."

The owl George was pointing at wasn't a standard-sized owl but a large eagle owl nearly a meter tall when standing. Such a large owl was usually purchased by adult wizards with particular interests or research needs; it was unusual for a young wizard to choose one as a pet. The high cost and the potential danger of such a large owl often made parents wary.

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