Sam arrived three days after the full moon, his steps light and confident. Draped in a new dragon-hide cloak, he looked every bit the successful merchant. In his hands, he carried a heavy pouch that glowed faintly with a security enchantment.
He tossed it to Harry.
[+3300 Galleons added to Inventory]
[Currency: £: 410 / G: 4112 / S: 8]
Harry's eyes widened as he checked his interface. That was more gold than he'd ever seen at once—more than enough to buy a place of his own.
"If you want," Sam said, grinning, "we could get you a flat in Knockturn Alley. Quiet, upstairs, cheap. Want to take a look?"
Harry nodded.
[New Quest: Visit Property – Knockturn Alley] appeared in his quest log.
The appointed day came. Harry wore a freshly laundered set of robes. Nothing fancy, but clean and proper. Sam, on the other hand, looked like he'd walked straight out of a high-tier equipment screen.
[Inspect – Dragonhide Cloak]
A rare magical cloak made from genuine dragon hide. Resistant to fire and slashing damage. Enchantments: Minor Intimidation +1, Magical Resistance +35%
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Showing off?"
Sam laughed. "Can't help it. Business is booming."
They met outside the clearing, ready to travel. "We taking a cab?" Harry asked.
"That was the plan," Sam replied, then noticed the wand tucked into Harry's belt. "Wait, you've got a wand? Even if it's unregistered... perfect. We're taking the Knight Bus."
[Summoning Magical Transportation – Knight Bus]
Sam showed Harry how to hold out his wand firmly, arm straight. Harry did it as instructed, and moments later—
BANG!
The purple Knight Bus exploded into view, rocking the roadside as gas lamps swung wildly from its frame. Brass fixtures gleamed, and the windows rattled as the massive vehicle screeched to a halt inches from Harry's shoes.
The conductor jumped out. "Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard!"
Sam handed over the fare.
"Two passengers to the Leaky Cauldron," Sam said, guiding Harry up the stairs.
Inside, the bus was chaotic but magical—swaying four-poster beds, enchanted lanterns, and floating tea trays. Harry grabbed the edge of a bedpost to steady himself as the bus lurched again.
[Knight Bus – Active]
4 Minutes to Leaky Cauldron
Speed: Unstable
Stability: Low
Motion Sickness Resistance: Check Passed (CON + Luck)
Sam leaned back comfortably. "Get used to it, rookie."
Harry grinned despite himself. A new adventure was just beginning.
Harry had heard of the Leaky Cauldron before—from Arabella Figg, actually. But the way she talked about it, he imagined it as some grand, sprawling pub with glittering signs and magical patrons overflowing into the street. After all, it was the main entrance to the famed Diagon Alley.
But when the Knight Bus screeched to a halt and Sam pointed to a narrow, almost invisible structure tucked between two larger buildings, Harry blinked.
[Observe]
Leaky Cauldron: A hidden wizarding pub and inn, serving as a gateway between the Muggle and magical world. Disguised with Notice-Me-Not and Size Distortion enchantments.
It looked… unimpressive. Faded sign, narrow door, soot-darkened bricks. Just a small storefront nestled between a record shop and a dilapidated bookshop.
"That's it?" Harry asked, squinting.
Sam smirked. "Trust me."
They stepped through the door, and immediately Harry's senses were overwhelmed.
[You have entered a hidden location: The Leaky Cauldron]
[Status: Safe Zone]
The pub was bustling. Wizards and witches filled every table, loud with conversation and clinking mugs. Some wore strange robes with shimmering runes; others looked like travelers, with trunks and suitcases stacked beside them. A strong aroma of butterbeer and roast meat filled the air.
To Harry's surprise, a staircase led up to what looked like multiple floors. "It's… a hotel?"
"Wizarding inn," Sam said. "Foreigners usually stay here before they head into Diagon Alley."
Harry's eyes wandered—and paused.
Near the fireplace, a group of wizards sat clustered around a copy of The Daily Prophet, voices raised in heated argument.
"…I'm telling you, it's a dementor!"
"No! Dementors don't have legs—that's an obscurial if I've ever seen one!"
"Looks more like a boggart to me. Those things shift shape, don't they?"
Sam walked up to the bar with casual confidence. "How was your day, Mr. Tom?"
The barkeeper, a bald, hunched man with pale eyes and a toothless smile, looked up.
"Sam, you're glowing, lad. Life treating you well, I see." He looked at Harry. "And who's this little fellow?"
"This is my nephew—Harry," Sam replied, then glanced toward the arguing group. "What's the fuss about?"
Tom waved a hand. "Nothing new. Some magical creature sighted in the Muggle world. They're trying to figure out what it is. The Aurors are investigating."
He pulled out the paper from under the bar and spread it open for them to see. On the front page, a blurry, black-and-white image showed a shadowy figure flying above rooftops—wisps of black smoke trailing behind it like a phantom cloak.
Harry's eyes widened.
[Warning: You have been detected]
[Current Status: Anonymous]
[Consequence: Moderate Risk of Exposure, Avoid casting high-profile abilities in public zones]
He recognized it instantly. That was him—Wraith Flight.
Sam shot him a look, eyes narrowing with realization. But he said nothing.
Tom folded the paper and chuckled. "They'll never figure it out. My money's on a new breed of dark creature. You know how the Ministry is—slow to admit they don't know everything."
Harry forced a smile, heart racing as he glanced once more at the paper.
[Quest Alert: Ministry Eyes Watching]
Objective: Remain Undetected
Failure Consequences: Auror Investigation, Risk of Expulsion
He exhaled slowly.
So much for flying anywhere he wanted.
Sam led Harry through the back of the Leaky Cauldron, into a narrow, cobblestone alleyway that ended in a solid brick wall. It looked completely ordinary—just a dead end wedged between the backs of other buildings.
But when Sam reached into his coat and pulled out a wand, Harry tensed immediately. His hand twitched toward his side, and a faint shimmer formed around his wrist as the system nearly summoned a [Bone Spear].
Harry's eyes narrowed.
"You know magic?" he asked cautiously.
Sam shook his head. "Nah."
"Then… why do you have a wand?"
Sam grinned. "To summon the Knight Bus, obviously. You need a wand for that kind of thing."
Harry blinked. That actually made sense.
"And also—" Sam added, stepping closer to the wall, "—to do this. Watch closely."
He tapped a particular brick in a rhythmic pattern. The wall shimmered—and then the bricks began to shift. One by one, they moved and folded inward, clicking into place like a magical puzzle until a tall, arch-shaped entrance appeared, revealing what lay beyond.
Harry's jaw dropped.
[You have discovered: Diagon Alley]
[New Zone Unlocked – Exploration Reward: +250 EXP]
Behind the archway stretched a wide, cobbled street bustling with charm and magic. Though it was quieter than Harry expected, it still brimmed with life: floating signs hovered above quaint shops, owls perched on rooftop rails, cauldrons stirred themselves behind glass windows, and brooms zipped lazily in display cases.
The sight was breathtaking.
"This… this is it," Harry whispered. "Diagon Alley…"
Sam, noticing Harry's awestruck gaze, chuckled. "You're wondering why it's so quiet, aren't you?"
Harry nodded slowly.
"It gets absolutely packed during the Hogwarts shopping season," Sam explained. "But now? It's off-season. Just locals and the odd traveler."
Harry didn't mind at all.
Quiet was good.
[Quest Updated: Explore Magical Real Estate in Knockturn Alley]
[Objective: Familiarize yourself with Diagon Alley landmarks – 0/10 discovered]
The magic, Harry realized, wasn't just in the bricks or the signs.
It was in the air itself.
And for the first time, he felt like he was stepping into the world he was meant to belong to.
As Harry stepped into the bustling heart of Diagon Alley, his breath caught.
He had seen magical places before—through [ID Create] and dungeon realms—but this… this was different. This was the real thing. A thriving magical city tucked behind an old pub, alive with charm and wonder.
Sam walked beside him, grinning like a tour guide. "Stick with me, kid. This place is older than some wizarding families. We'll start with the basics."
The first place they stopped was a crooked little shop with a faded sign and a display window filled with stacks of dusty wand boxes.
"Best wandmaker in the world," Sam said. "Or the creepiest. Bit of both."
Harry stared at the shop.
[Landmark Discovered: Ollivanders]
Wandmaker's aura detected. Magical resonance intense.
+25 EXP
He wondered… if he ever got a wand of his own, would it be from here?
Next was a towering bookstore. The windows were stacked with thick tomes, some glowing faintly, some chained shut. A floating quill scribbled a list on parchment above the door: "Upcoming Events: Magical Creatures Illustrated, 4th Edition – Author Visit!"
[Landmark Discovered: Flourish and Blotts]
Knowledge Source Unlocked – Scrolls, Spellbooks, Bestiaries
+25 EXP
"I bet this place has the potion compendium you're missing," Sam said casually, nudging him.
Harry made a mental note to return.
A group of teens had gathered outside a flashy shop window showcasing a brand-new broomstick.
"I thought brooms were for cleaning," Harry muttered.
Sam laughed. "You've got a lot to learn."
[Landmark Discovered: Quality Quidditch Supplies]
Item Category: Broomsticks (Mounts)
+25 EXP
They passed a quiet clothing store where a tailor mannequin was adjusting its own sleeves.
"You'll need robes once we register you," Sam said. "That… or enchanted armor."
Harry smiled slightly. He liked armor better.
[Landmark Discovered: Madam Malkin's]
Outfitter Unlocked – Defensive Apparel Available
+25 EXP
Squeaks. Hisses. Growls. The shop practically vibrated with magical creature energy. A Crup puppy barked from a cage as a witch soothed a grumpy kneazle.
Harry lingered here. He could feel the magic brimming inside the walls.
[Landmark Discovered: Magical Menagerie]
New Category: Tameable Creatures
+25 EXP
The next shop was darker, quieter—filled with the rustling of feathers and the keen stares of owls.
Sam whispered, "Every wizard needs an owl. For post, spying, or just companionship."
Harry found himself staring at a snowy owl that reminded him of something… or someone.
[Landmark Discovered: Eeylops Owl Emporium]
Companion Shop Unlocked
+25 EXP
The strong scent of herbs hit them before they even reached the shop. Inside, the shelves were crammed with roots, scales, powders, and floating vials.
Harry felt at home here.
"This… this is my place," he whispered.
[Landmark Discovered: Apothecary]
Potion Ingredient Vendor Unlocked – Crafting Boost
+25 EXP
Sam dragged him next into a shop filled with prank items, exploding candies, and vanishing ink.
Harry chuckled, pocketing a fake wand that turned into a rubber chicken.
[Landmark Discovered: Gambol and Japes]
Trick Item Vendor – Distraction Tools Available
+25 EXP
Black, pewter, bronze, and self-stirring. Harry eyed a silver cauldron glowing faintly.
"This is where we get your potion lab upgraded next time," Sam grinned.
[Landmark Discovered: The Cauldron Shop]
Crafting Equipment Vendor
+25 EXP
At last, they stood before the tall, white marble building guarded by goblins. The doors gleamed. The presence was intimidating.
Harry felt the magic of it. The weight of old power.
[Landmark Discovered: Gringotts Bank]
Main Bank Access Point – Vaults Locked
+25 EXP
[Quest Complete: Explore Diagon Alley – All 10 landmarks discovered]
EXP Gained: 250
[Bonus Reward: Diagon Alley Map Unlocked]
Harry stood there, taking it all in.
From dusty tomes to enchanted pets, from broomsticks to cauldrons, this alley held everything he had dreamed about—and so much more. And he hadn't even seen Knockturn Alley yet.
Harry opened his stat sheet as he followed Sam through the last stretch of Diagon Alley.
[EXP: 1100 / 1200]
[100 EXP required to reach Level 13]
A grin tugged at his lips. He was just one small quest away from leveling up. The Diagon Alley exploration had been worth it—not just for the experience, but for the knowledge, too. He hoped the next quest would be just as simple. Maybe buying a property or exploring Knockturn alley?
Just as Harry was daydreaming about gaining a new ability or stat points, a group of goblins walked past him—cloaked, armed, whispering in Gobbledegook.
Harry froze.
His instincts flared.
His fingers twitched toward his wand and his wrist instinctively drew slightly back, almost calling forth a [Bone Spear]. His grip tightened on the handle of his bag, ready to summon a [Poison Mist] if needed.
But he stopped himself.
The goblins didn't look hostile. They didn't even glance at him. They were just... walking past like any other wizard or witch.
Still, Harry's mind flashed back to the ambush in the forest. The poisoned air. The blood. The iron weapons stained with the flesh of magical creatures.
He looked at Sam, still wary.
"Do goblins… usually roam around like that?" Harry asked quietly.
Sam looked up from checking a parchment he carried and frowned. "No idea. They mostly stay inside Gringotts or underground."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Could they be criminals?"
Sam shrugged. "Maybe. I've heard that sometimes the goblin clans kick out troublemakers—ones who steal from the hoards, or cause problems with the humans. Maybe those are exiled ones."
Harry nodded slowly.
He hoped that was the case.
He hoped the ones he had killed were criminals cast out from goblin society—not official representatives of Gringotts or its clans. If word got out that he had slaughtered a goblin camp…
It wouldn't just be bounty hunters after him. It might be Gringotts itself.
Still… only 100 EXP to go.
Harry's eyes sharpened.
One more quest. One more chance.
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