Chapter 369: At Flourish and Blotts
While Sean remained lost in thought, clouds of every conceivable shape and size drifted past the carriage windows. Below them, a steam train whistled as it wound its way around a snow-capped mountain peak.
The sight reminded Sean of the Hogwarts Express, and he felt a stir of realization. Just as he had in Hogwarts, he had built connections at Ilvermorny—dozens of sharp, witty wizards. He had acquired more "Yarn Balls." These connections were likely the reason he was able to linger in the dream-realm for longer periods.
Next time I enter the dream, Sean thought, I should examine those threads more closely. They seem to vary in size...
He jotted down his observations in his notebook as the carriage sliced through the clouds. Near the massive window, soft wisps of vapor would occasionally seep through the door's seal, settling onto Sean's parchment.
Sean was currently drafting an official invitation. Once finished, he tapped it with his wand, and a charmed paper airplane wobbled out of the carriage, vanishing into the sky. Far away in Diagon Alley, within the soon-to-be-reopened Fairy Tale Workshop, Professor Quirrell watched with a respectful bow as the paper airplane landed on his desk.
An hour passed. The sun began to dip below the horizon, staining the sea of clouds with shades of pink and orange.
"We're approaching Diagon Alley," Newt announced from the front.
"Diagon Alley?" Sean looked up from a book on Two-Way Mirror theory, blinking in confusion.
"Of course, dear. You didn't think we could just fly straight into Hogwarts, did you? It's a strictly enforced no-fly zone," the miniature Professor Terra said from the mirror.
Sean finally understood why Harry and Ron's car had spiraled out of control, and why he'd had to sign all those flying permits in his first year. Without the proper clearance, his broom wouldn't have even lifted off the ground.
He nodded and looked out the window. The sunlight was gold and low. Sean could hear the distant rumble of Muggle traffic from the streets far below, and the muffled, invisible roar of the crowds in the wizarding district. It was the Christmas holidays, and half of Hogwarts seemed to have descended on the Alley.
As Sean watched the skyline, trying to guess where they would land, Will the Pukwudgie stepped out of the portal of the Wizard's Tome and handed Sean a pair of binoculars.
"Thank you, Will."
Sean adjusted the lenses and immediately spotted a familiar face.
"I keep feeling like someone is watching us, Mum," Hermione said, looking around the crowded street while clutching the hand of a woman in Muggle dress.
"I expect it's because you look so charming in your new robes, dear," the woman replied with a beaming smile.
"Mum!" Hermione huffed, stomping her foot.
Sean looked at Will in surprise. He had been able to hear their conversation clearly.
"A small alchemical curiosity of the goblins, honored Mr. Green," Will said. The Pukwudgie stood perfectly straight in his miniature, well-tailored suit, looking every bit the reliable steward.
"Engorgement and Summoning charms... applied to sound waves. Truly brilliant," Sean murmured, his interest piqued. He pulled out a quill, and it began scratching across his parchment, documenting the runic array within the binoculars.
"Oh... yes, quite," Will said, his shoulders sagging for a micro-second before he straightened up again.
"Mind if I take it apart and put it back together?" Sean asked.
"As you wish, sir," Will squeaked, looking a bit nervous.
"Thank you, Will... Specialis Revelio!"
With a flick of Sean's wand, the binoculars dismantled themselves in midair. Components and magical filaments hovered before him. Within minutes, Sean had grasped the underlying manufacturing logic, though he knew he lacked the manual experience to replicate it perfectly yet.
[Alert: You have practiced the construction of Sound-Tracking Binoculars at a Novice standard. Proficiency +3]
The proficiency gain was satisfyingly rapid. As Sean set the pieces aside, the dragon-drawn carriage came to a hovering halt in the air.
"We shall Apparate the rest of the way, child," the mirror-Terra said.
"What about the dragons and Mr. Scamander?" Sean asked.
"Don't you worry. We'll return shortly... I have business in the Hebrides. There are quite a few ingredients I need to collect," the miniature Professor said, holding up a long, daunting list. Sean caught sight of several dragon-related entries. He didn't ask how she intended to "collect" them, but he offered a respectful nod of understanding.
"Will, I'll leave the Tome in your hands," Sean said, turning to the Pukwudgie.
"It is my honor!" Will declared, puffing out his chest.
Diagon Alley was a riot of noise and color.
Students were swarming the newer shops, particularly Weasley & Green's Wizard Wheezes. Quality Quidditch Supplies and Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor were also doing a brisk trade.
Sean spotted Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas inside the Quidditch shop, staring longingly at a Nimbus 2001. Near the ice cream parlor, he saw Neville Longbottom being led toward Flourish and Blotts by a determined-looking Hermione.
"Stop eating, Neville," Hermione said with a sigh of exasperation.
"Oh... right... sorry," Neville mumbled, following her obediently.
They didn't notice the young wizard standing in a nearby alleyway, surreptitiously testing a pair of home-made Sound-Tracking Binoculars. And Sean, for his part, didn't notice the man with messy curls and a worn brown overcoat who suddenly appeared beside him.
"Master Terra has gone to the Hebrides for her supplies," Newt said in his soft, bashful voice—sounding nothing like the confident figure from the dream world. "Let us head toward the Fairy Tale Workshop first."
"Very well, Mr. Scamander," Sean replied. He briefly imagined Professor Terra wrestling a dragon for its scales, then dismissed the thought; the dragon wouldn't stand a chance.
As the two of them walked along the cobbled street, a few wizards recognized the legendary magizoologist and rushed over, excitedly begging for autographs. Newt signed each one with a shy, awkward smile.
They passed the entrance to Flourish and Blotts. Sean noticed that the bookstore now had a massive permanent display for books on magical creatures. Right at the center of the exhibition was a deluxe edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Hermione was currently standing there, clutching a copy of the book to her chest. Beside her, Neville's eyes went wide.
"Hermione..." Neville whispered, tugging at her sleeve.
Hermione looked up from the book, her thumb still resting on the title page where a moving photograph of a young Newt Scamander was smiling.
"Master Scamander..." Hermione gasped, her jaw dropping.
The man from the book had literally walked out into the street. Hermione stood in a state of surreal shock. But as her gaze drifted to the person walking beside the legend, her shock was replaced by pure, unadulterated joy.
"Sean!"
[End of Chapter 369]
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