Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

"Do I really have to use the Floo Network?" David asked, eyeing the shimmering powder in Newt's hand with obvious reluctance.

The Floo Network was a popular way for wizards to travel: toss the powder into a fireplace, step into the emerald flames, and shout your destination. While convenient, it had one major downside—ash. Lots of it.

David glanced down at his new clothes, a thoughtful gift from Queenie to celebrate his Hogwarts acceptance. The last thing he wanted was soot ruining them.

"No Apparition?" he pressed.

Newt chuckled. "Absolutely not. This is your first trip to Diagon Alley for school supplies—it has to be special. Apparition is practical, but it lacks the sense of ceremony."

David sighed, suspecting Newt was making this up, but he couldn't argue. Grudgingly, he scooped up a handful of Floo powder.

"John, are you coming with us?" David asked.

John shook his head. "No, I've got to clean the studio. But could you bring me some potion books? I've read through everything we have."

"Sure," David replied. He stepped into the fireplace, tossed the powder into the flames, and shouted, "Diagon Alley!"

The next moment, David felt as if he'd been sucked into a twisting pipe. He spun rapidly, gripping his basket tightly. Finally, he tumbled out of a fireplace and landed ungracefully in a small, well-lit room.

"Cough! Cough!" David hacked, brushing soot from his face and clothes.

"Well," Newt said, appearing behind him through Apparition—clean and spotless. "How was that?"

David glared at him, silently promising revenge for this experience. Newt waved his wand, instantly cleaning David's clothes.

"See? It wasn't so bad," Newt teased, ignoring David's withering look.

David looked around and realized they were in the Leaky Cauldron, a cozy bar that connected the magical world to the Muggle one. He noticed how clean and inviting it looked, with green plants in every corner and tables filled with cheerful witches and wizards.

It was a far cry from how the bar had looked during his first visit—a dingy, dimly lit place with only a few grumpy old wizards for company. David had taken it upon himself to advise Tom, the bar's owner, to revamp the establishment. Now, with its fresh look and new menu offerings, business was thriving.

"David! Long time no see!" Tom called from behind the bar. "Want to try a new drink I've just whipped up?"

David walked over, accepting a sky-blue drink with sparkling, color-changing stars floating in it. He took a sip, savoring the blueberry flavor, with bursts of chocolate and strawberry from the tiny edible "stars."

"This is amazing!" David exclaimed, shaking the glass.

"Glad you like it!" Tom beamed.

David declined Tom's offer for another drink, explaining, "I have shopping to do, but I'll be back later!"

David followed Newt to the bar's back wall, where Newt tapped a series of bricks with his wand. The wall quivered and opened up into a wide archway, revealing the bustling street of Diagon Alley.

Witches and wizards filled the cobblestone paths, many with children in tow, their excitement infectious.

As they stepped through the arch, David tugged on Newt's sleeve and whispered, "Grandpa, look! It's Professor McGonagall!"

Ahead, Professor McGonagall stood outside a small shop, her lips pressed tightly as she paced, clearly troubled by something.

David approached her with a smile. "Professor McGonagall!" he called, giving her a quick hug.

"David!" she exclaimed, her stern expression softening. She tousled his hair affectionately. "It's been a while. Have you bought your supplies yet?"

"Not yet," David admitted. "We just arrived."

McGonagall glanced at Newt and offered him a polite smile. "Are you heading to Gringotts?"

Newt nodded. "Yes, we're about to."

"Could I ask a favor?" McGonagall said, gesturing to a family standing nearby. "This young lady is starting at Hogwarts this year. It's her first time here, and I was supposed to guide them. Unfortunately, I have an urgent matter to attend to. Could you take them along?"

"Of course!" David said, before Newt could respond.

David turned to the family McGonagall had indicated. The parents, a Muggle couple, stood nervously, their postures stiff and unsure. A faint smell of disinfectant clung to them, likely from their profession as dentists.

In front of them stood a little girl with a cascade of frizzy brown hair and slightly large front teeth. Her bright eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in the magical world around her.

David smiled warmly. "Hi! I'm David Scamander."

Before her parents could respond, the girl stepped forward confidently, extending her hand. "Hello, I'm Hermione Granger. These are my parents. We had no idea magic existed until we received the Hogwarts letter. My dad thought it was a prank!"

She rattled on, barely pausing for breath. "But when Professor McGonagall came to our house and explained everything, it all made sense. And now—look at this place!" She gestured excitedly at the lively street. "It's all so wonderful!"

David chuckled. "Well, Hermione, welcome to the wizarding world. Let's get started on your shopping!"

As the group headed toward Gringotts, David couldn't help but smile. The excitement in Hermione's voice reminded him of his first trip here. The day had only just begun, and it already promised to be an unforgettable one.