Chapter 20: Why Buy a Book? Why Not Just Memorize It

Robert and Tom spent a considerable amount of time in the wand shop.

Because of Robert's exceptional display of magic, Ollivander seemed to have gained some inspiration—something only he could understand.

In fact, he was so intrigued that he didn't even charge Tom or Robert for their wands.

As they stepped out of the shop, Tom's eyes flickered with confusion.

"What's going on? You have money now, but you won't spend it?"

"If you're so eager to spend money… you could buy the things on my list for me," Robert said cheerfully, handing over a piece of parchment.

"Buy your own stuff!" Tom scoffed, turning on his heel and walking away quickly, as if trying to shake off something unpleasant.

Robert shook his head helplessly. Now that Tom had money, he was starting to become more independent.

After a brief sigh, Robert continued his shopping in Diagon Alley, following the list he had prepared.

It was already three in the afternoon—time was slipping away. They had to get back to UK Orphanage before dark.

Robert moved swiftly, efficiently collecting everything on his list. Before long, he arrived at Flourish and Blotts, carrying several shopping bags filled with various magical supplies.

This was his last stop, and also the one he had been looking forward to the most.

Of course… it was also the stop Tom was most excited about.

As Robert stepped inside, he quickly spotted Tom, who was engrossed in reading various spellbooks.

However, Robert didn't disturb him—he had his own tasks to complete.

Since there was still some time, he approached the counter, handed his textbook list to the clerk, and asked them to gather the books he needed.

The clerk nodded and efficiently began retrieving the required books.

Meanwhile, Robert wandered through the towering bookshelves, searching for something interesting. After a while, he selected a book and started reading.

"We Should Go."

Robert felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Tom standing beside him.

The golden glow of the setting sun streamed through the bookstore's entrance—it was already quite late.

Robert quickly flipped through the last few pages of the book before heading to the counter with Tom.

Their school textbooks were neatly stacked and ready for collection.

Next to Tom's books was another pile—clearly additional spellbooks he had decided to purchase.

Tom frowned as he looked at the growing number of books and shopping bags, a hint of frustration in his expression.

"There are too many. We can't carry all of them," Robert said thoughtfully.

He turned to the clerk. "Could you arrange for these books to be delivered to us?"

"Of course. Please write down your address," the clerk replied, handing Robert a quill and parchment.

"Can you also send these along?" Robert gestured to the other supplies he had purchased.

"Certainly, but since they aren't from our store, there will be a small handling fee."

"That's fine." Robert agreed without hesitation. He didn't care about such a trivial cost.

After jotting down their address, the two left Flourish and Blotts, walking out empty-handed—except for their wands, which they carried themselves.

"You Didn't Buy Any Other Books?"

Tom looked at Robert with a puzzled expression.

He had just realized that, aside from his required textbooks, Robert hadn't bought any additional books.

That was strange.

Tom knew Robert well. Like himself, Robert was extremely hungry for power.

How could he pass up the chance to buy more spellbooks?

"I bought a bunch of magic auto-sketch quills and plenty of parchment," Robert said with a satisfied grin.

Tom furrowed his brow. "What do you need those for?"

Robert gave him a surprised look. "I've already memorized everything I'm interested in. I can just write it down when we get back. Why would I waste money buying the books?"

"Tsk…" Tom clicked his tongue in disbelief. He didn't believe a single word of Robert's boast.

What he didn't know was that Robert wasn't bluffing—he actually had a photographic memory.

As they continued walking, Robert suddenly glanced at the clock in a nearby shop window and let out a sigh.

"Instead of arguing with me, you should start thinking about how to explain things to Mrs. Cole. We've been missing for twelve hours…"

Tom's face changed instantly.

"You… you're not going to tell her that I took you out all day, are you?"

Robert blinked innocently. "Isn't that the truth? You suggested sneaking out this morning. And besides, I'm a good kid. Do you think Mrs. Cole is more likely to believe me or you?"

"Damn it! If you hadn't insisted on raiding those other gangs, we'd have been back ages ago!"

"Oh? And yet you had no problem spending the money we made. The books you bought at Flourish and Blotts cost a fortune—one or two Galleons each. If you hadn't come with me, do you think you'd have been able to afford them?"

"You… you bastard!"

"To be fair, since you've gained so much from this trip, shouldn't you take a little responsibility? You can't just enjoy the benefits without contributing something."

"Freeloader? You… you think I did nothing? Who brought those snakes when we raided the traffickers' hideout?"

"Oh, right, right. And then you summoned Nagini and almost got yourself killed."

"You have no shame! That was your idea!"

"I don't remember that. Anyway, you dragged me along, so technically, I just followed you."

"You… you seriously think I'm scared of that old woman?"

"Well then, you can explain everything to her yourself."

"No! I refuse!"

"Are you afraid of me?"

"You… you're ruthless!"

The two of them bickered all the way back.

By the time they reached the orphanage, the sky was completely dark.

"Why Aren't You Tired?"

Tom's legs felt like they were going to fall off. He had never walked such a long distance in his life!

Yet Robert, walking beside him, still looked energetic.

Tom panted. "How… are you not tired at all?"

Robert smirked. "Oh, I bought some temporary enhancement potions. You know what those are, right?"

"Of course, I do!" Tom snapped. "Why didn't you remind me to buy some?"

"Well, someone didn't want to come shopping with me. What was I supposed to do?"

"You…" Tom felt his blood pressure rising. He really wanted to argue, but he had no valid retort.

Just as he was about to draw his wand in frustration, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"It Seems You've Been Busy Today."

The voice came from the shadows.

Robert and Tom instantly stopped talking, as if they had been hit by a Silencing Charm.

A figure slowly emerged from the darkness—Dumbledore.

His piercing blue eyes studied them carefully.

Tom felt a chill run down his spine.

He hated this feeling.

"Good evening, Professor Dumbledore. What a coincidence to meet you here…" Robert broke the silence, feigning innocence.

He glanced at the orphanage gate behind Dumbledore.

This was no coincidence.

Dumbledore had been waiting for them.

(End of Chapter)

FOR MORE CHAPTERS

patreon.com/STEPHENHART427