Harry woke early the next morning. Although he could tell it was daylight, he kept his eyes shut tight. "It was a dream,” he told himself firmly. "I dreamed a giant called Hagrid came to tell me I was going to a school for wizards. When I open my eyes I'll be at home in my cupboard."
There was suddenly a loud tapping noise.
And there's Aunt Petunia knocking on the door, Harry thought, his heart sinking. But he still didn't open his eyes. It had been such a good dream. One that will eventually fade from his memory—but he didn’t have to let that time be right now. If only he could dive back into his subconscious and pick up from where it had left off.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
"All right," Harry mumbled, "I'm getting up."
He sat up and Hagrid's heavy coat fell off him. The hut was full of sunlight, the storm was over, Hagrid himself was asleep on the collapsed sofa, and there was an owl rapping its claw on the window, a newspaper held in its beak.
Harry scrambled to his feet, so happy he felt as though a large balloon was swelling inside him. He went straight to the window and jerked it open. The owl swooped in and dropped the newspaper on top of Hagrid, who didn't wake up. The owl then fluttered onto the floor and began to attack Hagrid's coat.
"Don't do that." Harry tried to wave the owl out of the way, but it snapped its beak fiercely at him and carried on savaging the coat. "Hagrid!" said Harry loudly. "There's an owl here...”
"Pay him," Hagrid grunted into the sofa.
"What?"
"He wants payin' fer deliverin' the paper. Look in the pockets." Hagrid's coat seemed to be made of nothing but pockets—bunches of keys, slug pellets, balls of string, peppermint humbugs, teabags...finally, Harry pulled out a handful of strange-looking coins.
"Give him five Knuts," said Hagrid sleepily.
"Knuts?"
"The little bronze ones."
Harry counted out five little bronze coins, and the owl held out his leg so Harry could put the money into a small leather pouch tied to it. Then he flew off through the open window.
Hagrid yawned loudly, sat up, and stretched. "Best be off, Harry, lots ter do today, gotta get up ter London an' buy all yer stuff fer school."
Harry was turning over the wizard coins and looking at them. He had just thought of something that made him feel as though the happy balloon inside him had got a puncture. "Um—Hagrid?"
"Mm?" said Hagrid, who was pulling on his huge boots.
"I haven't got any money—and you heard Uncle Vernon last night...he won't pay for me to go and learn magic."
"Don't worry about that," said Hagrid, standing up and scratching his head. "It doesn’t cost nothin’ ter go to Hogwarts! The school’s got that all figured out.” He laughed a hearty sound. “Of course, the books and materials will cost some, but you won’ have ter worry about that neither. D'yeh think yer parents didn't leave yeh anything?"
"But if their house was destroyed—"
"They didn' keep their gold in the house, boy! Nah, first stop fer us is Gringotts. Wizards' bank, you see. Have a sausage, they're not bad cold—an' I wouldn' say no teh a bit o' yer birthday cake, neither."
"Wizards have banks?"
"All across the world,” Hagrid said. “Some of the other countries have them called something different, but they tend to be run by the same international organizations. The bank here in London’s called Gringotts.”
“Gringotts?” Harry asked.
“It’s run by a lot of fancy famous wizards, goblins, and leprechauns. Its s’posed to be a shinin’ example of the cooperation of the Wizarding World. Spread love and teamwork and that jargon.”
“Goblins and leprechauns...those are real?” Harry asked, his brow furrowing.
“Oh Harry, I think you’d be surprised at what’s not real versus what is. I think it’d be easier to get up and going instead of jabbering here all day about it. But I will say is that Gringotts is some real secure stuff.”
“It must be,” Harry said. “If wizards can defend it—I couldn’t imagine going toe to toe with someone who can perform magic.”
“Oh, more than just the wizards,” Hagrid said. “I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of anyone who works at Gringotts,” Hagrid said. “They’re all trained in ways to prevent and reduce break ins—including punishment.” The idea of magical punishment made Harry shiver.
“I bring it up mainly because I have another reason to visit the bank. Fer Dumbledore. Hogwarts business." Hagrid drew himself up proudly. "He usually gets me ter do important stuff fer him. Fetchin' you gettin' things from Gringotts—knows he can trust me, see.”
"It sounds like it’s very important business,” Harry agreed.
“Well, unless you feel any sort of specific desire to say good-bye to yer aunt and uncle, I think we can get ter goin’.”
Harry shook his head with a smile and then the two of them stood up. He followed Hagrid out onto the rock. The sky was quite clear now and the sea gleamed in the sunlight. The boat Uncle Vernon had hired was still there, with a lot of water in the bottom after the storm.
"How did you get here?" Harry asked, looking around for another boat.
"Flew," said Hagrid.
"Flew?"
"Yeah, on the back of a Thestral—er, sort of a winged horse, but with real scaly skin like a lizard. But they’re invisible to most folks, and thankfully too...but regardless of that, we'll go back in this. Not s'pposed ter use magic now I've got yeh."
Harry looked to the boat and felt like Hagrid was playing a joke on him. Invisible winged horses that looked like lizards? The thought of such a creature almost seemed too crazy to exist—at least with leprechauns and goblins he had knowledge of them beforehand. Hagrid continued forward, unperturbed. He figured if Hagrid was pulling a prank on him he would have announced it by now and would have started laughing. The fact that he hadn’t...
Harry let it go and followed Hagrid until they settled down in the boat, Harry still staring at Hagrid, trying to imagine him flying on the back of an invisible Thestral.
"Seems a shame ter row, though," said Hagrid, giving Harry another of his sideways looks. "If I was ter—er—speed things up a bit, would yeh mind not mentionin' it at Hogwarts?"
"Of course not," said Harry, eager to see more magic. “But if you’re willing to do a little...could we maybe fly?”
Hagrid started laughing. “Oh, unfortunately not. Could be spotted! That’d be hard to explain away.” Hagrid pulled out the pink umbrella again, “But I think you’ll like this if you like speed.” He tapped it twice on the side of the boat, and they sped off.
Harry had to hold onto the sides of the boat as the air pulled him back as the boat picked up, cresting on the water.
“Now, this is the kind of trick that’d get you a side eye at Gringotts,” Hagrid said, making an effort to keep his voice up. “It’s not the sorta elegance they’d expect.”
“You mentioned something about punishments. Do people try to rob the bank often?”
“I wouldn’t say often. But you do get a nut every now and then that thinks they can break through the spells—protective enchantments they got set up," said Hagrid. When the boat’s rhythm started to ease and the wind’s pull on Harry’s face lessened he sat back and pulled a folded newspaper out from inside his large coat. "They say there's dragons guardin' the high security vaults. They’re all trained by the highest professional wizards to protect the vaults they keep safe. The goblins and leprechauns offer their own sorts of protections as well—I don’t know exactly the high or low of it, but then again, if I did it wouldn’t be so secure. All that, and then yeh gotta find yer way—Gringotts is quite a few miles under London, see. Deep under the Underground. Yeh'd die of hunger tryin' ter get out, even if yeh did manage ter get yer hands on summat."
Harry sat and thought about this. What kind of things could goblins and leprechauns do that wizards couldn’t? He wondered if even the wizards who worked there were allowed to know. Harry looked over to Hagrid who had been reading his newspaper. Harry saw the name splayed out on the front of the page—the Daily Prophet. Harry had learned from Uncle Vernon that people liked to be left alone while they did this, but it was very difficult, he'd never had so many questions in his life.
"Ministry o' Magic messin' things up as usual," Hagrid muttered, turning the page.
"There's a Ministry of Magic?" Harry asked, before he could stop himself.
"'Course," said Hagrid. "Think of them like the wizarding government. Of course, only wizards abide by their laws,” he started, scanning the page as he spoke. “Other creatures follow their own code—they tend to not like it when wizards tell them what to do. Never worked out much for anyone.”
“I could believe that,” Harry said. “But they...the goblins and leprechauns and all other sorts...can they do magic?”
“In their own way,” Hagrid laughed. “It’s unique to the creature, y’know? Have different ways with communicating with wherever the magic comes from.”
“Do you know where the magic comes from?”
Hagrid shook his head, “Alls I know is wizards best channel their magic with a wand. Some real strong wizards in history were said to not even need a wand to perform magic—and young kids like yourself tend to not need a wand to perform it,” he nodded down to Harry. “But the wand is what channels the magic through yeh. Its like…” he made a motion with his hands as if that were a proper explanation. “I’m sorry, I’m not much in the knowin’ of these things.”
“Oh, no, don’t apologize,” Harry said. “It’s really fantastic at all you’ve been able to answer. All this is…”
“A lot?” Hagrid chuckled. “Oh I can remember the time my father first learned I was magic. Giants are not often given the chance to wield a wand or go to Hogwarts—‘specially with how the war ended.”
“So...you are a giant?” Harry asked. “And...war?”
“Oh, much too dreary a thing for you now,” Hagrid waved a hand on the topic. “I am only a half-giant, though. My father married a giantess.”
“Only a half...so if you’re a wizard does that mean your Dad was a wizard?”
“Ayup,” Hagrid said. “Although, people tend to not focus on that part. They see the size o’ me and assume the giant half is more of my nature.”
“What do you mean?” Harry asked.
"Giants," Hagrid sighed heavily, his voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and frustration. "It's a shame, really. People have this notion about 'em, see. They see 'em as nothin' but lumbering brutes, just aimin' to crush everything in their path. But truth is, they're far more complex than that. It don't help that there was a group of giants who threw in their lot with You-Know-Who when he held sway. Made folks suspicious, it did. Suddenly, every giant was painted with the same brush, tarred with the same dark stain. And let me tell ya, some folks, they couldn't forget that. Even now, years later, it's like they're still carryin' that grudge, blamin' every giant they see for the actions of a few." He shook his head sadly, as if lamenting the unfairness of it all. "But that ain't right. Just 'cause a few giants made a bad choice don't mean they're all bad. They got their own ways, their own troubles. Ain't fair to judge 'em all based on the actions of a handful."
“I’m really sorry that’s happened,” Harry said. “People must have treated you so...bad because of that.”
"Oh, not if Albus Dumbledore had anything to say about it," Hagrid boomed, his voice filled with a deep affection and loyalty. "Back when I was expelled from school, he was there vouching for my character. It was that day I swore I’d sing that man’s praises until my dyin’ day." His words reverberated with the weight of gratitude, his usually booming voice softening as he spoke of the revered headmaster. The memory seemed to evoke a sense of humility in Hagrid, a rare glimpse into the depths of his appreciation for the man who had stood by him when others had turned away.
“He sounds spectacular,” Harry said.
“Oh if you only knew!” Hagrid laughed. “Them Ministry folks wanted Dumbledore fer Minister, even they know how legendary Dumbledore is as a wizard. O’ course, but he'd never leave Hogwarts, so old Cornelius Fudge got the job. Bungler if ever there was one. So he pelts Dumbledore with owls every morning, askin' fer advice."
A look of confusion filled his eyes as he began to think on the next topic. “This...magic. How is it that the…” he searched for the word in his recent memory, “Muggles...how is it that they don’t know of all these magical things?”
Hagrid made a small sound of a laugh. “They call it the Will. Muggle’s tend to be predispositioned to not believe that sort of thing, and the magic reacts to that. Those like your Aunt and Uncle who categorically know about it of course have a Will strong enough to even blind themselves to the truth, but most Muggles out there have a natural blindness. It’s like a shield. O’ course, magic has limits in how it can avoid the Will of most folks, magic that is too powerful or wild can break through and that’s the kind of magic most wizards try to avoid.”
“You say most people,” Harry said.
“There are always curious folk, Harry,” Hagrid said. “People who believe anything and everything is possible. Those people who search out the magical, despite not having any proof of the such. Those folk end up finding things much crazier than they could have ever expected—that’s part and parcel of what sections of the Ministry of Magic help with—making sure the two worlds keep a safe distance for each other on each side of the Will. Well, their main job is to keep it from the Muggles that there's still witches an' wizards up an' down the country. It’d be a real bad sort if the secret of magic were to slip."
"Why?"
"Why? Blimey, Harry, everyone'd be wantin' magic solutions to their problems. Can you imagine the kinds of fights that’d spread if people knew that wizards existed? Nah, we're best left alone."
Harry could imagine, but the first thing that came to his mind were people like his Aunt and Uncle who would have done anything they could to stamp out the very idea of magic. If people like that had existed in places of power, he couldn’t even begin to imagine what sort of problems could arise.
At this moment the boat bumped gently into the harbor wall. Hagrid folded up his newspaper, and they clambered up the stone steps onto the street.
Passersbys stared a lot at Hagrid as they walked through the little town to the station. Harry couldn't blame them. Not only was Hagrid twice as tall as anyone else, he kept pointing at perfectly ordinary things like parking meters and saying loudly, "See that, Harry? Things these Muggles dream up, eh?"
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"Hagrid," said Harry, panting a bit as he ran to keep up, “did you say there are dragons at Gringotts? Like, big scaly winged lizard—dragons?"
"Well, so they say," said Hagrid. “Haven’t seen em meself up close and personal—they’re kept secret under the enchantments to not arouse suspicion, but if yer askin’ if dragons exist, then there sure are,” he nodded to Harry, a wide smile on his face. "Crikey, I'd like a dragon."
"You'd like one?"
"Wanted one ever since I was a kid, you know. Would love to raise it and see it grow—here we go."
They had reached the station. There was a train to London in five minutes' time. Hagrid, who didn't understand "Muggle money," as he called it, gave the bills to Harry so he could buy their tickets.
People stared more than ever on the train. Hagrid took up two seats and sat knitting what looked like a canary-yellow circus tent.
"Still got yer letter, Harry?" he asked as he counted stitches. Harry took the parchment envelope out of his pocket. "Good," said Hagrid. "There's a list there of everything yeh need."
Harry unfolded a second piece of paper he hadn't noticed the night before, and read:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black): Plain work robes are essential attire for Hogwarts students, providing comfortable and practical clothing for everyday use within the castle. These durable robes can be purchased from Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions in Diagon Alley. Madam Malkin's offers a selection of high-quality work robes tailored to fit students of all sizes, ensuring a proper and comfortable fit for daily wear during classes and other school activities. These robes will be customized to your House colors upon successful sorting.
2. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar): Protective gloves, crafted from dragon hide or similar magical materials, offer students added safety and security when handling hazardous substances or engaging in practical magical activities. These specialized gloves can be acquired from Obscurus Books, a specialty bookstore in Diagon Alley known for its extensive collection of rare and esoteric magical texts. In addition to books, Obscurus Books also stocks a variety of magical accessories and protective gear, including gloves designed to withstand the rigors of potion-making and other magical experiments.
3. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings): A winter cloak provides warmth and protection against the cold weather that often prevails around Hogwarts during the winter months. These stylish and functional garments can be found at Gladrags Wizardwear, a fashionable clothing store in Diagon Alley known for its wide selection of wizarding attire and accessories. Gladrags Wizardwear offers a range of winter cloaks in various styles and colors, including the traditional black cloak with silver fastenings. Whether braving the elements on the grounds of Hogwarts or strolling through the snowy streets of Hogsmeade, students can stay cozy and stylish with a winter cloak from Gladrags Wizardwear.
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags as to avoid confusion with other students’ belongings.
COURSE LIST:
First Year students shall take the following courses:
1. Transfiguration | Professor Minerva McGonagall
2. Charms | Professor Filius Flitwick
3. Potions | Professor Severus Snape
4. History of Magic | Professor Cuthbert Binns
5. Herbology | Professor Pomona Sprout
6. Astronomy | Professor Aurora Sinistra
7. Def. Against the Dark Arts | Professor Quirinus Quirrell
8. Flying | Professor Rolanda Hooch
9. Wandlore | Professor Lazarus Pavilar
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
1. The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk: This essential textbook serves as the foundation for every young witch and wizard's magical education. Authored by the esteemed Miranda Goshawk, the Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) covers a wide range of basic spells and incantations suitable for first-year students at Hogwarts. From levitation charms to simple hexes, each spell is accompanied by detailed instructions, diagrams, and practice exercises to help students master the fundamentals of spellcasting.
2. A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot: A comprehensive exploration of magical history, A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot offers students a fascinating journey through the centuries of wizarding lore and legend. From the ancient origins of magic to pivotal moments in wizarding history, this esteemed textbook provides a detailed account of the magical world's past, shedding light on the events and individuals that have shaped its present.
3. Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling: Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling is a seminal work that delves into the underlying principles and mechanics of magic itself. Written by the renowned magical theoretician, this scholarly text explores topics such as magical energy, spell structure, and the nature of magical phenomena. With its rigorous analysis and theoretical insights, Magical Theory offers students a deeper understanding of the mystical forces that govern the wizarding world.
4. A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch: Transfiguration, the magical art of transforming one object into another, is the focus of this introductory textbook by Emeric Switch. Designed for novice witches and wizards, A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration provides step-by-step instructions and practical exercises to help students develop their transfiguration skills. From turning teacups into tortoises to mastering more complex transformations, this indispensable guide lays the groundwork for proficiency in this challenging magical discipline.
5. One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore: Nature's bounty comes to life in One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore. This comprehensive reference work catalogs a vast array of magical plants, herbs, and fungi, detailing their properties, uses, and magical properties. From healing herbs to rare and exotic magical flora, this invaluable textbook is a must-have for any aspiring herbologist or potion-maker.
6. Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger: Brewmaster extraordinaire Arsenius Jigger shares his expertise in Magical Drafts and Potions, a definitive guide to potion-making. From simple remedies to complex elixirs, this authoritative textbook covers the art and science of potion-brewing in meticulous detail. With its precise instructions, ingredient lists, and brewing techniques, Magical Drafts and Potions equips students with the knowledge and skills to concoct potions of every kind.
7 The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble: In a world filled with dark and dangerous forces, knowledge is the key to survival. The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble is a vital resource for witches and wizards seeking to defend themselves against the perils of the magical world. From defensive spells to counter-curses, this indispensable guide provides practical advice and strategies for staying safe in the face of adversity.
8 The Stars Above by Davis Astore: The Stars Above by Davis Astore invites readers on a celestial journey through the wonders of the night sky. This illuminating textbook explores the mystical connections between magic and astronomy, delving into the lore and legends surrounding the stars, planets, and constellations. With its captivating narratives and celestial insights, The Stars Above offers students a deeper understanding of the cosmic forces that shape the magical universe.
9. Wands, Wizards, and the Magical Connection by Gervaise Ollivander: Gervaise Ollivander, esteemed wandmaker and scholar, delves into the mystical bond between witches, wizards, and their wands in Wands, Wizards, and the Magical Connection. This scholarly work explores the history, lore, and magical properties of wands, tracing their evolution from ancient times to the present day. With its insightful analysis and profound wisdom, Wands, Wizards, and the Magical Connection sheds light on the profound relationship between wizard kind and their most essential magical tool.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1. Quills and Ink: Indispensable writing tools for Hogwarts students, essential for jotting down notes in class and completing assignments. These items can be purchased from Scribbulus Writing Implements, a quaint shop located in Diagon Alley. Scribbulus offers a wide range of quills, from basic feathered quills to more specialized varieties, along with a selection of high-quality magical ink in various colors to suit every student's preferences.
2. Parchment: A durable writing material made from specially treated animal skin, is a staple for Hogwarts students' academic endeavors. It can be procured from quality parchment suppliers such as Flourish and Blotts, a renowned bookstore in Diagon Alley. Alongside a vast selection of textbooks and spellbooks, Flourish and Blotts also stocks parchment rolls and sheets of various sizes to meet the needs of students for writing assignments, homework, and notes.
3. School Bag or Trunk: For carrying books, equipment, and personal belongings around Hogwarts, students require a sturdy school bag or trunk. These can be purchased from Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, a popular clothing store in Diagon Alley. While primarily known for its extensive collection of wizarding robes and attire, Madam Malkin's also offers a selection of durable bags and trunks suitable for the rigors of student life at Hogwarts.
4. Personal Grooming Items: Personal grooming items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and towels are essential for maintaining hygiene and personal care at Hogwarts. These items can be purchased from Eeylops Owl Emporium and Magical Menagerie, a charming shop in Diagon Alley known for its wide selection of magical creatures and pet supplies. In addition to pet-related products, Eeylops Owl Emporium and Magical Menagerie also stocks a variety of toiletries and grooming essentials for students.
5. Common Potion Ingredients: One vital item on your list is a selection of common potion ingredients, including powdered dragon scales and essence of dittany, essential for brewing a wide array of magical concoctions. To acquire these ingredients, visit Slug & Jiggers Apothecary in Diagon Alley, where you'll find a vast assortment of magical herbs and essences meticulously curated to meet your needs as an aspiring potion-maker. The knowledgeable staff will ensure you are well-equipped to tackle potion-making with confidence and skill.
6. Pocket Money: Although not explicitly listed in the acceptance letter, students would also need some pocket money for purchasing snacks, supplies, and other items from the school's various shops, such as Honeydukes or Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
Students may also bring a pet from the approved pet’s list.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
"Can we buy all this in London?" Harry wondered aloud.
"If yeh know where to go," said Hagrid. “And lucky fer you, I happen to know exactly where to go.”
Harry had never been to London before. Although Hagrid seemed to know where he was going, he was obviously not used to getting there in an ordinary way. He got stuck in the ticket barrier on the Underground, and complained loudly that the seats were too small and the trains too slow.
"I don't know how the Muggles manage without magic," he said as they climbed a broken-down escalator that led up to a bustling road lined with shops.
Hagrid was so huge that he parted the crowd easily; all Harry had to do was keep close behind him. They passed book shops and music stores, hamburger restaurants and cinemas, but nowhere that looked as if it could sell you a magic wand. This was just an ordinary street full of ordinary people. Could there really be piles of wizard gold buried miles beneath them? Were there really shops that sold spell books and broomsticks? Might this not all be some huge joke that the Dursleys had cooked up? If Harry hadn't known that the Dursleys had no sense of humor, he might have thought so; yet somehow, even though everything Hagrid had told him so far was unbelievable, Harry couldn't help trusting him.
"This is it," said Hagrid, coming to a halt, "the Leaky Cauldron. It's a famous place on this side."
It was a tiny, grubby-looking pub. If Hagrid hadn't pointed it out, Harry wouldn't have noticed it was there. The people hurrying by didn't glance at it. Their eyes slid from the big book shop on one side to the record shop on the other as if they couldn't see the Leaky Cauldron at all. In fact, Harry had the most peculiar feeling that only he and Hagrid could see it.
This must be that Will thing Hagrid mentioned at work.
For a famous place, it was very dark and shabby. A few old women were sitting in a corner, drinking tiny glasses of sherry. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A little man in a top hat was talking to the old bartender, who was quite bald and looked like a toothless walnut. The low buzz of chatter stopped when they walked in. Everyone seemed to know Hagrid; they waved and smiled at him, and the bartender reached for a glass, saying, "The usual, Hagrid?"
"Can't, Tom, I'm on official Hogwarts business," said Hagrid, clapping his great hand on Harry's shoulder and making Harry's knees buckle.
"Good Lord," said the bartender, peering at Harry, "is this—can this be—?" The Leaky Cauldron had suddenly gone completely still and silent. "Bless my soul," whispered the old bartender, "Harry Potter...what an honor." He hurried out from behind the bar, rushed toward Harry and seized his hand, tears in his eyes. "Welcome back, Mr. Potter, welcome back."
Harry didn't know what to say. Everyone was looking at him. The old woman with the pipe was puffing on it without realizing it had gone out. Hagrid was beaming.
Then there was a great scraping of chairs and the next moment, Harry found himself shaking hands with everyone in the Leaky Cauldron. Harry flashed back to when Hagrid had told him that he was famous in the wizarding world. Famous for something he could only barely but remember.
"Doris Crockford, Mr. Potter, can't believe I'm meeting you at last,” the woman with the pipe offered a hand.
"So proud, Mr. Potter, I'm just so proud."
"Always wanted to shake your hand—I'm all of a flutter."
"Delighted, Mr. Potter, just can't tell you, enough. Diggle's the name, Daedalus Diggle."
"I've seen you before!" said Harry, as Dedalus Diggle's top hat fell off in his excitement. "You bowed to me once in a shop."
"He remembers!" cried Dedalus Diggle, looking around at everyone. "Did you hear that? He remembers me!" Harry shook hands again and again—Doris Crockford kept coming back for more.
A pale young man made his way forward, very nervously. One of his eyes was twitching. Harry could tell the man did not like being involved in the public spectacle. His entire body seemed nervous to a point—the wrinkles in his face worked all the way up to his balding head.
"Professor Quirrell!" said Hagrid. "Harry, Professor Quirrell will be one of your teachers at Hogwarts."
"P-P-Potter," stammered Professor Quirrell, grasping Harry's hand, Harry could feel the sweat and immediately yearned to let go. "C-can't t-tell you how p-pleased I am to meet you."
“Quirrell,” Harry repeated. He grabbed at the second page of the letter and re-read it over. “You’re the...Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts?”
"Y-y-yes. N-not that you n-need it, eh, P-P-Potter?" He laughed nervously. "You'll be g-getting all your equipment, I suppose? I've g-got to p -pick up a new b-book on vampires, m-myself." He looked terrified at the very thought. He looked back up to Hagrid, “Got a t-t-trip to Albania I m-m-must p-p-prepare for.”
“Albania, this close to term, professor?” Hagrid questioned.
At this, there was a bit of a light behind the professor’s eyes, almost as if he was asked about a grand treasure he was to inherit.
But the others wouldn't let Professor Quirrell keep Harry to himself. It took almost ten minutes to get away from them all. At last, Hagrid managed to make himself heard over the babble.
"Must get on—lots ter buy. Come on, Harry."
Doris Crockford shook Harry's hand one last time, and Hagrid led them through the bar and out into a small, walled courtyard, where there was nothing but a trash can and a few weeds.
Hagrid grinned at Harry.
"Told yeh, didn't I? Told yeh you was famous. Even Professor Quirrell was tremblin' ter meet yeh—mind you, he's usually tremblin'."
"Is he always that nervous?"
"Oh, yeah. Poor bloke. Brilliant mind. He was fine while he was studyin' outta books but he’s since taken these trips cross the world to get more firsthand experience. That is, because of the new subject he’s teaching. He used to teach Muggle studies—class you’ll get to having later on in years. But honestly every time I see him he seems even more up the wire. Scared of the students, scared of his own subject now, where's me umbrella?"
Hagrid, meanwhile, was counting bricks in the wall above the trash can. Hagrid was right, the growing list of revelations about this world was astounding.
"Three up...two across he muttered. "Right, stand back, Harry." He tapped the wall three times with the point of his umbrella.
The brick he had touched quivered—it wriggled—in the middle, a small hole appeared—it grew wider and wider—a second later they were facing an archway large enough even for Hagrid, an archway onto a cobbled street that twisted and turned out of sight.
"Welcome," said Hagrid, "to Diagon Alley."
He grinned at Harry's amazement. They stepped through the archway. Harry looked quickly over his shoulder and saw the archway shrink instantly back into solid wall.
The sun shone brightly on a stack of cauldrons outside the nearest shop. Harry could see the sign set up just beside the largest cauldron.
Cauldrons
All Sizes
Copper, Brass, Pewter, Silver
Self-Stirring—Collapsible
"Yeah, you'll be needin' one," said Hagrid, "but we gotta get yer money first. Ain’t no point window shoppin’ with nothin’ in yer wallet."
Harry wished he had about eight more eyes. He turned his head in every direction as they walked up the street, trying to look at everything at once: the shops, the things outside them, the people doing their shopping. A plump woman outside an Apothecary was shaking her head as they passed, saying, "Dragon liver, sixteen Sickles an ounce, they're mad..."
A low, soft hooting came from a dark shop with a sign saying Eeylops Owl Emporium—Tawny, Screech, Barn, Brown, and Snowy. Several boys of about Harry's age had their noses pressed against a window with broomsticks in it.
"Look," Harry heard one of them say, "the new Nimbus Two Thousand—fastest ever—" There were shops selling robes, shops selling telescopes and strange silver instruments Harry had never seen before, windows stacked with barrels of bat spleens and eels' eyes, tottering piles of spell books, quills, and rolls of parchment, potion bottles, globes of the moon...It looked like a complete overload of things beyond his wildest imagination.