Taste of Magic

The weight of the coin pouch in Hermione's hands was reassuring as they stepped back out into the sunlight of the bustling alley.

Gringotts had been an experience neither of them would forget anytime soon, but there was no time to dwell on it now. They had money, which meant they could finally get what they had come for, a real book on magic.

The bookstore loomed ahead, its grand wooden sign swinging gently above the entrance. Flourish and Blotts.

Hermione practically vibrated with excitement as they stepped inside. The scent of parchment, ink, and old leather-bound tomes was an intoxicating mix that made Harry pause once again. Some books hovered just above the shelves, shifting positions on their own, while others shimmered in the light.

The shopkeeper glanced at them before returning to stacking books near the counter.

"Where do we even start?" Hermione whispered, her eyes darting from shelf to shelf.

Harry had no idea. "Maybe we should just ask?"

Hermione nodded and approached the counter. "Excuse me," she said politely. "We're looking for a good book on general magic. Something for beginners."

The shopkeeper, an older wizard with round spectacles, gave them a quick once-over. "First years, are you?"

Hermione hesitated. "Something like that."

The man grunted and gestured toward a section near the front. "Basic spell theory's over there. If you're looking for school textbooks, those are in the back."

"Thank you!" Hermione said brightly, already heading toward the shelves.

Harry followed as she scanned the titles with precision, her fingers brushing over the spines. Finally, she pulled out a book with an embossed cover. A Beginner's Guide to Magic and Theory.

"This looks perfect," she said, flipping through the pages eagerly. "It covers magical theory, basic spells, and even some wand movements."

Harry leaned in to glance at the text. It was dense but fascinating. The introduction alone explained more about magic than anything he had ever heard before.

Hermione snapped the book shut. "We're getting this."

With a determined stride, she hurried back to the counter and set the book down.

The shopkeeper, reading the title rang them up quickly. "Great choice of book for the both of you. That'll be one galleon and three sickles."

Hermione dug into her pouch and carefully counted out the coins. As soon as the payment was made, the shopkeeper wrapped the book in brown paper and slid it across the counter.

"Enjoy," she said gruffly.

Hermione hugged the book to her chest, practically glowing as they stepped back outside. "We have it, a real magic book!"

Harry grinned. "What now?"

Hermione considered for a moment before glancing down the street. "I suppose we could go back and read it right away… but I did see an ice cream shop earlier."

Harry's stomach grumbled in agreement.

They made their way down the alley, weaving through witches and wizards going about their business. The ice cream parlor stood out with its colorful displays and inviting scent of freshly made sweets.

A sign overhead read Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.

The moment they stepped inside, a wave of cool, sweet air washed over them. The brightly lit shop was lined with glass display cases filled with an array of flavors.

Behind the counter stood a smiling man with a neatly trimmed mustache, his white apron dusted with a bit of sugar. "Welcome, welcome! What can I get for you today?"

Hermione's eyes lit up as she scanned the flavors. "Oh, wow, there are so many!"

Florean grinned, clearly pleased by her enthusiasm. "We've got all the classics, of course—chocolate, vanilla, strawberry—but I also have a few more… unique flavors you won't find in the Muggle world."

He gestured toward the first row of labeled tubs. "Honeyduke's Toffee Crunch, Pumpkin Pastie Swirl, Charmed Cherry—never melts, no matter the heat—and my personal favorite, Cauldron Caramel, which has little bits of enchanted caramel that pop in your mouth."

Harry peered at the options, fascinated. Some of the ice cream seemed to glow faintly, while others had odd textures—one even let off wisps of steam as if it were freshly brewed.

Hermione, after a long moment of careful deliberation, straightened up. "I'll have the Charmed Cherry, please."

"A fine choice! Always a favorite," Florean said cheerfully as he scooped the bright red ice cream into a cone and handed it over. "And for you, young man?"

Harry hesitated, torn between several options. Finally, he pointed to the Cauldron Caramel. "I'll try that one."

"Ah, a bold choice!" Florean said with an approving nod. He quickly prepared the cone, handing it to Harry. "That'll be four sickles."

Hermione paid without hesitation, still beaming as she took her first bite. Her eyes widened. "It's amazing! It's cold but doesn't melt, just like you said!"

Harry took a cautious lick of ice cream and was startled when a tiny bit of caramel crackled on his tongue like a firecracker. He blinked, then grinned. "This is brilliant."

Florean chuckled. "Glad to hear it! Enjoy, kids."

They took a seat near the window, savoring their ice creams as they watched the people pass by. The alley felt even more alive from this angle, with wizards chatting in groups, owls fluttering by with letters, and a sense of energy that neither of them had ever experienced in the Muggle world.

"This is amazing," Hermione murmured between bites, her excitement never fading.

Harry couldn't help but agree. It was a world unlike any other, and they were only just beginning to understand it.

When their cones were finished, Hermione clutched the book excitedly. "We should go back to my house. We can read properly there."

Harry nodded. He wasn't eager to return to the Dursleys just yet, and the idea of finally learning something real about magic was too tempting to pass up.