59

Chapter 59: Purchase

The final week of the holiday sped by in a blur. Wade felt as though he had barely cracked open a few books when time slipped through his fingers.

Professor Morray had left him a small matchbox containing a curled, blue-black film—a fragment resembling a dried caterpillar or a bat's wing membrane.

Unable to use a wand, Wade could only observe it through a magnifying glass, refraining from more invasive inspection methods until he returned to school.

True to his word, Marchionne had promptly launched "The Book of Friends" for sale. Wade also received an invitation to Aslan's Magic Workshop release event, and an owl delivered samples—two sets of each style, with instructions to keep one set and gift the other.

While others anticipated the excitement of the release day, Wade preferred the solace of reading at home. However, Fiona, spotting "The Book of Friends" advertisement in the Daily Prophet, eagerly insisted on visiting, with Ferdinand and Wade in tow.

The family drove to Charing Cross Road in Westminster, parked nearby, and walked to the Leaky Cauldron. Recent snowfall had left the ground wet and slippery. Fiona clung tightly to Ferdinand's arm, struggling with every step.

"I'd really love to apparate to the Leaky Cauldron—have a butterbeer—or no, firewhiskey—" Fiona mumbled, shivering as she walked.

"We're almost there," Ferdinand reassured her, spotting the Leaky Cauldron sign ahead.

As squibs, the Gray couple hadn't been accepted into the magical school system, but the wizarding world hadn't entirely shut them out. With magical ancestry, they could see establishments like the Leaky Cauldron invisible to Muggles, and potions affected them normally.

Unlike Muggles, who could face fatal reactions to certain potions like Polyjuice, the Grays were spared such dangers. During Wade's time at Hogwarts, the Grays would occasionally stroll Diagon Alley, able to enter with other wizards opening the gateway, generally without question.

Entering Diagon Alley now felt like coming home to Wade's parents. They first indulged in butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron (Fiona no longer complained about its cleanliness), then approached the familiar brick wall entrance, all eyes on Wade.

Wade drew his wand and tapped a brick. The familiar archway appeared, adorned with a massive poster:

**"The Book of Friends: A Symbol of Innovation!"**

**"Haven't secured your child's Book of Friends yet? What will they do at school?"**

**"Top quality, affordable luxury, indispensable in the modern age!"**

"Oh my—!" Fiona gasped involuntarily.

Colorful posters adorned nearly every corner, slogans rolling and urging immediate purchases. Diagon Alley bustled with parents and foreign wizards.

They no longer needed to visit Marchionne's shop; every ten meters along Diagon Alley, a sales point beckoned. Clerks shouted, "One book per person! One book only! Hey, sir, you're taking too many!"

"Don't worry! We'll restock soon! If you can wait two days, you can leisurely choose in-store! Multiple styles available!"

But no one listened. People surged forward, clutching Galleons, shouting:

"Three books for my three kids!"

"Don't push! Who stepped on my shoe?!"

"I want the red one! Give me the red!"

A scuffle erupted, bodies collided, shouts mixed. Bystanders swiftly intervened, separating brawlers.

Fiona gulped. "M-maybe we should just watch—"

"—wise choice."

Ferdinand bought ice cream, and they sat at a small table outside, watching the chaotic rush.

Fusco, the shop owner in a vest, served their ice cream, smiling. "Here for your children's Book of Friends too?"

"Um—yes—" Ferdinand replied vaguely.

"Better buy early," Fusco advised, adjusting his bow tie. "I've got insider info. Aslan's Magic Workshop made only this batch on overtime. After this, they're taking a few days off. Wait a week if you miss out."

Wade glanced up. Were these "insider tips" from Marchionne's staff? Manufactured scarcity, with official claims of ample stock but whispers of limited supply, naturally swayed belief towards the latter.

"A week's wait—it's nothing, right? Wasn't it just owls before?" Fiona asked curiously.

"Not quite the same," Fusco replied, eyeing Wade. "Imagine your son at school, classmates trading in their friend books, laughing together. He's left out, feeling inferior. As a parent, wouldn't that concern you?"

Fiona pictured it: children chatting, laughing, while Wade stood alone, pitifully watching. Her heart sank. "Yes, of course! It'd be so pitiful!"

"Exactly. Parents agree. At least let your child join in, so they're not left out," Fusco said persuasively.

"You're right. We can't resist; we'll definitely buy one!" Fiona agreed eagerly.

Fusco sighed, moved by parental dedication, then departed. Fiona, watching the frenzied buying, suddenly stood. Ferdinand caught her arm, and Wade looked on, surprised.

"Ferdinand—"

"Wade already has a Book of Friends, remember?" Ferdinand sighed. "He has plenty to share, not in need."

—As the inventor of the Book of Friends, what more could he want?

Fiona blinked, realization dawning. "Oh—yes!"

Wade sighed inwardly.

So, were you really advocating for me, or just swaying others?