Luminescent

Chapter 9

Finally, I am her in the bookstore. The Flourish and Blotts will be my first step to understanding the wonders of magic. All the uncertainty that has plagued my mind since my first burst of accidental magic will come to an end. I will be able to understand the problem that haunted me through many sleepless nights. All the questions that I have will finally be answered. After some reading, I will become an expert in this field of study too.

I enter Flourish and Blotts filled with anticipation and excitement. I practically dash towards the shelf near me, yet before I can arrive, I feel Minnie hold on to me, preventing me from throwing myself at the book.

"Minnie, how could you? I never expected this betrayal from you," I exclaimed in disbelief.

"Mr. Stark, before you buy what interests you, you should prioritise your textbooks." She insisted, pulling in the direction of another shelf.

I grab the folded letter from my pocket and quickly skim it in a single glance, memorising it instantly. Some of them actually looked pretty interesting.

"There, I memorised. I will go ask the clerk about the books; now I am free to go." I was already slightly annoyed, so my tone was sarcastic.

I went to the clerk and recited the entire list word-for-word. McGonagall gave me a little gasp, surprised by my memory. After receiving these books and paying in advance, I inserted them into my truck. I dash again towards the shelves, this time with nothing stopping me.

As soon as I arrive at the nearest shelf, I quickly create a big pile with any book that interests me. My pile grew so quickly that it started to receive attention. Two employers came to assist me in an instant, seeing as I would be a big customer. One of them holds the pile on the floor. While another asks how they can help me.

I am accustomed to the attendees' behaviour, as it happens every time I go into a store. All the flattery, so I am not embarrassed to order them to help me with my things.

I grab as many books as possible. Transfiguration, potions, charms, magical creatures, ancient runes, and alchemy. I grab the textbooks up to the seventh year, covering all Hogwarts courses. I grab almost everything, even more advanced magic such as apparitions. I also found some interesting books written by muggleborns that talk about the science behind magic. However, even if it seemed like all basic knowledge and nothing advanced, it would help to see their point of view. Thinking about this, I also grab some books from the muggle studies shelf, aiming to understand the wizard's perspective on the muggle world and science. If I continue at this pace, I will probably empty the library at this point. I think, as I look back to see the attendees lost in the middle of piles and piles of books, probably hundreds of them,

As I delve deeper into the bookstore, hoping to find a book about the different magic schools, I finally spot a copy of "Hogwarts: A History" on a high shelf. Just as I reach up to grab it, another hand presses against mine. Irritated, I look down, ready to glare at the person trying to steal my book, only to be met with a cascade of wild, curly hair obscuring my view.

The person takes a step back, revealing a little girl with a lion's mane of hair and an apologetic expression. "Sorry," she mumbles, her eyes wide with curiosity and excitement, "I just really wanted that book too. It is the last copy available. Can you please give it to me?"

"Why should I? I was the one who grabbed it first, sweetheart. It's mine now," I said, clutching the book tightly to my chest with a smirk. The commotion had attracted the attention of the employees, who were finally managing to extricate themselves from the huge pile of books scattered across the floor. They hurried over, eager to assist.

One of the employees stepped forward, trying to ease the situation. "Another book, sir. Please let us carry it for you. You shouldn't have to worry about the weight," he said, gesturing to the towering stack of volumes beside me. Despite their attempts to help, the tension between the girl and me only seemed to grow.

The girl, clearly frustrated, crossed her arms and glared at me. "That pile is yours? How can you be so spoiled that you let them carry everything for you? You're buying a lot of books that people might need. It's selfish to keep everything for yourself," she said, her voice rising with each word. "You have them all, so why are you competing with me for a single book?"

Unfazed by her outburst, I chuckled softly. "I said it already, sweetheart. I need to read it too," I replied, my tone dripping with condescension. I glanced at the employees, who were now awkwardly shifting their weight from one foot to the other, unsure of how to diffuse the situation. The girl's face flushed with anger, and she took a step closer. Her boldness was reminiscent of Rhodes, the only other person who had dared to challenge me in such a manner. It was a rare occurrence for someone to confront me so directly, and I couldn't help but feel refreshed, as I am used to people flocking over me like this employer.

"That's not the point," she shot back, her eyes blazing. "It's about common decency. You can't just hoard everything because you can. Other people deserve a chance too. You should think about that before you buy out the entire store." Her words hung in the air, challenging me to reconsider my actions. The employees exchanged nervous glances, ready to intervene if necessary but I merely shrugged.

Ignoring her words, I turned around and headed to another part of the store, leaving the girl behind with her righteous indignation. Finding a secluded corner, I settled into a chair at a small table and cracked open the book I had claimed. The minutes passed quickly as I delved into its pages, absorbing every word with an intensity born of necessity.

Forty minutes later, I closed the book with a satisfied smile, having memorised its contents effortlessly. It was a hefty tome; its weight was comparable to that of my own head, but its knowledge was invaluable. The history of Hogwarts and its rules lay bare before me, offering insight into the inner workings of the esteemed institution.

As I pondered the implications of this newfound knowledge, a mischievous glint sparkled in my eyes. This book would prove to be a valuable tool indeed, helping me understand where exactly I will live these years. It might even guide me in my quest to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of Hogwarts. As a bonus, it might even help me bend the school's rules to my advantage. With a smirk, I tucked the book under my arm and set off to the counter. I should buy it quickly, mother and father should be almost done at Gringotts.

At the counter, I pay for all the books on my pile. Hundreds of books are stored in the library inside my truck. With the books alone, I used more than 50,000 galleons from the money that my parents gave me.

I remember the little girl. As I have already memorised the book, I won't need it, so I instructed the clerk to add it to the girl's books. Thinking a little bit more and realising it's not enough, I impulsively gave him 200 gallons and said to use the money to pay for the girl's bill. The remaining money is a tip. I asked for a writing tool. The man lends me his quill, and I quickly scribble a message inside the book: I am already done with the book so you can have it. Until Hogwarts, Matilda.

At that moment, I just went with my impulse, not really wanting to admit there was any kindness in it. But somewhere deep down, I can't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, I could find another friend. It's a thought I'd never admit out loud. Rhodes has always been there for me as my one true friend, but maybe, just maybe, Hogwarts could bring some friends into my life. Magic is so odd that nobody should mind my oddness; perhaps I could finally find a place where I can fit in. Before I finished school, I was always a victim of attempts at bullying until they found out my surname. People don't like to be outmatched by a seven-year-old kid. At MIT, where I thought that I could be among people who understood me, I was always isolated. I was that genius kid among adults, so no one wanted to 'babysit' me. They just treated me as a baby. Rhodes was the only one who didn't care. He didn't care that I was smarter, richer, or a kid. He was my first real friend, someone who didn't want to use me. Despite the age difference, with him being 16 and me being 11 years old. I wonder if, at Hogwarts, I could have a chance to find friends who accept me just as I am. It's a comforting thought. Perhaps Hogwarts is where I'll discover that feeling of belonging I've been searching for.