Chương 27: Leaky Cauldron
Once settled in, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The room, though simple, had a cozy charm to it. The rustic furniture and the warmth of the fireplace created a welcoming atmosphere. As he glanced out of the window, he saw glimpses of the magical world bustling beyond.
After arranging his belongings, Harry made his way downstairs to join Hagrid for lunch. The Leaky Cauldron's pub was filled with a mix of wizards and witches, their conversations creating a background hum of magical chatter. Hagrid waved Harry over to a table in a corner, away from prying eyes.
"Grab a seat, Harry! We'll have some grub, and then I'll show yer around Diagon Alley," Hagrid said with a friendly grin.
Over lunch, Hagrid regaled Harry with tales of magical creatures, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting them. He spoke passionately about his love for magical creatures, even the misunderstood ones like Hippogriffs and Blast-Ended Skrewts.
Once their plates were cleared, Hagrid led Harry back to Diagon Alley. This time, Harry had the opportunity to explore the shops at a more leisurely pace. Hagrid pointed out the Quidditch supplies store, the apothecary, and even Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.
As they walked, Hagrid shared advice about the wizarding world and Hogwarts. He spoke about the importance of making friends, staying true to oneself, and facing challenges head-on. Harry absorbed every word, feeling grateful for Hagrid's guidance.
The day concluded with a visit to the magical creatures shop. Hagrid introduced Harry to various fascinating creatures, from the majestic Hippogriffs to the mischievous Pygmy Puff. It was a magical experience that left Harry in awe of the diversity within the wizarding world.
Back at the Leaky Cauldron, Hagrid bid Harry goodnight, assuring him that they would continue exploring magical London in the days to come. As Harry returned to his room, he reflected on the events of the day. The magical world was vast and filled with wonders, and he was eager to embrace it all.
He carefully arranged his collection of books on the shelf, savoring the moment of organization before allowing himself to collapse onto the inviting bed. The mattress embraced him in its softness, promising a night of restful sleep.
Eventually, Harry decided it was time to venture down to see Hagrid. Diagon Alley beckoned, and besides, he needed more clothes for everyday wear. The set Professor McGonagall had provided was well enough, but wearing it constantly wasn't practical. Laundry days existed, and Harry had no intention of resembling a slob.
Gazing into the mirror, he observed his still-reddened scar, though it seemed less prominent than before. Perhaps, with time, it would fade into obscurity, a subtle reminder of the battles he had faced.
...
Harry strolled down to the pub, making certain his fringe concealed the scar. The weather, currently warm, made wearing a cap unnecessary. Besides, the scar was still sensitive, discouraging any pressure on it. Harry doubted people would recognize him as long as Hagrid and Tom kept quiet.
Hagrid, with his towering stature, was easily spotted. Harry took a seat across from him, inquiring about the recommended food.
"The shepherd's pie is good," Hagrid suggested, prompting Harry to give it a try.
As they savored their meal, Harry probed Hagrid for more details about Hogwarts.
"So, what's the school like?" Harry inquired.
"Hogwarts is great. The castle and the grounds are big enough for a thousand students easily. Currently, we only have about three hundred. You see, during the war, many died before having children," Hagrid explained, a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Shame that, so many good people fell to You-Know-Who. The McKinnons, the Bones, the Prewetts. Sometimes, the Death Eaters turned on babies and little children. Monsters, they all were. So many died. The current years at Hogwarts only have a bit more than forty each. Numbers will go up soon. The next two years are the last ones where the war was still ongoing when the children were born."
"There was a right boom of babies the year after You-Know-Who was defeated. So numbers will go up. There are four houses, as you know. Gryffindor, my old house—your parents were also in there—Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each named after a founder. Gryffindors are brave and honorable, Hufflepuffs are mostly seen as duffers, but you won't find a person more loyal and hardworking than a Puff."
As Hagrid continued sharing insights about the Hogwarts houses, describing the smart Ravenclaws and the cunning Slytherins, Harry's curiosity grew. He learned about the intense Quidditch competition for the cup each year, especially the Gryffindor team's captain, Wood, who had a strong aversion to losing.
Intrigued by the prospect of playing Quidditch, Harry inquired about any rules against first-years trying out for the teams. Hagrid, smiling at Harry's interest, suggested consulting Madam Hooch, the flying instructor, to clarify the matter.
After finishing his pie, Harry paid the bill and, with Hagrid, made their way to the back door. Hagrid raised the pink umbrella and used the stone that McGonagall had employed to open the passage.
Curious about Hagrid's choice not to use a wand, Harry asked, "Why didn't you use your wand to open the arch?"
Hagrid hesitated for a moment, then revealed, "Well, yer know, Harry. I was at Hogwarts meself when I was younger, but I was expelled and me wand snapped."
"Why were you expelled?" Harry inquired.
Hagrid, avoiding the question, directed their attention to the Magical Menagerie. Harry sensed that Hagrid wasn't ready to discuss the details, but his curiosity remained. He decided to conduct some research to uncover the mysterious circumstances of Hagrid's expulsion.
....
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