Chapter 3 – The White Cat
Professor McGonagall returned on the final day of the month to pick Adam up. Having read her letter, he understood now why she had so much trouble picking out Muggle clothing, but today's choice of a full-length tartan dress wasn't much of an improvement on yesterday. She took him for a walk, apparently looking for something.
"Normally I would take you to Diagon Alley using Muggle modes of transport, but we have quite a few muggle-borns starting Hogwarts this year, so I'll have to take you via Apparition." Seeing the look of confusion on his face, she elaborated, "Apparition is a mode of transport wizard's use. It's a bit like the Muggle idea of teleportation."
Finally finding a dark alleyway, she led him down it and ensured that they were not being watched. Adam, gripping her arm tightly suddenly had the feeling that he was being pushed through a tight rubber tube. As soon as it had started however, the sensation faded. Opening his eyes, Adam had to blink several times in order to register what had happened. He was now standing on a pure white street with shops stacked with wizarding equipment. From where he was standing, he could see an apothecary, a book shop and hundreds of other shops that he couldn't see clearly from here.
On the street either side of them, Adam could see witches and wizards in robes of various colours passing. Strangely, despite wearing jeans and a t-shirt, Adam felt that he stood out in this street filled with strange people.
"Right then," said McGonagall, pulling out a copy of the shopping list. "we won't need to go to the apothecary, you can go use the school's store cupboard for potions. Let's start off by getting all of your books.
Adam, who was still looking around, trying to get the whole, wonderful alley into his line of sight, was led off by the impatient professor, who dragged him into Flourish and Blotts. There didn't seem to be anybody else in there. Adam assumed that most people would already have done their shopping, considering that term started tomorrow. About fifteen minutes later and having handed over 13 large golden Galleons, Adam left the shop with eight new schoolbooks. Though he wanted to stop and read them, Professor McGonagall, whose patience was clearly being tried, dragged him off along the alleyway.
Next, they went into the shop next to the apothecary's that Adam had seen earlier. A large sign hanging overhead told him that this was Potage's Cauldron Shop. Consulting his list, Adam (under Professor McGonagall's guidance) was able to buy a standard size 2, Pewter cauldron and a set of glass phials, which Professor McGonagall told him he would be using for Potions. Though he wanted to get more information about his new subjects, Professor McGonagall swiftly handed over 18 Galleons and led him along the street once again.
After pushing their way through the crowd, Professor McGonagall took Adam inside Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment. Professor McGonagall purchased a brass telescope and set of scales while Adam wondered around the shop, stopping to examine a large, grand hourglass. Before he could say anything though, he was dragged away once again. As Professsor McGonagall stopped to consult the list, Adam took deep breaths.
"What do we still need to buy?" he asked.
"We still need to get your clothes, and a wand." Professor McGonagall continued to examine the list as Adam looked across the street at the Magical Menagerie. He had met eyes with a snow-white cat in the window, it was staring at him through its big green eyes. Seemingly noticing Adam's lack of attention, Professor McGonagall followed his gaze.
"I'm sorry Mr Black, but as the school is paying for all of your equipment, we can't allow you to buy an animal."
"But professor," Adam had fallen in love with the snowy cat, "I do have some money of my own. I know its Muggle money, but couldn't I get it changed somewhere." McGonagall observed him kindly.
"Cat's cost 9 Galleons Mr Black, which is approximately £50. Do you have that much?" Adam's face fell slightly. He did have £50 but that was all of his Muggle money. He decided that the cat was worth it.
Professor McGonagall took his money and gave him 9 Galleons. She waited outside while he walked into the shop and approached the saleswitch.
"Er, excuse me, could I buy that cat in the window?" The witch smiled kindly down at him, clearly realising he was a first year student.
"Of course, the white one?"
"Yes please." She took the cat's comfortable cage and placed it on the counter.
"9 Galleons please." Adam handed over the money and gently stroked the cat through the bars of his cage.
"Does he have a name?"
"Yes, he's called Chalky, because of his colour."
"Chalky huh?" Adam continued to stroke the cat through its cage, the fluffy white cat curling up and purring as Adam walked out the shop with him. "Thank you!" he called back to the saleswitch.
