The next morning, Nolan and Hagrid set off with Harry Potter, heading to Diagon Alley to prepare for Harry's school supplies.
Harry, still adjusting to the strange new world he'd been thrust into, was utterly fascinated by the animated black-and-white photographs in the morning's owl-delivered newspaper. Though he didn't recognize many of the words, he found the moving images captivating.
Wouldn't it be amazing if the pictures of great wizards in textbooks could move too? he mused.
Then another thought struck him. But if they could move, I wouldn't be able to doodle on them!
While Harry entertained himself with such thoughts, Hagrid and Nolan were locked in a heated argument about their transportation back to the city. The isolated beach, bordered by a long stretch of dirt road, was inaccessible to regular cars. The previous night, they had flown in on broomsticks—a choice Nolan had made begrudgingly. However, Dumbledore had issued Hagrid a strict instruction: no magic was to be used after they'd found Harry Potter.
"I am not getting on that boat!" Nolan snapped, his tone sharp with irritation. "I don't mind yachts or cruise ships, but I refuse to sit in that idiotic excuse for a vessel!"
"Oh, don't be daft, Draugr," Hagrid said, attempting to soothe him. "You took boats just like this one when you started at Hogwarts."
"This isn't about status," Nolan retorted with a sneer. "I'm telling you, if you step onto that tiny boat, it's going to sink. Miss Nancy doesn't swim." He hoisted the sleek black cat into the air like a prized trophy. Miss Nancy, under strict orders not to speak while in public, gave a discontented meow.
"Now, now, Draugr, don't be silly," Hagrid replied with a chuckle. "Cats are naturals at swimming!"
Ignoring Nolan's protests, Hagrid all but shoved him into the small rowboat before climbing in himself. There was a loud thunk as the vessel groaned under Hagrid's weight, sinking half a meter lower into the water.
"It's taking on water already," Nolan grumbled darkly, glaring at the muddy water that soaked his silver-embroidered boots. "You've ruined my shoes."
When Harry clambered aboard, the boat threatened to sink even further, forcing Nolan to hand him a bucket. "Start bailing," Nolan ordered coolly.
By the time they reached the opposite shore, all three were drenched, looking as though they'd swum across the sea rather than taken a boat.
"I must have lost my mind," Nolan muttered venomously as he wrung water from his cloak.
The trio boarded a small car that Miss Theresa, their maid, had thoughtfully prepared. As they drove toward London, Harry leaned toward Hagrid in the back seat and whispered, "Hagrid, why doesn't Draugr want to talk to me? Am I really that famous in the wizarding world?"
Harry couldn't help but admire the aloof young wizard who had accompanied Hagrid to rescue him. Nolan's effortless disdain for the Dursleys and his incredible display of magic had left a deep impression on Harry. Yet every time Harry tried to strike up a conversation, Nolan would respond with a disinterested "Mm," leaving Harry feeling distinctly unwelcome.
"Oh, well, as far as I know, Draugr's always been like that at Hogwarts—cold and aloof. That's just the kind of kid he is," Hagrid explained with a shrug.
"Doesn't he have any friends?"
"Course he does," Hagrid replied, his beetle-black eyes twinkling with fondness. "There's a lovely young lady…"
Just then, the car screeched to a halt. Before Hagrid or Harry could figure out what was going on, Nolan jumped out, storming toward two women standing a short distance away.
The two figures, one tall and one short, both had silver hair cascading down their shoulders. The older woman was strikingly beautiful, with an air of mature elegance, while the younger one was a picture of youthful innocence, her features radiating a soft, gentle charm.
"Eve!" Nolan called the younger girl's name softly, his voice carrying an edge of urgency. He strode forward and grabbed her hand. "Eve Stock! Why haven't you written to me? You know how to reach me, and yet I didn't even know your new address. I couldn't find you!"
"Nolan! I can't believe it's you!" The girl squealed, throwing herself into his arms with an emotional hug. "I never thought I'd see you again! Mom, this is Nolan—the best friend I've ever had at Hogwarts!"
The older woman smiled tenderly and stroked her daughter's hair as though she were touching a precious treasure. She greeted Nolan warmly, "Hello, Nolan. I've heard so much about you. Whenever Eve talks about Hogwarts, eight out of ten sentences are about you."
"I don't care what she's been saying about me at home. What I want to know is this," Nolan interrupted curtly, snatching a bag from Eve's hands. Inside were several books—math, social studies, science—the kind of subjects he found peculiar.
Eve lowered her head, her voice so faint it was barely audible. "I'm going to attend a public school."
Her mother, heartbroken, pulled her daughter into a tight embrace, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm so sorry, Nolan. But you and Eve will have to part ways..."
"Is it money?" Nolan asked bluntly, his sharp gaze darting between the two.
Attending Hogwarts wasn't cheap for Muggle families. Five pounds only bought one Galleon, and the yearly cost of new textbooks alone ranged from twenty to thirty Galleons. Add to that the expense of replacing outgrown robes, a decent broomstick, and other supplies, and the total could easily climb to several hundred pounds. Even wizarding families struggled—like the Weasleys, who were so strapped for cash that the twins could barely scrape together a few Sickles for pocket money.
Eve's family had been hit particularly hard. Her parents had divorced the year before, and Eve had stayed with her mother, her biological parent. But Eve's mother lacked both work experience and marketable skills. She was an excellent homemaker, but that didn't put food on the table, let alone cover Hogwarts tuition.
Nolan stared at Eve in silence, his piercing gaze making her eyes redden with tears. "Have you given up being a witch?" he asked coldly.
"No! But I—I don't know what to do..."
"Didn't I tell you to rely on me?" Nolan snapped. "This is pocket change for me. It's a minor expense, barely worth mentioning. Are you really going to let your so-called pride stop you from being a witch? Let me be clear, Eve; dignity can be traded for money, but your pride isn't worth as much as your future. If I were you, I'd swallow my pride and beg the person in front of me to pay for my education. That's what any rational person would do."
Eve shook her head frantically. "No! I can't do that! If it were anyone else—even Alicia—I might ask. But I can't ask you, Nolan. That's not what I want. If going to Hogwarts means losing my self-respect, then it's meaningless!"
Eve's mother held her daughter tightly, tears brimming in her eyes. She understood her daughter's feelings all too well. Though Eve was young, the stirrings of first love had taken root deep within her. This pure, unspoken affection had become an undeniable part of her.
Eve had endured bullying at Hogwarts every day, yet she had willingly stayed. Why? The answer was simple: Nolan. Her only reason for being at Hogwarts was to be near him, to share a space in his world.
But if she had to sacrifice her dignity to do so, if she could no longer stand as his equal, then there was no point in continuing.
Eve had thought it through clearly. The same could not be said for Nolan, who, in this moment, understood nothing.
Patreon Advance Chapters: patreon .com / HPdreamer
Bond Street, London, England…
Bond Street was a renowned shopping destination in London, known for its understated yet opulent atmosphere. The area was home to numerous Victorian-era classical buildings, and you wouldn't find cheap markets here—only luxury boutiques catering to the elite. It was a haven for high-end shopping enthusiasts.
Among its highlights was the largest Victoria's Secret store in the world, a magnet for young, stylish women who often strolled out with pink VS-logo bags, chatting excitedly with their companions.
On this particular afternoon of July 31st, a sleek black Bentley rolled up along Bond Street. While Bentleys were not uncommon sights on this posh avenue, the individual stepping out of this car was anything but ordinary.
A boy, no older than twelve or thirteen, emerged first. He wore polished silver boots and carried a silver-topped cane with a serpent's head. His pristine white shirt was free of a single blemish, and his alabaster skin paired with his strikingly handsome features could make any woman swoon.
Though he was just a child, his regal demeanor made it difficult to associate him with his tender age. The aura of icy sophistication surrounding him was palpable, and several girls holding their Victoria's Secret bags began whispering amongst themselves, debating whether to approach the enigmatic young gentleman.
However, as their chatter continued, the next passenger stepped out of the Bentley, leaving everyone momentarily breathless.
It was a giant—a man towering over eight feet tall!
The crowd collectively gasped.
How on earth did someone that size fit into a car?
This question rippled through the onlookers as they gawked.
The giant was dressed in a tattered, mildew-stained leather coat, an odd choice for the summer weather. The smell of his attire was so pungent that it seemed almost visible. His unkempt beard was matted with remnants of cheese, greasy bits of chicken, and even a few crawling insects navigating the mess.
Nolan shot Hagrid a sidelong glance and sighed, speaking softly. "I understand that your mother's side of the family didn't care much for bathing. When they were too filthy, they'd just roll in the mud like pigs, but still…"
"Don't bring up my mother!" Hagrid snapped, clearly offended.
Nolan shrugged. "Fine, whatever makes you feel better," he replied dismissively before addressing the chauffeur sitting in the driver's seat. "After today, send the car for a full interior cleaning. I suspect Hagrid may have left some dirt or bacteria behind."
"Don't talk about Hagrid like that, Nolan, please," came a sweet, angelic voice from the car.
Eve hopped out, her silver hair catching the sunlight as she lightly reprimanded Nolan. She seemed fond of Hagrid, perhaps because he was one of the few individuals at Hogwarts who treated her kindly. Eve might not have chosen such an unconventional friend under normal circumstances, but her limited social circle had left her little choice.
Following her, a silver-haired woman stepped out of the car, her mature elegance contrasting sharply with the lively youth of her daughter. Lastly, a frail, younger boy climbed out—a few inches shorter than Eve, his movements hesitant and unsure.
The bystanders were now utterly baffled. How had so many people fit inside a single car?
What they didn't know was that Nolan had used ancient runes to modify the Bentley's interior, doubling its capacity. Without this magical enhancement, Hagrid alone would have been enough to overload the vehicle.
As Harry stepped out of the Bentley, his face full of curiosity, the car gave two soft honks before driving off. Nolan watched the tail lights disappear into the distance before turning to the bewildered group and saying in his usual detached tone, "Follow me."
They arrived at the front of a storefront on Bond Street.
It was another luxury flagship store, its name "BlazeSilver" glinting on the polished sign above. BlazeSilver—Shining Silver, Burning Silver—was a jewelry and fashion brand that had risen to fame about sixty years ago. It now boasted around a dozen branches across the UK, but the Bond Street location was the crown jewel.
The store spanned three floors, with massive display windows showcasing dazzling items—trinkets so exquisite they could make any young woman swoon. Even real princesses would have trouble resisting these sparkling treasures.
Eve let out an amazed "Wow!" and scampered over to the display window, pressing her tiny face against the glass as she stared, wide-eyed, at a delicate silver tiara inside. It was the kind of piece that seemed to have been plucked from a fairytale.
A small crowd of young women lingered nearby, unable to afford anything from the store but drawn like moths to its glamorous glow. They watched enviously as wealthy patrons strode out with their purchases, adorning their aging faces with the shimmering beauty of BlazeSilver's treasures.
Eve's mother also gazed longingly at the display. She too had once dreamed of owning a piece or two from such places. It took her a moment to snap out of her daze. Finally, she turned to the enigmatic boy beside her and hesitantly asked, "Nolan, why are we here?"
Nolan cast her a fleeting glance and answered casually, "This is my sister's store."
"Professor Von Draugr!" Eve exclaimed in shock. "The Professor Von Draugr who taught us Defense Against the Dark Arts last year? But she's so young!"
"I can assure you, Felicia is much older than you think. And stop shouting about Defense Against the Dark Arts in a Muggle area," Nolan admonished, his voice calm but firm. "Muggles don't have any Dark Arts for you to defend against."
With that, Nolan pushed the door open with a faint click, leading Eve and her mother inside.
Two shop assistants were seated behind the counter, idly chatting. It was a common sight—they rarely had many customers since BlazeSilver's prices were so high. During slow seasons, hours could pass without a single buyer walking through the door.
When they saw Nolan, however, both froze. The older of the two women quickly stood and greeted him with a bow. "Your Highness, what brings you here today?"
Nolan nodded faintly in acknowledgment. "Just browsing."
"Felicia has just designed a stunning new tie clip. I think it would suit you perfectly," the woman said with enthusiasm.
"Bring it here."
Delighted at his interest, the assistant dashed upstairs to retrieve the item. The scene left Eve and her mother speechless. They had known Nolan came from a privileged background, but this was beyond their imagination.
Eve tugged on Nolan's sleeve, whispering, "Nolan, why does your sister run a Muggle business?"
Picking up a necklace from a display, Nolan examined it idly, the polished silver catching the light as he spoke. "Perhaps you don't realize this, but pounds are far easier to earn than Galleons. There are fewer than twenty thousand wizards across the UK, but nearly sixty million Muggles. The numbers alone mean that the Muggle market offers three thousand times more opportunities. The wizarding world is far too narrow, with little room for real business potential."
"I thought wizards didn't like Muggles…" Eve said softly, her mind drifting to the discrimination she faced in Slytherin. Her voice grew even quieter.
"That's a foolish prejudice," Nolan said with a dismissive scoff. "Only the truly idiotic wizards see themselves as a superior species."
Patreon Advance Chapters: patreon .com / HPdreamer
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT