They left just past eight. Everything went so smoothly, it wasn't even ten yet. Gemini discussed with the Parkers. Decided not to use the fireplace or Portkey. They'd take a taxi. Wasn't far anyway. Finally in Britain—the Parkers wanted to see London.
Gemini's group walked out through the Ministry's designated exit—a public restroom. The Parkers stood stunned at the door. Dazed for a while. The taxi Gemini called stopped at the curb. Snapped them back.
The car drove smoothly. The Parkers kept looking out the windows. Completely different from America. Full of weathered history.
Soon they stopped at a record shop. Ben paid in US dollars. The taxi disappeared around the corner.
"So, where is it?" Ben looked around, confused.
Peter tugged his clothes. "Uncle Ben, over there! I see it!"
Following Peter's finger, Ben finally saw a pub door. "Was it there the whole time?! I didn't see it!"
"Spell to prevent Muggles from wandering in. People passing by ignore it unless someone leads them. The Ministry and St. Mungo's have this magic too." Gemini walked over. Pushed the door open. "Come on."
The Parkers followed into The Leaky Cauldron. The door closed. Vision dimmed. Once adjusted to the lighting, they saw the interior clearly.
Morning. Not too crowded. People talking quietly. Some playing with Transfiguration spells. The Parkers watched, fascinated. They'd seen things. But this was their first purely magical establishment.
Following Gemini to the back courtyard trash bin, they watched her tap with her wand. Gemini turned. Smiled. "Standard procedure. Welcome to Diagon Alley!"
"Whoa!"
Their mouths fell open. Bricks flipped and turned. Formed a doorway. Beyond—unexpected architecture. Bustling sounds. Wizards in robes coming and going. The Parkers in ordinary clothes stood out. But no one said anything. More wizards liked Muggle clothes now. Convenient. Looked good.
Walking down Diagon Alley with Gemini, the Parkers' eyes weren't enough. But no matter how amazed, even Peter didn't shout or point rudely.
Gemini led them on a casual tour. Arrived outside Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Packed with people. Gemini took one look. Abandoned going inside. Hesitating whether to browse elsewhere. Tony squeezed out with a man in his thirties.
"So it's settled—once you follow George to America and get settled, find me. Don't worry about salary." Tony squeezed out. Stood at the entrance.
"Of course! Thank you, Mr. Stark! I'll work hard! Going home right now to arrange things!" Seamus Finnigan shook Tony's hand excitedly. Turned. Walked away cheering.
Tony noticed Gemini's group. "Done already? That fast?"
Gemini spread her hands. "We have connections. Of course it was fast."
Tony looked back at the crowd. Gave up squeezing back in. Told a clerk to notify George he and Gemini had gone out. Walked away.
"Virtual portrait business in Britain's saturated. What's left is maintenance and small jobs. George is planning to take Fred to develop America." Tony walked and talked. "People in America contacted George. Not sure yet whether to tell the truth publicly."
"What about Britain?" Gemini asked.
"Here we say it's combining magic with Muggle technology. Even nobles haven't complained—the Weasleys and Harry back us." Tony said. "Worried Americans are so resistant to ordinary people they'll push back too hard."
Gemini paused. "I think tell the truth. MACUSA's reducing their guard against ordinary people. Heard officials are studying the Constitution. Want to find land to establish a magical state."
Tony stopped. "How come I haven't heard?"
"Overheard people chatting when we left the Ministry. Someone's American relative is studying Muggle law." Gemini shrugged.
"I see. We're here!" Tony stopped at Madam Malkin's. Steve sat helplessly. Watched Happy and Pepper talk to Madam Malkin.
"Done? Great! Let's browse elsewhere! I don't understand clothes." Steve looked like he'd seen salvation. Jumped up. Helped open the door.
Pepper kept Tony. Happy claimed he'd found a new career. Gemini approved of Madam Malkin's craftsmanship. Didn't like their fabric. The people left in the shop—Tony, Happy, Pepper, and May.
Ben stood at the door with Peter, Steve, and Gemini. Watched them wave goodbye enthusiastically. Ignored Tony's pleading looks. Turned and walked away.
Gemini led the three on a day tour. Went to Flourish and Blotts. Libby's General Store. Everyone lived in shops with Coby doing housework. But some small items seemed convenient. Steve and Ben bought self-cleaning tablecloths. Bed-making brushes.
At the stationery shop, Peter became fascinated with spelling-check quills. Ben firmly insisted. He didn't get one.
Seeing Peter's glum mood, Gemini bought him a children's broom. Only flew one meter off the ground. Had safety devices. Fall-proof. Almost every wizarding child had one.
Peter received the gift. Cheered up. Chattered. Walked hugging his broom.
Finally they went to Flourish and Blotts. Bought Peter pre-school reading materials. Gemini had all these books. But Ben felt Peter should have his own. Couldn't keep borrowing.
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