Chapter 6 - Marvelous Magical Morning
After a restless night, Harry finally gave up on sleep around 5 a.m. He rolled out of bed, still groggy but too anxious to rest any longer. His morning routine felt like a blur—brushing his teeth, splashing cold water on his face, and staring at his reflection in the mirror, wondering what today would bring. His mind was already buzzing with plans, trying to impose some order on the chaos that had unfolded.
Once he was done, he returned to his room, sitting at the edge of his bed. "First things first," he thought, grabbing a notebook from his desk. "I need to explore that market—Diagon Alley—properly." He began sketching out a rough plan in his mind. If Diagon Alley was anything like a standard market, it would have specialized shops, tools, books, and equipment for wizards.
He would need a catalogue of sorts—a mental map of what was available, what might be useful in various situations. He imagined the kinds of goods: robes, wands, potions, ingredients, books, and strange instruments he couldn't yet fathom. Each category would need its own careful consideration.
1. Books: Top priority. Anything that would help him learn the theory behind magic, wizarding politics, and history. 2. Tools & Gear: Wand first, obviously, but there could be other useful magical items. 3. Potions & Ingredients: Could be helpful in dangerous situations, especially since Snape hinted at lingering threats. 4. Clothes: Practical robes and whatever else the magical world required. 5. Miscellaneous: Anything else that could come in handy later on.
Harry paused, glancing at the clock on his nightstand. It was 6 a.m. He thought he'd have a bit more time to himself before anyone else woke up, but then, unexpectedly, there was a knock at his door.
He frowned, glancing back at the clock again, wondering who would be knocking this early. "Who could it be at this time?" he thought as he got up and made his way to the door.
"Come in," he called out cautiously.
The door creaked open, and to his surprise, it was Vernon. He was already dressed in his typical work attire—though today, he had swapped his usual briefcase for a more casual look, as they were heading to Diagon Alley later. His expression was uncharacteristically soft.
"Harry," Vernon began, stepping into the room, his voice surprisingly gentle. "I thought you might be up already. I know yesterday was… well, a lot. Just wanted to see how you're holding up, son."
Harry blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected concern. "I'm fine, Uncle Vernon. Just… trying to get my head around everything."
Vernon nodded, standing by the doorway. "I imagine so. Just wanted to let you know we're here for you. And… well, if there's anything you need when we're at that magical place today, just let me know."
Harry was touched by the gesture, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks. I'll be okay, I think. But I do have a plan for what I need to get."
Vernon raised an eyebrow. "A plan, eh? Always thinking ahead, that's good." He nodded approvingly, then added, "Well, we'll be leaving in a few hours. Try to get yourself sorted."
With that, Vernon gave a quick pat on Harry's shoulder before stepping out of the room, leaving Harry standing there, feeling slightly more grounded. Today was going to be strange, but at least he wouldn't face it alone.
Sometime later there is another knock on the door. This time it's Dudley.
Dudley smiles sheepishly. "Can't sleep huh?" Harry nods. Dudley offers, "Let's go for a walk."
Harry and Dudley head downstairs in the early morning light, the house still quiet. Dudley leads the way, stretching his arms above his head as they step into the living room. "You know, nothing like a good workout to clear your head," Dudley says, cracking his neck. His energy seems contagious, even this early.
Harry smirks, rolling his shoulders. "I could use some of that. Too much on my mind."
As they began their workout, Harry found the simple routine grounding, each movement helping to ease the tension in his muscles and clear his mind. He focused on Dudley's steady rhythm, letting his cousin's lighthearted banter fill the quiet room.
They start with some basic exercises, Dudley guiding Harry through stretches and easy bodyweight movements. "You're probably thinking about all that magical stuff," Dudley says, his tone casual but perceptive. He watches Harry with a sideways glance as they both start to warm up. "Can't blame you. I'd be buzzing too if I found out magic was real."
Harry nods, bending down to touch his toes. "Yeah, I'm trying to wrap my head around it all. Feels like everything just changed overnight."
Harry nodded. He was grateful for the distraction. The events of the previous evening still buzzed in his mind—the reintroduction to the magical world, Snape's visit, the impending trip to Diagon Alley. It all felt surreal.
"So," Dudley said between sets, "what's the plan for today? Besides buying, like, a hundred magic books?"
Harry chuckled. "Yeah, that's pretty much the plan. I need to understand as much as I can. I don't want to be caught off guard."
Dudley nodded thoughtfully, dropping down for another set of push-ups. "Makes sense. I'd be doing the same thing. It's a whole new world you're stepping into, after all."
Harry appreciated how Dudley, though never one to share his interest in books or research, understood the importance of preparation. After they finished their workout, they both felt more awake and ready for the day ahead. As they headed to the kitchen for breakfast, the house was still quiet, but the air hummed with anticipation of what the day would bring.
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Everyone sat down for breakfast at 8, the usual clatter of dishes and soft chatter filled with a sense of quiet anticipation. The table was laid out with a light spread—toast, scrambled eggs, fruit, and tea. Petunia had opted for something simple, given the anxious excitement that filled the air. Even Dudley, who usually had a hearty appetite, picked at his food absentmindedly, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.
Harry, feeling the same nerves, tried to eat but found it hard to focus. His mind raced with thoughts of Diagon Alley, the strange encounter with Snape, and the mysterious world he was about to dive into. He caught Vernon glancing at him occasionally, offering silent support. Petunia, usually chatty during meals, remained unusually quiet, though her eyes darted around the room, her own worries clear in the set of her mouth.
At 8:30, the doorbell rang, making everyone jump slightly. Petunia exchanged a glance with Vernon, and they both got up to answer it. When they opened the door, Aunt Marge stood there, looking slightly nervous but smiling warmly. She wore a simple beige jacket over a practical, earth-toned dress, her hair pulled back neatly. She looked as though she had prepared herself for an adventure, but the slight twitch in her smile showed she was just as unsure about the day ahead.
"I'm ready," Marge said, her voice cheerful but with a hint of nerves. "What about you guys?"
Petunia smiled politely and gestured her inside. "Would you like something to eat before we go?"
Marge shook her head quickly. "Already had breakfast at the hotel before I came over," she replied, though she did look grateful for the offer.
Petunia, ever the good hostess, still put a cup of tea in front of her. Marge smiled gratefully, wrapping her hands around the warm cup. "Thank you," she said softly, her gaze flicking between Harry and the rest of the family.
As she sipped her tea, the tension in the room slowly eased, if only a little. There was still a sense of the unknown looming ahead of them, but in this moment, surrounded by family, it felt manageable.
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After breakfast, everyone drifted into the living room, lounging on the sofas with a nervous energy. The usual easy banter was replaced by intermittent chatter as they tried to pass the time. Marge, eager to ease the tension, asked Vernon about work.
"So, Vernon, how's the university treating you these days?"
Vernon, sitting comfortably in his armchair, cleared his throat. "Ah, well, I've already applied for leave for both Harry and me. Harry was just supporting the lab, after all. He hasn't officially started his first year yet," he explained, glancing over at Harry with a reassuring smile. "We'll sort that out after all this magical business is over."
Marge nodded thoughtfully, sipping her tea, while Harry and Dudley exchanged quiet glances. The room felt calm, but beneath the surface, there was an unmistakable tension as the clock ticked toward nine.
Suddenly, at exactly nine o'clock, a sharp knock echoed through the house. Everyone froze for a moment, their nervous energy spiking. Petunia stood, smoothing her clothes and making her way to the door. As she opened it, Snape stood there, his black robes billowing slightly in the cool morning breeze. His expression was, as always, cold and aloof, his dark eyes scanning the room briefly.
"Is everyone ready?" Snape asked in his familiar drawl, his voice low and indifferent.
Petunia nodded stiffly, and the rest of the family gathered their things. Snape seemed displeased by the delay but didn't press them. "It would be difficult to apparate everyone one by one," he muttered, clearly irritated at the thought of ferrying them by magical means.
Vernon stepped forward, offering a practical solution. "I can drive everyone to Charing Cross Road in the Suburban. It's big enough to fit us all."
Snape gave a reluctant nod, his disdain for Muggle transportation written all over his face. "Very well," he said, his tone barely hiding his discomfort.
With Snape in the front passenger seat, Vernon took the wheel. Petunia and Marge settled in the middle row, while Harry and Dudley sat in the back. The car felt unnaturally quiet, the usual chatter replaced by the hum of the engine and the occasional sound of tires on the road. Snape's presence made the atmosphere tense, and even Dudley, who was often quick with a joke, remained quiet.
The drive through the familiar streets of Little Whinging passed quickly, though the silence made it feel longer. Snape stared out the window, his expression unreadable as Vernon navigated the roads toward London. Harry, sitting next to Dudley, glanced at the passing buildings, his mind racing with thoughts of what the day ahead might bring.
As they neared Charing Cross Road, Vernon broke the silence. "We're almost there," he said, glancing briefly at Snape, who merely nodded in acknowledgment. The tension in the car remained thick, but there was also a sense of purpose now—a shared understanding that today would change everything for Harry.
As they entered the Leaky Cauldron, the initial hush that fell over the pub quickly returned to a quiet murmur of conversation when the patrons recognized Snape. Several people glanced towards the entrance, but upon seeing the unmistakable black-robed figure, they immediately turned back to their drinks or conversations, fearfully averting their gaze.
Snape's cold expression never wavered as he gestured for the group to follow him, his black robes billowing slightly behind him as he moved towards the back of the pub. The Dursleys, Harry, and Aunt Marge exchanged quick glances, a mix of curiosity and nervousness dancing in their eyes, but they obediently followed.
In the back corner of the pub was a discreet checkpoint, manned by two uniformed wizards. One wore deep purple robes, while the other, a stern-looking woman in green, held a wand at the ready. The security checkpoint was thorough but swift, designed to ensure no unregistered magical foci—such as wands or enchanted objects—passed through undetected. The group was instructed to step forward one by one. As the wand swept over each of them, it emitted soft beeps, signaling that they were clear to proceed.
"No unregistered magical items," one of the guards said with a nod to Snape, allowing the entire group to pass.
With the security process complete, Snape led them to a brick wall behind the pub. With a few swift taps of his wand, the bricks shifted and rearranged themselves, opening up into a bustling street that seemed to burst with life and color. Diagon Alley.
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The scene that greeted them was nothing short of breathtaking. The alley was alive with activity—brooms darting through the air, enchanted balls bouncing playfully in shop windows, and owls swooping from rooftops with parcels clutched in their talons. The buildings themselves were a study in contrast. Some were crooked and leaning precariously to one side, their windows askew and their roofs slanted at odd angles, while others stood tall and proud, with immaculate stone façades. Some were squat and narrow, their doors tucked into shadowy alcoves, while others seemed to defy logic, stretching upward in towers of vibrant color.
The shops were equally fascinating. Brightly colored signs hung above doorways, advertising everything from potions to cauldrons to enchanted quills. One window displayed a collection of glittering broomsticks, each more impressive than the last, while another had a stack of spellbooks bound in dark leather. A nearby shop had shelves stocked with glass jars filled with glowing liquids, their contents swirling and changing color before their very eyes.
The people were just as varied. Some wore traditional wizarding robes in deep purples, blues, and greens, while others sported more modern attire—suits, dresses, slacks, and jumpers. There was even a man wearing a brightly colored crooked witch hat that bobbed up and down as he walked, a sight that drew amused glances from passersby. Wizards and witches hurried past, their robes fluttering behind them, while a few stopped to chat in groups, their laughter mixing with the hum of activity around them.
Harry, his heart pounding with excitement, couldn't take it all in fast enough. Dudley's mouth hung open in awe as he tried to process the strange new world they had stepped into. Vernon and Petunia, though more reserved, exchanged glances that betrayed their own fascination. Even Aunt Marge, who had been skeptical at first, seemed captivated by the vibrant, chaotic charm of Diagon Alley.
"This is... something else," Vernon muttered, his voice laced with disbelief.
Snape, noticing their wide-eyed stares, gave a small, almost imperceptible smirk. "Welcome to Diagon Alley," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Stay close. There's much to see, and little time."
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As they made their way down the bustling street of Diagon Alley, Snape led the group with an air of authority, his dark figure cutting a clear path through the throng of witches and wizards. Soon, they found themselves standing before a massive white marble building that gleamed under the midday sun—Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Its towering pillars and intricately carved façade gave off a sense of grandeur and power, a fitting image for the primary financial institution in the wizarding world.
"Gringotts," Snape said in his smooth, measured tone, "is where we will begin."
Petunia, still processing the enormity of what she had learned, asked cautiously, "Are we retrieving Potter money, then?"
Snape turned to face her, shaking his head slowly. "No," he replied, his expression neutral but his words laced with a weight that hung in the air. "Most of the Potter fortune was forfeited after the... incident. Reparations were made to the Greengrass family—the family of the person who was killed during the attack."
He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Only a small trust vault remains, enough to ensure that Harry can comfortably complete his education. The rest of the Potter fortune is gone."
Petunia's face tightened in frustration, her lips pressing into a thin line at yet another mention of Lily and James as terrorists. She clearly still struggled to reconcile this image of her sister with the one she had known. Harry, on the other hand, remained silent, a mixture of confusion and sadness flickering across his face. He had never known his parents, and now, this complex and painful history was being revealed to him in pieces, each more troubling than the last.
"The family heirlooms, however," Snape added, "remain in the vault. They are protected by law and could not be seized."
Harry's mind raced, grappling with the idea of his parents' involvement in such a dark event. The words "terrorist attack" echoed uncomfortably in his head. He had spent years wondering about who his parents were, imagining them as heroic or noble, and now he was being told that they had been involved in something so destructive. He felt lost, unsure of what to think or how to feel.
"Why didn't they tell me sooner?" he wondered, a sharp pang of sadness filling his chest. He glanced over at Vernon, who caught his eye and gave him a reassuring nod, reminding him that, no matter what, he wasn't alone.
The group fell into a brief, uneasy silence as they approached the grand entrance of Gringotts. The tall, polished doors glistened in the sunlight, and as they stepped inside, the cool air of the marble-floored hall hit them, the atmosphere both imposing and awe-inspiring.
Ahead of them, rows of humans were sitting behind desks, busy with paperwork and financial consultations, while goblins hurried back and forth, dealing with matters of treasure, exploration, and excavation. Despite the tension between them, everyone was struck by the sheer scale and opulence of the bank's operations.
Snape turned to Harry, his voice a low murmur. "Once we retrieve the contents of your vault, we will proceed to gather your school supplies."
With a brief nod to the bank teller, Snape led them deeper into the bank, the atmosphere growing heavier as they prepared to delve into Harry's mysterious legacy.
As Harry, Vernon, and Snape followed their goblin guide deeper into the bank, the grandeur of Gringotts' vaults grew increasingly apparent. Dark stone walls lined the passage, occasionally interrupted by gas-lit sconces that cast a dim, flickering light over the intricate carvings on the wall. The chill in the air was unmistakable, settling over them like a cold mist as they descended.
Vernon tried to ease the tension by striking up conversation with their goblin escort. "So, tell me," he began, trying to sound casual, "how long have you worked here?"
The goblin didn't so much as glance in Vernon's direction, his sharp gaze fixed forward as he ignored the question entirely. Harry caught the flash of mild embarrassment on Vernon's face, quickly followed by a slight shrug. Snape looked over at them with a faintly sardonic expression, his lips twitching in what might have been amusement.
Finally, they arrived at Harry's vault, and with a metallic clang, the goblin opened the door, stepping aside. As Harry stepped forward, he couldn't help but catch his breath at the sight before him. Though Snape had mentioned the Potters' lost fortune, the vault was still filled with a sizable mound of gleaming golden galleons, along with a few stacks of silver sickles and bronze knuts.
Harry's eyes widened. He had never seen so much money in one place and couldn't help but wonder just how much more there had been before. "If this is what's left…," he thought, dazed, "how much did the Potters have before they paid those reparations?"
Snape's cool voice broke through Harry's thoughts. "If you think this is enough to last, you'll soon learn just how expensive a proper magical education can be." His tone was neither unkind nor encouraging—more a matter-of-fact warning. Harry, uncertain of how to respond, nodded thoughtfully, picking up one of the golden galleons and letting its heavy weight rest in his palm before pocketing a few.
Once they were finished, the goblin escorted them back up to the lobby. There, they found Petunia and Dudley waiting, though each was preoccupied in their own way. Petunia, sitting on one of the stone benches that lined the lobby, seemed lost in thought, her eyes unfocused as she processed the revelations of the day. Harry noted the way her hands twisted restlessly in her lap—a habit she had when deeply unsettled.
Dudley, on the other hand, was gazing around the lobby with open fascination, his eyes flickering over the various goblins who scurried past, lugging heavy ledgers or escorting witches and wizards to and from the vaults. Harry caught the gleam of intrigue in Dudley's eyes as he watched the goblins' quick, practiced movements.
Harry smirked, nudging his cousin lightly. "Don't get any funny ideas, Dudley."
Dudley snapped out of his reverie, glancing at Harry with a sheepish grin. "Funny ideas? Me?" he joked, though his gaze lingered once more on the goblins. "Just... curious. They don't look like anyone else I've seen, and the way they move—it's like they've done this for centuries."
From where he stood, Snape observed the cousins with a neutral expression, though his brow furrowed slightly as he watched Dudley's keen interest. Around them, Gringotts bustled with an unceasing hum of activity, wizards and goblins navigating the polished stone floors with an efficiency that felt almost ritualistic. Large iron chandeliers hung overhead, casting warm yet stark lighting over the crowd. An impressive clock stood near the entrance, ticking steadily and reminding them all that their next destination awaited.
Petunia glanced at Snape with a lingering expression of curiosity. "Would it be possible to see some of the Potter heirlooms today?" she asked, clearly intrigued.
Snape gave a slight shake of his head, his expression sharp yet polite. "I'm afraid I can't accommodate that request today. My schedule is rather full, and my role here is simply to accompany Harry and assist in purchasing the items required for his first year," he replied. Almost as an afterthought, he added, "Ah, I nearly forgot, but here's your letter, Potter."
Harry accepted the envelope eagerly. The official Hogwarts crest gleamed in crimson and gold on the parchment. He unfolded the thick parchment, his fingers running over the official-looking script. He read the opening page aloud, captivated:
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HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1st September. We await your owl by no later than 31st July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
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Harry turned to the next page, where the detailed list continued:
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Other reference books are also recommended.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 Wand
1 Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)*
1 Set of glass or crystal phials
1 Telescope
1 Set of brass scales
1 Toad
1 Cat
1 Raven
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR any other allowed pet.
Muggleborn students are encouraged to buy an owl to keep in contact with their relatives.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK.
Additional notes:
You can find a list of all the current course books for each year and various recommended reference books at Hogwarts Honors Shop in Diagon Alley or by sending an enquiry owl to Deputy Headmistress.
Students can also buy multiple cauldrons too in case they want to study other potions.
You can find a list of allowed pets at Hogwarts Honors Shop in Diagon Alley or by sending an enquiry owl to Deputy Headmistress.
Yours sincerely,
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions
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As Harry finished reading, Snape eyed him with a mixture of expectation and impatience.
Harry looked up in surprise. "Why do I need all three—a toad, a cat, and a raven?"
Snape's eyes narrowed, a hint of irritation slipping into his voice as he replied, "The toad is essential for basic potions practice, as it's often used for testing. The raven and cat, meanwhile, are to help you familiarize yourself with creatures' characteristics, which will come up in your future classes, electives, and other activities."
Snape then turned around and scanned the bustling alleyway from the Gringotts' gate, nodding in the direction of a nearby shop. "Now that you have galleons," he said briskly, "let's start with a trunk to carry everything in. Follow me."
They made their way to Globus Mundi Travel Agents, a polished establishment with large windows displaying an assortment of enchanted maps, travel brochures, and posters of far-off magical destinations. Vernon glanced around skeptically, noting the floating travel brochures and enchanted posters. "Why are we headed to a travel agency?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
Snape sighed, his tone clipped with irritation. "Firstly, to collect Harry's Hogwarts Express ticket. Secondly, because Globus Mundi has a luggage section where we can purchase a quality trunk." He gestured for them to follow him inside, and they stepped through the glass doors into the shop.
The interior was expansive, with high wooden shelves and brass fixtures lining the walls. On one side of the room, large, detailed maps hovered in mid-air, each enchanted to display popular magical landmarks across continents. The luggage section sat toward the back of the shop, showcasing trunks of various sizes, each featuring brass locks and inlays, some with additional compartments that seemed to open up like hidden drawers.
As they browsed through the options, Dudley ran his fingers over a trunk in sleek, dark leather, its handle adorned with small charms. "These things look like they could hold a whole house in them," he said, eyes wide with curiosity.
Snape gave a slight, approving nod. "Many are charmed to be expandable inside while retaining a manageable size outside," he explained.
Snape observed the Dursleys and Harry inspecting the different trunks with a mix of fascination and hesitation, his expression marked by a mild impatience. "I would suggest," he said with a hint of authority, "a trunk with at least three compartments: one for clothes, one for potion ingredients, and one for your books and other essentials."
At that moment, a woman approached, her lavender robes billowing gracefully as she moved. Her blonde hair fell in carefully arranged ringlets, and her pale blue eyes sparkled with a friendly, professional warmth. Her name tag read Maria Mundi. She smiled politely. "Good morning! What can I help you find today?"
Snape nodded toward Harry. "A school trunk with multiple compartments—and a Hogwarts Express ticket for the first of September."
Maria's gaze shifted to Harry as she explained the options. "A single-compartment trunk with an expansion charm starts at 100 Galleons. A model with three fixed compartments would be 300 Galleons. However," she added thoughtfully, "I would recommend a modular trunk with expandable options. It starts with a single compartment for 150 Galleons and additional compartments can be added in the future at 100 Galleons each, totaling 350 Galleons with three compartments initially."
Harry weighed her recommendation carefully, then glanced up. "I'll go with the modular trunk, so I can add more compartments later if I need to."
Vernon nodded approvingly, recognizing the practicality in Harry's choice. Maria then began listing additional options for the trunk: textures, materials, enchanted designs, and enhanced durability features. As Harry struggled to make sense of the options, Petunia stepped forward to help, discussing with Maria the best material options, ultimately settling on a durable yet sleek dark-brown dragonhide.
Meanwhile, Vernon leaned over to Harry, murmuring with excitement, "Imagine the physics behind this—an expanded space within a finite exterior! It's like carrying an entire storage room around."
Harry grinned, equally fascinated. "It's beyond anything I've seen in physics. The energy requirements alone would be… astronomical. I wonder what powers it."
Once their choices were finalized, Maria summoned the completed trunk with a wave of her wand and handed over the Hogwarts Express ticket, which shimmered slightly in Harry's hand. After thanking her, they exited the shop, Harry now carrying his new dragonhide trunk and the official ticket that marked his entrance into the magical world.