"Wow, this is way better than Apparition!"
The light gathered again, and Tom found himself standing on a London street—right in front of the Leaky Cauldron, the pub with the rather shabby-looking sign.
(￣▽￣) Even if I have no clue how it works, a skill is a skill. Who cares how it's done—so long as it works~
Most importantly, this ability felt far more comfortable than Apparition.
Darkness, then light—he was at his destination, with none of that feeling like he'd been squeezed through a narrow rubber tube.
And because this wasn't Apparition, he probably wasn't limited by Hogwarts' anti‑Apparition wards.
In theory that meant he could go wherever he wanted, whenever—hopping between Hogwarts and any other place at will.
Maybe he wouldn't need to use it often, but having a skill and not using it is worlds better than not having one at all.
Luna and the others should be here soon…
With that thought, Tom pushed open the Leaky Cauldron's door and stepped in with graceful paws.
"Welcome… huh? A cat? (ﾟДﾟ)"
Old Tom Abbott, the pub's owner, habitually looked up to greet whoever entered. This time, seeing Tom made him look momentarily surprised.
"Are you delivering mail for someone?"
After all, this was a public place. Customers could arrive by Floo powder or Apparition. A lone animal, without any witch or wizard accompanying it, was something he'd only ever seen before with owls bringing newspapers and magazines.
"Tom!"
At that moment a clear, ethereal girl's voice came from the fireplace.
Old Tom looked toward the sound, and saw a ten‑something girl with long golden hair gracefully stepping out of the flames.
"Meow (～￣▽￣)～"
(Don't worry, I'm fine!)
Seeing Luna, Tom immediately scampered over, basking in her concern.
"Oh, Tom! Luna said you came early, but I never imagined you'd actually pull it off!"
Pandora emerged from the fireplace next. Seeing the cat safe and sound, her eyes filled with wonder and curiosity.
"How did you do it?"
For someone who loved researching and developing spells, the idea that this cat—without even owning a wand—could teleport long distances was irresistible.
Before Tom could respond, the fireplace flared green again, and Xenophilius stepped out, dusting ash from his robes.
He saw the bewildered bartender behind the counter and greeted him like an old friend.
"Tom, long time no see."
"Oh! Mr. Lovegood, long time!"
Old Tom snapped back to reality, replying quickly.
"Can I get you something? Beer? Brandy? …Oh, my memory—"
He tapped his forehead.
"You must be here to buy school supplies for the kids, right? Is this sweet little girl the one starting school? She's very cute."
"No."
Xenophilius shook his head. Under the bartender's puzzled stare, he pointed to the cat whispering to Luna beside her.
"I'm here to send Tom to school. That Tom—the cat."
"???"
Old Tom's gaze bounced between Xenophilius and the cat. His mind couldn't quite turn the corner on this one.
He'd been running the Leaky Cauldron for so many years, he'd seen all manner of scenes—yet this was something entirely new.
Two wizards, their daughter, and a pet in Diagon Alley, buying school supplies for the pet? Had Hogwarts expanded admissions to pets now?!
"Oh, wait—I remember…"
Old Tom suddenly reached under the counter and rummaged around. He quickly pulled out the latest issue of The Quibbler.
"A cat accepted by Hogwarts… this isn't fiction?!"
"Of course not!"
Xenophilius puffed out his chest with pride.
What's printed in The Quibbler is all based on my rigorous investigations and real events!
His words, along with the extraordinary cat beside Luna, caused the tavern's patrons to whisper among themselves. It was clear that The Quibbler sales were about to explode.
Seeing Old Tom still stunned, Xenophilius waved him off.
"Alright, we'll chat later. We need to get Tom's shopping done first."
"Mm—oh, yes—of course…"
They were almost to the back of the pub when Old Tom suddenly snapped out of it.
"Mr. Lovegood! Please wait!"
"?"
…
A moment later, Tom noticed the blonde little girl who had joined their group—Hannah Abbott—and his expression turned a bit odd.
Old Tom explained he was too busy running the pub to take Hannah to Diagon Alley for supplies, so he'd asked the Lovegoods to take her along.
Xenophilius, thinking it was no big deal to bring one more child and not have to pay for her, readily agreed. And that was how Hannah Abbott joined their shopping team.
"Hey, hey, are you a first‑year too? I'm Hannah Abbott—can we be friends?"
Hannah was cheerful and outgoing. She immediately linked her arm with Luna's.
"Is this cat your pet? I love cats too! Oh—did you read the newest Quibbler? It says a cat is joining Hogwarts this year as one of our classmates!
I wonder what breed it is. I hope it's a Ragdoll—I love Ragdolls most! But if it's going to be our classmate, maybe it's some magical creature?
Could it be a Kneazle? Kneazles are adorable too~"
…
She chattered nonstop—even as they pushed into the bustling crowd of Diagon Alley.
Luna wasn't a loner—she just thought a bit differently—but under Hannah's infectiously enthusiastic energy, she welcomed her as a friend.
Only one tiny issue: whenever Luna tried to explain that Tom wasn't her pet but her friend, and that he was the cat student Hannah kept talking about—
Hannah would interrupt with a fresh wave of excitement and new questions. Luna later said it felt like being swarmed by Wrackspurts.
Luckily, that minor problem was soon forgotten. They had reached their first stop:
Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"Madam Malkin, hello!"
Once inside, Hannah's attention was instantly snatched by the dazzling array of fabrics and robes. She let go of Luna's arm and excitedly called out to the kindly witch behind the counter.
"I want to buy a Hogwarts school uniform!"