Chapter 08: Luna Lovegood

After leaving Ollivander's wand shop, Luke and Harry went their separate ways, as Harry's shopping was almost complete. Hagrid's last item for him was a somewhat optional birthday gift—a pet.

"Where would you like to go next?"

Professor McGonagall asked, looking down at Luke.

Luke paused before saying, "I definitely don't need to buy a cauldron or anything like that. I'm sure the ones left at home are more than adequate."

McGonagall nodded, not arguing. For most students, it would be unthinkable to bring high-quality equipment to school just to risk it getting damaged. Such items could be incredibly valuable. And in Luke's case, his family's possessions could likely be considered antique artifacts.

Professor McGonagall even mused that if Luke brought a few cauldrons or dragon-hide gloves from his family's vault and showed them to Professor Snape, it might even be enough to earn an honest smile from him. Although she knew Luke didn't plan to dig into his family's vault, even the equipment from his private cottage would be more than enough for his needs.

"Professor, is it allowed to keep a snake at Hogwarts?"

Luke asked out of nowhere.

McGonagall was caught off guard by the question, but seeing that he was serious, she replied matter-of-factly, "In theory, no. However, if it's a non-venomous snake, I could make an exception."

It was a small concession for McGonagall; after all, the creatures in the Forbidden Forest were far more dangerous than an ordinary snake. However, venomous snakes were strictly forbidden due to the danger they posed to students.

Luke's face mirrored McGonagall's slight disappointment.

He didn't have many non-venomous snakes, and there wasn't much point in using a pet snake as a spy when ordinary snakes were common in Hogwarts, not to mention spells like 'Serpensortia', which could easily summon one.

Luke's true intention wasn't even to keep a pet snake at Hogwarts.

McGonagall understood the reason for Luke's interest. After all, the Gaunt family's affinity was well-known. Parseltongue had been heavily stigmatized, particularly due to Voldemort's influence.

For rational wizards, however, Parseltongue was simply a useful gift.

Of course, rational thinkers were always a minority in any group.

After a moment, Luke added, "Then let's go with a cat."

McGonagall's face lit up with a broad smile, as though Luke had made the perfect choice.

"That's right, Luke! Trust me, a cat is absolutely the best choice among all pets. They're gentle, smart, cute, and clever!"

Professor McGonagall chuckled as she led the way, speaking in Luke's ear with a cheerful tone.

Luke smiled, knowing this was exactly the kind of reaction he'd expected from Professor McGonagall. A wise person should make the right choice at the right time, in the right place.

Soon, they arrived at the entrance of a rather tucked-away shop. Luke looked up and saw the sign with a paw print on it:

[Kate's Cats]

Luke resisted the urge to comment and followed Professor McGonagall inside. The shop was small but clean and cozy, and Luke nodded approvingly.

It was the only pet store he'd seen so far that could rival Ollivander's wand shop in terms of tidiness.

However, what caught his eye next was not the playful kittens on the floor or the ones lounging in open cages, but a young girl with mousy blonde hair and large silver eyes.

She was seated on the floor against a wall, holding a magazine, seemingly reading aloud to the cats. She appeared as if she were there, yet also like a fleeting vision or a delicate spirit.

Luke couldn't help but feel captivated for a moment. The warm yellow light falling on her long hair looked like a waterfall of liquid gold, shimmering as if alive.

The kittens, who were usually lively and playful, lay quietly around her, forming a gentle arc, as though truly listening to her words.

Luke was momentarily entranced but quickly regained his composure, taking a deep breath. From the title of the magazine, he already knew the name of this ethereal girl.

The magazine was 'The Quibbler', a publication that had a "less than reputable" standing in the wizarding world. As far as Luke knew, there was only one girl her age who would take such a magazine so seriously.

Luna Lovegood.

A character Luke had adored in his previous life after seeing just one movie.

He'd thought he wouldn't meet this magical girl until the next year's welcoming feast, yet here she was, right before him, so suddenly.

Luke calmed himself quickly. Since he was now part of this world, he needed to get to know each person with his own eyes, rather than relying on memories from his past life.

After all, those memories—and even the old movies—were just stories shaped by an author's personal perspective. They were useful as a reference, but he couldn't treat them as absolute truth.

Still, Luke found himself frowning slightly. There was an inexplicable pull he felt toward Luna, which left him somewhat puzzled.

Having a natural fondness for Luna was normal, but where did this intense attraction come from?

Professor McGonagall observed Luke with interest. She noticed his progression from being lost in thought to suddenly regaining focus, followed by a look of relaxation, and finally a furrowed brow.

It amused her to think that Luke might not realize how clearly his emotions were written on his face.

With a curious glint in her eye, Professor McGonagall turned her attention to the girl. She had only heard of Luna in passing, but she was suddenly very intrigued by her.

She wondered what kind of magic this girl possessed that could evoke such a reaction from Luke.

At that moment, a middle-aged woman with brown hair stepped out from the door at the back of the shop, cradling a plump ginger cat. She immediately spotted Professor McGonagall, her old friend, smiling warmly, and the young boy beside her with a mature, handsome look and a thoughtful expression.

Not sensing the subtle atmosphere, she joyfully called out as soon as she saw them:

"Oh! Minerva! When did you get here? Why didn't you call me?"