Damon could not believe that he, the grand Fire Demon, who had just been chosen by a powerful yew wand three minutes ago, was now headed to a second-hand shop to rummage for his school books and robes.
In this damned capitalist world, even a demon wizard had to bow to poverty.
The junk shop was located on the south side of Diagon Alley, right next to a second-hand robe shop.
As they neared the area, it became painfully obvious that the clothing of the passing wizards was growing increasingly shabby.
“Oh, my goodness, you’re Headmaster Dumbledore, aren’t you?” A young witch came running frantically from Flourish and Blotts in the distance.
She had bushy brown hair and rather large front teeth, and she was currently staring at Dumbledore with a nervous, starstruck expression.
“Hello, young lady.
I am indeed Dumbledore,” Dumbledore said with a warm smile.
“Oh, please forgive my intrusion!
I’m just so excited.
I’ve read all about your achievements in *Hogwarts: A History* and *Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century*.
In fact, there are so many other books that mention you, like *A History of Modern Magic*…
I really didn’t expect to see you here…” The young witch’s cheeks were flushed as she babbled rapidly.
After rattling all that out in a single breath, she finally caught herself.
“I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce myself.
My name is Hermione, Hermione Granger.
I’m a first-year Hogwarts student starting this year.” Damon raised an eyebrow slightly.
Although his memory of the original story was somewhat hazy, he still remembered this famous Miss Know-it-all, one of the main trio and the heroine.
“Miss Granger, one can tell at a glance that you are a very studious young witch.
I do hope you will be sorted into Gryffindor, to bring a different atmosphere to the little lions there,” Dumbledore said.
“Of course!” Hermione looked even happier.
“I’ve heard Gryffindor is the best house, although as far as I know, Ravenclaw doesn’t seem bad either.” “Hello, I don’t know your name yet.
Are you also a new Hogwarts student this year?” Hermione’s gaze turned to Damon.
In fact, she had noticed this handsome boy long ago.
“Damon Ignis,” Damon said, his tone rather flat.
It couldn’t be helped.
As a villain, his aura was naturally at odds with the protagonists.
Seeing Hermione made him think of another young girl—Jade, who had once caused him quite a bit of trouble.
She was just as smart and brave.
But Hermione did not seem to mind his coldness.
Or rather, the young witch simply lacked situational awareness.
“Are you from a wizarding family?” Hermione asked curiously.
“No.” “What a coincidence!” Hermione said cheerfully.
“My parents are both Muggles—oh, that means non-wizards.
Are you buying your school supplies?
I think I can help.
Actually, I already bought mine a few days ago.
I’m just here to buy some extra books today.” Hermione seemed extremely enthusiastic, but Damon knew she had ulterior motives; her real focus was Dumbledore.
“I don’t think that’s necessary…” Just as Damon was about to refuse, Dumbledore smiled and spoke: “Miss Granger, it would be wonderful if you would like to join us.
After all, I’m an old man over a hundred years old, and neither my physical strength nor my memory can keep up.” Damon glanced sideways at Dumbledore—he seriously suspected the old man’s intentions.
“That’s great, let’s go!
I see you haven’t bought your books yet, I’ll accompany you to buy books first.” Hermione smiled and walked towards Flourish and Blotts.
“You’re going the wrong way,” Damon said helplessly.
“But Flourish and Blotts is this way, I’ve been there before,” Hermione turned around, slightly annoyed.
“I’m an orphan.
I can’t afford the books at Flourish and Blotts.
We’re going to the second-hand shop over there,” Damon said with feigned indifference.
“Oh!” Hermione’s face flushed instantly.
“I mean…
I didn’t know you…
I’m sorry…” Thinking about how she had rashly asked about his family earlier, the young witch felt even more guilty.
“It doesn’t matter,” Damon said calmly, though the corner of his mouth curved up slightly.
What a soft-hearted, easily fooled little witch!
Dumbledore watched the two youngsters, a gentle smile spreading in his eyes.
Sometimes friendship was built just like this.
He had to admit, it was good to be young.
“It’s getting late, we should go buy our things,” Dumbledore said.
So, one adult and two children walked into the junk shop.
The shop was packed with battered wands, lopsided brass scales, potion-stained second-hand cloaks, and all sorts of dusty, worn-out books.
“There is so much stuff here, but most of it is too worn out.
Let me help you pick.” Hermione took the lead without hesitation, stepping into the stacks of books.
She flipped through the old, worn-out volumes one by one, muttering: “First, *The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1*…
This one is too torn, this one has too much writing in it.
Really, these people don’t care about books at all…
Then *A Beginner’s Guide to Transfiguration* and *Magical Drafts and Potions*…” She truly lived up to her future title of Miss Know-it-all.
In a short while, Hermione had gathered all the first-year textbooks.
Aside from looking a bit worn, they were in decent condition.
“Miss Granger, you’ve been a huge help,” Dumbledore did not spare his praise.
“It’s nothing,” Hermione puffed out her chest.
“I’ve already read most of these books, and I can basically remember the content.” Hermione was casually showing off her super-brain.
Damon had to admit—this eleven-year-old witch was indeed a genius.
After all, “knowledge is power” was not just an empty phrase in the wizarding world.
The more powerful a wizard was, the more knowledgeable they needed to be.
And Hermione already possessed the basic requirements to become a powerful witch: a thirst for knowledge and an incredible memory.
“Next are some essential school supplies.” Hermione eagerly set out to find them, as if she were shopping for herself.
With Hermione’s help, they bought all the necessary supplies in just over ten minutes.
Not only were these items several times cheaper than brand-new ones, but their quality was also surprisingly good.
Even though Damon believed he and the righteous protagonists were not cut from the same cloth, he still had to accept Hermione’s favor and said, “Thank you.” Having bought all their supplies, the three walked out of the junk shop.
At this point, Hermione hesitated several times, as if wanting to say something, but finally only urged Damon: “Wait for me here.
You must wait for me.” With that, she hurriedly ran off.
“Based on my experience as someone who has been through it, she’s definitely gone to prepare a gift for you,” Dumbledore smiled at Damon.
“As a gentleman, I think you should also show some appreciation.
After all, Miss Granger helped you a lot, didn’t she?” “Do you have any recommendations?” Damon raised his eyelids slightly.
“Actually, I’ve already bought it.” Dumbledore was well-prepared.
He flipped his hand to reveal a small box containing a Quick-Quotes Quill.
“You really are…” Just as the two were waiting for Hermione to return, Damon’s eyelids twitched.
At this moment, he sensed the aura of a Talisman.
It was very close, and it was getting closer and closer.
Damon followed his perception and looked, his gaze falling on a little witch jogging towards them.
Her long brown hair was blown high by the wind, a smile on her flushed cheeks, holding a small white animal tightly in her arms.
“Here…
this is a small pet for you…
I wanted to apologize for my rudeness earlier.” Hermione handed the small animal in her arms to Damon, panting heavily.
“It’s a transfiguring rabbit.
Usually, it’s just a rabbit, but it can also turn into a top hat.
I hope you like it.” Her eyes were bright and hopeful.
“I do indeed…
like it very much.” Damon carefully took the little rabbit.
In a split second when no one noticed, a Talisman pattern emerged in the transfiguring rabbit’s eyes.
“Actually, I’ve prepared a gift for you too.
A Quick-Quotes Quill, perfect for a smart, studious young witch.” Damon also handed over his gift.
“Thank you!” Hermione took the box, her smile brilliant.
The moment Hermione took the gift, a faint wisp of Fire Demon Qi was quietly passed over by him.
This tiny bit of Demon Qi wouldn’t allow her to control fire, but it would protect her from being harmed by flames.
After all, she had just helped him find a Talisman.
The great Shendu decided to be generous.
How could a mere Quick-Quotes Quill possibly match his noble status?