Chapter 16 Dumbledore must have his reasons for doing this!

As Tom and Robert made their way to Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Tom was captivated by the array of shops lining Diagon Alley.

Stalls offered owls, peculiar potion ingredients, cauldrons, and broomsticks. To his surprise, he even spotted an ice cream vendor amidst the magical wares.

Their journey paused in front of Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions when Robert came to an abrupt stop.

"What's the matter? I thought we were heading to Gringotts to exchange our gold," Tom inquired, puzzled.

Eager to explore the shops, Tom understood the importance of converting their gold first.

"We need to acquire proper attire," Robert responded.

"Certainly, but shouldn't we handle the currency exchange first?" Tom questioned, still confused.

"Recall that the gentleman we spoke with earlier mentioned that Gringotts is managed by goblins and that they are known for their greed, correct?"

"Yes, that's right."

"So, if we approach them dressed as we are now, looking less than affluent, they might question the legitimacy of our gold and offer us a lower exchange rate," Robert explained.

Tom glanced down at his worn, patched clothing and grasped the implication.

"You believe that by appearing impoverished, the goblins will undervalue our gold?"

Robert nodded. "Exactly. This gold was hard-earned; I have no intention of surrendering it to greedy goblins."

Recalling their perilous encounter with Nagini, Tom agreed. "You're right. Let's purchase some decent clothes. I just hope our funds suffice... Dumbledore only provided us with twenty Galleons each."

Robert smiled reassuringly. "Trust me. I'll ensure we both get quality outfits."

Skeptical, Tom asked, "You're not planning anything reckless, are you?"

"Do you think I'm like you, resorting to force?" Robert retorted playfully.

Tom rolled his eyes and entered the shop first.

A bell chimed as they stepped inside.

"Welcome, young gentlemen. Are you here for your Hogwarts school robes?" greeted a tall man with gold-rimmed glasses, a small mustache, and an elegant tuxedo.

"Actually, we'd like to purchase some fine clothes first and then our school robes," Tom replied.

The man assessed their attire and remarked, "You certainly could use a change. Your current outfits don't do you justice. Leave it to me!"

"Well... we don't have much money at the moment," Tom admitted hesitantly.

Considering their appearance, producing gold bars directly would seem suspicious.

"I understand, my boy. I've been in business here for many years and have seen many children in your situation. I'll recommend attire that suits your budget," the man assured, pulling out measuring tapes that began taking Tom's measurements.

"Are you Mr. Malkin?" Robert inquired.

"Yes, that's my name on the sign outside," Mr. Malkin replied warmly.

"Sir, may I try on this suit?" Robert asked, pointing to an expensive-looking ensemble.

Mr. Malkin stroked his mustache. "That suit is quite pricey, young man."

"Could I rent it for two hours? The rental fee is negotiable. Here's a deposit," Robert said, producing a small gold bar.

Tom's eyes widened in disbelief at Robert's boldness.

Mr. Malkin examined the gold bar, then looked at Robert in surprise. "This is genuine gold. I thought you were jesting! But its value far exceeds that of the suit. You trust me with such a deposit?"

"Given your esteemed reputation in Diagon Alley and the fact that we're on an assignment for Professor Dumbledore, where else would we obtain such gold?" Robert stated calmly.

Mr. Malkin's demeanor changed upon hearing Dumbledore's name. "Ah! Working for Professor Dumbledore, are you? I've heard he assigns peculiar little tests. Since you're on his errand, forget the deposit. Take the gold back; I'll select two suitable outfits for you both."

By the time they both changed into expensive new clothes and walked out the door, Tom was still a little dazed.

Robert suddenly laughed and said, "Tom, did you notice?"

"What?"

"As long as it's something related to Professor Dumbledore, no matter how strange it is, others will always accept it quickly."

Tom sighed. "Maybe it's because he's crazy normally? But he doesn't look like that. Besides, can a crazy person be a professor?"

However, when Tom recalled Dumbledore's exaggerated attire when he first met him, he suddenly found his way into the picture.

"Well, now I just hope Dumbledore doesn't find out that you're doing this in his name..." Tom said a little worriedly.

The scene of Dumbledore burning his wardrobe was still vivid in his mind! He was afraid that if he was discovered, Robert would implicate him...

"No, no, no, Tom, you are wrong." Robert stretched out his index finger and waved it repeatedly.

He pointed at himself, then at Tom. "It should be the two of us, working together under his name... After all, you're wearing this suit, too."

Robert deliberately emphasized the word "together."

Tom's forehead twitched with irritation. "You... bastard!"

Before he knew it, he had been dragged onto Robert's scheme once again!

"Tom, your swearing vocabulary is a little limited. If you need it, I can actually teach you..."

"Roll!"

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