Besides the required textbooks on the school list, Slytherin also bought two of Lockhart's novels, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Puffskein Adventures, and Merlin's Stories.
Merlin's Stories was the bestseller among the fairy tales, and Slytherin suspected it was because of Merlin's name. As for Puffskein Adventures... he was curious what kind of book could be so notoriously bad. After all, learning required both good and bad examples.
At the counter, he also picked up a copy of Household Charms. It occurred to him that if he only bought storybooks, Professor McGonagall might think he wasn't serious about his studies. A smart and studious image would serve him better.
Initially, he had looked forward to the wide selection of Magic books sold publicly. But upon second thought, with only a short time before school began—as stated in the admission letter—there probably wasn't enough time to truly learn more advanced spells, especially something like Maleficent's Magic. Wouldn't buying more spellbooks be a waste of time?
Everyone says Hogwarts is the best school in all of England. Naturally, it must also have the best library in England.
Slytherin was excellent at budgeting.
This Household Charms book, which didn't look too complicated, was just right for relaxing after a day of studying. And besides, he had never seen food made with Magic before.
Perhaps the Dream World had such domestic Magic too, but Slytherin hadn't encountered it yet.
"Mr. Page, I need to remind you that the information in Lockhart's novels is not entirely accurate," Professor McGonagall said, her tone disapproving. "Even though he claims they are completely true, only about half the content is correct or useful."
She frowned as she glanced at Traveling with Trolls, which Slytherin had stacked on top of his bookbag.
She clearly didn't think much of this former student.
"Okay, Professor. I only intended to read it casually," Slytherin replied.
"Oh, they are quite good for passing the time," she admitted as her brows relaxed.
Noticing Slytherin struggling with the bulging bookbag, she kindly cast a Levitation Charm to lighten the load.
"Now," she continued, "we need to find you a companion."
"A companion?" Slytherin pulled out his wand. "Like this?"
"Oh, no, no," Professor McGonagall chuckled. "At Hogwarts, students are allowed to bring a cat, an owl, or a toad. A living companion can offer comfort and support when you're feeling down."
Slytherin shook his head. "Professor, do I have to buy one? I don't really like small animals."
Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows in surprise. Children his age rarely turned down the chance to own a pet.
"Of course, Hogwarts doesn't require it," she said after a moment. "But if you don't bring an owl, you'll have to use the school's public owls to send letters to your family."
"That's fine, Professor."
She nodded kindly. This shopping trip had been a surprisingly pleasant experience. Many parents could be difficult to deal with—and some Young Wizards too. It was good to see one as calm and thoughtful as this boy.
"Well then, I think it's time to go home... Would you like to try another method of long-distance Wizard travel?"
Seeing the strange glint in her eye, Slytherin instinctively shook his head.
"Alright," she said with a slight sigh. "Then we'll go the same way we came. Mr. Page, hold my arm tightly and don't let go."
Professor McGonagall was a little disappointed. She had hoped to introduce him to the Knight Bus. Despite her age, she still carried the spirit of a Young Wizard. Wasn't this part of understanding the Magic world?
Seeing him grip her left hand tightly, she gave a small smile and then turned with a sharp pop.
This time, Slytherin was mentally prepared for Apparition, but it still left him completely disoriented. Worse, he had attempted to sense the flow of Magic during the process.
As he blinked open his eyes, he was met with distorted, twitching black-and-white lines.
Thankfully, just as before, Professor McGonagall quickly handed him a soothing potion. Without it, the French wool carpet in the living room—only two months old—might have been ruined.
"Cough, cough… Thank you, Professor…"
Professor McGonagall gently patted his back, helping him breathe.
She was puzzled. Typically, one's first Apparition experience was the most intense. People usually adapted with each attempt. So why had Slytherin's reaction grown worse?
After a long moment, Slytherin sat on the sofa, still pale and shaken.
He had been too bold this time. In the Dream World, he had always been under the protection of powerful beings like Maleficent or Fairy Godmother Vivian. With them around, Magic had felt like a toy.
But the real world was different.
Here, there was no careful supervision, no protective safety net. The structure of Magic itself felt fundamentally different.
Those black-and-white lines he'd seen during Apparition radiated something... something terrifying. He couldn't describe it, but the memory alone sent chills down his spine.
"Sorry, Professor, I caused trouble," he said quietly.
"It's alright," she replied, her voice kind. "I didn't consider your physical sensitivity. It seems we'll need to think more carefully about using Apparition in the future…"
Professor McGonagall wouldn't blame this bright, polite child. But as she glanced at the clock, she realized she was nearly late for her next appointment—with another family.
A doctor's family, no less.
Among all the Muggle parents she had to meet, doctors were the trickiest. They always wanted to analyze the differences between Muggle and Wizard bodies. But Magic defied logic. If Magic could be fully explained by Muggle science, could it still be called Magic?
"Mr. Page, how are you feeling now?"
"Much better, Professor. I can take care of myself now."
Slytherin had also noticed her glancing at the clock. Thoughtful as ever, he decided to give her peace of mind. And truly, he did feel better—his physical resilience had always been oddly strong.
"Well then… Mr. Page, I'll be off to visit the next family. Many more Young Wizards are waiting to begin their Magical journey."
"Of course, goodbye, Professor McGonagall. Will you let her open the Diagon Alley gate on her own?"
"Haha, naturally," she laughed. "But no Apparition this time. Goodbye, Mr. Page."
With a turn, Professor McGonagall disappeared—leaving behind a small, golden-red note. Slytherin picked it up and read the neat, sharp handwriting:
"Platform Nine and Three-Quarters is on a pillar between Platform Nine and Platform Ten. When the station is open, just bravely run straight into it."
What a mysterious bit of Magic.
How could a whole platform be hidden in a single pillar?
Slytherin thought hard but couldn't recall any Dream World Magic like this.
He made a note to investigate it thoroughly once he reached the Hogwarts Library. There had to be a clever magical mechanism behind it.
But for now—the most urgent matter was…
Eating.
After wandering around Diagon Alley all morning, Slytherin felt like he could eat a whole wild boar.