The Grangers

That afternoon, Viktor appeared promptly on the streets of London, waiting in front of the 13th shop on Charing Cross Road.

He wore his usual black cloak and a pointed hat pulled low to cover the upper half of his face, revealing only a pale chin. This peculiar appearance caught the attention of passing pedestrians, but since it was a weekday, there weren't many around to stare.

After waiting for three to five minutes, Viktor spotted Professor McGonagall in the crowd.

Minerva McGonagall was a stern witch, her hair always neatly tied in a bun, and she wore a modest green robe. Viktor had read a small anecdote about her in the Hogwarts staff introduction he reviewed yesterday—it was said she once fell in love with a Muggle but chose to sacrifice that love for her passion for Transfiguration. She remained unmarried to this day.

Such dedication to one's pursuit was rare.

However, what caught Viktor's attention even more was the group following Professor McGonagall.

There was a couple and a young girl. The girl had frizzy hair and a timid expression, but her features and demeanor carried a distinct air of intellect.

They spotted Viktor as well.

Professor McGonagall approached with a warm nod.

"Mr. Vanderboom," she greeted.

"Professor McGonagall," Viktor responded with a polite nod of his own.

"I'm terribly sorry for being late. The subway was delayed by half an hour, and since we're not allowed to use magic in Muggle areas while escorting students, it caused us some delay."

"It's no problem."

"Good. Speaking of which, I've received the reply to the employment offer Albus sent you a few days ago. The approval process should be completed within the next couple of days."

Professor McGonagall offered a faint smile, her demeanor noticeably friendlier than during their last meeting.

"It's unfortunate we couldn't get to know each other better beforehand, Mr. Vanderboom. I suppose we'll have to wait until the term starts. With new students enrolling and supplies to organize, my schedule has become increasingly tight, which is why I must ask you to assist this family with purchasing school supplies."

"Oh, I nearly forgot introductions—"

"These are Mr. and Mrs. Granger. They run a dental clinic."

"And this is Miss Hermione Granger, one of our new students this year."

Professor McGonagall stepped aside slightly, allowing Viktor to meet the Granger family's gaze.

Mr. Granger quickly extended his hand. "Hello, hello."

"Hello." Viktor shook his hand.

As they shook hands, Viktor lifted his hat brim slightly. Being taller than Mr. Granger, the adjustment revealed his peculiar eyes—black pupils that were disproportionately large and hollow-looking. This caused Mr. Granger to flinch involuntarily.

"Ah!" Hermione, already tense, let out a short squeak.

Realizing her outburst, she blushed furiously. "S-Sorry, Professor."

"It's all right."

Viktor nodded calmly toward her and released Mr. Granger's hand.

Professor McGonagall smiled, breaking the awkward moment. "Miss Granger might be a bit nervous, but she's a good child."

"I've already explained much about the wizarding world to her. When you take them inside, there's no need to repeat it."

She turned to introduce Viktor to the Granger couple. "This is Professor Viktor Vanderboom. He teaches Divination."

"Divination?" Mr. Granger asked, surprised. Could wizards predict the future?

But he quickly reminded himself—if wizards and magic were real, then so was divination.

Professor McGonagall nodded. "Yes. However, Divination is an elective course available to third-years and above. Miss Granger will learn more about it in due time."

She added, "The list of supplies for new students includes items required for each subject, which must be purchased from various shops in Diagon Alley."

"For efficiency, I recommend starting at Gringotts, then Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Flourish and Blotts, Ollivanders, and finally the Cauldron Shop and Eeylops Owl Emporium. This way, you can finish everything before sundown without backtracking."

"Oh, thank you very much."

It was evident Mr. Granger didn't fully understand every term, but he assumed the instructions were more for Viktor than for them.

Hermione, meanwhile, was still dwelling on her earlier embarrassment.

'What was I thinking?' she chastised herself.

Her face, framed by frizzy hair, was a picture of remorse as she fidgeted with her hands behind her back.

'Professor wasn't even that frightening. Why did I react like that? Did I leave a bad impression?'

As a model student, Hermione always sought the approval of her teachers. Knowing nothing about Hogwarts yet only intensified this need.

On the other side, Professor McGonagall and Viktor quickly concluded their conversation.

Before leaving, Professor McGonagall addressed Viktor, "I need to submit some forms at the Ministry of Magic. I leave the rest to you, Mr. Vanderboom."

"Understood. Goodbye, Professor McGonagall."

With that, Professor McGonagall returned to her usual stern demeanor and walked toward a secluded corner of the alley. Viktor assumed she would Disapparate to the Ministry, the standard wizarding mode of transport.

Once her figure disappeared, the remaining group had a chance to assess each other.

The Grangers exchanged glances, then cautiously observed Viktor's somewhat eerie appearance. They couldn't help but reflect—literature's descriptions of wizards weren't far off after all.

"...Where are we going now?" Mr. Granger asked.

"To the Leaky Cauldron nearby."

"But we didn't see a sign for that pub?"

"Follow me."

Without offering further explanation, Viktor led the way to a narrow pub wedged between two larger shops. Above the entrance hung a sign reading The Leaky Cauldron.

From the outside, the pub looked impossibly small.

In the eyes of Muggles, it was merely a wall.

Viktor disappeared into the "wall."

The Grangers, full of curiosity, touched the space where he vanished before Hermione tugged them along into the Leaky Cauldron.

Inside, the pub was a world apart from the quiet streets of London. It was lively and bustling, filled with chatting wizards and the hum of conversations.

"Oh my, this is... simply magical," Mrs. Granger remarked.

"What's so magical about it?" Hermione asked, puzzled. "The pub was here all along."

"It's normal for Mrs. Granger not to see it," Viktor said softly.

"This place is enchanted with Muggle-Repelling and Confundus Charms. Only magical folk can perceive it; Muggles see it as a blank wall."

"There are various kinds of Muggle-Repelling Charms. Some make Muggles think of urgent business as they approach, achieving the same effect. It's all in service of the Statute of Secrecy."

"What if someone stumbles in by accident?" Mr. Granger asked curiously.

"That would be handled by the Ministry of Magic's Enforcement Squad, usually with a Memory Charm."

Having explained this, Viktor guided the Grangers toward the pub's stairs, preparing to enter Diagon Alley.

While passing through the crowd of drinking and chatting wizards, Viktor noticed an unusual buzz in the air. The patrons seemed particularly animated, talking excitedly about something. His attention was drawn to a conversation at the bar.

"They say Harry Potter, the great savior, was here yesterday!" one wizard exclaimed.

"Yes, right at this very spot! I even shook his hand!" added another, beaming with pride.

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