Hogwarts: The Child Who Improves Too Much!

Soon, Professor McGonagall finished her discussion with Ethan's parents and turned her attention back to him.

The meeting had gone smoother than most she had experienced over the years.

Compared to other parents, who often bombarded her with endless and sometimes nonsensical questions, Philemon and Nitia Adrian had primarily inquired about the learning environment and the rules and regulations of Hogwarts.

Their practical concerns were easy to address, which made her job much easier.

"It's completely normal to have questions about Transfiguration, Ethan," Professor McGonagall reassured him, noticing his deep contemplation as he absently petted one of the conjured cats.

"Once you've undergone systematic learning at Hogwarts, these concepts will become much clearer. And if you ever find yourself stuck, you're always welcome to come to me for guidance."

"Thank you, Professor McGonagall!" Ethan responded with a bright smile, setting the cat down gently.

"This is my duty as a professor," she replied warmly.

With a casual wave of her wand, the eight cats floated into the air, seamlessly transforming back into the fruit bowl and apples, which landed softly on the coffee table as if nothing had ever happened.

Even the sofa, scratched up during the cats' antics, was magically restored to its original state.

Satisfied with her work, Professor McGonagall stood and addressed Ethan: "Mr. Adrian, it's now time for us to visit Diagon Alley to purchase your school supplies."

At the doorway, Philemon handed over a stack of pounds for Ethan's expenses while he and Nitia bid them farewell.

After a lengthy discussion with the professor, they were more convinced of her credibility.

The amount of information she provided—and the calm authority with which she presented it—was enough to reassure them of her good intentions.

In the courtyard, Professor McGonagall turned to Ethan. "Take hold of my hand and don't let go. We'll use magic to travel to Diagon Alley. The process may feel a bit uncomfortable for a first-timer."

Ethan inhaled deeply, his nerves showing slightly, but he nodded firmly. "I'm ready, Professor McGonagall."

What came next was Apparition.

Ethan had seen it in the movies so many times.

Though it was an efficient form of travel, he knew it could be unpleasant for those unaccustomed to it—like being squeezed through a tiny tube while gasping for air.

With a loud "pop!" they vanished from the courtyard and reappeared outside a shabby little pub in the heart of London.

The sign above the door read: The Leaky Cauldron.

Ethan stumbled slightly upon arrival, his lungs struggling to take in air.

He quickly steadied himself and drew a deep breath, shaking off the initial discomfort.

"Are you all right, Mr. Adrian?" Professor McGonagall asked, her sharp eyes studying him.

"Yes, I'm fine. Landing felt a bit strange, but I've already recovered," Ethan replied, standing tall.

"You handled that remarkably well for your first time," she remarked with approval. "Apparition is a form of magical travel that you'll learn in your sixth year, provided you take the necessary lessons and pass the Ministry's exam. It is not without its risks."

Gesturing toward the pub, she continued, "This is The Leaky Cauldron, a gateway between the Muggle and wizarding worlds. Only wizards can see it, so remember the location carefully. You'll need to come here on your own next year to buy your school supplies."

Inside the dimly lit pub, only a hunched figure was present, wiping down the tables.

The man looked up as they entered and greeted them with a toothless smile. "Good morning, Professor McGonagall! Here to guide another new student, are you?"

"Good morning, Tom," she replied, motioning for Ethan to follow her through the bar to a small, overgrown courtyard in the back.

Ethan couldn't help but notice Tom using a rag instead of a cleaning spell. This puzzled him.

'Wasn't he a wizard?' he wondered, though he decided against asking.

Stopping near a brick wall partially obscured by weeds and trash bins, Professor McGonagall turned to Ethan.

"Watch closely, Mr. Adrian. This is how you access Diagon Alley. Count three bricks up and two bricks across, then tap the center brick three times with your wand."

She demonstrated, and the wall sprang to life.

The bricks rearranged themselves in a mesmerizing cascade until an arched doorway formed, revealing a bustling street lined with crooked shops and filled with witches and wizards in vibrant robes.

Ethan's eyes widened in awe. "This… this is incredible!" he whispered, taking in the sight of the cobblestone streets and the enchanting shops.

Professor McGonagall nodded. "Let's begin by exchanging your Muggle currency for gold Galleons at Gringotts. That's the first stop for all Hogwarts students."

As they walked, Ethan's excitement grew.

Every turn of the alley revealed something new and magical, from cauldrons displayed in shop windows to an owl hooting lazily on a perch.

Soon, they stood before Gringotts, its grand bronze doors gleaming under the sunlight.

Inside, the second silver door bore a warning etched in elegant script:

"Enter, stranger, but take heed… Greed will only bring misfortune."

The warning sent a shiver down Ethan's spine. It was a stark reminder that, despite the wonders of the magical world, dangers lurked as well.

A goblin in a tailored suit approached, bowing slightly to Professor McGonagall. "How may I assist you, Professor?"

"Currency exchange for a new student," she said, gesturing toward Ethan.

"Follow me," the goblin replied, leading them to a counter.

Ethan exchanged his pounds for one hundred gold Galleons, as Professor McGonagall explained that this amount would suffice for his first year, with some left over.

Hogwarts had few opportunities to spend money, so there was little need for excess.

With his pouch of Galleons secure, Ethan was ready to begin his magical shopping adventure.