Rite Of Passage
Hagrid looked at Harry and Dudley, letting out a helpless sigh, "Don't dwell on it, it's a place adults go and is like a rite of passage for many young wizards!"
As they strolled through the streets of London, Hagrid, with his unkempt appearance, took the lead. It had been a while since Dudley had visited London. His focus had been on optimizing his body's genetics, spending most of his time in Morrison's biological laboratory and leading a disciplined life. Hence, Dudley hadn't had much time to immerse himself in the customs of 20th-century London.
Walking the streets, observing pedestrians and the chairs outside shops, Dudley noticed the courteous interactions of young men, women, and middle-aged couples. The atmosphere exuded a plain and natural charm. Observing the scene, Dudley couldn't help but sigh, realizing that without the knowledge of magic, he might have enjoyed life as comfortably as these people.
Dudley felt a tug on his wrist and turned to see Harry looking at him with suspicion, asking, "Dudley, what's the bar Uncle Hagrid mentioned?" Glancing at Hagrid, who didn't seem eager to respond, Dudley explained softly, "Harry, you're still young, and theoretically, a bar isn't a place for someone your age."
Harry, puzzled, echoed, "Bar...?" Dudley smiled and elaborated, "Indeed, places like bars can be extremely dangerous. They attract a certain kind of crowd—irritable, unpredictable, and fond of losing their temper. Plus, they serve a liquid that can have serious consequences if consumed..."
Harry, appearing frightened, trembled, "It sounds terrible. Can't we avoid it?" Dudley glanced at Hagrid and replied casually, "Serious consequences... Once you enter a bar, people become more than ten times 'cranky'!"
Harry, alarmed, stopped in his tracks, tugging at Dudley's wrist and shaking his head vehemently, "It's awful. Can't we skip it?"
"Enough! Where on earth did you hear such nonsense, kid?" Hagrid glared at Dudley, frustrated with the peculiar remarks that seemed to pop up from the Dursley's kid now and then.
"I've heard a bit about what you're discussing, and I've come across similar descriptions in Muggle studies books. However, it's crucial to recognize that there's a difference between wizards and Muggles!
Whenever I step into a bar, no matter how much I indulge, the patrons around me maintain a level of politeness and elegance. It's not as 'scary' as you might imagine," Hagrid remarked, responding to Dudley's somewhat perfunctory explanation.
Remaining calm, Hagrid surveyed their surroundings, confident that his imposing stature deterred any potential provocateurs. Dudley rather than engaging in a debate about the nature of the "bar," he reflected on a Hogwarts-related book borrowed from Arthur Weasley.
"Modern Wizarding History... History of Magic: How Hogwarts Stands Firm in the Wizarding World..." Some of the records in these books intrigued Dudley, making him ponder the intricacies of the magical realm.
As Harry lowered his head, appearing somewhat preoccupied, the Totoro above Dudley took advantage of the moment to rest, quietly napping.
About twenty minutes later, Hagrid's rough voice broke the silence, announcing, "Okay, kids, wait a minute. We've arrived at the Leaky Cauldron." Hagrid's finger pointed to a corner of a building, where Dudley noticed a sign about two meters around the humble corner. Strangely, there were no words on the sign.
Ahead, Dudley observed two young men walking beneath the unmarked signs. The upper signage remained unchanged, but as Hagrid approached, a vessel suddenly appeared on the sign. No electricity, no autoplay, just a magical effect?
"Hagrid, I believe this is the first time Harry and I have been to a place like this," Dudley mentioned.
"Squeak~" At that moment, the closed door unexpectedly swung open. The entrance was shrouded in darkness, preventing Dudley from discerning the interior details. Just as Hagrid took a step into the doorway, "Snap!" A hand emerged and seized him!
...
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