No Apparition, Just a Spin in the Washing Machine!

Diagon Alley.

Professor McGonagall appeared out of thin air with the four of them.

"Ugh~"

"So this is how you travel in the wizarding world? It's like being tossed around in a washing machine, spun back and forth, and then finally—ugh~—thrown out."

The Grangers leaned against the wall, dry-heaving. Cro and Hermione didn't look much better. That feeling just now? A washing machine didn't even begin to describe it.

"Your first time Apparating can make you feel that way. You'll get used to it after a few more tries," Professor McGonagall said, waving her wand to ease their dizziness.

"Cro, Hermione. This is Diagon Alley, which you can think of as the wizarding world's version of a department store. Here, you can buy everything you need: wands, spellbooks, magical creatures, all sorts of magical plants. As long as you have the money, you can buy it. But don't try to buy anything illegal, or the Ministry of Magic will punish you."

Professor McGonagall paused, seeing the four of them listening attentively, before continuing with satisfaction.

"The wizarding world has its own currency. Pounds aren't accepted here. You can exchange your money at Gringotts at a rate of five pounds to one Galleon."

"Hogwarts freshmen are allowed to exchange 100 Galleons, and every year after that, they can exchange 60 Galleons."

"But you won't need that many Galleons to buy your school supplies, so there's no need to exchange too much."

"Any other questions?"

Professor McGonagall smiled as she looked at the four of them. The Grangers exchanged glances. Although they were both dentists and belonged to the middle class, the exchange rate of five to one was more than they could easily handle. All they could do now was hope, as Professor McGonagall had said, that the school supplies wouldn't cost too much. Otherwise...

"Professor McGonagall, how do we get here in the future? Do we have to use that same method?" Hermione curiously looked around at the red brick walls, unable to spot any obvious entrances.

"I forgot to tell you. Behind this wall is the Leaky Cauldron, the passageway that connects the wizarding and Muggle worlds."

"In the future, you can enter the Leaky Cauldron, and from there, come here. See that trash can?" Professor McGonagall pointed to a trash can in the corner with her wand.

All four of them turned their heads to look, Cro included, even though he already knew how to enter Diagon Alley. However, how to exit wasn't mentioned in the original book, so he was curious too.

"Count three bricks up from that trash can, then two bricks across. Tap that brick with your wand, and the passage will open."

"The same method works to get out. There's another trash can on the other side. Find the right brick, and you can open the passage."

Professor McGonagall withdrew her wand and watched the group. Hermione and her parents curiously inspected the seemingly ordinary wall. They couldn't understand how this solid wall could open a passage. Could it dismantle and rebuild itself?

But they didn't ask too many questions. After all, this was the magical world, where logic didn't always apply. Cro nodded knowingly, but he also stole a glance at Professor McGonagall. She was a powerful witch, one of the top in the wizarding world. A single Silver Treasure Chest had already granted him a Transfiguration Talent. What if he could get a higher-tier chest...?

...

Cro was absent-mindedly led along by Hermione. Today, no matter what, he was determined to trigger the three treasure chests from Professor McGonagall! After all, she was one of the few Animagi. If he could get that ability... it would be a huge win!

Hermione was curiously observing the shops around them, occasionally pulling Cro along to share her excitement. Passersby greeted Professor McGonagall warmly.

"Professor McGonagall, bringing new students for shopping again?"

"Yes, two very promising children," she replied with a smile.

Hearing the compliment, Hermione proudly lifted her head. After all, she was a well-known academic star! Cro, on the other hand, was scanning the surroundings, looking for something that might stir an emotional reaction in Professor McGonagall. There were many strange and fascinating things along the way, and soon enough, even Cro found himself distracted by the fresh and exciting sights. Especially when they passed Eeylops Owl Emporium.

Cro suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Cro, what's wrong? These are round-faced... owls? Wow! And such cute little cats! Ew, why are there such ugly toads?"

Hermione covered her mouth in surprise, pulling Cro towards the shop's entrance. She excitedly looked at the various owls, cats, and some rather ugly... toads inside.

The toads: ... You really have strong opinions!

...

"Do you like them? The school allows you to bring an owl, a cat, or a toad. I think you'll need an owl, though. They're great for delivering letters and make wonderful companions!" Professor McGonagall said with amusement, watching the two of them. Their wonder reminded her of when she had first come to this place—she had been just as awestruck and excited.

"Can we really bring one? But... we don't have any Galleons, so I don't think we can afford them," Hermione said, looking down in disappointment.

The Grangers exchanged another look. Without much hesitation, they made their decision. After all, they earned their money for Hermione's sake. No matter how expensive it was, as long as Hermione liked it, they were willing to buy it!

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T/N:

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