21 Chapter 21

McGonagall then whipped her wand out, slowly and showed it to Harry, who raised an eyebrow. Then she pointed at her teacup, which was on the table and obligatory wave of wand later, turned it into a toad.

"That Mr Potter was a spell that I cast using this wand. The result of this spell is as you have seen, is the transformation of this teacup into a toad. This is one of aspects the subject I am teaching and is called transfiguration. What you saw before that was what is called an animagus transformation, also another application if a great deal more advanced one of transfiguration."

Harry raised an eyebrow. Then he slowly reached out and grabbed the toad, which hadn't moved. He looked at it from several angles, then poked and prodded it. After his examination, he set it down and politely asked her to turn the toad back. He then proceeded to examine the teacup in similar fashion. It was actually quite amusing to watch. The cup then slipped and fell out of his hand. Just as it fell and broke on the floor, McGonagall levitated it back on to the table. She looked at him expectantly.

"I will concede that science cannot explain this and that magic is real. Now, if you could tell me exactly what this magical adventure will entail?"

McGonagall smiled to herself. She had won and now it was just a matter of reeling him in.

XXX

It took two hours, from eight to ten AM to finish clearing all of his doubts. It was quite tedious to actually explain things in detail before he accepted any statement she made and let her continue. It almost felt like she was being interrogated. Then again, she was a bit glad that at least one student this year was this inquisitive and thorough. Such people ended up going far in the magical world. Then she remembered that she would also have to take him to Diagon and felt the migraine return in full force. She could only imagine how that would end. Yet again, Minerva McGonagall found herself cursing a certain twinkling eyed old man. Then, she spent another 15 minutes telling Harry exactly why he was popular. Harry did not look amused, but he didn't say a thing.

McGonagall however found herself pleasantly surprised when they had left for supplies. Harry in Diagon (or was it 'Harry in Public'?) was a very quiet Harry. He did not talk much, went about his business with consummate ease and generally kept her migraine at bay. It was actually quite a relief.

When Harry had been side along apparated to an alley near the Leaky Cauldron, Harry had asked about the 'teleportation', politely. He accepted the basic explanation she gave and asked to continue. There would always be time to learn about it later.

The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, and the pub itself were quite unimpressive. Though, the uses of magic all around were apparent to his finely tuned sight and hearing. However, for the entrance to the commercial center of the wizarding world, it was quite plain, uninspired and looked like it had come straight out of the middle ages. If only he knew...

Harry, was not mobbed at the pub because he had been fortunate enough to put up the hood that came with his ensemble. He had stated that he had no particular desire to show his face in public.

"Professor, are hoods particularly common in the wizarding world?"

McGonagall noticed that he stumbled over the word 'wizarding', as if still not used to the idea. She led him to the back, where the famous wall and trash can were. McGonagall pointed out the brick(muttering "Three up, two across" for his benefit) and tapped it, before replying, "yes, robes come in a variety of fashions and it is not uncommon for ordinary and outdoor wear to have hoods instead of hats"

Harry heard her, but was actually paying more attention to the rather curious way the bricks were clearing away. He looked on with curiosity, wondering what sort of amazing place would be behind the magic wall. Surely this place must be incredible!

McGonagall looked at Harry, scrutinizing his face for the awestruck look that characterized most muggleborn faces when they first see Diagon Alley. Indeed, she was not disappointed, when Harry looked like his jaw was on the floor. He seemed speechless.

"I'm speechless" he said, as if to emphasize the point. McGonagall resisted the urge to giggle at his face.

"It's quite an imposing sight when you first see it. I find that most muggleborn students find it fairly intimidating and impressive, when really, its just like any muggle market, except with magic"

Harry passed the stores in silence, following the moderate pace that the professor had set to allow him to take in the sights. It was as they say, an experience. While Harry had certainly seen markets before, this one had the most outrageous wares to sell. It was more than what McGonagall said it was. And they didn't even seem to be using what he considered currency. Apparently, the magical economy was also severed from the non-magical one. He would have to ask about it later.

XXX

Harry did not ask about anything as they slowly meandered towards the great white structure that McGonagall, without his prompting had said was 'Gringotts', the wizarding bank. It was the most distinctive building in the whole alley, with its white marble walls and pillars, perhaps a sign to show that the bank was pure or something. He really couldn't say. But then, it still had the characteristic lack of straightness that seemed to plague the whole alley and still looked odd enough.

When he entered, he found himself fascinated by the goblins, these weird looking creatures who were apparently the guardians of the wizarding worlds economy. It was quite amazing to think that this species had existed right under everybody for god knew how long. And sentient non-human life at that! It was really quite fascinating. But then he was supposed to be a ninja, and ninja did not get fascinated at new species of intelligent life – they analyzed said species for the threat level posed by them and neutralized them if necessary. This magical world was screwing with his priorities...

The Professor seemed to have an idea of what was supposed to be done, so he let her do it. He could always badger her with questions later. So, when the conversation at the counter was over and a nondescript goblin(named Griphook) had been called, he merely went with the flow. Questions about exactly why his vault key was in the possession of Albus Dumbledore could wait. Besides, these carts looked quite interesting too.

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