Thick of it : reboot

The Leaky Cauldron was everything James expected and more—a fine display of secrecy and subtlety. The old but well-maintained pub had an air of quiet dignity about it, despite the occasional clatter of tankards and the low hum of conversation. Wizards and witches in long flowing robes milled about, chatting in hushed tones or reading peculiar newspapers with moving images. A few turned to look at them, curiosity flashing in their eyes before they returned to their business.

Arthur, observed his surroundings with the calm scrutiny of a retired butler who had seen far too much in his time. He walked with measured grace, hands neatly clasped behind his back, his sharp eyes scanning the room with interest. James, on the other hand, was doing his best not to gawk. It was one thing to know about magic from stories, but another entirely to see it in action. The odd assortment of patrons, from an old witch stirring her drink with a self-stirring spoon to a wizard casually levitating a chair while deep in conversation, made it feel like stepping into a fever dream.

Arthur, gave a slow nod. "Fascinating. To hide oneself this well... marvellous."

Snape, his black robes billowing slightly as he moved. "Please, follow me. We do not have all day."

Arthur raised an eyebrow but said nothing, falling into step behind the Potions Master.

James had to admit, for all his gruffness, Snape certainly had a presence. There was something about the man's deliberate movements and quiet authority that made it clear he commanded respect like arthur. 

They reached a rather unimpressive brick wall at the back of the pub. Arthur frowned, wondering if Snape had somehow gotten lost, but before he could voice his doubts, Snape raised his wand and tapped a specific sequence of bricks.

With a grinding sound, the bricks shimmered and shifted, folding away like a puzzle solving itself. Arthur watched in awe as the solid wall transformed into an archway, revealing the bustling chaos of Diagon Alley beyond.

If the Leaky Cauldron had been fascinating, this was downright mind-blowing.

Stalls and shops lined the street, their windows filled with all manner of peculiar and wondrous items. A cauldron shop had a display of self-stirring models. An owl emporium hooted with the noise of dozens of birds, their feathers ruffling. A joke shop had a young boy running out, covered in smoke, while his laughing siblings trailed behind. Wizards and witches bustled about, haggling, laughing, and occasionally stopping to cast a quick spell or two.

James had to stop himself from staring too long. He was meant to belong here, after all, not act like some fan.

Arthur. "A well-hidden world indeed. Ingenious."

Snape merely sniffed. "This is Diagon Alley. We will first go to Gringotts, the wizarding bank. It is where we will secure funds for Mr. Dawson's schooling, as the Ministry sponsors orphaned students, providing them with the necessary essentials."

Arthur waved a dismissive hand. "That won't be necessary. I still have some savings, and I will provide for James myself."

James frowned. "Sir, there's no need. That money could be better used for the others."

Snape, who had remained silent through the exchange, glanced at James with a flicker of something unreadable in his dark eyes. Perhaps it was approval—though it was gone in an instant.

Arthur tutted. "Nonsense, James. I said I would provide for you, and I shall. This is not up for debate."

James, muttered, "But it's free money."

Arthur gave him a pointed look. "Consider it a matter of principle. Besides, nothing is truly free, is it, Professor Snape?"

Snape's lips curled into something that might have been a smirk if he weren't so perpetually sour. "Indeed. The Ministry's 'sponsorship' is hardly charity. Students either pay back the money with interest or find themselves in various Ministry jobs upon graduation."

Arthur nodded. "See, James? Always look beyond what's in front of you. Now, I assume there is a way to exchange pounds for whatever peculiar currency you lot use?"

Snape sighed. "We use Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. And yes, that would be handled at Gringotts."

James smirked slightly as they walked towards the bank. 'Well, if things follow canon, then there won't be a Ministry left to collect any of these so-called debts. So technically, I am speaking the truth—free money.'

They took in the grandeur of Gringotts as they approached—the large marble building loomed over the street, its towering pillars giving it an almost regal presence. Goblins, with their sharp features and businesslike manner, scurried about inside, behind high counters and at the entrance. A long queue of witches and wizards waited to be served, some impatiently tapping their feet, others chatting amongst themselves.

Arthur eyed the goblins with quiet intrigue but said nothing. James, however, couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. He knew Goblins were shrewd, not to be underestimated, but there was something about their calculating stares that made it clear they viewed humans as clients at best, and inconveniences at worst.

Snape approached a teller and explained the need to exchange Muggle currency. The goblin barely gave him a glance before nodding sharply and gesturing for Arthur to proceed.

Arthur exchanged his money, receiving a bag of Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts, though there was clearly a limit on how much could be exchanged at a time. He handed it to James.

Arthur: "Use it wisely."

James: "I will, sir. And I suppose I should say... thank you."

Arthur simply waved him off. "Enough of that. Now, let's get to shopping business."

First stop: Flourish and Blotts.

The bookshop was crammed with towering shelves filled with dusty tomes and pristine spellbooks alike. The scent of parchment and old leather filled the air. A witch behind the counter was levitating a stack of books as a young student argued with his mother about why he needed The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection.

James picked up A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration and thumbed through the pages, excitement bubbling beneath his otherwise calm exterior. He could feel Arthur's gaze watching him approvingly.

Arthur: "Books, James. The foundation of any proper education. Treat them well, and they'll serve you better than any spell."

Snape, for his part, remained quiet but made sure James got everything he needed.

Next stop: Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.

Madam Malkin, a plump, cheerful witch, fussed over James as she took his measurements, pinning fabric and muttering about how "young lads never stand still". Another boy—blonde, pale, and looking far too self-important—stood nearby, also getting fitted.

Draco Malfoy: "Hogwarts too, then?"

James: "Apparently."

Draco: "My father says it's the finest school in the world. You don't want to end up in Hufflepuff, though. Bunch of duffers, they are."

James smirked. "Guess I'll take my chances."

Finally, they visited Slug & Jiggers Apothecary.

The shop smelled overwhelmingly of herbs and potions. Snape's expression actually softened—if only slightly—as he perused the shelves.

Snape: "Take the copper cauldron. Pewter cauldrons have a tendency to explode when used improperly. Every year, without fail, some dunderhead manages to destroy one."

Arthur: "Well, we wouldn't want that, would we?"

James, watching Snape simply nodded. "Copper it is, then."