Is this where the Order of the Phoenix held their secret meetings back then? Alan's mind filled with speculation, and he found himself growing curious about the place.
"Nothing, I was just wondering how such a run-down shop manages to stay in business." Alan snapped back to reality, brushing Vivian off before turning to leave.
"Ha! Don't look down on it just because it's a bit of a hovel. This shop has several centuries of history. History of Magic even records that the Hog's Head was once the headquarters for the goblin rebellion." Vivian was remarkably sensitive to historical facts, recounting them like a practiced scholar.
However, before she could finish showing off her knowledge, she realized Alan had completely ignored her and was already walking away. She stomped her foot in frustration.
Alan put his curiosity aside and entered a nearby shop called Dervish and Banges. It specialized in various magical equipment and tools. He even spotted an alchemical carving knife on one of the shelves, though it was covered in enough dust to suggest no one had touched it in years.
The most popular items in the store were Quidditch supplies. A group of students were currently huddled around the display cases, drooling over the Firebolt 1500 and the Cleansweep Six. Vivian and William, who had followed Alan inside, were immediately drawn to the brooms as well.
Alan, however, had no interest in flight. He glanced at the price tags, did a quick mental calculation, and turned away. *Wouldn't it be better to buy another rune disk with that much gold?*
He moved along the shelves, picking up various magical items and examining them carefully before putting them back. Many used an exposed carving method for their runes, which provided him with a great deal of inspiration. Others used hidden runes; unless he used a "No-Injury Hammer" to tap them a few times, he had no way of studying the internal logic. He didn't dare try that here. The shopkeeper was already watching him with an unfriendly gaze; if he started hitting the merchandise with a hammer, he'd be banned for life.
"It seems I need to create a tool that can penetrate materials to observe enchantments," Alan muttered to himself. "Otherwise, how am I going to steal any knowledge in the future?"
Feeling the weight of the owner's stare, Alan decided he should probably buy something. He picked up a Seeker's Spyglass. He was genuinely interested in warning tools and planned to take it back to his room to dismantle and study.
"My father told me in his last letter that if I make the house team next year, he'll buy me a Firebolt 1500."
Alan, having completed his purchase, wandered back toward his friends and caught the tail end of Vivian's conversation.
"Why the Firebolt?" William asked. "The Cleansweep series is much easier to handle. The Six is a great balance of speed and stability."
"What do you know?" Vivian retorted. "The Firebolts are incredibly flexible. They can pull 360-degree turns on a knifepoint, and the top speed blows the Cleansweep out of the water."
"You're a girl; why do you need such a sensitive broom? If you lose focus for a second, you'll be flung off. Besides, in a real match, there's too much interference. The pitch is only so big; you rarely hit top speed anyway. Only a Seeker really needs that kind of agility. Why would a Beater like you want one?" As a Seeker himself, William tried to share a more rational perspective.
"I don't care. I want it. Look at it—it's gorgeous. The Cleansweep looks dull and has no style at all," Vivian said, tossing her head.
*So that's your real reason,* Alan thought, listening to them. *Being stylish just means you have a high drag coefficient. If you want style, you might as well hold an umbrella while you fly.*
He toyed with the Seeker's Spyglass in his palm. Suddenly, the top-shaped device reacted. It began to spin rapidly, emitting a faint, pulsing light. Alan's heart tightened. He looked up, scanning the room.
Through the front display window, he saw a figure outside staring at him with pure malice. The moment the figure realized Alan had spotted him, he dodged out of sight.
*Travers? Does that boy hate me so much the Spyglass reacted to his presence?* It had only been a fleeting glimpse, but Alan was certain.
He tilted his head, a sudden thought striking him. He gave William and Vivian a few quick instructions, telling them he had something to take care of and would meet them later at the Three Broomsticks. They were too busy arguing about broomsticks to notice anything unusual.
Alan stepped out of the shop and caught sight of Travers in the distance. He found an empty alley, cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself, and used his magic to levitate slightly off the ground, following the boy.
Meanwhile, Rozier stepped out of Honeydukes clutching a bag of sweets. He almost collided with Travers, who was looking distinctly unsettled.
"What's wrong? I thought you were going to Dervish and Banges to get those windproof goggles? You're back early," Rozier said.
"Don't even mention it. I ran into that Mudblood. Damn it all," Travers grumbled, his breathing heavy.
The moment Rozier heard the slur, he knew exactly who Travers meant. Since Christmas, Travers had avoided Alan at all costs. While his body was honest enough to pay the protection fees, his mouth never stopped. He spent every day cursing Alan's existence. If voodoo dolls were popular in Britain, Alan's would be nothing but a pile of holes by now.
Rozier sighed. "It's better to just avoid him. Don't provoke him if you don't have to, Travers. You'll only end up suffering for it."
He meant it as a kindness, but the advice had the opposite effect.
"Hmph! I won't just accept it!" Travers shouted, his face turning red with agitation. "Why does that filthy brat get to walk around like he owns the place while we're the ones hiding? Have you forgotten how he humiliated us?"
"Why are you shouting so loudly?" Rozier whispered, looking around nervously.