"Alright, Anduin, we've spent quite a bit of time choosing your wand. We need to hurry and get the rest of your supplies now," Professor McGonagall said, glancing at the darkening sky.
"Yes, Professor."
Accompanied by Professor McGonagall, Anduin visited Transfiguration Inkwell Stationers to purchase parchment, ink, and several quills. At Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Flourish and Blotts, and Potage's Cauldron Shop, he acquired his wizard robes, textbooks, and cauldron.
Anduin also bought an owl and pet food. He had always found owls endearingly goofy-looking.
Before long, they had spent considerable time in Diagon Alley, and the golden light of dusk began to bathe the street.
"That's enough for today, Anduin. You've got most of what you need for school. It's getting late, so I'll take you home. While Diagon Alley is relatively safe, it's best for young people not to wander around at night."
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall. Before we part ways, please allow me to treat you to a cold drink. I've taken up much of your day, and this is my way of expressing my gratitude," Anduin said, noticing there was still some time before nightfall. He was also feeling tired after spending so long in Diagon Alley and wanted to ask Professor McGonagall more about the Wizarding World.
"Very well, but don't take too long," Professor McGonagall replied after a moment's consideration, figuring it wouldn't take too long.
They walked to Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley, ordered two cold drinks, and found a table.
"Professor McGonagall, now that I have a wand, can I start practicing spells?" Anduin asked after taking a sip of his drink.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Anduin. Spells are far more complex than you imagine. Recklessly casting spells can have disastrous consequences, especially in the Muggle world. These are sensitive times, and the Ministry of Magic is strictly monitoring all magical activity."
"The Ministry of Magic has a spell called the Trace that detects magical activity performed by wizards under seventeen," Professor McGonagall explained patiently to Anduin. "It's how they monitor underage magic use. So, you must never use your wand carelessly at the orphanage. In wizarding communities, the Ministry might not be able to pinpoint you accurately, but in the Muggle world, it's like a firefly in the dark."
"So, it's okay if I cast spells in Diagon Alley?" Anduin asked.
"Theoretically, yes. But casting spells unsupervised is extremely dangerous. I know young wizards like you have a thirst for knowledge, but I strongly advise you to channel that curiosity into your studies at Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said, fulfilling her duty as a teacher by patiently guiding Anduin.
"I understand," Anduin replied casually, though his mind was already plotting something.
"Are there many professors like you at Hogwarts? What do you all do? And the Headmaster—is it Professor Dumbledore? What's he like?" Anduin bombarded her with questions, completely disregarding whether Professor McGonagall could keep up.
"I think you'd be a good fit for Ravenclaw, Mr. Wilson," Professor McGonagall remarked, though she patiently continued to answer Anduin's questions.
"Dumbledore is currently the most powerful wizard in the wizarding world—at least, that's what we believe. You'll have plenty of time to learn about him after you enroll. Today, the Headmaster is in Hogsmeade, a purely wizarding village near the school. He's interviewing a professor for Divination, though personally, I don't see the need for a separate Divination class anymore."
"Professor McGonagall! I never expected to see you here," a woman's voice called from the doorway.
Anduin turned to see a man and a woman entering. The man wore glasses, his hazel eyes sharp and intelligent, and his black hair was neatly combed. The woman beside him was pregnant, with long, deep red hair and almond-shaped eyes. After greeting Professor McGonagall, they approached Anduin.
"Lily, James! What are you doing here?" Professor McGonagall exclaimed in surprise, rising to greet them. Anduin followed suit.
"Our baby is due soon, so we came to pick up a few things. What brings you here, Professor?" James explained to Professor McGonagall, glancing at Anduin beside him. "Ah, you're here for your first-year supplies? Most wizarding families wouldn't need you to come personally. You must be a Muggle-born wizard. Young man, where are your parents? How could they let you come here alone?" James Potter asked bluntly, acting as if they were old friends. Lily, noticing his lack of tact, nudged his arm. James turned to his wife, puzzled.
"You have a sharp eye. I am indeed Muggle-born. As for my parents... I'm afraid I've never met them," Anduin replied. Though slightly offended, he didn't take it to heart. It was simply the truth. He was forward-looking and didn't dwell on the past.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to pry," James stammered, realizing his mistake.
Anduin shrugged it off with a magnanimous gesture.
"This is Anduin Wilson, an incoming first-year. And these are James and Lily Potter, two of our esteemed alumni. Please, join us," Professor McGonagall interjected, smoothing over the awkwardness. "Running off to Diagon Alley like this, Lily, especially in your condition, is quite reckless." She introduced them properly, and they all sat down together.
"We're not afraid," James said, his face lighting up at the thought of his impending fatherhood. He glanced at Lily, his beloved, and grinned foolishly. "But Lily's due any day now, so I need to take care of her. We also have some preparations to make."
Anduin watched this scene, and when Professor McGonagall addressed them as "Potter," he began to suspect their identities. He turned to Lily and asked, "How far along are you? Is the baby due soon? Have you chosen a name?"
Lily looked at the newly arrived Muggle wizard with warmth. "We're expecting him at the end of the month. As for the name, we've decided: if it's a boy, we'll call him Harry—Harry Potter." She finished, turning to James with a radiant smile.
Anduin now knew for certain: these were the future parents of the Chosen One, the Potters. Though he didn't know the full story, he recognized the protagonist's name. This confirmed what had been bothering him all along: if Harry's parents were still alive, it meant Voldemort hadn't been defeated yet. No wonder Diagon Alley was so sparsely populated, with Aurors patrolling everywhere.