Chapter -29 What's the exchange rate mister?

Chapter -29.

"I didn't think that scarf would look so good on you!" Hermione said, stepping closer to Dudley, her cheeks a little pink.

"I really like it," Dudley replied softly, running his fingers over the scarf.

Harry, standing behind them, caught their conversation and suddenly recognized Hermione as the girl from his class, sparking his curiosity.

Ooh, gossip!

"I didn't realize you were a student there too! I thought it would be so boring without you around," he said, grinning.

That once bossy little hen now sounded more like a shy quail, speaking softly. Meanwhile, Petunia and Mrs. Granger were chatting quietly behind them, while Vernon and Mr. Granger were deep in discussion about their next fishing trip.

"Alright, everyone, let's not forget we have some important things to take care of; I think it's time to head out," Professor McGonagall said, clearing her throat as she noticed the conversation had gone on for a while.

The group quickly realized and apologized to Professor McGonagall, and they were excited to learn that the other family had a little wizard at home, offering their congratulations.

"It's all good; since you know each other, this will be much easier," Professor McGonagall said with a smile.

Once everyone was gathered, they set off for the magical world, heading to a pub that served as the entrance to this enchanting place.

Of course, they drove there, as there weren't any wizards nearby in St. John's Wood—no Muggle wizards within ten kilometers either! The Johnson family, mentioned by Professor McGonagall, had moved away five years ago.

After all, this was a busy commercial street for Muggles, and the self-proclaimed high-minded wizards usually preferred quieter spots.

After parking the car, they arrived in front of a narrow, somewhat shabby pub in London.

"Oh, this pub looks so old-fashioned!" Petunia exclaimed.

Vernon frowned at the dirty sign, thinking he wouldn't step foot in such a place, even if they offered him free drinks. Mr. and Mrs. Granger shared his sentiments.

Only Petunia seemed intrigued, peering through the grimy glass to get a glimpse inside, though it was hard to see clearly.

Professor McGonagall, used to this by now, waved her wand in front of the group.

"Eh?" Vernon said, touching his forehead.

Suddenly, his reluctance to enter faded away.

"This place has been enchanted; most Muggles can't see it, and even if they do, they feel a strange urge to stay away," Professor McGonagall explained.

The Muggle-repelling charm keeps ordinary folks from stepping inside. It's said that those with a strong will can resist it.

"Lily mentioned this to me before; I didn't expect the Leaky Cauldron to be here," Petunia remarked, catching Professor McGonagall's attention.

With a cheerful chime, the old door creaked open.

As they stepped inside, everyone was greeted by a burst of brightness.

The pub was much larger than it looked from the outside—at least ten times bigger! It felt like a hidden world had opened up.

Scattered tables were filled with patrons dressed in all sorts of quirky outfits, like robes and top hats similar to Professor McGonagall's. In one corner, a few elderly ladies sipped sherry from tiny cups, one of them puffing on a long pipe. A small man in a big top hat was chatting with a balding pub owner who looked like a wrinkled walnut.

As they entered, the chatter suddenly hushed, and everyone turned to greet Professor McGonagall with friendly smiles.

"Professor McGonagall, hello! Is this the new student from Hogwarts?" the pub owner asked respectfully.

Professor McGonagall nodded politely and led the group through the bar to a cozy courtyard surrounded by walls. Mr. Granger and Vernon were eager to try a wizarding drink, but Professor McGonagall's serious demeanor held them back.

"I'll show you how it's done once; just remember," she said, taking out her wand and tapping a spot on the wall three times.

Then, a magical scene unfolded—the brick she tapped began to shake and move, revealing a small hole that grew larger and larger until a wide archway appeared, leading to a winding cobblestone street that seemed to stretch on forever.

"Welcome to Diagon Alley, everyone!" she announced.

As they stepped through the archway, the wall behind them solidified.

"How magical!" Mr. Granger exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.

Mrs. Granger and Vernon looked around curiously, while Harry and Hermione were practically bouncing with excitement, glancing around eagerly. Even Dudley found himself taking a longer look at everything.

The streets were lined with all sorts of shops: cauldron shops, quill shops, supply shops, pet shops, parchment shops, herbal shops, and more.

Wizards bustled between the stores, creating a lively atmosphere that felt just as busy as any ordinary shopping street.

Diagon Alley was truly the commercial hub of the wizarding world, where young wizards picked up most of their supplies for Hogwarts.

Aside from Professor McGonagall, the only calm one among them seemed to be Petunia, who turned to her and said, "Professor McGonagall, I think we should exchange some money for the wizarding world first."

Neither the Grangers nor the Dursleys had a single Knut of wizarding currency on them.

"Oh, I almost forgot! We need to stop by Gringotts first," Professor McGonagall said, leading them toward the central street area.

"I wonder if we brought enough," Dudley overheard Vernon mumbling quietly. Vernon's pocket was bulging with pounds, which he had specifically withdrawn from the bank the night before.

They soon arrived in front of a tall, white building with a medieval European style, featuring a shiny bronze door.

"This is Gringotts," Professor McGonagall introduced, pointing at the attendant by the door. "Those are goblins."

Following her gaze, they spotted several short creatures with pointed ears standing at the entrance.

The Grangers and Vernon watched with curiosity, as it was their first time seeing such non-human beings.

"I must warn you, don't get too involved with these goblins," Professor McGonagall cautioned. 

"They're known for their greed in the wizarding world; they'll do anything for money."

Hearing this, Vernon instinctively tightened his grip on his pocket, feeling more and more like he hadn't brought enough cash.

'I hope the exchange rate isn't too high,' he thought as they stepped through the doors of Gringotts.

Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.

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