It didn’t take long for Professor McGonagall to finish talking with Ethan's parents and turn her attention back to Ethan.
Today's escort mission was a smooth one for Professor McGonagall. Compared to other parents who asked all sorts of bizarre questions, this couple mainly inquired about the learning environment and the various rules and regulations of Hogwarts.
"It's normal to not understand Transfiguration without systematic learning. After you enter Hogwarts and start learning, think about these questions again. If you still don't understand, you can come and ask me."
Seeing Ethan still stroking the cat while thinking, Professor McGonagall immediately offered comfort.
"Okay, thank you, Professor McGonagall!"
Ethan put down the cat in his hands and smiled at Professor McGonagall.
"It's my duty as a professor!"
As she spoke, Professor McGonagall casually waved her wand, and eight cats, one large and seven small, floated in the air before transforming back into a fruit plate and apples. They were placed back on the coffee table, just like before.
Even the sofa, which had cat scratch marks after the transformation, was restored to its original state.
After doing all this, Professor McGonagall stood up and said to Ethan:
"Mr. and Mrs. Adrian, it's time to go to Diagon Alley to buy school supplies."
Filimon, standing beside, readily took out a stack of British pounds and, along with Netitia, saw Professor McGonagall and Ethan to the door.
Through their conversation, they had concluded that Professor McGonagall's identity was no problem. If she had malicious intentions, she wouldn't have talked so much with them.
As for Diagon Alley, according to Professor McGonagall, Muggles were better off not getting involved. Forcing interaction with the wizarding world wouldn't benefit them in any way.
"Now hold my hand, don't let go. We're using magic to reach the outside of Diagon Alley. The process might be a little uncomfortable."
Professor McGonagall said this in the courtyard.
Ethan took a deep breath and nodded to Professor McGonagall.
"Okay, I'm ready, Professor McGonagall!"
Ethan already knew what would happen next - Apparition!
Beginners, or those who are unaccustomed to it, would feel like they were suffocating and their bodies were being squeezed and deformed in their senses.
"Pop!"
"Pop!"
With the unique sound of Apparition, Ethan and Professor McGonagall suddenly appeared in front of a dirty, broken, and small pub in a London district.
Ethan, whose breathing was a little irregular, quickly took a deep breath to adjust his state. The process was indeed a bit uncomfortable.
"Are you alright, Mr. Adrian?"
"I'm fine. I'm still a little uncomfortable after landing, but I'm better now."
As they spoke, Ethan had basically recovered. Now it seemed like it wasn't that bad!
Seeing that Ethan was alright, Professor McGonagall explained:
"Apparition, one of the ways wizards travel. You can learn it in sixth year, but you have to pay for it yourself and take an exam at the Department of Magical Transportation. It's a very dangerous magic."
"The Leaky Cauldron, only wizards can see it. It's the entrance to Diagon Alley. Remember the address. You'll need to come here yourself for your second-year school supplies."
As she spoke, Professor McGonagall led Ethan into the pub.
It was unclear if it was because of the time or because it was still morning, but there were no customers inside. Only a hunched-over man was wiping the seats.
Seeing someone come in, the hunched-over man put down the cloth, looked up, and said casually:
"Good morning, Professor McGonagall. Guiding a new student again today!"
"Good morning, Tom!"
Professor McGonagall greeted him as she led Ethan inside.
Ethan, who passed by, was a little confused. Clearly, there was a Cleaning Charm, so why was he wiping the table? The man wasn't a Squib either, he could use magic.
Going through the pub, they reached the backyard. Apart from the wall, there were just some weeds and a trash can against the wall.
Stopping in front of the trash can, Professor McGonagall turned her head and said seriously:
"Mr. Adrian, remember my next action. Count three bricks upwards, then two bricks across."
Professor McGonagall gently tapped this brick three times with her wand.
In an instant, the bricks on the wall seemed to come alive and began to rearrange themselves in a pattern, forming an archway.
Beyond the archway was the true magical world. Cobblestone roads, winding streets, crooked houses, and people in robes walking everywhere.
"Let's go get Galleons first, the wizarding currency."
Having guided NPCs for so many years, this process had become routine.
After getting Galleons, buy a wand, then visit the bookstore, clothing store, cauldron shop, pet shop, and that's it.
The reason for buying the wand first wasn't because it was closer, but because young wizards were eager to do so. Professor McGonagall couldn't remember how many times she had been begged to buy a wand first.
Soon, under Professor McGonagall's guidance, Ethan arrived at the entrance of Gringotts.
Stepping through the first bronze door, Ethan also saw the warning on the second silver door:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the foot that's lead
By avarice on its quest to gain
That which it cannot claim or own
For greed is a distempered guest
Whose appetite is never sated.
He who takes, yet cannot give,
Must pay the price for every thief
And if he dares the risk to run
Of seeking treasures not his own
Be warned, he'll find that wealth's not won,
But earned with sweat and honest bone.
I mean, aren't the goblins themselves the most greedy?
After all, their prototype was a race that liked to collect wealth and stir up trouble.
"Professor McGonagall, is there anything I can help you with?"
As soon as they entered the hall, a goblin wearing a suit came up to them.
As Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, McGonagall had some standing in the British wizarding world. She was worth being treated seriously by these goblins, and her wealth was also quite attractive to them.
"Help the new student exchange currency!"
Professor McGonagall pointed at Ethan.
"Please come with me!"
Following the goblin's instructions, Ethan and Professor McGonagall soon reached a deserted counter on the right.
Five British pounds would be exchanged for one Galleon, with a limit of one hundred Galleons.
According to Professor McGonagall, if the new student didn't seek luxury, one hundred Galleons would be enough and even have some left over. Hogwarts didn't have much to spend on.