Hogwarts Alternatives: Exploring Schools Beyond Britain

"Yes, I'd like a stand and some owl treats for her," Harry replied, still marveling at the beauty of the snowy owl perched on his arm. The silver feathers, blending with the white plumage, gave the owl an ethereal and captivating appearance.

The employee quickly fetched a stand and a bag of owl treats, placing them on the counter. Harry paid the required amount and then carefully transferred the owl to her new stand.

"Thank you," Harry said, grateful for the assistance. The snowy owl seemed content, her sharp eyes observing the surroundings with curiosity.

Hagrid, who had been watching the scene with a smile, patted Harry on the back. "A fine choice, Harry. Snowy owls are known for their intelligence and loyalty. Looks like you've got yourself a special companion."

With his new familiar in tow, Harry and Hagrid exited Eeylops Owl Emporium. The bustling streets of Diagon Alley greeted them, and Harry felt a sense of satisfaction and joy.

As they continued their journey back to the Leaky Cauldron, the snowy owl occasionally hooted softly, adding a magical melody to the atmosphere. Harry couldn't help but wonder about the unique connection he felt with this owl and how it would influence his magical journey.

"Yes, please. I need a stand, food for a week, some treats, and a pamphlet on how to care for her," Harry requested.

The employee efficiently collected everything. "That's six galleons and fifteen sickles then," she informed him.

Harry was relieved that he had taken twenty-five galleons out of the vault. After spending sixteen galleons and fourteen sickles on books, he still had one galleon and five sickles left. Although he had his key and could get more money if needed at Gringotts, for now, he didn't anticipate any more significant purchases.

The owl perched on his shoulder and gracefully rode back to the Leaky Cauldron with them.

"That's a rare kind of owl you have there, Harry," Hagrid remarked in a low voice.

"Really? When I was out of the shop, I felt a pull to the inside. I followed the pull and met her. She is my familiar; I felt the bond forming through my magic before I bought her. What kind of owl is she?" Harry asked.

"The silver feathers are the sign of a moon owl. They're often mistaken for snowy owls as they can disguise themselves really well. The reason moon owls are so rare is that they need to bond to the right wizard. If the wizard they choose is worthy, they'll develop into a full moon owl. I don't think the employee knew what she is, or she'd have cost a lot more."

"If I see this right, she was just in time to find you. Otherwise, she'd become a normal snowy owl. An intelligent one, no doubt, but she'd have lost her special abilities and probably wouldn't have formed a familiar bond with you," Hagrid explained.

Harry smiled at the owl. The fact that such a special owl had chosen him made him genuinely happy.

...

It took Harry two more days to get through the books about schools in America and Australia, the magical languages book, the books on politics and culture, the Muggleborn guide, the potions basics book, and the book on goblins.

He also read the book about him and was shocked by what this author, Romanio Lockhart, had written about his supposed adventures. There was no mention that it was all fiction. With how foolish wizards appeared to be, he feared some might genuinely believe this nonsense.

Who could come up with the absurd idea that he could have tamed a rampaging Hippogriff at four? He didn't even know how a Hippogriff looked like in reality. And stopping a flood with an ice charm at six? He didn't even have a wand yet. Why were they even allowed to use his name? He would have to discuss this with Corpnik during his appointment.

Harry delved into his research on magical schools, exploring options beyond Hogwarts. After examining American and Australian schools, he discovered that only one had a broader choice of classes, combining magical and muggle subjects. However, this particular school started students at eight years old, making enrollment impossible for him at this time.

Other schools with more advanced curricula required students to have exceptional grades in their OWLs, a consideration for Harry in the future. Reflecting on his conversation with Professor Dumbledore, Harry realized that his inquiries had yielded the desired results. Dumbledore had found a muggle-born witch willing to teach interested students muggle subjects, enabling them to take exams in the muggle world or pursue A-levels after Hogwarts.

Harry sensed that Dumbledore had informed the Board of Governors about his contemplation of attending another school, emphasizing the need for Hogwarts to prove its worth. Despite the appealing reports on Beauxbatons, Harry rejected it due to its restrictive code of conduct, an imposition on his free-spirited nature.

However, he acknowledged that if Dumbledore was genuinely invested in having him at Hogwarts, he would address issues like the biased Potions teacher, the ghost, and the problematic history teacher.

....

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