After purchasing their wands, the two didn't continue their stroll in Diagon Alley. Instead, they picked up tailored uniforms from Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. At Elena's insistence, they headed to Eeylops Owl Emporium to buy some feed for her newly acquired owl.
Even though Dumbledore suggested naming it "Vika," derived from the pronunciation of the laughing owl "WHēkau," Elena had her own ideas. Once back at the orphanage, she renamed it "Provisions." This way, whenever she fed it, it felt like taking care of a pet rather than a little troublemaker.
Perhaps intentionally, Dumbledore steered Elena back to Borgin and Burkes, retracing their steps to the lakeside without encountering Hagrid and Harry, a pair Elena was keen to meet. This left her somewhat disappointed.
"I think it's time for us to part ways here."
Elena, unusually quiet and compliant after their day in Diagon Alley, made Dumbledore feel a bit uneasy, probably just from fatigue.
Dumbledore patted Elena's shoulder and handed her a letter. "Tired today, aren't you? Rest well when you return. Here's your ticket to Hogwarts for September first, King's Cross Station. Any other questions?"
Taking the ticket and stowing it in her bag, Elena tilted her head, considering. She extended her small, fair hand towards Dumbledore. "One more thing, Professor Dumbledore, did you forget to give me my textbooks? I'm completely clueless about the courses I'll be facing. Studying a bit in advance could help."
Dumbledore lowered his head, glancing at the silver-haired girl. He shook his head, offering a kind smile. "There's still a month until school starts. Relax and play for now. Don't worry too much about studies."
"But..." Elena attempted to persist, the image of a diligent student painted on her face.
"Don't worry. Everyone starts from the basics at Hogwarts. Even without pre-study, you'll be fine. And with your talent, I believe you'll excel. I'll have the textbooks delivered to your dormitory after school starts, reducing your luggage burden, right?"
Dumbledore calmly refused to budge.
Mindful of Elena's intelligence, initiative, and knack for trouble, Dumbledore had a good grasp of her capabilities. He didn't want to clean up after Elena caused havoc, perhaps even forcing the Ministry's Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures to intervene.
"Um, if not books on curses and potions, could I at least have some introductory books?"
Seeing the old wizard's unwavering stance, Elena blinked cutely, taking a step back. "Introductory books? Like...?"
"Fine, but promise me, no using magic before school starts."
"No problem, you can trust me."
Elena readily agreed, Dumbledore overthinking the situation. Casting spells wasn't just about chanting; it required specific tones and gestures. With teachers at school to guide her, why would she fuss alone?
For the next month, she had more important things to do.
Suddenly, Dumbledore felt a pang of anxiety, pausing to examine Elena closely. Her response didn't seem like mere appeasement.
What was the issue? Was there a new development with Voldemort and Harry Potter?
Suppressing his unease, Dumbledore patted Elena's head gently, bidding her farewell.
"Alright for now. If you have any questions, send a letter via your owl. It knows where Hogwarts is. But I'd advise giving it a rest for a few days."
Pointing at the owl huddled in its cage, looking dizzy from Apparition, Dumbledore said, "It seems 'Provisions' needs a good rest too."
"I know, it needs to eat more and get stronger," Elena said, observing her weak-looking pet with disdain, agreeing to Dumbledore's advice.
Then, with a crack, Dumbledore Disapparated from the lakeside.
...
"Professor Dumbledore?"
"Professor, are you still here?"
Elena stood by the lake, calling out in the empty surroundings to ensure Dumbledore had indeed left.
Squatting down, she nudged the owl cage, speaking regretfully, "Provisions, with your condition, you won't last long. Shall I just eat you?"
Hoot! ⊙⊙!
The seemingly frail owl instantly perked up, alert and flapping its wings vigorously.
"Hmph, I knew you were faking it."
Elena, unimpressed, noticed the owl's agility despite its ill appearance.
As possibly the last laughing owl in the world, 'Provisions' was quite intelligent.
"Get up, I need you to deliver a message to Benedictus, the man in the stone house behind the church in town. Then bring him here. He'll feed you these days."
Elena took her pet out of the cage, tore a blank page from her History of Magic textbook, and wrote a note with her newly bought pencil.
"Father, all my clothes and luggage by the lake, please move them to my room. This owl is my pet, 'Provisions.' Don't eat it, just feed it for now."
"I'll be back in London shortly."
Pausing, Elena added another line.
"If I don't return in three days, have 'Provisions' send a letter to Dumbledore, telling him I've been captured by goblins at Gringotts. Your faithful, cute, adorable Elena Kaslana."
After finishing the message, Elena picked up "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi," heading toward the train station to London. She touched her empty chest, solemnly.
The fairytale journey through Diagon Alley had ended.
But the real show was just about to begin...
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