Chapter 11: Ian’s Doubt

Movies, after all, are just movies. They are constrained by special effects and camera angles, ultimately revealing only a fraction of Diagon Alley’s true essence.

Only upon stepping foot here did Ian truly realize that this place was far from the county fairground many mocked it as, nor was it a relic of a backward, dilapidated era. It was the most bustling gathering spot for witches and wizards across the British Isles!

“Truly... magical!” Ian’s heart swelled with excitement.

He did not experience the nausea and discomfort that usually accompanied the first apparition; only now did he realize it must have been the effect of that revolting potion Snape had given him—far more palatable than milk, yet still unpleasant.

Unexpectedly, Snape revealed a side of himself that was surprisingly considerate, upending Ian’s preconceived notions about the man. It also made him recall Dumbledore’s words once more.

What kind of debt could it be that compelled Snape to show such uncharacteristic care?

Could it be that his parents in this life had actually died during a mission Snape undertook while he was a Death Eater? Ian’s mind raced with questions and conjectures.

Just then, Snape released his grip on Ian’s neck and strode forward without looking back. Ian hastily dragged his oversized suitcase behind him.

The street bustled with a steady flow of people. Though Snape didn’t glance back, he maintained a pace that allowed Ian to keep up, preventing him from being lost in the crowd.

“Professor, where are we headed? The bank?” Ian asked curiously.

“That is called Gringotts. Do not apply Muggle foolishness to try to understand the rules of the wizarding world,” Snape replied coldly, yet still offered a warning.

“Control your thoughts. This place is full of witches and wizards. They won’t tolerate you just because you’re a child. Dark wizards could capture you at any moment for some wicked experiment,” Snape warned ominously, clearly cautioning Ian not to use his Legilimency to meddle in others’ affairs.

“I’ll try...” Ian attempted to clear his mind, which did indeed dull the sharpness of his Legilimency. He truly could not fully control this ability.

To distract himself, Ian became fascinated by the magical creatures living alongside witches and wizards. Beyond the fantastic beasts, creatures like giants and dwarves from fairy tales existed in this magical world. He was particularly curious about how hideous real goblins might look.

However, Snape did not take him to Gringotts.

“Get me all the textbooks required for first-year Hogwarts students,” Snape’s first stop was the bookstore, Flourish and Blotts, which had a near-monopoly on the sale of magic textbooks in the British wizarding community, likely backed by a pure-blood family.

Just as before Ian’s arrival in this world, certain schools designated specific shops for students to buy their books and materials. Ian was certain such arrangements always involved some form of profit.

“Very well, Professor Snape.”

The clerk in the bookstore clearly recognized Hogwarts teachers and appeared somewhat intimidated when facing Snape. Ian wondered if he might have been a Hogwarts alumnus.

“I don’t even know which textbooks I need. I haven’t even received my Hogwarts acceptance letter,” Ian muttered behind Snape.

“Are you so concerned over a meaningless piece of paper?” Snape sneered sideways.

“I just feel like something’s missing,” Ian blinked.

“Hah, what a ridiculous obsession.”

Snape scoffed, pulling a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and tossing it carelessly toward Ian.

Ian hastily caught it. On the paper, prominently displayed, was a large letter “H” formed by a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a serpent—his acceptance letter.

[Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(President of the International Confederation of Wizards, Order of Merlin First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot)
Dear Mr. Prince,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enclosed is a list of required books and equipment. The term begins on September 1st. We await your reply by owl post no later than July 31st.
Deputy Headmistress
Minerva McGonagall]

The letter included a lengthy appendix listing the items new students must purchase, which Ian quickly skimmed to get a general idea.

“So, Mr. Nitpicker, are you satisfied now?” Snape drawled, giving Ian an irritating nickname.

“I was hoping to see the Hogwarts owl,” Ian pouted.

“Instead of wasting your attention on useless vanity, think about how to learn useful skills at school to avoid a miserable life like those Hufflepuffs,” Snape said, his tone dripping with condescension.

As he spoke, the clerk brought over a large stack of books. From his somewhat resentful yet subdued expression, Ian guessed Snape’s comment was also a subtle jab at the clerk.

This man truly had an unpleasant demeanor.

“Thank you,” Ian said sincerely, not wanting to incur Snape’s ill will by association, and took the heavy pile of books.

“Don’t believe Snape’s words. Hufflepuff has produced many remarkable witches and wizards, such as Newt Scamander, author of Fantastic Beasts,” the clerk whispered, kneeling to hand Ian the books and quietly defending Hufflepuff’s honor.

“I agree,” Ian smiled in low response.

The clerk looked gratified and ruffled Ian’s hair.

“15 Galleons, please,” the cashier said just then. Before Ian could reply, Snape produced a small pouch and paid for the books.

“Is that a student loan, Professor?” Ian asked, hoping to exchange money himself at Gringotts.

“That is none of your concern,” Snape replied coldly.

After paying, seeing Ian struggling to cram the textbooks into his already cramped suitcase, Snape raised his hand and cast a spell on the clothes and miscellaneous items inside Ian’s storage trunk.

“Shrink swiftly.”

In the next moment, as the various items shrank, Ian easily fit the books into the suitcase.

“This is amazing!” Ian’s face lit up with excitement.

“A friendly reminder: this spell lasts only twenty-four hours. If you don’t retrieve your belongings in time... well, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to witness the consequences,” Snape said, then flicked his cloak and walked toward the door.

Ian hurried after him.

Indeed, with Snape’s magic, the suitcase felt noticeably lighter—the wonders of magic making even Lavoisier’s coffin rattle in disbelief.

Mass is not conserved!?

Too unscientific!

I love it!

Ian’s desire to learn magic grew stronger.

“Professor! Wait!”

Ian had to sprint to keep up with Snape’s quickening pace.

Next, Snape led Ian to purchase other necessities, all the while Snape paid without hesitation.

When buying a cauldron for potion-making, the clerk produced the standard student starter set, but Snape insisted on exchanging the cauldron for a brass one—much more expensive.

“Professor, the letter says to buy a pewter cauldron, size number two,” Ian said uncertainly, holding his acceptance letter.

Unexpectedly, Snape responded sarcastically as he paid.

“Does Mr. Prince think he has already learned all there is, daring to instruct me, his Potions professor, on what is the proper choice?”

The biting sarcasm left Ian speechless.

If not for Snape’s generosity in paying, Ian would have boldly retorted—though now he felt even more confused than before.

Could it be that Snape, during his time as a Death Eater, had indeed killed Ian’s real parents against his conscience? If not, why else would Snape show such unusual favor?

Ian was utterly perplexed.