Chapter 6

Sitting in the bus, I glanced out the window. The speed of the Knight Bus was ridiculous, and everything outside was just a blur. But even through the blur, I could still make out some of the details of the buildings. The architecture was definitely from the 1970s, nothing like the more modern city I knew from 2022. The buildings were mostly brick, with flat roofs and narrow windows, lined up in rows along the streets. They looked older, with weathered facades and chipped paint, but they had a certain charm to them. It was strange seeing London this way, almost like stepping back in time.

After a few minutes, the bus screeched to a halt, and I felt my stomach flip as the sudden stop nearly threw me forward. Everyone else started getting off, and I waited until I was the last one. When I stepped off, there it was—the Leaky Cauldron, tucked away between two buildings like it had always been there.

From the outside, it was easy to miss. The pub was small and dark, almost blending into the background of the busy street. The sign above the door was old and faded, just barely readable. The crooked windows and the worn brickwork made it look like a place that had been standing for centuries, completely untouched by the modern world around it. Even the bookshop and record store on either side seemed oblivious to its existence. It was almost like the Leaky Cauldron was hiding in plain sight.

I pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The moment I did, the atmosphere changed. The air was warmer, thicker, filled with the smell of stew, old wood, and something that reminded me of pipe smoke. The place was half-full, but it felt like it could have been packed with the way everyone's eyes turned toward me as I entered. The patrons were dressed in old-fashioned robes, their styles looking like something out of another century. Even though it was 1970, it was clear that wizarding fashion hadn't changed much. They all looked like they belonged to a different world—one where time didn't move the same way it did outside.

I scanned the room and spotted a man behind the bar. He was wiping down a glass, his head had some gray hairs, and a tired look on his face. That had to be Tom, the owner. He looked younger than I'd expected, probably in his early thirties, a far cry from the older man I remembered from the movies. Still, he had the same kind of presence, like someone who had seen everything and wasn't fazed by much anymore.

I walked up to the bar, feeling a little out of place. "Hello, are you the owner?" I asked, trying to sound confident.

Tom looked up, his eyes crinkling slightly as he gave me a nod. "That'd be me. Name's Tom. What can I do for you?" His voice was gruff but kind, just like I remembered.

"I'd like to book a room for two weeks," I said. It seemed like the safest option while I figured things out.

He raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "Two weeks, huh? That'll be 30 Galleons and 3 Sickles."

I fished out the coins from my pocket and handed them over. Tom took them, sliding them into his apron pocket before pulling out a large, dusty ledger. He flipped it open and made a note. "Alright, I'll have a room ready for you in just a moment. Welcome to the Leaky Cauldron."

I nodded, feeling a bit of relief wash over me. At least now I had somewhere to stay. I looked around again, taking in the old wooden beams and dim lighting, the worn furniture that had probably been here for as long as the pub itself. It wasn't much, but it would do for now.

I leaned forward on the bar and asked Tom, "What do you serve here for food and drinks?"

He glanced up from the glass he was polishing and listed the menu without much thought. "Food, we've got stew, chicken, salad, ham, sausages, and eggs. Drinks? Well, there's Butterbeer, of course, Gigglewater, Quintin Black, and Wizard's Brew."

I couldn't help but smile a little. "Alright, I'll take some chicken, a salad, some eggs, and a Butterbeer," I said. Normally, I would've just ordered water, but this was the wizarding world. I had to try the Butterbeer at least once, if only for the novelty.

Tom nodded, "Two minutes," he said before turning toward the kitchen. He yelled back in his deep, rough voice, calling out my order. Then he returned to wiping down the bar like he'd been doing this for centuries.

While I waited, I let my eyes wander around the pub. People were constantly coming in and out, their robes flowing behind them. Some looked like they'd come straight from work—perhaps from a job at the Ministry—while others seemed to be travelers or locals. The old wooden beams above creaked every now and then, adding to the atmosphere of this timeless place. The Leaky Cauldron really did feel like a slice of history, unchanged by the world around it.

A few minutes passed before Tom set my plate down in front of me, and my Butterbeer with it. The food looked simple but hearty, just what I needed. I picked up my fork and started eating, the flavors rich and satisfying. The Butterbeer was surprisingly sweet, with a hint of warmth to it, though I couldn't quite put my finger on the taste. It was almost like butterscotch, but there was something more to it, something magical.

As I ate, I started thinking through my plans for the day. Now that I had a room secured, the next step was to head to Diagon Alley. I remembered the way to get there—behind the pub, hidden in the brick wall. You just had to count three up and two across from the trash can, then tap the right brick with your wand, and the gateway would open up.

First on my list was to get myself some new clothes. My current outfit was fine, but I needed something more fitting for the wizarding world, especially if I wanted to blend in. I wondered if I could sketch out a modern suit and ask a tailor in Diagon Alley to make it for me. A bit of Muggle style with magical flair could work well.

After that, I planned to head over to Gringotts. It might be a long shot, but I needed to check if I had any kind of inheritance waiting for me. Most likely, I didn't, but it was worth a try. If it didn't work out, I'd just exchange some of my Galleons for Muggle money and move forward with my plans.

I couldn't help but wonder if my experience would be like those fanfictions I'd read. Would I suddenly discover I was related to some wealthy wizarding family? Or would I just end up embarrassing myself in front of the goblins? Whatever happened, I had to try. I needed money for my future plans, and this was the first step.

I finished my meal and payed for it, the Butterbeer leaving a warm feeling in my chest. Time to see what the wizarding world had in store for me next. I pushed my plate aside, stood up paid for my food, and headed toward the back of the pub. 

I took out my wand and tapped the bricks. After a moment, the wall glowed softly and rippled like liquid, waves shimmering as a gateway opened up. The magic always had a mesmerizing effect, almost like watching the surface of a mirror ripple and shift. Once the path was clear, I stepped through, entering Diagon Alley.

As I walked down the cobblestone street, I couldn't help but feel amazed. Even though I had memories of this place, seeing it in person was something else entirely. The vibrant colors of the crooked buildings, the lively crowd, and the sheer energy in the air—it all felt so much more real now. It was like I had stepped into a world where magic truly thrived.

I soon found myself in front of Madam Malkin's shop. As I pushed open the door, a soft bell chimed, signaling my arrival. Almost immediately, a woman in her late twenties or early thirties came to greet me. She had a warm smile and was dressed in elegant robes.

"Hello, what can I do for you today, young man?" she asked kindly.

"I'm looking to get some new clothing," I replied. "And I was wondering if you do custom-made outfits. I can draw up some designs if that's possible."

She chuckled lightly. "You can call me Malkin—'Madam' makes me feel old," she said with a wink. "And yes, we do custom clothing. If you've got something in mind, I'd be happy to make it for you. Let me fetch some parchment and a quill. In the meantime, feel free to look around and see if any of our ready-made clothing catches your eye."

As she disappeared into the back of the shop, I browsed through the racks of robes and outfits. My fingers grazed across the fabrics, each one of high quality. I eventually spotted a coat that immediately drew my attention. It was long, dark, and heavy, with wide lapels and a high collar. The fabric was thick and durable, perfect for someone who wanted both style and practicality. It reminded me of something you'd see in an old-world setting—strong and intimidating, yet refined. The design was structured and sleek, with deep pockets and subtle detailing that made it stand out.

I checked the price tag—10 Galleons it should be around £49.30. It was surprisingly affordable, considering its craftsmanship. "I'll take this one," I thought to myself, draping it over my arm as I continued to look around.

Soon enough, Malkin returned with the parchment and quill. "Here you go! Ready to show me your design?" she asked with a bright smile.

I sat down and started sketching a modern suit—something you'd expect to see in the year 2022. I kept it sleek and tailored, drawing sharp lines for a fitted jacket with a clean-cut collar and narrow trousers. I explained what kind of fabric I had in mind—something smooth, lightweight, and breathable, yet structured enough to hold its shape. The design was simple but polished, and I wanted it to have a timeless, professional look.

Malkin studied the drawing, clearly intrigued. "Very interesting. We don't often get requests for Muggle-style suits, but this looks quite sophisticated. I'll have to source the right fabric, but I'm confident we can make it exactly as you want."

I smiled. "Great, I appreciate it. I'll be back in a few days to check on the progress."

She nodded and then glanced at the coat in my hands. "And I see you found something else too?"

"Yeah, I really like this coat," I said, holding it up for her to see.

"Excellent choice," she said. "It's one of our more durable designs—good for both style and utility."

After paying for the coat, I left Madam Malkin's feeling a little more prepared for the next steps. With the coat in hand and my custom suit in the works, it was time to continue on to Gringotts and see if I had any hidden fortunes waiting for me.