Chương 18: Gatekeeper
BG - Enjoy a nice double chapter upload, a long one too!
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Looking around me all I could see is that deep darkness again. I started to feel panic well up in my chest as I thought I had died or something. Looking down though, I seemed to still have my body. Was I dreaming then? What was happening here?
Confused with the situation I started to walk through the darkness in search of some answers. Every step felt heavy and the pressure on me felt incredibly strong. It was as if I had weights placed on my back, feet and arms. Despite this though, I forced myself to continue on wanting to gain answers about what was going on.
I felt like I walked for hours before I started to feel truly exhausted. Falling to my knees I felt the pressure double, then triple as sweat fell of my brow. I forced my head to look up into the darkness of this dreamscape I was in that seemed to be testing me.
From above I could see two eyes, two deep purple eyes looking down at me. They seemed to be… expectant of me…
.
The darkness of sleep fizzled away as light streamed into my window waking me up. I sat up in my bed in a slight daze for a moment recalling the dream I just had. What the hell was all that about? I truly had no clue however that darkness was reminiscent of the same darkness I saw when I met the 'rules'. The only difference was I had a body this time and that those purple eyes were staring down at me.
My mind was already filled with questions about Merlin and now I was starting to question the meaning of my dreams to. Maybe the two were linked in some way with me constantly thinking about Merlin and what he was, then seeing that dream that almost seemed like a test in its own right.
I doubt I'd ever know the truth though and that frustrated me to no end. I sighed as I picked myself off out of bed and looked out the window at the morning sky. Turning my head from the sky to the clock, I saw the current time.
'11:00am'
Stan was going to pick me up at 4pm outside the Leaky Cauldron to take me back to Newquay. That meant I only had around 5 hours here before I had to leave. Before then I needed to make a move and gather all that I needed. First, I'd head towards The Apothecary and buy all the relevant potion materials and apparatus' I need for making the potion for Nana. Afterwards I wanted to look in a few shops for a few artefacts to take back to New Leaf that may help me with sneaking around doing my magic practice. Finally I needed to end up at 'Flourish and Blotts' purchasing all the books I need and wanted to take home with me. The main book I wanted was information about the trace.
With a plan in mind I hopped out of bed and put my clothes on. Rushing downstairs of the Leaky Cauldron I felt my stomach rumble as I noted I still hadn't eaten at all since I was at New Leaf. As I got downstairs into the main area of the Leaky Cauldron though, a woman beckoned me over.
"You, young boy, come over here~"
She was stood behind the bar where usually the old man would be. I gathered maybe it was a change in shifts or something. Walking over I stood at the bar staring up at the woman.
"I noticed you returned late last night and missed dinner, you must be starving you poor thing. Since you paid us extra for a meal we decided to move that from a dinner to a breakfast instead~ take a seat and I'll bring it out immediately"
I thanked the woman kindly for preparing me a meal. Honestly I didn't have much time but if I was running around on an empty stomach I would probably end up extremely worse for wear when I get back to New Leaf later today. I didn't want to return looking pale or something, worrying Melony and Nana far more than I probably already had.
Sitting down for a few minutes I took in the sight of the Leaky Cauldron for a while with a smile. It was a warm pub, it honestly reminded me of some of the pubs I would end up at in my last life. As this thought crossed my mind the lady behind the bar came out with some food for me to eat. I thanked her again as I started to tuck in.
It filled the void in my stomach perfectly. After eating it all up I took the dishes over to the bar and placed them in front of the woman.
"I would have gotten them myself young man, although I appreciate you bringing them to me~"
"It was a nice meal"
Digging my hand into my pouch I grabbed a couple galleons and placed it in front of the woman with a smile. She looked at me confused before I explained.
"It's a tip, I appreciate you making me food even though I was late in last night"
The woman looked reluctant to take it for a moment however ended up giving me a bright warm smile pocketing the money.
"I certainly like you young man, you will be a fine wizard when you grow up. Say… what is your name?"
I was a bit surprised hearing this as I realised since I made the journey here not one person had actually asked for my name besides the goblins at Gringotts. I smiled as I replied.
"It's Oz"
"I'll remember you Oz~"
I waved the kind lady goodbye as I headed back out into Diagon Alley. My first destination was The Apothecary.
.
Heading into The Apothecary I was shocked to see the sheer amount of materials and things dotted around. At the centre of the shop was a large cauldron bubbling away emitting weird smells. This whole shop itself was just a cluster of weird smells if I was honest.
Heading straight through the shop I arrived at the counter, looking up I could see a stern looking wizard staring down at me who was obviously the shopkeeper here.
"What are you here today for boy"
Despite his stern look he seemed like he would allow me to buy things here. My main worry was that considering my age some shops may not allow me to purchase items however it seemed as though that worry was unfounded.
"I'd like to buy all the things needed for potion making as well as some materials please"
The stern man gave a slight smirk. The judging look in his eyes began to fade.
"No problem. What materials do you need?"
I recalled the book in which I read about a potion that would help Nana fix the damage to her body as well as revitalising her body as a whole for the years to come. Thinking on that potion, I started to list the ingredients for it perfectly. As I reached the end of the list, the judging gaze in the eye of the clerk turned into a frown.
"This… I'm surprised you remember those ingredients off the top of your head. This potion should be one that heals… it seems you have someone who's sick in your family young man"
It made sense that the owner here was able to tell what potion I was trying to make. Realising this fact I decided to ask.
"Could you make the potion for me if you are aware of what it is? It would be a great help"
The stern man sighed as he started to explain.
"The potion you are trying to make is extremely meticulous in its making. You have to memorise each step perfectly. It's not a potion I have ever trained to make personally so it would take me at least a couple of weeks to learn and then make the potion. If you are able to wait that long we can arrange some sort of deal"
A couple of weeks? I'd be back in New Leaf and long gone by then. I had spells on hand anyway to heal Nana when I got back, the potion would just be a more thorough fix and be beneficial long term. I might as well just learn the potion myself…
"That's fine then. I'll just buy the ingredients and the relevant potion things I need"
Seeing the determination in my eyes the stern man grinned further as he started to go around the shop collecting various materials. As he walked over to one of the herbs needed he called out to me.
"It would be prudent of you to buy at least 10 times the amount of materials you actually need. This potion is a difficult one as it includes many steps. The more chances you have, the better chance you have at making it in the end…"
Hearing the shopkeeper's words I nodded. I had the money so it was fine buying 10 times the amount of materials. As a matter of fact…
"Could you actually get 20 times the amount needed for 20 tries? It's better to be safe than sorry"
The shopkeepers jaw dropped slightly before rising into a smile again.
"You are certainly an intelligent one young man. 'Better to be safe than sorry'. When it comes to potion materials it's always best to buy much more than you need"
The shopkeeper started to scamper around faster collecting everything I needed and placing them in different boxes and such that kept the herbs fresh. After some time he arrived in front of me at the desk again.
"Do you have an extension pouch to put these in? It'll be difficult to carry them all unless you want us to send it to your home"
"That's fine, I have a pouch right here"
Showing the pouch the shopkeeper smiled. Turning around he grabbed for me a little cauldron, vials and a bunch of other potion making equipment. The desk was filled by the end.
"This will all get you sorted and ready to make potions… the total for all this will be 50 galleons"
50 galleons was a lot of money, but not a lot for me. Placing a stack of galleons in front of the shop keeper I started to put all the materials and potion stuff into the pouch I had, then strapping it on my waist again.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you young man… say what is your name?"
This was the second time someone was asking for my name today. It felt strange but I smiled and responded.
"It's Oz. Thanks for helping me out"
I left The Apothecary at that and headed down Diagon Alley…
.
Walking down Diagon Alley I noted the time was getting close to around 1pm. I only had 3 hours before I needed to be outside the Leaky Cauldron waiting for Stan and his knight bus. Looking in the shop windows I grew curious at what items could help me learn magic easier whilst at New Leaf. Maybe some kind of ward would help? A ward that could be placed until I could cast it myself would be nice…
As I dwelled on these thoughts I walked past a broomstick shop. Looking inside I felt a supreme urge to buy a broomstick. The current broomstick on display was a Nimbus 1996. A sleek black design reminiscent of the Nimbus 2001 Draco would eventually get. Looking at the price tag I realised just how expensive getting a broom was.
'99 Galleons, 99 Sickles and 99 Knuts'
Why such a weird amount? I understood it was a marketing tactic but it seemed ridiculous when using wizarding currency. Looking at the amount it would cost and debating, I knew I had the money but I also knew in the future better brooms would come. I didn't want to play Quidditch or anything though, it would just be a convenient method of travelling until I could apparate.
Just as I was debating this though I remembered something from the books. Harry wasn't allowed to buy a broom as he was only a 'first year student'. With my obvious young age I would probably be turned away. It would be better to shelf the idea for now and in the future find a way to get a broom.
Continuing to head down Diagon Alley I entered in and out of different shops in search of items that would benefit me and help me out in my pursuit of magic. I bought different little things, a self-writing quill, a few random books here and there, even some little gimmicks from Gambol and Japes. Having money in a place like this made me feel like a kid in a candy shop as I just bought what I wanted. Eventually I found myself at Flourish and Blotts again with a pouch full of miscellaneous items.
As I walked into the bookshop I looked up at the clock. It was now 3pm, I had 1 hour before I needed to be outside the Leaky Cauldron to meet Stan. I decided to simplify this last shop I visited by heading straight to the clerk I saw yesterday. This time the shop was a bit busier with some people scattered around looking through books. He seemed to notice me as I walked through the door, smiling as I walked over to him.
"If it isn't yesterday's little bookworm. Come to read a few more books again today?"
"Actually I'd like to buy some books to take home with me if possible…"
"Of course it's possible! Most books here you are eligible to buy despite your young age. The only series you aren't allowed to purchase in its entirety is the standard book of spells collection. You can have the first book, but each book can only be purchased as you attend each year at school"
That system was a bit of a pain… I wanted to buy the entire collection if I'm honest but it seemed there were some safeguards in place. I could always ask the goblins to buy me items like this and the broom however I didn't want to rely on them at all as they would gain an inch and want a mile. For now I'd buy 1st book in the series and then just buy other books I wanted to learn from for now.
"I'll buy the first standard book of spells then please… I'd also like to buy some books about the trace and also about occlumency"
The clerk's eyes widened as he heard what other books I wanted.
"Occlumency… That's a difficult topic to be reading into at a young age. Also the trace… what a weird selection of books you'd like…"
As I saw the questioning grow in the clerks eyes I decided to lie.
"It's for my dad. He asked me to buy these books when I was in Diagon Alley for his work. He wants me to be independent so he sends me off like this sometimes…"
The questioning gaze started to wither as the clerk seemed to 'understand' the situation. He smiled as he went and grabbed the books I requested. He came back with a number of books on Occlumency and only a single book about the trace.
"This is everything we have on those two subjects. Anything else you'd like?"
Honestly looking around the shop I wanted to buy it all. I knew that I couldn't though. For now I'd just buy as many books as possible about other fields of magic besides spells.
"Any potion making books, books on magical runes, arithmancy, if you can bring them to me I'll buy them"
The eyes of the clerk started to look like galleons as he stared at me. Considering what I said about my 'dad' earlier he may be starting to think I'm a noble's son or something with a lot of money. He rushed away again and brought me a massive pile of books that stacked on top of the previous books he brought.
"This is everything I can sell to you in regards to those subjects... Anything else?"
Was there anything else? Let me think… ah it may be good to buy books about that.
"All books pertaining to magical beasts… and where to find them"
I cringed realising I had just basically said the name of Newt Scamander's book. The clerk went and grabbed a copy of it for me along with some other books pertaining the magical beasts. He seemed to be just grabbing as many as he could bring...
"Anything else young man"
"That's all… for now"
I was certain I'd buy more when I was back here in a few years' time however now I had to restrain myself somewhat.
"That will come to around… oh dear hmm… please give me a moment young man"
He seemed to start calculating slowly as the sheer amount of books I was buying was large. I stood awkwardly for a few minutes as he did this and finally arrived at an amount.
"This will come to around 62 galleons young man… are you sure you can afford that?"
62 galleons was a lot again, more than what I spent at The Apothecary. However I was a rich boy with an inheritance. Placing the money in front of the clerk he stared in shock for a moment before smiling.
"Let me help you store these books then!"
He already saw that I was putting some into my pouch so he started to hand me them as I was doing so. After a few minutes, all the books that were piled on the desk were now safely in the pouch on my waist. I was excited to read them all when I got back the New Leaf.
"Thank you for your business young man! Seeing your interest in books I imagine you'll be here again one day, can I get your name?"
The third time someone had asked for my name today…
"It's Oz"
"Okay then Oz, I'll see you soon!"
I gave the clerk a little wave as I left the shop. Glancing at the clock as I left I noted the time was coming up to 3:30pm. I wanted to look around Diagon Alley all day but knowing that I needed to go in 30 minutes I restrained myself, deciding to go back to the Leaky Cauldron now to make sure I caught the knight bus on time…
.
As I walked into the Leaky Cauldron I saw that the bartender had changed to the man again, the woman who served me breakfast was actually acting as a waitress now as the bar was seemingly very busy. I had some minutes to kill so I decided to get a drink from the bar and sit down to drink it. Walking up to the bar the man clocked me as he continued to wipe the glass in his hand.
"What would you like young man?"
"Can I get a cide- Wait no, I'll get a coke…"
Considering how this bar reminding me of the pubs in my last life I nearly asked for a cider. I managed to correct myself though and now I had an ice cold coke in my hand. Walking over to the corner of the Leaky Cauldron, I sat down and started to drink my drink slowly. Thinking about my gains on this trip, I was extremely happy. I was still anxious about going back to New Leaf after vanishing, however knowing I could help Nana was a massive weight off my chest.
Time passed slowly as I drank my drink. As the drinks amount reached halfway the woman who gave me breakfast earlier approached my table.
"Hello there Oz~ did you get everything you need in Diagon Alley?"
She saw me head towards Diagon Alley so I gather she was assuming.
"Yeah I got everything I needed"
"That's good~ is there anything I can get you? A bite to eat perhaps?"
"N-No I'm all good thanks"
The kind waitress headed off as I sighed. I wasn't really good with situations like this… As I was lost in my thoughts, someone sat opposite me. I looked around the pub and noticed it was packed so they could only sit in the seat opposite me. Looking up at who had sat opposite, I immediately recognised him.
"Hagrid..?"
The giant man looked down at me as I muttered his name. As he looked down at me, text appeared in my eyes.
[Canon Shift – Due to a 'certain event' Hagrid has been instructed to go to Diagon Alley]
"Di' you just say my name young lad'? Lookin' at you… are you a first yea'?"
I restrained my shock as one of the main canon story characters appeared in front of me. I was also confused as I tried to comprehend the canon shift that had appeared.
"No I've just heard a lot about you is all… you aren't hard to miss"
"Ahahaha! You got tha' right you cheeky sod… What's your name?"
Hagrid took a swig of his drink as he stared down at me. I collected myself for a moment and calmly replied.
"It's Oz"
"Well it's nice to meetcha Oz! It's so busy today, hope you don't mind me sitting here"
"Not at all, I need to leave in 10 minutes anyway"
After that brief talk Hagrid started to enjoy his drink. He then had the waitress bring him over some food and he started to eat as well. I began to wonder why he was here however I couldn't ask outright. The canon shift message said he was instructed… that could only mean…
As I was about to think on the next point Hagrid started to talk out loud.
"Look how damn busy it is… How does Dumbledore' expect me to find tha' lad"
Text again appeared in my retina as I heard Dumbledore's name and noted it in my mind.
[Canon Shift – Dumbledore has caught wind of Merlin's Descendant, sending Hagrid out to seek them]
This message made sweat start to drip off my brow. Information really spread that damn fast?! I really shouldn't underestimate how fast news travels in the wizarding world. I had to thank Hagrid's air-headedness here as he didn't realise the lad he was looking for was right in front of him. It seemed Griphook was keeping a tight lid on what Merlin's descendant was called else Hagrid would have noticed. As I thought this though, Hagrid started to slow down his eating as he looked at me questioningly.
"Wai' a minute', young lad, have you don' one of them bloodline tests recently?"
It seemed he finally clocked on. I cooled myself down as I replied.
"Bloodline test? What's that?"
I acted dumb.
"Ahahaha, don't worry lad. Looking at you, you aren't even 9 yet! Doubt' you would even know what a bloodline test is… Blimey even I hardly understand what it is"
Hagrid started to tuck into his food again and I heaved a sigh of relief. Looking at the time, I decided to head off.
"It was nice talking to you Hagrid. I imagine we'll meet again when I'm able to go to Hogwarts"
"Thas' right! I'll see you in… 3 years' time lad!"
Nodding at Hagrid's words I quickly headed out of the Leaky Cauldron. I hoped that Hagrid's air-headed nature would make him dismiss this event…
.
Heading out of the Leaky Cauldron I noted the time was now 3:57pm. Looking over the road I saw the knight bus was already here and Stan was stood outside getting some fresh air. As he saw me, he rushed over.
"Was wondering if you were actually going to show! Come on in quick!"
He ushered me over and into the knight bus. As we entered I gave him the price of the return ticket in wizarding currency. He seemed more pleased receiving 11 sickles this time.
"We will depart in a couple of minute's. Go on, go get comfortable somewhere!"
I immediately headed up to the top of the knight bus this time and to the back. I didn't want to be near Stan or spoken to at all. Getting onto a bed at the top of the knight bus, I secured myself to it and took out one of the many books I had. I had to really delve into the pouch to find the one I want but after a minute I got it. The book about the trace.
The bus started to move quickly however with myself fastened down I wasn't going to be flying all over the place. I started to read the book quickly as I had a few hour journey ahead back to New Leaf.
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