The moment they stepped through the archway, Emily stopped walking.
Her eyes widened in amazement.
Diagon Alley stretched before them like something taken directly from a fantasy novel.
Witches and wizards moved through the crowded streets.
Colorful shop signs hung above storefronts.
Owls flew overhead carrying letters and packages.
Strange magical items filled display windows.
Everywhere she looked, something new demanded her attention.
For a moment, she forgot to breathe.
"So this is the wizarding world..."
A small smile appeared on Mohit's face.
Even he had to admit that seeing Diagon Alley in person was far more impressive than reading about it.
The magical atmosphere was everywhere.
Ancient enchantments lingered in the air.
Hidden wards protected important locations.
Even the buildings themselves seemed alive with history.
Professor Snape observed their reactions without comment.
After allowing them a few moments to appreciate the sight, he spoke.
"We will visit Gringotts first."
Emily immediately turned toward him.
"The wizard bank?"
"Correct."
Snape started walking.
"All purchases will be made after we acquire the necessary funds."
Mohit and Emily followed.
As they moved through the bustling streets, Mohit carefully observed everything around him.
His Analyze skill continuously collected information.
Various magical items.
Rare potion ingredients.
Enchanted artifacts.
Ancient spellbooks.
The amount of valuable knowledge present in a single street was astonishing.
His interest in Hogwarts only increased.
If Diagon Alley possessed this much magical knowledge, then Hogwarts would be even more valuable.
Several minutes later, they arrived before a magnificent white building.
Its marble walls towered above the surrounding structures.
Golden letters were engraved above the entrance.
A pair of armored goblins stood guard near the doors.
Emily stared upward.
The building looked more like a royal palace than a bank.
"This is Gringotts?"
"Indeed."
Snape's voice carried its usual calm tone.
"Gringotts Wizarding Bank. The safest place in Britain besides Hogwarts."
Mohit glanced toward the goblins.
Sharp eyes.
Disciplined posture.
Excellent awareness.
They were far from the simple creatures described in children's stories.
The goblins noticed his observation but remained silent.
After a moment, the group entered the bank.
The interior was even more impressive.
Long counters stretched across the massive hall.
Dozens of goblins worked behind them.
Witches and wizards moved between lines conducting business.
The entire institution radiated efficiency.
One goblin approached their group.
His eyes briefly rested on Snape before moving toward Mohit and Emily.
"What business brings you to Gringotts?"
"We require currency exchange," Mohit answered.
The goblin nodded.
"Follow me."
Professor Snape raised an eyebrow.
Most children allowed adults to handle such matters.
Mohit, however, acted as though he had negotiated business deals his entire life.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
The goblin led them toward a private counter.
Once seated, he folded his hands.
"What would you like to exchange?"
"Gold."
The goblin blinked.
Then he nodded.
"How much gold?"
Instead of answering immediately, Mohit opened his backpack.
In reality, the item came from his inventory.
A large gold bar appeared in his hands.
Then another.
And another.
Emily remained calm because she already knew about his abilities.
Snape's expression remained neutral.
Internally, however, he was paying close attention.
The goblin's eyes narrowed.
That amount of gold was significant.
"Interesting," the goblin murmured.
"May we inspect the purity?"
"Of course."
Several minutes passed while the goblins performed their examination.
Eventually, the results were confirmed.
The gold was genuine.
Furthermore, it was remarkably pure.
The lead goblin's attitude became noticeably more respectful.
"The exchange can be completed immediately."
Mohit nodded.
"Proceed."
As calculations were finalized, Emily quietly observed the conversation.
Neither side appeared intimidated by the other.
It felt less like a child speaking to a banker and more like two experienced merchants negotiating a contract.
Even Snape found the interaction unusual.
Mohit's maturity continued exceeding expectations.
The boy displayed confidence without arrogance.
Intelligence without recklessness.
It was an uncommon combination.
The final calculations were completed.
The goblin placed several documents on the table.
"Everything is in order."
Mohit reviewed the information.
Then he signed where necessary.
The transaction was finalized.
A substantial amount of wizarding currency was transferred to him.
The surrounding goblins discreetly watched the exchange.
Few first-year students entered Gringotts possessing enough wealth to attract attention.
Mohit appeared completely unconcerned.
To him, money was merely another resource.
Useful.
Important.
But ultimately replaceable.
Knowledge and power held far greater value.
The lead goblin cleared his throat.
"Would you like to open a vault?"
Mohit considered the offer.
For most people, the answer would have been yes.
For him, however, things were different.
His inventory and personal spaces were significantly safer than any physical vault.
"No."
The goblin looked surprised.
"You wish to carry your funds personally?"
"I have alternative storage methods."
The goblin studied him for a moment before nodding.
"Very well."
Although unusual, Gringotts did not question the decisions of its clients.
When the transaction finally concluded, the goblin produced two enchanted money pouches.
"Complimentary gifts from Gringotts."
Emily looked surprised.
"Really?"
The goblin nodded.
"Expansion charms have been applied."
The bags were considerably larger inside than they appeared from the outside.
Mohit accepted them politely.
"Thank you."
The goblin inclined his head.
"It has been a pleasure doing business with you."
Several nearby goblins appeared to agree.
Any customer capable of exchanging that amount of wealth was worthy of respect.
As they exited the bank, Emily released a long breath.
"That was intimidating."
Mohit laughed softly.
"The goblins?"
"The entire place."
She glanced back toward the massive building.
"It felt like everyone was judging us."
"They probably were."
Emily groaned.
"That doesn't help."
For the first time that day, a faint smile appeared on Snape's face.
It vanished almost immediately.
Neither Mohit nor Emily noticed.
However, the Potions Master found himself increasingly curious.
The more he learned about these two children, the more mysteries surrounded them.
And Severus Snape had never been able to ignore a mystery.
Ahead of them, Diagon Alley bustled with life.
Bookstores.
Potion shops.
Apothecaries.
Wandmakers.
Countless magical wonders awaited.
Their visit to Gringotts had only been the beginning.
Now came the part Emily had been anticipating the most.
Shopping for magic.