Professor McGonagall turned to Alex and said, "Well, we've gotten everything you need for school. It's getting late, and while Diagon Alley is relatively safe, it's best for young wizards not to be out after dark. Let's head back."

Alex, feeling grateful for the Professor's guidance, smiled and said, "Thank you, Professor McGonagall. But before we leave, how about I treat you to a drink? It's the least I can do to thank you for all your help."

McGonagall considered it for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but let's not linger too long."

The two of them walked to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and ordered cold drinks. After finding a quiet table, Alex took a sip of his drink and couldn't resist asking, "Professor McGonagall, now that I have a wand, can I start practicing magic?"

McGonagall smiled but shook her head slightly. "Magic is much more complicated than you think, Alex. Using spells without proper guidance can have dangerous consequences, especially in the Muggle world. The Ministry of Magic monitors underage wizards very closely."

She leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. "There's a magical detection spell called the Trace, which alerts the Ministry if anyone under seventeen performs magic outside of school. In places like Diagon Alley, where magic is common, they might not catch you. But in the Muggle world, it's like sending up a flare. So, no casting spells at the orphanage."

Alex nodded, absorbing the information. "So, it's safer to practice in places like this, where magic is everywhere?"

"In theory, yes. But it's still risky to use spells without supervision. You'll learn everything you need at Hogwarts, so I suggest you save your curiosity for the classroom."

"I understand," Alex nodded, though part of him itched to try out the magic he'd been hearing so much about. He sipped his drink, thinking about the coming school year.

"Are there a lot of professors like you at Hogwarts? What about the headmaster, Dumbledore? What kind of person is he?"

McGonagall raised an eyebrow and gave a small chuckle. "With all these questions, you might do well in Ravenclaw, Mr. Wilson." She paused before continuing. "Dumbledore is... well, he's the most powerful wizard alive today. You'll meet him soon enough. He's the headmaster of Hogwarts, and I trust you'll find him both wise and kind. Right now, he's in Hogsmeade interviewing a potential professor for Divination, though, personally, I don't see much need for that subject."

Before Alex could ask another question, a voice interrupted their conversation. "Professor McGonagall! What a surprise to see you here."

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Alex turned to see a man and a woman entering the shop. The man wore glasses and had neatly combed black hair. His hazel eyes sparkled with mischief as he walked toward them. Beside him was a woman with long, dark red hair and almond-shaped eyes. She was visibly pregnant and smiled warmly at Professor McGonagall.

"Lily, James, what brings you here?" Professor McGonagall asked, clearly surprised but pleased to see them.

"We're getting ready for the baby," James explained with a grin, his hand resting on Lily's arm. "Just picking up a few last-minute things. But what about you, Professor? Looks like you're helping a new student."

James's gaze shifted to Alex. "You must be a new student. Muggle-born, I take it? Where are your parents?"

Alex stiffened slightly at the question, but he remained composed. "Yes, I'm a Muggle-born wizard. As for my parents... Well, I never got the chance to meet them."

James's smile faded a little, and he quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"It's alright," Alex said, shrugging. "It's just the way things are."

Professor McGonagall stepped in to introduce them properly. "This is Alex Wilson, one of our new first-years. And Alex, these are James and Lily Potter—Hogwarts alumni and both talented wizards."

James laughed. "Talented? I'm not sure about that, but thanks, Professor."

Lily, who had been quiet, smiled kindly at Alex. "It's nice to meet you, Alex. You'll love Hogwarts. Do you know which house you might end up in?"

"I'm not sure yet," Alex replied. "But I'm excited to find out."

As they chatted, Alex couldn't help but feel a little curious. He looked at Lily's pregnant belly and asked, "So, your baby is due soon? Have you thought of a name yet?"

Lily beamed. "Yes, we're expecting him at the end of the month. If it's a boy, we've decided on the name Harry. Harry Potter."

Alex felt a jolt of recognition. He'd heard that name before—Harry Potter. Everything clicked into place. He was standing in front of Harry's parents, who were still alive, which meant that Voldemort wasn't gone yet. No wonder Diagon Alley felt so tense, with Aurors patrolling and fewer people around.

Professor McGonagall noticed Alex's expression but said nothing, allowing the moment to pass quietly.

Alex didn't remember much about Harry Potter's childhood. All he could recall was that Voldemort had broken into the Potters' house, killed Harry's parents, and then was somehow defeated by the infant Harry. He had no idea how Voldemort was actually defeated or what happened after that.

‘Should I warn them?‘

Seeing James and Lily so happy, Alex felt a wave of confusion wash over him. He knew what was coming for them, but how could he tell them something so horrible?

Lily noticed the troubled look on his face and smiled kindly. "Are you nervous about starting at Hogwarts?" she asked. "I was a Muggle-born, too, and I remember being so anxious before I went to school. I couldn't sleep for days! But trust me, once you're there, you won't regret it."

"And I hope you get sorted into Gryffindor!" James chimed in with enthusiasm. "Of course, all the houses have their merits, but you'd do well in Gryffindor. Just stay clear of Slytherin," he added with a slight grimace, clearly not a fan of that house.

"Don't listen to him," Lily said, playfully nudging James. "Every house has something special to offer. It's not about where you get sorted, but how you approach your time at Hogwarts. If you stay true to yourself and work hard, you'll achieve great things no matter what house you're in."

"Thank you," Alex said with a polite nod.