4 Chapter 4 - Leaky Cauldron

On that particular day Alder and Hagrid traveled around the London. Apart from the fascination of Wizarding World, daily life in 1980s was also interesting to Alder. Although he was born in the 1998, he couldn't remember much from his childhood. So there was at least twenty years of time difference from his usual life. If it were a thousand years ago, that time difference wouldn't change much but in the last century technology and quality of life improved significantly.

When they came before their destination, Alder was already holding a simple suitcase which housed all his possessions. Although they were not a lot, at least Alder wouldn't need to worry about his daily necessities such as toothbrush, plain t-shirts or pajamas.

Their destination was an old pub that stuck out between a new record shop and an unassuming book shop. People passed by before the pub without giving it even a glance.

Hagrid looked around him carefully and entered the pub slowly, following him the relatively small Alder after taking a glance at the name of the pub. Leaky Cauldron.

Inside the pub was dark and shabby, rather compatible with its outer appearance. Although number of tables was not much, they seemed to be enough to accommodate people visiting the pub. Few heads have turned towards the entrance to check the newcomer. Some waved at Hagrid kindly, who waved back at them. But Hagrid also glanced warily to some people who he regarded them as strangers. Alder didn't care who they were unless he is disturbed, but he couldn't help but wonder if this place is really suitable to settle an underage student for 2 months.

"Welcome, Hagrid." said a kind voice who looked like a barman. Although the man seemed a little bald and middle aged, his gestures and energetic smile made him look at least ten years younger.

"Hello, Tom. Look who I brought you." said Hagrid apparently happy to see his friend. Although the last time he visited was not long ago, it was always pleasant to see Tom.

"Oh, Mr. Alder, I presume?" said Tom, seeing the confusion on Alder's face, he continued. "The notice for your arrival has come about an hour ago."

Alder sighed in relief. He was not Harry Potter, the reputation he would have only be bad considering his upbringing in a magic hating community.

"Nice to meet you, Sir. I heard I will be staying in your inn for some time, please feel free to tell me if there is anything I can help." said Alder bringing his right hand towards Tom. He knew his stay would only be unpleasant if he and the owner were in bad terms. Also a little bit kindness wouldn't hurt anyone.

Tom shook Alder's hand merrily and told "And you too, if you need anything, don't hesitate to tell me. A house elf from Hogwarts will send your meals three times a day so don't forget to come and take them.".

While Tom was talking, Alder glanced to the menu behind Tom and cold sweat appeared on his forehead. He sighed in relief when he heard the explanation from Tom.

The dishes on the menu were;

House, House Soup;

House, Leaky Soup;

House, Soup Leaky;

Leaky, House Soup;

Leaky, Leaky Soup;

Leaky, Soup House…

They didn't sound reliable at all.

After entrusting Alder's luggage to Tom, Hagrid decided to order steak and kidney pie for himself and Alder before going for a shopping spree.

While eating from time to time he told him all kinds of things, shops in Diagon Alley or foods at Hogwarts. At first Alder was suspicious of the dish considering the steak and kidney pie were listed at specialty section in the menu. But when he saw a normal dish in front of him, he dived straight into it, it was unexpectedly delicious. Hagrid also told him that this dish would be served at dinner in Hogwarts from time to time.

With everything taken care of, Hagrid patted his belly and led Alder to a brick wall behind the pub, in a small courtyard.

"Remember, Alder, in order to pass to Diagon Alley you need to tap the correct brick in the wall. It's the one from the rubbish bin, three up and two across."

While talking Hagrid tapped the brick with a small umbrella he took out from his coat, it was oddly small considering his own size. And the bricks on the wall slowly moved on themselves and formed a small hole which quickly expanded to a large archway.

Hagrid took the first step and gestured Alder to come.

"Welcome to Diagon Alley, the centre of wizarding London."

Alder looked around him. Many people wearing robes of all kinds of colors passed before him. Some moving urgently; some walking slowly, trying not to get any attention. Some of those sneaky ones went into an alley, which is too dark to see where it leads.

Hagrid also followed to line of sight of Alder and grunted. "They're up to no good. Don't forget to stay away from that place, Alder. Although the world is in peace for three years, the tension is not eased yet."

"What happened three years ago?" said Alder.

"A powerful wizard, Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, fell after bringing turmoil in the wizarding world." said Hagrid sounding almost like a whisper.

Alder knew Voldemort's downfall in 1981 but had to feign ignorance. Dumbledore was probably wary of him already. Even if he showed nothing out of sorts, he also came from an orphanage just like Voldemort. Although he didn't know how the original owner of his current body was like before, from the old woman he saw at the hospital, he didn't expect a lovely upbringing. Thus he also felt the need to control his curiosity towards magic. At least towards certain areas of magic. He couldn't imagine what would Dumbledore's face be like when he suddenly asked 'Sir, how can I create a Horcrux?'. It would be a blessing if Dumbledore wouldn't lock him in a dungeon immediately. Alder also probably suspected Dumbledore wants to see what his personality and tendencies are like until he let him stay at Hogwarts full time.

Of course all this would be wrong if Dumbledore had no prejudice against him, but better be careful than sorry.

"But Hagrid, why can't you say his name?" said Alder.

"They say bad things will happen to you when you take his name to your mouth, Alder. Although Professor Dumbledore tells us not to worry about, you wouldn't know the terror he brought to wizarding world."

"But didn't he already fall? Why are you still afraid?"

Hagrid looked hesitant and muttered slowly "You're right, his name was… Voldemort. He was a dark wizard who ruled his people with fear and oppression. But fortunately we had Professor Dumbledore to stand up against him. And unlike what everyone expected, the one who defeated him was a boy not even a year old. Harry Potter.". Towards the end of his speech, his eyes glammed puffed his chest proudly. Although the boy was not his, he didn't feel less proud of him.

"A boy who is not even a year old?" said Alder softly.

"Yes, though nobody is sure how it happened. But it's not the place to talk these kind of things, let us get your things quickly before it got dark." said Hagrid. He took out Alder's letter from his coat, not to forget anything.

"Let's get your wand first, it will be your companion for your life, I bet you're eager to try what magic feels like." said Hagrid with a smile.