"You'll learn that and more at Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall reassured him, clearly pleased with his natural ability and dedication.

As she spoke, however, a flicker of concern crossed her face. The world outside was dangerous these days, and there was darkness lurking in the shadows. But she quickly pushed the thought aside.

"Let's not waste any more time, Alex. We still need to visit the orphanage's management, and then I'll help you gather your school supplies." She stood, resolute as always.

Professor McGonagall quickly handled Alex's enrollment with the orphanage's senior staff. Alex suspected some magic might have been involved, considering how smoothly everything went. No one questioned his sudden departure.

"Did you use magic to convince Mother Triss and the others? They seemed far too happy to let me go," Alex asked with a curious smile.

Professor McGonagall gave a rare, playful grin.

"A small Confundus Charm, just to improve efficiency. Don't worry—it won't have any lasting effects. They'll remember you and welcome you back during the holidays."

Alex laughed softly, reassured. "Well, thank you for making that easier."

"Now, let's get you prepared for school," Professor McGonagall continued. "Considering your situation, I've applied for a bursary on your behalf. You'll receive 12 gold Galleons every year to cover your expenses."

"By the way, Galleons are the currency of the wizarding world," she added, noticing his confused expression. "One Galleon equals 17 Silver Sickles, and one Silver Sickle equals 29 Knuts."

Alex sighed internally. "Of course, the UK would make even currency exchange complicated," he thought, shaking his head with a slight grin. "Well, it looks like I have a lot to learn."

"Can't Muggle money be used in the wizarding world?" Alex asked.

"In Gringotts, Muggle currency can be exchanged for gold Galleons. Five pounds will get you one Galleon, but you can't exchange more than one hundred Galleons at a time." She'd been handling admissions for years, so she had all the answers, though she doubted Alex would have much to exchange—probably just some pocket money.

Alex grinned, pulling out a neatly folded stack of pounds. "Looks like I'm covered, then," he said confidently, licking his fingers to thumb through the notes.

Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by how much he had. "I see," she muttered, nodding. "That should be more than enough. You might even have some left over to pick up something extra."

As they left the orphanage, she led Alex into a narrow alleyway. "Normally, we'd take a Muggle vehicle or the Knight Bus to Diagon Alley," she explained. "But the wizarding world's been a bit... unstable lately, so we'll need to Apparate instead. I'm sorry, but it's the safest way."

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She drew her wand and motioned for Alex to take her hand. "Hold on tight."

'Apparition? Unstable?' Alex thought, trying to digest what she'd said. He reached out and grasped her hand as they disappeared with a loud "pop."

The sensation hit Alex like a punch. It was as if he'd been thrown into a tight, spinning tunnel with invisible hands squeezing him from all sides. He felt like his whole body had been crammed into a tiny ball, his head spinning with disorientation. When they finally landed with a thud, Alex staggered, his legs shaking from the aftershock. His stomach churned, and he instinctively braced himself against a nearby wall.

"Sorry," Professor McGonagall said, seeing his pale face. She pointed her wand at him, and a warm, soft light streamed from its tip, flowing into him. Alex felt his nausea ebb away, replaced by a comforting warmth.

"Better?" she asked kindly.

Alex nodded, standing straighter. "Is that... magic?" he murmured, still processing the strange sensation. "That was rougher than I imagined. Couldn't we have just, I don't know, opened a portal or something?"

"That was an Apparition," Professor McGonagall corrected. "It's a common mode of travel for adult wizards, but it can feel pretty harsh the first time. You'll learn it in your seventh year at Hogwarts."

Alex took a deep breath, composing himself. "Do we need to... 'Apparate' again?"

McGonagall chuckled softly. "No need, we're close." She gestured for him to follow as they walked out of the alley and onto a bustling street. After a short stroll, they arrived at a small, unimpressive gap between a record store and a bookstore. Hidden in plain sight, there was a bar with a worn, weathered sign hanging above it—The Leaky Cauldron.

"Can other people see this place?" Alex asked, noticing that the passers-by seemed oblivious to the bar's existence.

"Good eye, Alex," McGonagall said with a smile. "Muggles can't see it. Powerful enchantments have been placed here to keep it hidden."

As they stepped inside, Alex was greeted by the dim, shadowy interior. The bar looked old, with cobwebs in the corners and creaky wooden floors. Behind the counter, an elderly bartender was polishing a glass, the dim light casting a weary shadow on his face.

"Tom, how's business?" McGonagall asked as though they were old acquaintances.

"Not great," Tom grumbled. "Last night, there was a skirmish in Knockturn Alley—blasted Aurors and dark wizards going at it again. Nearly shattered my windows, and business has been dead since."

McGonagall gave him a sympathetic nod. "Keep your chin up, Tom. It'll get better."

"Ah, a new student?" Tom said, eyeing Alex.

"Yes, sir," Alex replied, bowing his head respectfully.

His manners, though simple, left a good impression on the old bartender.

"Take care of yourself, lad," Tom said kindly. "It's getting dangerous out there."

McGonagall motioned for Alex to follow as they made their way through the bar and out into a small courtyard at the back. "This is the entrance to Diagon Alley," she explained. "You'll need to come here on your own eventually, so watch closely."

She tapped a few specific bricks on the wall with her wand. One, two, three... and suddenly, the wall shifted and rolled away, revealing a tall archway that led into a bustling street beyond.

Alex's eyes widened in awe as he stepped through. The cobbled street stretched far ahead, lined with all kinds of shops, selling everything from broomsticks to cauldrons. But as he looked closer, he noticed the place seemed quieter than he'd expected. Several shops were closed, and groups of wizards in long coats—Aurors, by the look of them—patrolled the streets.

"Professor," Alex said, lowering his voice, "those people in trench coats, they don't look like shoppers. Are they…?"

"Yes, they're Aurors," McGonagall confirmed, her tone serious. "They're keeping the peace. The wizarding world isn't as safe as it used to be, but don't worry, Hogwarts is well-protected. You'll be safe there, I promise."