The shop was obviously larger on the inside, filled with shades of pink. The curtains, walls, and even many of the robes on display were all in that color. There weren't many people inside—just a couple of witches, and no wizards in sight.
They spent a while browsing, with Isabella trying on robes and dresses, while Maverick offered feedback on each one. To be honest, she looked beautiful in everything she tried on.
Not long after, McGonagall and Skyler entered the shop after their visit to the bank. Isabella immediately continued the conversation with McGonagall, while Skyler had her school uniform and robes measured.
During their talk, Maverick quietly used a bit of illusion magic to secretly buy the dress he liked the most for Isabella, packed it away and stored it in his ring.
After the robe shop, they moved on to Ollivanders Wand Shop and then the bookstore.
Isabella asked as many questions as she could think of, and McGonagall answered happily. It seemed like she would never grow tired of talking about Hogwarts.
McGonagall didn't forget about her student, making sure to include Skyler in the conversation. Skyler was lucky, as McGonagall was giving her a firsthand, exclusive look into Hogwarts, offering more insight than most other Muggle-born newcomers would receive.
Maverick tagged along, occasionally asking a question of his own, learning a bit more about the famous school.
Besides that, he had been quietly buying items Isabella seemed to like whenever she showed interest as they walked, occasionally stopping by the stalls.
His teacher's illusion spell had become his most versatile tool—not only for surprise attacks but even more so for managing things covertly.
The spell was particularly effective because, without the victim realizing they were under its influence, there was no reliable way to break free. Since his actions didn't directly affect anyone else, even McGonagall, the Great Magus herself, had no idea she'd been ensnared by it.
Their last stop was the pet store, where Maverick also wanted to buy a messenger bird for himself.
The shop, named Magical Menagerie, was located on the north side of Diagon Alley. The moment he stepped inside, the smell hit him. The place was cramped and noisy, with every inch of wall covered by cages. The scent of animals seemed to permeate the air, making it impossible to ignore.
All sorts of magical creatures were on display—Streelers, Fire Crabs, sleek black rats known for their intelligence, owls, ravens, cats of every color, Puffskeins, transforming rabbits, and many more.
McGonagall took Skyler to pick out a pet, leaving Maverick and Isabella to explore the shop on their own.
"Do you want to get a pet?" Isabella asked, noticing the look of interest on Maverick's face.
Maverick nodded. "Yes, a messenger owl. I want to stay in touch with you while I'm traveling the world."
Isabella blushed slightly, a shy smile spreading across her lips.
What Maverick missed most from his previous life was the ease of communication using smartphones. He already had plans to change that—not just in the non-magical world but in the magical one as well.
However, those plans were for the future, after he had firmly established himself in both worlds. He had no intention of limiting his influence to the magical community alone.
Maverick planned to work both sides, using his knowledge of the future to bring innovations to people long before the original inventors. He didn't feel guilty about disrupting the profits of big corporations—it wasn't stealing from regular people, just getting ahead of the rich and powerful.
The world he was in had more than one doomsday-level event ahead, as far as he could recall. Voldemort would end up looking like a beginner boss, a small-time threat, compared to the real nightmares to come.
"Look..." Isabella called, walking quickly toward a cage that held a beautiful black owl.
Maverick followed, and indeed, the bird was stunning. She was pure black, with a few brownish-yellow feathers at the tips of her tail and wings, and eyes as red as blood.
"Ah... one of the new arrivals, just in today. Very intelligent, I must say. I don't think she'll be here by the end of tomorrow," an old man's voice came from the side.
They turned to see a man who clearly looked like he needed a shower walking toward them.
"Is it a Barred Owl?" Maverick asked, turning back to observe the bird again, this time using his Magical-Sense to get a clearer read on its magic.
Yes, all magical animals had a touch of magic, which made them not only stronger than regular animals but also more intelligent. Even the simplest magical creatures, like a frog, were as smart as the most intelligent trained dogs.
"Not exactly," the man replied, stopping a little way off but still close to them. "She's a hybrid, you see—part eastern crimson owl and part barred owl. Both are very intelligent magical species," he added with a nod.
Maverick glanced at Isabella, silently seeking her opinion. He really liked the bird, and from his quick probe, he could sense it had a significantly larger magical reserve than any other animal in the store.
"She's really pretty..." Isabella said, glancing at him before leaning closer to the bird.
The owl didn't flinch or shy away but bobbed its head up and down, inching closer to Isabella as if agreeing with her comment.
"Hehe, and very smart too," Isabella chuckled at its reaction.
Maverick smiled. He could tell the bird understood Isabella's words clearly. All magical animals, especially owls, had the ability to understand wizards and witches to some extent, and with a bit of training, this ability could be further enhanced.
Maverick turned back to the man. "Are you the shopkeeper here, sir?"
The man smiled. "I'm the owner, young man." He paused and gestured to the owl hybrid. "I see you both have taken a liking to her..."
Maverick nodded. "Yes, I'd like to purchase her."
"Excellent," the man said, clapping his hands. "Come, let's finalize the payment, and I'll transfer the magical bond with the owl."
Maverick smiled, then glanced at Isabella and gave her a thumbs-up. To be honest, he was more excited than his expression let on about getting his first magical pet.
Isabella smiled back. "Congratulations..." she added.
They quickly completed the purchase, and the owner transferred the magical bond of the owl to Maverick. As soon as the connection was established, Maverick could feel it—a bond with the owl, and the bird glanced at him, acknowledging the link.
Maverick then bought a new cage, slightly bigger than the current one, and asked the owl to move in. The bird complied, as the very intelligent creature it was.
Holding the cage, Maverick glanced at Isabella. "Let's give her a name..."
Isabella quickly shook her head. "It's your first magical pet. You should name her..."
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Maverick thought for a moment and didn't argue. Then, he came up with the perfect name. With feathers as black as night, perfect for camouflage in the darkness, he smiled. "Let's call you Shisui..."
Isabella gave him a puzzled glance.
Maverick chuckled. "Don't mind the details, but it's a nice name, right...?"
Isabella sighed helplessly. It was a strange name to her, but she nodded. "Yes, it sounds... nice."
Maverick grinned widely, showing all his teeth, and Isabella couldn't help but smile back. She could see how truly happy Maverick was.
Not long after, McGonagall returned with Skyler, who had an owl of her own—the one she had chosen as her pet.
They talked a little longer, exchanging stories—Maverick and Isabella sharing their own, while McGonagall told tales of Hogwarts—as they continued walking through Diagon Alley. Eventually, McGonagall decided it was time to head back, as the sun was beginning to set and she wanted to take Skyler back to her muggle family.
McGonagall let out a sigh. "Truly, I would have loved for you both to have chosen Hogwarts. You're both very smart and disciplined—much more so than many of the troublemakers i had to deal with." She glanced at Skyler. "Hopefully, you won't be one of them..."
The little girl, Skyler, shook her head frantically. "I'll behave, Professor McGonagall."
Maverick and Isabella chuckled. "Well, it was nice meeting you," Maverick said, then paused.
He thought about mentioning his interest in joining Hogwarts after two years. Since he had met McGonagall by chance today, he wanted to bring it up with her, but he hesitated, wondering if it was too soon.
And seeing that Maverick wanted to say something more, McGonagall waited, offering no interruption. She had grown quite fond of both Maverick and Isabella during their brief meeting and the conversations they had shared.
Maverick finally decided to go for it. He had always liked McGonagall's character from the books, and this first meeting had left a good impression on him. "I... I want to apply for a teaching position at Hogwarts, after I gain more experience—maybe in two years," he said.
McGonagall raised an eyebrow, silently asking him to elaborate.
"Well, my plan is to travel around the world next, exploring the magic of different wizarding cultures. I'm also very interested in Muggle science, so I have this idea for a book—something to bring little witches and wizards closer to the normal world by explaining the wonders of Muggle science."
"That sounds... wonderful," McGonagall replied. "I would love to read it. Be sure to send me a copy when you're done, young man."
Maverick smiled. "Of course, Professor. I have this... goal, but maybe you'll say it's not possible."
"Please, tell me," McGonagall said, her tone encouraging. "I would love to offer my input. It's wonderful to have an ambition, as long as it's for the benefit of everyone."
"Well, my goal is to educate wizarding Britain, which is why I want to become a teacher." Maverick glanced at Skyler before whispering with magic, so only McGonagall and Isabella could hear, "I want to challenge their prejudices... to end the discrimination and racism that noble British wizards have against Muggle-borns." He paused and then spoke normally.
"I plan to join Hogwarts as a teacher after two years—maybe as a Muggle Studies teacher, or even a new subject like 'Science and Magic' and their similarities..." Maverick observed McGonagall's expression carefully as he spoke.
She showed a hint of shock before regaining her composure, but Maverick could see the careful control in her expression.
"That's..." McGonagall paused, thinking carefully. "That's a very... noble ambition. Your approach sounds good so far. Believe me, there have been attempts by a few already, but they were either too radical or not enough." She sighed. "I wish you good luck, young man. Truly. And please don't forget to send me a copy of your book. I'm now very interested. I would love to work with you as a colleague at Hogwarts."
Maverick smiled. A small part of his future plans had been set in motion now that he had shared some with McGonagall. It would be easier to secure a teaching position at Hogwarts.
"Thank you, Professor. That means a lot," Maverick said sincerely.
McGonagall then took a note from her ring and handed it to Maverick. "My address. You can write to me with any questions, and I'll respond."
Maverick took it gratefully.
McGonagall then glanced at Isabella. "It was lovely talking to you, dear. I wish you good luck in your NEWT years. And don't focus too much on romance just yet." She gave them a motherly glare.
Isabella blushed and nodded, and Maverick felt a bit embarrassed as well. McGonagall truly lived up to her reputation.
They said their goodbyes, and McGonagall took Skyler back, giving her the first uncomfortable experience of Apparition.
Maverick and Isabella began walking slowly toward the entrance they had arrived from, enjoying the crimson sunset sky and the peacefulness of the moment. The bustling streets of Diagon Alley had calmed down significantly, though many witches and wizards still walked about—just not as many as when they first arrived.
"I had a great time. Thank you..." Isabella spoke quietly as they walked, their hands intertwined.
Maverick smiled. "Me too..."
A moment of silence passed, then Isabella spoke again. "Remember to write to me. It's okay if it's not too frequent, but at least whenever you visit a new country..." She gave him a glance.
Maverick glanced back and gestured to Shisui in the cage. "I promise. Shisui here will be very busy over the next two years..."
Isabella looked at the new feathery companion. "When you put it like that, I feel a little guilty..."
Maverick chuckled. "She's strong. I can feel it from her magic."
Isabella nodded.
"Our moms should be back by now. Dad and the teacher will probably be late tonight," Maverick said.
Isabella hummed. "What'll we do tonight?"
"Wanna grab dinner at a fancy Muggle restaurant? Just the two of us..." Maverick suggested.
Isabella glanced at him, then ahead. "Our moms might want to come..."
"You want them to?" Maverick asked.
"No... it'll just be us," Isabella said. "Maybe tomorrow we can all go together."
Maverick chuckled lightly and smiled. "Yeah..."
They soon reached the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. Stopping for a moment, Maverick glanced at Isabella, who was now hugging his arm with both hands, her head lightly resting on his shoulder.
"Let's go home..." he said softly.
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Author's Note:
Just a quick update — up to Chapter 70 is already available on P AT r30n!
PAT r30n [.] com / RyanFic