The Art of Deception

Chapter 3

Aurelia walked alongside Harry and Hagrid, reading through the list of supplies as they made their way toward the magical world awaiting them in London.

"First-year students will require: three sets of work robes, one wand..." She glanced up at Hagrid, her brow furrowed. "Essential bit of equipment," Hagrid answered with a grin.

Aurelia continued reading aloud, "One pair of dragon-hide gloves..." She raised an eyebrow at Harry.

"Do they mean for a real dragon?" Harry asked, a mix of curiosity and disbelief in his voice.

"Well, they don't mean a penguin, do they? Heh. Crikey, I'd love a dragon." Hagrid chuckled, his eyes gleaming.

"You'd like a dragon?" Harry asked, astonished.

Aurelia, however, was already lost in her thoughts. "Oh, I would love to have a dragon," she exclaimed with enthusiasm, just as her rosy boa slithered out of her sweater and curled up on her shoulder, pushing her head gently against Aurelia's cheek.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry Peony, you are enough for me," Aurelia muttered, giving the snake a fond pat. She grinned at the surprised look Hagrid gave her.

"Since when did yer have a snake?" Hagrid asked, bewildered.

Aurelia shrugged casually. "Took her some weeks ago," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Harry briefly petted Peony, watching as the snake flicked its tongue out at the air. "Okay, then," Harry said, slightly bemused.

Aurelia continued reading from the list. "All students must be equipped with... one standard size 2 pewter cauldron and may bring, if they desire, either an owl, a cat, or a toad."

"Could we find all this in London?" Harry asked Hagrid, raising an eyebrow.

"If you know where to go," Hagrid replied, smiling knowingly.

They walked for a bit, eventually reaching a small corner shop. As they got closer, the sign above it shimmered into existence: *The Leaky Cauldron*.

"Here we are," Hagrid said with a nod, leading them inside.

The atmosphere in the pub was lively, with music playing and patrons chatting loudly, but as soon as they stepped in, everything came to an abrupt halt.

"Ah, Hagrid! The usual, I presume?" Tom, the bartender, asked with a knowing smile.

"No thanks, Tom. I'm on official Hogwarts business today. Just helpin' young Harry and Aurelia here buy their school supplies," Hagrid explained.

"Bless my soul. It's the Potters!" Tom exclaimed loudly, and suddenly, the entire pub went silent. Every eye turned to look at Harry and Aurelia.

A man in robes, his face filled with recognition, immediately approached Harry. "Welcome back, Mr. Potter. Welcome back," he said, shaking Harry's hand warmly.

A witch, her eyes wide with excitement, came up to Aurelia. "Doris Crockford, Ms. Potter. I can't believe I'm meeting you at last!" she said, shaking Aurelia's hand with enthusiasm.

Before Aurelia could respond, a man with a turban appeared from the shadows. His voice stuttered as he greeted Harry. "P-Potter. C-can't tell you how p-pleased I am to meet you," he stammered.

Aurelia gave the man a long, skeptical look, her eyes narrowing slightly. She muttered under her breath, "Rude."

Hagrid leaned down, his voice full of pride. "This is Professor Quirrell. He'll be yer Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts."

"Oh, nice to meet you," Harry said, extending his hand toward Professor Quirrell, but the professor hesitated, his eyes darting nervously toward Harry's forehead. After a moment, he withdrew his hand, offering a small, awkward smile.