Hermione was at Viktor's house, and by now, no one was surprised. In the days following their dinner at the Grangers', they had truly become very good friends. Now, every day after breakfast, Hermione would come to Viktor's, and they would study together, poring over textbooks that Viktor had already almost completely mastered. Hermione was constantly amazed by his understanding of material that was still new to her. They discussed spells, the history of magic, and to her delight, Viktor explained complex concepts in such simple language that everything became incredibly clear. He even showed her a few simple but effective tricks, which Hermione enthusiastically tried to replicate.
On this particular day, they were sitting in the living room, dissecting an especially convoluted chapter on the History of Magic, when Hermione suddenly looked up from her book, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Viktor! You haven't forgotten that the day after tomorrow we're off to Hogwarts!" her voice rang with anticipation. "Can you believe it, so soon! Have you packed yet? Bought everything you need?"
Viktor put down his book and smiled broadly. "Oh, really? I hadn't noticed how fast time flies. As for my things, yes, almost everything is ready. But, speaking of which…" He thought, "I have a great idea! How about we go shopping today?"
Hermione tilted her head in question. "Shopping? But we've bought everything, Viktor. I have all my textbooks, my robes, my cauldron…"
"No-o-o, Hermione, you misunderstood me!" Viktor raised a finger. "I'm not talking about school supplies. I'm talking about… personal things! Well, don't you want to stroll around this magical place, buy all sorts of interesting trinkets, and, of course, pop into Honeydukes!"
Hermione thought that the idea of spending a leisurely day in Diagon Alley, just walking and window shopping, sounded very appealing. "To Diagon Alley?" she asked breathlessly.
"Exactly!" Viktor clapped his hands.
"But… I have to ask my mum for permission. And change. I can't go to Diagon Alley in my house dress!" Hermione jumped to her feet, her thoughts already swirling around possible outfits.
"Of course, of course! Permission is sacred! And the outfit is very important too! After all, we're not just going for a walk, we're on a mission! A mission to explore the wonders of the magical world!" Viktor dramatically placed a hand over his heart. "I'll call a taxi, and you run for permission and your outfit! I'll wait for you outside!"
Hermione nodded, laughing, and quickly ran out of Viktor's house, heading to her own.
As soon as Hermione was out of sight, Viktor went to the phone and called a taxi. Then he went up to his room, chose a new T-shirt and jeans, and put on a light jacket. He took out his Galleons – the compensation from the Ministry of Magic had been quite generous, so he didn't have to worry about money.
Fifteen minutes later, Hermione returned. She was in her best summer dress, her hair neatly combed, and she held a small handbag. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Mum said yes!" she announced joyfully.
"Excellent! My little Rias, then let's go! Our transport is already here!" Viktor pointed to the arriving taxi.
Hermione frowned, not understanding what he meant, but got into the car. The journey took about half an hour. Viktor gave the driver clear instructions, telling him to go to a specific street, and then to a particular pub. When the taxi stopped, they got out. Viktor looked around, making sure there was no one suspicious nearby, and resolutely headed towards the old, nondescript building Hermione already knew well.
"The Leaky Cauldron," Hermione whispered, her voice full of reverence.
"Exactly!" Viktor smiled. "Welcome to our secret base!"
Entering the pub, they walked through it, trying not to attract attention, though Viktor cast a quick glance at the bartender, Tom, and nodded to him. Tom, accustomed to strange visitors, merely grunted in response. Viktor approached the brick wall in the inner courtyard, took out his wand, and, to Hermione's delight, tapped the bricks in a specific order. The bricks moved, and soon an opening to Diagon Alley appeared before them. Hermione gasped, just like the first time she had been there. The narrow, cobbled alley curved away into the distance, lined on both sides with brightly lit shop windows. The signs were whimsical and cheerful, some moving, others shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. A crowd of wizards and witches in bright robes bustled back and forth, filling the air with ringing voices, laughter, and the hum of conversations. The smell of fresh parchment mingled with the aroma of fried pastries and sweet magical ice cream.
"Wow!" Hermione took a step forward, her eyes flitting from one window to another.
"Take your time, Hermione, take your time," Viktor gently took her arm. "First, we need to develop a strategy! First, we'll scout the area, identify targets, and then strike!"
They walked slowly through Diagon Alley, soaking in its amazing atmosphere. Viktor, despite his cheerfulness, carefully looked around, noticing every detail, every sign, every face in the crowd. His mind, working at double speed, analyzed the information, comparing what he saw with what he knew from books and films.
"Look, Viktor, 'Quality Quidditch Supplies'!" Hermione pulled him towards a window behind which colorful brooms floated in the air.
"Oh yes, Quidditch is the topic!" Viktor nodded. "Yes, I definitely want to try playing!"
"And here's 'Flourish and Blotts'!" he pointed to the bookstore. "All the knowledge of the universe must be there! Maybe we'll even find 'The Darkhold'!"
Hermione didn't understand him but didn't ask, she was already used to often not understanding him. Looking at the bookstore, she immediately forgot about everything else. "Oh, Viktor, let's go in there! I really want to see what they have!"
Viktor laughed. "Of course, of course, my young bookworm! Forward, to the abode of knowledge! Just don't forget we have other goals too!"
They entered the bookstore. Hermione immediately dove into the aisles, disappearing among the shelves. Viktor, however, took his time. He walked through the advanced section, noting new editions and rare copies. His gaze stopped on one book – "Applied Mental Magic." He had already read about mental magic, but this book promised deeper knowledge. He picked it up, flipped through a few pages, and nodded in satisfaction. This was what he needed.
After a while, Hermione appeared, holding a stack of books. "Viktor, look what I found! 'Advanced Spells for Beginners,' 'Secrets of Ancient Runes'…"
"Excellent choice, Hermione!" Viktor smiled. "Are you ready for the next part of our adventures? Time for 'Zonko's'!"
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Zonko's? What's that?"
"It's a joke shop, Hermione! A place where 'chaos and fun meet in a dance'!" Viktor theatrically spread his arms. "And then, perhaps, we'll pop into 'Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans'! The sweets there are so good even Gojo would be jealous!"
Hermione, who didn't understand most of his references, felt his enthusiasm and became infected by it. They left the bookstore, and Viktor led her down the alley, heading towards the joke shop.
Inside Zonko's, there was real pandemonium. The air was filled with the smells of gunpowder and sweets, and laughter, squeals, and pops came from all directions. The shelves were packed to the brim: Stink Pellets, shrunken heads, Chewing Gum that changed flavor every ten seconds, and many other strange and amusing items.
Viktor was in his element. He laughed as he examined the goods and happily picked out various pranks. "Oh, Hermione, look at this! 'Trick Wand Fountain'! Imagine someone trying to cast a spell, and water gushes from their wand! That would be fun!"
Hermione laughed, watching him. She had never seen him so carefree and cheerful. Usually, he was focused and serious, though sometimes he would make strange jokes. Here, he was like a child in a toy store.
"And this! 'Portable Smoke Screen'! It's like a 'Ninja Bomb'! Imagine, we're walking down the corridor, and then boom – we disappear! No one will even know what happened!" Viktor grabbed a small sphere that emitted a faint hiss.
Hermione smiled. "That's certainly fun, Viktor, but we need to be serious. Hogwarts is coming soon, and there will be strict rules there."
"Rules? Ha! Rules are made to be broken, Hermione!" Viktor winked. "Everything in moderation, of course. But a little fun never hurt anyone! After all, 'without laughter, life would be a mistake,' as one great man said!"
They spent about an hour in Zonko's, and Viktor bought a whole basket of assorted items. Hermione persuaded him to buy her a few amusing trinkets, though she herself preferred more practical things.
When they left the shop, Viktor said: "Well, my comrade-in-arms! Time for 'Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans'! I have a feeling I'll be lucky today and find a roasted lobster flavored bean!"
The sweets shop was even more fun. Colorful candies, chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans – from lemon to vomit. Viktor enthusiastically chose different sweets, telling Hermione about his favorite flavors and trying to guess what he would get this time.
After the sweets shop, they went into several other small shops, where Viktor bought himself a new travel bag, a few comfortable robes for everyday wear, and even a new quill that, he claimed, "wrote by itself." Hermione bought herself a new notebook and a couple of quills.
Time flew by unnoticed. The sun began to set, painting the sky in orange and purple hues. Diagon Alley, which had been bustling with life during the day, was now gradually emptying.
"Well, Hermione, I guess it's time to go back!" Viktor smiled broadly. "We had a great time! How was it for you?"
Hermione smiled back. "It was wonderful, Viktor! Thank you so much! I haven't had this much fun in ages."
"You're always welcome!" Viktor burst out laughing again. "So, shall we go home? Or do you want to try some 'Firewhisky' at the Leaky Cauldron? Although no, it's still too early for us!"