15 Aug 2025
London, England
Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions

@Harvey Barrows

› There were just a few things strike-through in the shopping list, practically just the books, a cauldron (unbelievable...), phials and scales. So they had quite a few things to purchase left. And the next stop was the weird-looking clothes shop with a ridiculously long name. To be honest, it was hilarious how all those wizarding folk dressed. They dressed like... witches and wizards. Exactly how they, well, they-muggles picture them witches. All the long robes, all the pointy hats. As if it was just a spectacle. But just because the three of them, father, mother and poor Archibald, still did not fully believe it, it didn't mean it did not exist. On the contrary, the scale of the show was just too big to keep considering it fake. The magic was happening right in front of their eyes here and there.

› The second they stepped into the clothes shop, the young lady stepped out of the corner to greet them, instantly taking Archibald around the shoulders and leading to the small pedestal in the centre of the room. She was mumbling something about first year (so, him), and there was no need to speak more. At the same time, an older lady was swooshing his mother and father to the side, telling them some details, which Archibald already did not hear.

"Archibald, we'll be oot... eh... gettin' some ice-cream, as this awfy kind lassie just pointed oot it'll take some time. Dinnae fash yersel', we'll be back soon enough.""Archibald, we'll be out... er... getting some ice-cream, as this very kind lady just pointed out it will take some time. Do not worry, we'll be back soon," said Duncan Learmonth, as he and mother stepped out of the shop and disappeared.

› He gulped instinctively — he was alone, among the weirdest people he had ever seen in his life, doing God knew what, while his parents were somewhere out of his sight looking for some magical ice-cream. Okay.

› It was just at this very thought that he noticed another boy standing on the neighbouring pedestal, apparently for the same reason Archibald was placed there for. He weakly smiled at him, without further interaction, as he watched the rulers setting off the nearby desk and launching at him to orbit, apparently expecting some commands from the shop lady.

@Archibald Learmonth

Harvey sure was in his element. Madam Malkin's had always been a favorite shop of the boy's and he jumped at any excuse to acquire some new clothes. He had grown a couple of inches since his first year fitting. Surely the tailors there could re-fit the robes and suits his grandfather had purchased for him last year, but Harvey had put his foot down. How could he be caught in the same outfits that he had worn last year? An absurd thought if you asked him. He would be showing up September first looking as good as a sack of galleons. His grandfather had grumbled on and on about a sickle saved is a sickle earned. He may not understand Harvey's fashion sense and how it's a symbol of status, but eventually he had conceded.

The young part-goblin stood on one of the pedestals in the center of the room, watching himself in the mirror with arms outstretched as rulers floated about him. A rare smile crept its way onto the boy's face. There was a joy that he had found in shopping, but it was not merely for the sake of liking to spend money. What was once just a means to look good and flaunt his wealth had turned into a serious appreciation for the art of clothing design. The way certain fabrics molded to the body or the way colors could be used to make a statement, it was all beginning to call to him. Harvey was taking mental notes as he watched the employees work. Perhaps the staff at Hogwarts would allow him to repurpose one of the unused rooms for a workspace?

Harvey could have spent the rest of fitting daydreaming away about a life in fashion, but as he looked to his side he would lock eyes with another boy who had just been ushered to the pedestal beside him. This boy would offer a weak smile, one that was not returned. By the expression on his face this other kid seemed completely out of place. Harvey was not one for compassion or empathy, so there wouldn't be any sweet words or expressions of understanding, but he wasn't a complete monster. "First time on Diagon Alley?" He had seen that look of shock and disbelief on other kids before. Those plucked from their lives and thrust into the magical world. Surely there had to be a better way of integration. "Are you Muggle-born?" Harvey didn't speak the word with any contempt, just looking to confirm his suspicion.

@Harvey Barrows

› The look the other boy gave him was not just impartial, it felt utterly superior. Archibald looked over his clothes, and then looked back at his, realising that the boy was definitely from another world. Not just the magical or non-magical, but it was just the feeling that the shirt alone must have been worth a couple of their fishing boats.

› Archibald did not and could not have the understanding of how to converse with such a person. Both because he never talked to one before, and even did not meet one before. He was almost the same as an alien to him. And clearly he knew his place well, based on what he said. Again, that 'muggle' word the bank goblin said to them, whatever it meant. Thank God, he had already found out about the place being called Diagon Alley — the people in that unnoticeable pub were actually friendly to guide them, non-magical folk, through.

› He took a couple of seconds to think when the richer boy asked his question, even though Archibald both heard and understood it pretty well. The boy talked perfect English without any accent, which sounded very funny to Archibald, but he accepted it, as Mother always said that the more you move to the south, the more different people's speech will be.

› "Aye,""Yes," he answered shortly, just giving a quick glance to the boy when he answered, to not look impolite or anything. He quickly realised that the shortness of his answer might have already been impolite enough, so he rushed to add: "Aye, I am, it is the first time I am here." It wasn't quite an intelligent answer, or casual, but Archibald couldn't call himself neither of those.

› The second question he could not answer. As, even if he'd want to force himself into feeling uncomfortable about it, he couldn't. It was some term he just did not know, it was clear. So the only way was to go blunt about it and ask directly: "And as for that one — I'm too new tae all this, I've nae idea what ye've just asked me aboot." "And as for that one — I am too new to all this, I have no idea what you've just asked me about." This time, he turned his head towards the boy, expecting at least a minimal explanation. Otherwise, he would find it very difficult to converse with people, being that ignorant on what they perceive as the regular daily world.

@Archibald Learmonth

Did Harvey have a superiority complex? Muggle doctors would claim that was characterized by an exaggerated belief in one's own ability. A defense mechanism to protect a deeper feeling of inadequacy. Well, Harvey's abilities were novice still, but the confidence he felt in himself was without a doubt. There was no complex involved, just a genuine belief that his wealth and status put him further up the ladder than most. It was now his duty to climb higher and achieve more. Those just entering this world of magic may be gifted with innate talent, but for the most part they always seemed a bit stunted as they tried to adjust.

However, it was no secret that many a muggle-born had gone on to make quite a name for themselves. This boy may look like a lost puppy at the moment, but Harvey had been taught to always look for possible strong connections. As much as he wished to blow this kid off as a lost cause by looks alone it would not serve him well. He would at least spare the other a quick conversation, assuming they could even get past introductions.

Harvey suppressed an eye roll as the boy confirmed it was his first time on Diagon Alley in the thickest Scottish accent possible. Country pride was often reserved for the muggles, but that didn't stop Harvey from being a proud Englishmen. He must have been in a mood as his prejudices were getting the better of him. With roll of his shoulders Harvey would shrug off his irritations and focus on the conversation.

The wizarding world really should adopt some new policies when dealing with muggle-borns. How could this kid be expected to show up to Hogwarts in a couple of weeks when he didn't even understand what he was? Surely they did more than send a professor to your door to hand you your acceptance letter?! Harvey met the other boy's gaze and tried his best to explain accurately. "Muggle is a word we use to describe non-magical people. The gene that makes us witch and wizard was bred out of your bloodline sometime ago, but every once in a while someone like you comes along. The magical gene is usually dominant, but it can be recessive in people like you. It may not show up for many generations and I'm assuming by your lack of knowledge your family doesn't even have any knowledge of your magical ancestors?"

Harvey's explanation was concise, but lacked any heart for the predicament the other boy may find himself in. Empathy wasn't his strong suit, but he would do his best to inform. "When was your first instance of magic? Did your parents not realize what was happening?"

@Harvey Barrows

› Archibald was not of the weakest of heart, or fragile or anything, but the space and atmosphere around that boy could have not been called anything else but intimidation. Archibald might have not known how else to call it, but it didn't mean it wasn't a strong sensation. The boy spoke in very good English, and his tone was more informative rather than intimidating, if one would listen closely to it.

› "Ah, Muggle, aye. That professor that came tae us mentioned it, and then the wee beastie, goblins I suppose, at the bank also mentioned it," "Ah, Muggle, yes. That professor that came to us mentioned it, and then the creature, goblins I suppose, at the bank also mentioned it," Archibald remembered. So, he was born to non-magical folk, and they had a name for it. Why it mattered, he did not know. If he was a wizard, did it matter much whether his parents were? He guessed silently that the whole world might have been different if they would be. That was enough for his short train of thought. It came to a wreck anyway as the boy asked a direct question now. A slight feeling of a casual interrogation appeared in the air, but Archibald shook it off with an internal effort.

› "We thought aboot that, and we talked aboot it wi' my parents — we had a few cases, folk we always thought were awfy strange. But it seems that they might be... wizards, who managed tae hide it right well," "We thought about that, and we talked about it with my parents — we had a few cases, whom we always thought weird. But it seems that they might be... wizards, who managed to hide it very well," Archibald explained to the boy.

› He hoped it was enough on the topic, because he dreaded meeting those relatives before, but now that he was, most probably, one of them, they would visit more often.

› The boy asked further, and Archibald felt like he should talk a bit more, because the boy provided him with a nice bit of information.

› "First instance?" he repeated, "Ah, right, we talked aboot it as well. There were a few things, which we considered a wee bit abnormal, but Father always managed tae explain it somehow," "Ah, right, we talked about it as well. There were a few things, which we considered a little bit abnormal, but Father always managed to explain it one way or another," he started, "The strangest one was when I nearly drowned under the ice, and some queer power pushed me back up from the loch. Back then, we thought it was just some lucky current that did that. Professor explained that maybe no'." "The strangest one was when I almost drowned under the ice, and some weird power pushed me back up from the lake. Back then, we thought it was just some lucky current that did that. Professor explained that maybe not."

› When he thought about it, tried to relive it in details, it was, indeed, some unusual part of his past, which now could be easily explained by his innate magical abilities.

› "I'm Archibald Learmonth," she suddenly said, surprising even himself. He could not provide his hand for the handshake as the rulers were measuring him in a very aggressive way that he was afraid of getting hurt by a random piece of wood.

@Archibald Learmonth

Harvey watched the other boy closely as he explained what a muggle was. He looked for any sign of panic or weakness as this boy was being thrust into a world he had no prior knowledge of. Harvey often felt superior to his peers and usually brushed off those that couldn't hold their ground in a tough situation, but even he could almost empathize with him. Yet as he looked him over it would appear that this boy had the mettle to get through it. Sure, there would be moments of panic and it all must be very overwhelming, but not sign of caving under the pressure. It was rather intriguing.

The slightest flinch of the eyes would be the only betrayal of Harvey's feelings when the other referred to goblins as wee beasties. That word, beast, was saved for the animals of this world and not the very proud beings that had stood toe to toe with witch and wizards for centuries now. Had this boy not just outed himself as a muggle-born this conversation could have collapsed rather quickly. "I'll advise you not to refer to the goblins as beast or creature. They are beings just like you and I." Harvey kept his tone neutral, but firm enough to make his point. He would not divulge that he himself was part-goblin just now. Maybe another time if he were to interact with this boy again as he still had so much to learn about wizarding history.

"Hm, odd that your magical relatives would keep themselves hidden from their muggle family." This would be another lesson for the boy to learn. Was it a split in the family tree? Perhaps a pureblood family that ostracized a squib? Or maybe a son or daughter that ran off with a muggle and hid among the non-magical folks? This boy may think it only a rare chance that he was born a wizard, but there was so much complexity to the magical society that he would have to learn. "You would do well to try and learn your family connections within the magical world. It may help bolster your position here as not all people hold muggle-borns in high regard." Harvey being a half-breed had presented enough troubles, but they were not alone in there struggle with discrimination.

Harvey cocked an eyebrow when the other explained his first instance of magic. Did he apparate through the ice or simply burst through it? What a strong feat of magic either way. He knew very well that any muggle-born was just as capable as any magic born wizard, but still, perhaps that indicated some raw talent. Harvey liked having friends like that within his circle. Gather them around in his silky web. "That's impressive magic for your first time. Would you tell me more about it if you can? Were you in one place under the ice and then the next moment in another?"

"Harvey Barrows." He returned the introduction with a slight bow of his head in place of a proper handshake. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Archibald."

@Harvey Barrows

› Archibald blinked several times at the sudden remark about beasts and beings. It was rather... surprising. If they were not human, it meant there were more like them. He remembered his thoughts when he met them first: if goblins were not a fairy tale, then vampires and werewolves might be not far from reality as well. Despite the sharp tone of the remark, Archibald wouldn't feel he did anything wrong, so he'd keep blinking before answering: "Ah, so, eh, my words sounded sort of racist then, did they?""Ah, so, er, my words sounded sort of racist then, did they?"

› He pondered on it for a few more seconds, and maybe it was worth asking directly, so he did: "And if so, then... Are there werewolves and vampires as well? Because I was wonderin'... Ye ken, these are all fairytale beas-,""And if so, then... Are there werewolves and vampires as well? Because I was wondering... You know, these are all fairytale beas-," he hesitated and proceeded, "beings, I mean tae say.""beings, I mean." Just in case.

› When the conversation stirred further to the family topic, Archibald tried not to make any more eye contact with the boy. It was kind of an uncomfortable topic. "It's no' like that. I mean, it's no' they who were hidin' it. Of course, they werenae sayin' it here and there, and I never saw them perform any magic. But... ye see, my family lives on an isolated island, so it's pretty much just the three of us and a dug. We rarely get visitors.""It's not like that. I mean, it's not they who were hiding it. Of course, they weren't saying it here and there, and I never saw them perform any magic. But... you see, my family lives on an isolated island, so it's pretty much just the three of us and a dog. We rarely get visitors."

› The way he was blabbering was a very unnatural to him. When he stopped, he surprised himself with how many words he managed to say in a single breath. Indeed, the topic was strange and extravagant. He continued to listen to the boy, just nodding here and there, his eyes going a bit wide and sad once he heard not everyone fancied muggle-borns. He kept silence until they reached the point of introduction, and he found out the boy's name was Harvey.

› Harvey requested more information about his first magic, which caused a rapid turn of his head to face him. It was delicate, they rarely talked about that, and now he had to discuss it with a stranger. Mother told him to make connections, she was saying it would help not to go crazy of being alone. He did not mind alone.

› Nevertheless, he did not realise it, as he woke from these thoughts already in the middle of the storytelling: "No, it was mair like I was pushed from below and at the same time pulled from above and oot of the water,""No, it was more like I was pushed from below and at the same time pulled from above and out of the water," he finished. It was pleasant to hear that he performed some impressive magic, even without realising he was doing it. He caught himself on that thought — just several moments ago he was still not believing this world, still suspiciously looking around as if it was all a very good piece of theatrics; and there he was now — pleasantly smiling inside about being a part of that new world.

› "But what did ye mean aboot people no' fancyin' muggle-borns?""But what did you mean about people not fancying muggle-borns?" he suddenly asked, integrating the new word into his speech. It seemed dangers might have shown themselves before he even enters the school grounds.

@Archibald Learmonth

"I wouldn't say that your words are racist, just ignorant. Understandable considering your upbringing." Again, Harvey's tone did not carry any anger. Simply factual, informative. "While it may feel like you're in a fairytale now, you have entered a world that is very real. Werewolves are human ninety nine percent of the time. Vampires were once human and though they are technically undead, they are still classified as beings by the Ministry of Magic. They have thoughts, emotions and possess free will. They are not beasts driven by instinct alone." There was no need to press the topic any further as Archibald seemed to grasp the idea rather quickly. Hopefully a sign that Harvey had met someone worth while.

The conversation flowed in the direction of family. It would seem that the wizarding side of his family hadn't actively avoided Archibald. It was a matter of isolation instead. "Perhaps that will benefit you later in life?" His upbringing sounded lonely, but not too unlike Harvey's. While he grew up in the city surrounded by thousands of witches and wizards, he often was alone with his caretaker. Not too many friends and when they did have company it was a very buttoned up occasion. Not the most conducive environment for meaningful bonding. Isolating in its own way, but the boy was not overly coddled.

Harvey listened closely when Archibald described the first instance of magic in further detail. While at first he thought the boy had apparated it would seem that it was more of a levitation. He would have been stunned if it was the former, but still an impressive feat nonetheless. Life as a wizard mostly came down to how hard you worked to hone your craft, but innate talent was not ruled out entirely. "Perhaps you will have an aptitude for charms then. I'll be interested to see your progress." Yes, Harvey did intend to keep tabs on the boy as he did with all his potential allies.

The half-breed let out a bit of a sigh when Archibald inquired further about being muggle born. "Oh, it's an outdated mentality as I'm sure still exists in your muggle world. Some believe that wizarding families with "pure" backgrounds are superior to others. So, family trees like yours that have muggle bloodline in them or families like mine that have mixed race bloodlines would be considered inferior. It's all nonsense, but there are still some that believe it. Just wait till you meet some of the pureblood students. You will see. It's still there, but not to worry. We outnumber them by quite a lot." Harvey's tone would sound just a touch vindictive with his last statement. He would face his own challenges in this world, but he'd be damned if he was going to let it hold him down.