"You're truly amazing, dear! I've never seen such a beautiful design," Madam Malkin exclaimed after carefully examining each drawing.
"Oh, it's mostly inspired by Muggle styles," Felix said modestly, shaking his head. "So, can I order a set of these uniforms?"
"Of course! I can't wait to see how the finished product looks," Madam Malkin said, looking somewhat excited. Then, a little embarrassed, she asked Felix, "If... I mean, if you would allow me to make the same style of uniform for others, then for the seven years you're at Hogwarts, I'll custom-make a perfectly fitting uniform for you every year using the best materials. What do you think?"
Madam Malkin looked at Felix expectantly. Felix thought about it and felt it wasn't a bad deal for him, so he readily agreed.
Afterward, they went to Flourish and Blotts to purchase textbooks.
Felix not only bought the complete set of first-year textbooks but also acquired all the Charms and Transfiguration textbooks up to the seventh year. Additionally, the curious Felix bought a copy of Ancient Runes Made Easy and Hogwarts, A History.
"Although you're still young, I'm glad to see someone interested in Ancient Runes," Dumbledore remarked when he saw Felix's choices. "Last term, only two students chose to study Ancient Runes. That's far too few. Professor Babbling will certainly like you."
He added a moment later, "However, Ancient Runes can be a bit challenging. I hope you're prepared."
"I just want to research where magic truly comes from," Felix said, picking up Ancient Runes Made Easy and flipping to the title page. "This book says that modern spells are all simplified ancient runes, and the creation of magical items is also related to ancient runes. I believe that by studying ancient runes, I can find out where the power of magic originates."
"I must say, you're definitely a candidate for Ravenclaw in the future," Dumbledore said, his gaze somewhat gratified.
After inquiring about the meaning of the various houses, Felix commented, "A wizard's power comes from the knowledge of magic, so only wizards who pursue knowledge can be considered true wizards. In this regard, Ravenclaw indeed aligns with my inclinations."
After paying, Felix was faced with a large pile of thick books. His small schoolbag (relative to the books) couldn't possibly hold so many. At a loss, Felix looked to Dumbledore for help.
"You can use a Shrinking Charm to reduce the size of these books and then fit them into your bag," Dumbledore said, taking out his wand and tapping the pile of books lightly.
"Reducio!"
The books immediately shrank several sizes until each one was about the size of a fingernail. Himari, in the schoolbag, saw this and curiously approached, examining the miniature books.
"If you want them to return to their original size, the incantation is Engorgio," he added.
Felix, intrigued, took out his new wand, mimicked Dumbledore's posture, tapped one of the tiny books, and uttered the incantation.
"Engorgio!"
The fingernail-sized book swelled rapidly, returning to its original size. Himari, caught off guard, was tapped on the nose by the enlarging book and let out a "Meeeow!" as she retreated back into the bag in fright.
Felix gently stroked her head. "Careful, little one."
Then, he tried casting the other spell on the book.
"Reducio!"
Instantly, the book shrank back to the size of a fingernail.
Dumbledore watched from the side, clicking his tongue in amazement. Felix had only seen him cast the Shrinking Charm once and was able to learn it immediately, succeeding perfectly on his first try. Not only that, but he could also extrapolate and successfully cast the Enlarging Charm by following the example. Such talent and learning ability were simply unprecedented.
"Even though you've heard it several times today, I must say it again: you are truly a genius," he remarked.
Felix put all the shrunken books into his schoolbag, admonishing Himari not to damage them, and then followed Dumbledore to purchase other items.
At the apothecary, he bought a pewter cauldron that was collapsible and self-stirring, a set of glass and crystal phials, a telescope, and a set of brass scales. At the Magical Menagerie, he declined to buy an owl, intending to try and summon an animal for sending letters himself. However, he did buy some expensive cat food for Himari.
He reasoned that wizarding cat food might be more suitable for a cat demon (yokai) than Muggle cat food, hoping it would help Himari grow faster, or at least awaken her inherent demonic powers sooner.
This series of expenditures left his once bulging money pouch quite empty. This also strengthened his resolve to use his foreknowledge and magical abilities to make a fortune in the Muggle world the following summer. Failing to buy the very best cauldron and experimental equipment made him feel as though he had let down his status as a transmigrator.
At Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, Dumbledore treated Felix to an ice cream. He himself bought a serving of Cockroach Clusters, which made Felix feel quite nauseous.
Finally, Dumbledore Apparated Felix back to the vicinity of the orphanage. Before leaving, Dumbledore said to him, "Mr. Chance, you are a true genius and a kind-hearted good boy. I hope you will use the power of magic wisely. Remember, it is our choices, far more than our abilities, that show what we truly are."
With that, he gave a playful wink and vanished from Felix's sight.