STARTS IN HOGWARTS

[ Volume I: "HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY YR. 1" ]

[ Chapter IX (9): "DUMBLEDORE'S POINT OF VIEW" ]

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[ JUNE 13, 1989 ] [ WIZARDRY WORLD, DIAGON ALLEY ]

In the gathering place of wizards and witches, of Diagon Alley, in diagonal shape. One of the most famous individuals in the Wizardry World could be seen walking around, under comical disguise that others seem to not notice at all.

Even though it's absurd, in the shape of a tinted glass, faked exaggerated eyebrows that doesn't match his pale white hair. This said individual is wearing an enchanted disguising alchemical product.

Overly powerful, but also useless to others who know that it's him, or recognizes him, or to anyone who takes a second look at him. But thankfully none seems to look back, as all of the passing robed individuals seem to be very busy.

[ "That's a relief." ]

Contrary to what Albus Dumbledore thought, the Supreme Mugwump doesn't have the worry about people of different ages crowding him — or from people trying to throw a nasty hex or two, thankfully none seems to care.

In seeing that the sight is clear, Dumbledore stood up from his seat and abandoned the recently published Daily Prophet newspaper that he had read multiple times now.

The front page having a picture of a newly opened store in it, tall 4th floor store inside Diagon Alley where people could be seen cheering whistling.

The moving photo not having the capacity to handle sound, wasn't able to replicate those said sounds, but the picture of hundreds of robed individuals around the shop is enough for the imagination of every reader to run wild.

Standing in front of the store, smack dab in the middle of the picture is one dark haired young man, who's wearing a suit-robe hybrid of clothing that is entirely foreign amongst the crowd of individuals who's either wearing entirely black robes, or colorful robes. Robes nonetheless, unlike his.

His red-eyes could be seen shining as he smiles, gazes wandering into the crowd as he talks, one that everyone present except for the pictures to hear.

Flashes from the cameras around him could be seen occasionally which didn't stop him from welcoming everyone.

[ DIAGON ALLEY HARP ALCHEMY SHOP BRANCH IS NOW OPEN! ] [ 17/08/1989 ]

Under the photo are a string of words compiled together that both describe the physical appearance of the store, accompanied by photos, and excitement gossip about the love-life of the eccentric owner of the store.

But none of those seems to mind at all as the old man has already left the olden tea shop that he frequented, and instead walked on the cobbled floors of Diagon Alley.

The sun, having realized his presence shined on him, one which the old man didn't shy on in any capacity. But instead, welcoming, as he spreads his arms in the air — taking a huge sight of breath all the while

[ "Diagon Alley, it's good to be back!" ]

The weirdly white-robed dressed man could be seen talking to himself, a kid holding ice cream not far away could be seen pointing at him. One which was shoshed away by his mother, being reprimanded also.

[ "Well that was awkward." ]

Opposite to what he just said, Dumbledore didn't seem to mind what the kid said. Having developed the ability to be thick skinned due to old age, even the states people seem to occasionally give him doesn't matter.

As he instead walks past all of them, most if not all having been students and alumni of Hogwarts at some point, some he could still remember by name, or by face. But some, not so much, but he does remember.

Malcolm, a very prominent potion expert graduated 6 years ago. Good thing he seems to be doing fine.

Abby, very gifted in charms, also at flying, graduated 12-13ish years ago.

Michael... Job... Tom... Katherine... MacBeth...

This is a game for the old man, a memory game which he enjoys playing whenever he takes a stroll around prominent places like Diagon Alley, or Hogsmeade nearby Hogwarts. Nonetheless he enjoys the game, no matter the place.

And before he could notice it, the looming figure of one decrepit yet fashionable store could be seen standing in front of him. On the window books could be seen on display, namely;

"Voyages with Vampires" "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them" "Merlin in Britain" and "On Magic: About Wizardry"

Dumbledore's eyes shined slightly in seeing the nostalgic books, some he has read countless of times. Some are Hogwarts curriculum books, and the first one being a fun pastime made by his student recently released this year, which made him proud deep inside.

His gaze then roamed to the side, noticing the name of the store. Being a store to have a unique name that has no relation to the store itself at all, "Plantophia" is both a bookstore renowned for reserving classical literature, the oldest being from 138 A.D, and also as a library where Dumbledore usually spends his time in.

Once owned by a friend, and is now currently being operated by his friend's daughter. This store is both ancient, and has a warm feeling for the old man.

[ "I'm home!" ]

Not really. But Dumbledore opens the door to the small looking shop stuck in-between an ice cream parlor, and a cosmetic store for ladies. He had to both squeeze in-between children and parents to get inside this store, and it was all worth it.

[ "Oh..." ]

[ "Professor?!!" ]

The current clerk, Anastasia Beverly did a spit take in noticing the weird gentleman who entered into the quiet library filled with books. At first she thought the man was weird, then refocused her attention back to the book she's holding — the 13th instalment of "Merlin in Britain" one of her favorite series.

But when she remembered the catchphrase of one classical Albus Dumbledore who's like a grandfather figure to her, it made her do a spit take at seeing the now weirdly dressed old man.

Take the appearance of the renowned prestigious Headmaster of Hogwarts, her eyes momentarily shocked in realizing that it was all the weird glasses fault, the one which the Headmaster is wearing — which doesn't fit with the aesthetics of the hundred and eight year old Professor.

[ "Shhh." ]

[ "Wouldn't want to wake the people now, do we." ]

Dumbledore motioned using his head to point at the sleeping people inside the bookstore, laid out, knocked out on the tables, some snoring.

Not just to them, but also to the books enchanted with personalities, some which are sleeping and not liking noise one bit — either they stay asleep, or they'll try to bite the nose of whoever made the loud noise.

He is familiar, he got bitten once when he was playing Monster Cards, turns out, the Ork wasn't the monster, but instead the totem right beside him quietly sleeping that munched on his bear instead. The experience was both fun, and insightful on how damaging those toys could be.

[ "Don't mind me, Anastasia." ]

[ "I'm just browsing, carry on." ]

Dumbledore smiled warmly at the brown haired, brown-eyed, glasses wearing girl who was about to stand up to assist him. Silently signalling for her, not to bother, even though the cracking of his back was contrary to what he could do.

Out of her sight, and far into the rows of shelves, the old man finally began cracking his back. Audible enough to slightly disturb the peaceful times of some of the books, and totems. But for him, who can't handle long walks as much as his youth days — the cracks was worth it.

Totally worth it.

Now, what books should I read?

Minny, manny, menny, monny, mo...? What's this?

Browsing at the selection, Dumbledore began to play, tapping gently the books on the rows of shelves as he then became curious and attracted to one book. Having read most, if not all the books inside the store, Dumbledore became curious in seeing a foreign covered-book made it's way in here.

"Monster Cards & Dolls Guide on How to Use Them. Properly" A book written about his favorite past time, a trend amongst the new generation? And actually fun in it, made Dumbledore excited as he grabbed the book from the shelves. Feeling it's weight as he made his way to the nearest unoccupied space.

This sounds fun...

Authored by...

Felix Harp?!

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[ WRITTEN: 01/14/2025 ]

[ POSTED: 01/15/2025 ]