NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: McGonagall's Wrath
Professor McGonagall seethed with frustration, contemplating cursing Dumbledore into next week. She had cautioned him about the cruelty of Harry's relatives, but he insisted that keeping Harry away from the fame he would inevitably face was for the best.
However, allowing the boy to endure abuse was not an acceptable compromise. Why had Dumbledore never checked up on Harry? The neglect and mistreatment should not have gone unnoticed.
Relief washed over McGonagall as she reflected on her decision to respond to Harry's letter in the way she did. If he had remained ignorant of the wizarding world and faced sudden publicity, it could have been overwhelming. Moreover, the revelation of his maltreatment at the hands of Muggles might have fueled anti-Muggle sentiments among the pureblood faction.
Now, McGonagall needed to find a solution. The idea of having Harry stay at the Leaky Cauldron crossed her mind, but she hesitated, recognizing the loneliness and vulnerability the boy would face there.
"Mr. Potter, I swear I will ensure you don't have to return to the Dursleys. For now, let's get the books you wanted to build a better foundation of information," she declared with determination.
Harry nodded, though skepticism lingered. Promises from others in the past had proved empty, leaving him to wonder if there was magical interference erasing their memories. McGonagall led him to Flourish and Blott's bookstore, where he diligently explored various sections, gathering a substantial collection of books to deepen his understanding of the magical world.
He selected some books on magical history, particularly the civil war against Voldemort, one on the government, a book about traditions and culture, "Hogwarts: A History," a general guide to potions, an overview of all subjects taught at Hogwarts.
A book about all magical schools in Europe, a guide to professions in the magical world, a book about magical creatures, a guide for Muggle-borns entering the magical world, a report on goblins, the current magical commercial register, guides to all first-year subjects and their class summaries, and a book on the most popular sports in the wizarding world.
As he brought his purchases to the counter to pay for them, the cashier's eyes went wide; such a substantial purchase wasn't a common occurrence.
Harry paid for his books, thirteen Galleons and ten Sickles, and then received a bag from the shop for easier transport. The bag automatically shrunk the books, showcasing the convenient possibilities of magic.
Admitting to enjoying the magical possibilities, Harry allowed Professor McGonagall to guide him around the alley, but he refrained from buying anything else aside from an ice cream. He wanted to learn more before making any further purchases for school or personal use.
While Professor McGonagall assured him that she would help him escape from the Dursleys, even if successful, it would take time. Official institutions, in his experience, didn't work swiftly.
"Mr. Potter, if you decide to come to Hogwarts, you should get an examination by a healer. There are also vaccinations against common magical illnesses that you would need before attending school," she advised.
"I don't mind. By the way, does the magical world have contact lenses?" he asked.
"Yes, that option exists, why?" she asked.
"Because at the moment, I am wearing muggle contact lenses. Wearing glasses while playing football is not very safe, so my trainer got me contact lenses. The Dursleys raised a stink, but I ignored them. By working in the school library twice a week, I earned the money I needed for them," Harry explained.
He had suggested to the trainer of the school team that he would work for his supply of contact lenses. He had then cleared with Mrs. Jannison, the old librarian, that Harry would help her clean up and put books back into the bookcase twice a week, and the payment he would normally get would be used to buy him the contact lenses directly.
His trainer had feared that if he got the money and had to buy them himself, his relatives would take the money. Harry had wholeheartedly agreed.
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