Chapter 3 Diagon Alley (2)

As expected, Snape had exhausted what little patience he had for Orli and merely tossed her a money pouch:

"This contains your scholarship. Meet me at the Leaky Cauldron in two hours. If you don't know the way, find someone to ask - hopefully that hole beneath your nose serves more purpose than expelling vomit. Should you be late, you'll have to manage your own way home."

With that, he turned and strode away, his black cloak billowing dramatically in his wake.

Thank Merlin, the departing bat took the oppressive atmosphere with him, finally allowing Orli to breathe freely.

And thank Merlin again that on July 31st, Harry would be hiding at some remote seashore with his aunt's family, enduring the storm while spending his forgotten 11th birthday.

Later that night, a shaggy-bearded half-giant, Hagrid, would knock on their door, bringing him a cracked pink birthday cake.

Thus, Orli's expeditious shopping experience proceeded without encountering any main plot characters or complications.

She simply took the money, first visiting Ollivanders to acquire a suitable cedar wand, then purchased the necessary items from the list, and procured some basic potion ingredients as well.

By the time she finished shopping, there remained some money in the pouch, sufficient to last until term began.

————————

"Professor, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I've completed my shopping."

In less than an hour and a half, Orli arrived at the Leaky Cauldron with her purchases and located Snape in a corner booth.

He pushed aside his glass and cast Orli a cursory glance.

"Where is your owl?"

Orli faltered momentarily, uncertain whether this was a genuine inquiry or mere sarcasm, but answered instinctively:

"I can use the school owls, so I didn't think it necessary to purchase one..."

Merlin knows, even with her careful budgeting, little remained after purchasing the essentials. Between an owl and the basic potion ingredients she'd long desired, Orli hesitated for merely a second before decisively choosing the latter.

"Very well, let's proceed. Thank Merlin you weren't too dim-witted to find your way."

Snape rose and walked directly out of the pub. Finding an inconspicuous spot, he gripped Orli's shoulder and Apparated them to the gates of the Waters family house. Before Orli could steady herself, he had vanished.

Orli retched twice while steadying herself against the mailbox before finally regaining her composure. Glancing around to confirm Snape's departure, she finally allowed herself to relax completely.

"No wonder he became the early antagonist - with that demeanor, how could anyone not perceive him as villainous?"

Orli muttered while silently offering three minutes of condolence to Potter, who would soon become the primary target of Snape's caustic remarks.

————————————

[Mini Side Story: Snape's Perspective]

Devil knows why I was assigned this new student guidance duty. If McGonagall hasn't miswritten the list, then that old codger Dumbledore must be meddling again.

Isn't Sprout more suited to handling children? Or does he presumptuously believe that escorting a new student will somehow reveal some hidden wellspring of affection for students in his Potions master?

He might as well consider granting me the Defense Against the Dark Arts position - that might actually improve my disposition.

Thank Merlin he didn't task me with collecting that savior Potter. I would have been more gratified had he assigned the Waters girl to that dunderheaded half-giant as well.

Though... Waters... if she's inherited any of her family's aptitude for potions, perhaps this year's new students might be marginally worth anticipating.

————

Well, I retract my previous statement.

Who could expect an orphan to receive any systematic potions education?

Look at the Waters residence now - a dilapidated house, collapsing fence, undernourished child, ill-fitting threadbare robes...

She can't even endure a single Apparition.

———————

I notice she purchased basic potion ingredients?

Wasn't she discussing an owl earlier? Opted against it?

Well, at least this Waters' brain isn't entirely stuffed with knotgrass. Knows how to prioritize expenses, and managed to avoid wandering into Knockturn Alley.

Wonder if their fireplace's Floo network remains functional. Never mind, better maintain a firmer grip - shouldn't trigger another bout of sickness.

—————

This revolting little troll is about to be sick again...

Best to depart swiftly.

Troublesome first years. This time would be better spent brewing potions.

"""