[Note: Read up to Chapter - 41 on P patron at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]
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Before long, Aris emerged from the vault carrying a cloth pouch heavy with Galleons.
There were easily a few thousand coins inside—yet compared to the mountain of gold still sitting in the vault, it wasn't even a drop in the bucket.
Only now did Aris truly understand the meaning of that old saying: money's just a number.
With this kind of wealth, he could live the rest of his life in luxury—never lift a wand again—and still not come close to spending it all.
The sheer amount made the concept of money feel... well, pointless.
"So, how's it feel to be so rich?" Luna asked as she stepped out beside him, her usual dreamy tone laced with playful curiosity.
Aris chuckled.
"Honestly? I don't feel much different," he replied. "But at least I won't have to worry about money ever again."
"That alone's a win, I'd say."
They exchanged a quiet smile and let the topic drop.
A few paces behind, Xeno observed them with a thoughtful look.
He had half expected Aris to be overwhelmed by the fortune—to act out, or get carried away by the sheer thrill of it.
But no.
The boy remained grounded. Composed. Far more level-headed than most grown wizards he'd met.
He's not just smart… he's different, Xeno thought.
"Right then!" Xeno clapped his hands. "Now that we've sorted the Galleons, let's not dawdle. We've a long list of school supplies to get through—and not much of the day left!"
As he said this, Xeno cast a pointed glance at the two goblins.
Griphook met his gaze without issue, but Grublord lowered his head, saying nothing.
Clearly, he was still a bit rattled after having tried to make things difficult for Aris earlier.
The group climbed back into the cart and returned to the main hall of Gringotts via the same rickety route.
After completing the necessary formalities, Aris was handed a vault key by one of the goblins.
No need for blood magic next time—just the key would do.
Stepping back out into the bright hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley, Aris felt like he'd entered a different world.
Moments ago, he'd been a nobody, with nothing to his name.
Now? He was one of the wealthiest individuals in the wizarding world.
The shift was dizzying.
It felt... unreal.
Like waking from a dream you didn't know you were having.
"Right, let's crack on," said Xeno, breaking Aris' thoughts. "We need to get your school supplies sorted—cauldrons, quills, parchment, the lot."
He was clearly used to organising these kinds of errands.
"As for you two," he continued, looking at Aris and Luna, "head to Madam Malkin's and get the boy fitted for robes—can't go to school in Muggle rags, can you?"
"After that, we'll regroup at Ollivanders to choose Aris' wand—that's the most important bit!"
He paused and looked between the two of them.
"Anything you two would like to add?"
Aris and Luna exchanged a glance and shook their heads.
"Right then—let's get moving!" said Xeno cheerfully, as he began making his way through the bustling crowd towards a nearby shop selling cauldrons and potion supplies.
"Come on, let's go too," Aris said, instinctively taking Luna's hand.
Before she could react, he'd already guided her into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, just a few steps away.
Over the next half hour, Luna enthusiastically helped Aris pick out several sets of clothing—everything from Hogwarts-standard black robes to undergarments and everyday wear.
Her taste, however, was… quirky, to say the least.
Aris found himself struggling to keep a straight face more than once.
Luna: "This black robe with the floral lining looks lovely, don't you think, Aris?"
Aris: "Yeah, it's nice… but I'm leaning more towards the plain black and white one, if I'm honest."
Luna: "Ooh, this bright red robe's fab! It really brings out your silver hair!"
Aris: "Er… maybe something a bit more muted? Like dark red?"
Luna: "Alright then—how about this set? Blue trousers and a purple top. You could wear it on weekends!"
Aris: "…Isn't that just a bit too loud?"
Even though Aris turned down most of her suggestions, Luna remained thoroughly engaged, calmly and cheerfully picking out clothes for him as if it were the most important task in the world.
To be fair, if you set aside her rather quirky taste in fashion, Aris had to admit—it was touching how patient and thoughtful she was being.
Off to the side, Madam Malkin had been observing the two of them with quiet amusement. Occasionally, when Luna's selections became particularly outrageous, she couldn't help but stifle a chuckle behind her hand. Still, she never interrupted the golden and silver head's little adventure.
Eventually, Aris reached his limit.
After quickly cobbling together a few half-decent outfits, he took Luna gently by the hand and all but whisked her out of the shop, leaving behind a slightly chaotic trail of discarded robes and mismatched colours along with some galleons.
From behind, they might've looked like a flustered brother dragging along an overly enthusiastic little sister.
As they stepped outside, Aris was fairly certain he heard Madam Malkin laughing to herself—clearly entertained by the whole spectacle.
He now had a fresh appreciation for Luna's sense of style… or perhaps, a better understanding of its unpredictability.
"Come on then, time to hit Ollivanders!" Luna chirped, skipping ahead with unmistakable cheer.
"Yeah, let's go. Mr. Lovegood should be waiting for us by now." Aris looked down the street. Ollivanders wasn't far—its weathered wooden sign swung gently in the breeze, exuding age and history.
Just as they turned toward it, Luna suddenly stopped in her tracks.
"Wait—hang on. I think I saw my Daddy!"
At that moment, Luna turned her head sharply, peering off in another direction.
Hearing her, Aris followed her gaze and spotted a crowd gathered outside Flourish and Blotts. A wave of cheerful noise—chatter, claps, and the occasional cheer—spilled into the street.
"Looks like there's some sort of event going on," Aris said, curious. Sure enough, in the middle of the crowd stood Xeno, watching the commotion with great interest.
"Daddy's so unreliable," Luna muttered, her lips pursing in mild annoyance. "He said we'd meet at Ollivander's."
It was rare to see such an expression on Luna's face. Usually, she was calm and composed, floating through life like a leaf in the breeze. Only in front of family did she ever seem this grounded.
Aris chuckled softly, reached for her hand, and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"Come on then, let's go have a look. Might be something fun."
Together, they weaved through the gathering crowd outside the bookshop. From the makeshift stage up front, a staff member was shouting into the throng:
"Flourish and Blotts is hosting a back-to-school challenge! Prove your magical mettle and win free textbooks, plus a chance at surprise prizes! Step right up, young witches and wizards!"
To the side of the stage, a few young students were already taking part in the activities, met with the occasional burst of cheers and applause from the growing crowd.
Aris stood on tiptoe, craning his neck for a better view—and that's when he spotted her.
A girl stood near the front, her thick, bushy brown hair impossible to miss. Her clothes weren't quite wizard-standard—more in line with typical Muggle fashion.
The moment he saw her, a name popped into Aris's mind, clear as day:
Hermione Granger.
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[Note: Read up to Chapter - 41 on P patron at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]