Chương 119: 119
Chapter 119: Flourish and Blotts Bookstore
Because Rolf was a first-year student and had many supplies to buy, they set out early.
After arriving at Diagon Alley, they split up as planned—
Rolf's mother took him to buy a suitable wand, while his father went to buy items like cauldrons.
Steven and Wade headed to the apothecary first.
Wade wanted to order some potion ingredients and ask the store manager to mail them to school upon arrival.
The shops in Diagon Alley had been serving Hogwarts students for years. Their reputation in this regard was well-established, so there was no worry about broken contracts.
Steven wanted to buy some powder to repel insects for his garden and sell some materials he had collected from the farm, such as Murtlap essence.
After making their rounds, everyone agreed to meet at the ice cream shop. Wade and Steven sat down at a table outside the store to rest, have a drink, and wait for Rolf, who had just ordered a new school robe.
"Mom, please buy me a Filibuster Firework," Rolf begged, pulling on Mrs. Scamander's sleeve. "Just one will do!"
"No," Mrs. Scamander gently refused. "The school doesn't allow you to bring that sort of thing."
"I won't take it to school; I'll set it off at home," Rolf pleaded. "I want to see what it looks like when it explodes in water."
"Buy it for him," Rolf's father suggested. "How can a child not have toys?"
On their way to Flourish and Blotts, they first stopped by the joke shop.
Rolf was dazzled by the various magical fireworks, and Wade bought a few of each. Steven also recommended a can of colorful candy.
"This is very interesting. After eating it, a plant will sprout from the top of your head. It will disappear in a few minutes, so don't worry about it being harmful."
Steven said as he took two cans himself.
There were also self-shuffling playing cards, quills that turned into large spiders, and lifelike toads that could spray foul odors.
Wade had no interest in these trick toys, so he put them down after a quick look.
There were more people around Flourish and Blotts than expected, but most were gathered outside, and most were middle-aged witches.
They formed a winding line at the door, holding one or two books, occasionally tidying their hair or adjusting their skirts.
Several adults hesitated in front of the crowd, and Wade pulled Rolf, weaving through the gaps in the crowd.
Most people were there for the book signing event, so the store was less crowded. The two told the clerk their age, and the young man skillfully took out two pre-packaged sets.
"Do you want new books?" the clerk kindly asked, seeing they were children. "If you want second-hand books, you can get a discount."
"New books are fine, thank you."
Wade and Rolf both paid with Galleons.
Gilderoy Lockhart's books were not cheap, and two heavy bags of Galleons were placed on the table.
They left the bookstore, and saw Gilderoy Lockhart holding Harry Potter's hand, posing for photos. The surrounding crowd was excitedly talking, while Harry looked like he wanted to escape.
"Harry Potter? He's here too?"
When Rolf heard Harry's name, he tried to tiptoe and stretch his neck to see.
Unfortunately, he was too short, and the dense crowd blocked his view.
Seeing Rolf was almost hit by the crowd, Wade pulled him aside. "Curious?"
"Of course!" Rolf said excitedly. "I grew up hearing his stories! I heard he thwarted the Dark Lord's plot again not long ago. Is it true?"
"It's true. But you don't have to squeeze in now. When you get to school, you can see him every day."
"Can I take a photo with him?" Rolf asked. "I want to hang his picture on my wall."
Wade said, "I have a camera. But you have to ask him if you can take a photo."
Wade led Rolf away, and they could still hear Lockhart's voice—
"I am extremely happy and proud to announce that this September, I will be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"
—Wade muttered to himself, *I hope I find a truly capable Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.*
If not, he would have to find a way to deal with Lockhart.
Wade returned Rolf to his parents safely, and heard the boy excitedly telling them, "Mom and Dad, guess who's there?"
"Lockhart?" Mr. Scamander guessed.
"No, it's Harry Potter! He's taking a photo with Mr. Lockhart, and the reporters are snapping pictures of them!"
Rolf jumped excitedly. "I'm going to be Harry Potter's classmate!"
"Be careful," Mrs. Scamander reminded, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Also, don't ask him about his scar, or about the first time he defeated the Dark Lord, remember?"
"Why, Mom? I'm so curious!" Rolf exclaimed.
"Silly boy, he lost his parents then," Mrs. Scamander said gently.
The crowd suddenly became chaotic, with people screaming and others trying to get away quickly.
Wade heard one of the Weasley twins shouting, "Get him, Dad!"
And Mrs. Weasley yelling, "Don't do this, Arthur, don't do this!"
"Try this, Ron Weasley!" Draco Malfoy's voice was particularly clear.
"I think I heard the name of an acquaintance," Wade handed his items to Steven. "Hold these for me; I'll go see what's going on."
He squeezed into the crowd and saw Hagrid separating Arthur Weasley and Lucius Malfoy, holding one in each hand.
Ron and Draco, who had been fighting, were pulled apart by Harry. He subtly took Ron's side, and Draco ended up with a black eye from Ron's punch.
Lucius Malfoy's light golden hair was covered with dust. He struggled free from Hagrid's grasp and shoved a worn Transfiguration textbook at Ginny Weasley.
"Take your book!" he sneered arrogantly. "This is the best your father can give you."
Wade hid his wand in his sleeve and gently waved it. Ginny seemed to be pushed and staggered, falling.
"Lucius Malfoy, you hit a child!"
Arthur Weasley was immediately furious and tried to charge at Lucius, but Hagrid held him back.
"Too much!" The half-giant was also angry. He looked at Malfoy with contempt. "If this is all you can do, you'd better not show up in front of me!"
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