Chapter 31
In truth, the primary reason I needed to visit the apothecary was to identify two mysterious potions I had "appropriated" from the office of Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker. I hadn't dared to ask my parents or Professor Snape to identify them—lest they start asking questions about how I'd come by them—so they had remained a mystery to me, much like the insulting piece of parchment, which was likely far more than it appeared to be.
Upon entering the apothecary with my mother, I offered a quick greeting to the staff and handed over my list of required ingredients. While the shop assistant gathered them, I began to carefully examine the potions displayed on the counter. To my good fortune, I was soon able to identify both of them.
The first was an Invisibility Potion, which rendered anyone who drank it—or spilled it upon themselves—completely invisible. Unlike an Invisibility Cloak, this potion allowed one to cast spells freely without the risk of being detected. The second potion, however, was rather peculiar. On the shelf sat an identical vial containing a liquid of the same color; according to the label, it was called "Suppress Shame." It was a type of love potion designed to help the drinker cast off their inhibitions. One has to wonder why someone at Hogwarts would need such a thing…
Before long, all the ingredients had been collected. My mother paid for the purchase and set off to acquire the rest of my school supplies, while I—as previously agreed—headed to Madam Malkin's shop.
My last visit to that shop had resulted in an encounter with those two troublemakers, Fred and George Weasley. It's not such a bad thing that they try to bring a bit of fun into the school environment. This time was no exception; given how popular the shop is, it would have been more surprising not to run into anyone here.
On this occasion, there was an Asian girl present who seemed a bit nervous—her eyes darted around the room, taking in the decorations.
"Hello, Madam Malkin. I've come to be measured for a new uniform," I said, greeting her and immediately stating the reason for my visit.
"Yes, just wait a couple of minutes. I'll be finished with this young lady shortly," the seamstress chirped, without looking up from her work.
"Hi! I take it you're a new student at Hogwarts, right? I don't think I've seen you before," I said, deciding to introduce myself—standing around doing nothing was a bit dull, after all.
"Yes, I'll be heading to Hogwarts soon. How about you?"
"Oh, well, let's get acquainted, then! My name is Draco Malfoy. I'm a second-year in Slytherin."
"Nice to meet you, Draco. I'm Cho Chang. I hope we can be friends," she said, finally offering a smile; she clearly felt more at ease chatting with someone around her own age.
"Of course! I'd like that."
After that, we both fell silent. I didn't want to overwhelm my new acquaintance with intrusive questions, seeing as we'd only just met—and she likely felt the same, or perhaps she simply didn't know what topic to bring up next.
Just as she seemed to come up with an idea and was about to say something, Madam Malkin interrupted her. "Well, that's that, my dear. Once the uniform is ready, I'll have it sent to your home by owl post."
"Yes. Thank you," Zhou said, looking a bit flustered, and hurried toward the exit.
"Wait, Zhou!" I called out, and she turned around immediately.
"Yes?"
"See you at Hogwarts. I hope you won't forget me."
"Yes, see you at Hogwarts! And I promise I won't forget you!" With that, she quickened her pace and soon vanished from sight. I then stepped onto a small pedestal, and the seamstress began taking my measurements.
"A lovely girl, isn't she?" Madam Malkin said, a conspiratorial smile spreading across her face.
"Yes, she is quite lovely," I agreed; she possessed a striking, captivating Asian beauty.
"Well, since you've taken a liking to her, make sure you don't miss your chance at school. Believe me, boy—she likes you, too!"
"Likes me? I don't see how someone could just 'like' another person right away. I might have made a pleasant first impression, but to truly like someone, you have to know them quite well," I said, shaking my head. Madam Malkin offered no comment.
Before long, my measurements were taken, and I left the shop. I met up with my mother, who had finished purchasing the rest of our items. We then stopped by Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour before heading back home.
***
Soon, the final days of summer came to an end, and it was time to set off for Hogwarts. Standing at the station, on platform nine and three-quarters, I watched as Flora's eyes turned red and filled with tears. She's just too attached to me; every time we have to part ways, she can't hold back her emotions, which inevitably turn into bitter tears.
"Oh, come on, Flora—not this again. I'll be back for the Christmas holidays, you know. Besides, in just one more year, you'll be able to attend the school right along with me. So, stop crying—you're not a little girl anymore! Look how much you've grown; at this rate, you'll be taller than me before you know it." I gave her a smile, trying to cheer her up, and then gently stroked her head.
"But… but I'm going to miss you!"
"It's perfectly normal in life to part ways for long periods. And the sadder the separation, the more wonderful the reunion. So, be a good girl and listen to your parents while I'm gone, alright?"
"Alright…"
"That's my girl. Well then—Mom, Dad, Flora—see you at Christmas! So long!" I said, bidding my family farewell once more before boarding the train carriage, where my roommates had, as usual, already saved a seat for me.
"Adrian, Uchi, Miles, Graham—good to see you all! How was your summer?" I asked, trying to strike up a friendly conversation. We've known each other for two years now, after all; it wouldn't be right not to show at least a little friendliness—especially since they've always treated me well.
It felt as though the guys had been waiting just for me; the moment I asked, they began animatedly sharing stories about their summer adventures and more. I was particularly intrigued by Miles's account—it turned out he and his family had traveled to France. He spoke at length about the country, describing a magical district tucked beneath the Eiffel Tower—a French equivalent to our own Diagon Alley. It made me want to visit, too; I could pick up some spellbooks that likely wouldn't be found in any shops back in Britain. Besides, France is also home to the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic—it would be fascinating to catch a glimpse of it, though whether that's actually feasible is another question…