"First-year students will require: three sets of plain work robes, one plain pointed hat for daytime wear, one pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar material), one winter cloak…"
Outside Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Draco Malfoy was slowly and deliberately reading out the uniform requirements from the booklist, drawing out every syllable as he commented languidly, "Hah, so many sets of clothes! Don't they have the money to buy a wizard's robe that cleans itself automatically?"
"The robe I wear doesn't just clean itself," Draco continued smugly. "It can even transform into different styles according to my preferences…"
"Not everyone can afford a robe like that," Baron replied calmly. "Its price probably rivals several months' wages for most people."
Baron frowned almost imperceptibly, having gained a basic understanding of Draco Malfoy's personality. Avada, meanwhile, looked down awkwardly at the hem of his own robes, which were smudged with soot—of the three of them, only his clothes couldn't clean themselves, and it wouldn't be appropriate to cast a cleaning spell in public as a student.
They had come straight to Diagon Alley through the Shafiq family's fireplace, and this was Avada's first time using Floo Powder. He hadn't quite understood its structure, so he planned to buy a small pinch later to study it—perhaps it might even help him make a breakthrough in spatial magic.
As soon as they arrived in Diagon Alley, Mr. Shafiq and Lucius Malfoy headed straight for the Nimbus 2000 pre-sale stand to discuss new magical woods with the person in charge. Narcissa Malfoy and Mrs. Shafiq went together to purchase books and supplies for Draco and Baron for the new school year. Draco was left behind at Madam Malkin's to be fitted for robes, and so Avada and Baron stayed as well, both to keep him company and to chat a little more.
"What about Slytherin?" Malfoy asked again. "Do Slytherin students wear these clothes too?"
"Of course. All Hogwarts students wear the same robes," Baron explained. "After the Sorting, the lining color will be adjusted according to your House, and you'll be given some additional accessories as well."
"All right, dear, you can come try on the robes now."
A short, plump witch with a warm smile walked over, interrupting their conversation. "The fitting room is free. Please come inside, dear."
"Oh."
Only then did Malfoy nod unhurriedly and follow Madam Malkin into the fitting room.
"I really can't imagine it," Baron sighed, propping his chin on his hand. "I've seen plenty of arrogant people in Slytherin who look down on other Houses, but someone who even sneers at clothes—that's a first…"
"He is the Malfoys' only son. Having high standards for material comforts is fairly normal," Avada said. "But once he gets to Hogwarts, the experience of casting spells himself should be enough to make him forget all about clothes."
"That's not necessarily true," Baron shook his head. "You don't really understand the current situation in Slytherin. There are plenty of people who look down on top students purely because of blood status. The Ravenclaw girl who tied with me for first place last term was talked about behind her back by quite a few people just because she was Muggle-born… sigh."
Avada shook his head and didn't respond further. He understood how Baron felt—being surrounded every day by people whose beliefs clashed with his own, and worse still, in Baron's eyes they weren't enemies, but people who needed help and change. Anyone would be exhausted.
"Forget it, let's not talk about that," Baron said, changing the subject. "Look—another new student. Judging by the way he's acting, he's probably Muggle-born and new to the wizarding world…"
Perhaps feeling that sitting around did nothing to help, Baron pushed his worries aside and began observing the surroundings. His gaze quickly landed on a thin, small boy with bangs covering his forehead and round glasses, who timidly stepped into the robe shop, looking around with a mixture of nervousness and curiosity.
Avada followed Baron's gaze, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
Everything was finally about to begin.
"Here to try on new robes?" Avada raised a hand in a gentle greeting. "Someone's already in the fitting room, and Madam Malkin is with them. You might need to wait a little."
"Understood. Th-thank you."
After stammering out his thanks, the boy stood there stiffly, looking so nervous that he seemed unsure where to put his hands.
"Wait… are you…?"
Baron's gaze suddenly sharpened as he looked the boy up and down, focusing especially on his forehead. Catching sight of something through the gap in his bangs, he asked hesitantly, "Harry Potter?"
"Yes… yes."
Perhaps already recognized by many others, Harry didn't seem particularly surprised.
Baron immediately stood up and walked over, extending his hand. "Slytherin, Baron Shafiq, second year. It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Harry Potter."
"Hufflepuff, Ken, second year. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter."
Avada rose as well and gave Harry a slight bow. Like all witches and wizards in Britain, he owed Lily Potter—and Harry himself—a debt of gratitude.
"Hello."
Harry still looked a little nervous. After carefully shaking hands with Baron and Avada in turn, he paused before asking, "Sorry, I didn't quite understand what you were saying earlier. Slyth… and Huffle… what were those?"
"They're the names of the Houses," Baron explained. "Hogwarts is divided into four Houses: Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor. Determining your House will be the first thing you do after entering the school. You'll understand then."
"And how do they decide which House I'm in?"
"Based on each person's qualities," Avada answered. "There are many interpretations of what each House represents, but generally speaking, Gryffindor stands for courage, Hufflepuff for kindness, Ravenclaw for wisdom, and Slytherin for ambition…"
"And honor and responsibility," Baron added.
"Yes, that too—honor and responsibility," Avada nodded.
"Then I might only be suited for Hufflepuff," Harry said, looking much more relaxed now. "I don't think I'm good at much of anything, except that I'm not a bad person."
He even had the mood to poke fun at himself.
"That would be an honor indeed," Avada laughed. "I'll be the first to shout, 'We've got a Potter!'"
Of course, he was only joking. He knew Harry's destiny lay in either Gryffindor or Slytherin—but preferably not Slytherin. There were still many admirers of Voldemort's ideals there, and they probably wouldn't look kindly on the person who had defeated him.
One couldn't help but wonder—If Harry did end up in Slytherin, though… would Snape shed tears while emptying his own house's hourglass to zero points, muttering, I must destroy what I love most?
"Hey, Harry!"
A loud, booming voice suddenly burst into the robe shop. With it came a bearded man twice the size of an ordinary person, holding a drink in his hand. "I got you something to perk you up. Those carts at Gringotts are absolutely dreadful—hopefully this'll help you feel better… Ken? You're here too?"
"Long time no see, Hagrid."
Avada greeted him with a smile, and Baron nodded as well. Avada had once been caught by Hagrid while collecting materials in the Forbidden Forest last term. The two shared plenty of common ground when it came to magical creatures, and they had even exchanged letters over the holidays, so their relationship was quite good.
"Oh, you've already met? Then I won't need to introduce you again. This is Harry Potter…"
Hagrid's small eyes flicked teasingly toward Avada. "In a way, he's your nemesis."
Avada: …
Fine. Even good-natured Hagrid had joined in. This joke was never going to die.
"I'm done… why are there so many people now?"
As they spoke, Draco Malfoy emerged from the fitting room, carrying a neatly folded set of robes. Seeing how packed the shop looked at first glance—an illusion largely created by Hagrid's size—he looked surprised. When he recognized Hagrid, however, his brows immediately twisted together.
"Let's go. Father and the others should be waiting for us."
Without even glancing at Hagrid or Harry, Malfoy tugged at Avada's and Baron's sleeves and headed outside. The two exchanged puzzled looks, quickly said their goodbyes to Harry and Hagrid, and followed.
"That big guy—my father's mentioned him before," Malfoy said once they were well away from the shop, frowning. "He was expelled from Hogwarts for illegally raising dangerous magical creatures and was only allowed to live in a hut on the edge of the school grounds. He's dangerous and crude, drinks too much, and even burned his own bed once… we'd better stay away from him."
Avada opened his mouth, about to explain that Hagrid was actually very kind and friendly, when a voice interrupted him:
"Draco, the books and school supplies are all bought. Next, it's time to choose your wand!"
(End of Chapter)