Chapter Text
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He had always known he was different. No matter how much he tried to fit in with his classmates, it always seemed something was missing. Not that you could tell from his behaviour. Even as a small child he somehow knew mentioning this feeling to anyone wouldn't be in his best interest. So when a man wearing a robe and cloak and shining long hair knocked on the door of his room at the orphanage and told him he was a wizard, it wasn't too surprising to little eleven-year-old Felix.
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''Wow! I need lots of stuff before I start at Hogwarts!'', Felix exclaimed looking at the extensive supplies list with big eyes. The more his eyes drifted down the list, the more he doubted he would fit in at the school of magic, he couldn't possibly afford all of this.
As if reading his mind, the man, now identified as Kim Seok-Jin crouched down to his height, gently touched Felix's shoulder and directed those big sparkling boba eyes to him.
''Hey there little one, don't you worry, Hogwarts has a fund set up to accommodate the purchase of supplies for children like you who wouldn't be able to afford to attend otherwise'', he gently said erasing any doubt from Felix's face. He smiled seeing little Felix's expression lighten up, and looked back down at the list.
''I can really buy all of this? Where will we start? Will I really get my own wand? Are potions real?'', Felix asked excitedly all at once to Seok-Jin.
His high-pitched laugh resonated through Diagon Alley.
''Yes to all, my dear, why don't we start at the top and work our way down'', he said.
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Felix gasped as they entered a funny-looking shop called Flourish and Blotts. The walls were covered with seemingly unendingly high bookcases, with books upon books. Around the rest of the shop, stacks of books could be found, barely holding their balance but not toppling over.
The small (almost) first-year's eyes were sparkling as he twirled around, taking in the sights. He could not believe there were so many books about topics he had never even heard about. In his free time, Felix could always be found with a book in his hands, always looking to escape the reality of the dreary grey walls and mouldy ceilings of the orphanage. Although there rarely seemed to be enough funding for maintenance, the small library always seemed in better shape than the rest of the building.
He wouldn't realise until he was older that it was because of his accidental magic that his special place of stories always appeared to be shimmering in cleanliness.
''Why don't I grab the books on the list for you while you pick out two more you would like in addition?'', Seok-Jin offers, knowing the selection of books from the top of his head at this point.
''Can I really? Reading is one of my favourite things to do!'', Felix gasps, spotting a book with a mystical creature on the cover from the corner of his eye. Zigzagging between all the towering stacks randomly placed, barely managing to avoid tipping any of them.
Just as little Felix reached out to grab the book from its resting place, the creature moved. ''Ah!'', he yelps.
Looking up at the exclamation, Seok-Jin snickers. ''Ah yes, apologies little one. In the world of magic, it is quite common for books and paintings to have a bit of a life of their own. They tend to move around as they please, so no need to be startled'', the tall wizard assures. Felix looks dubious at that proclamation but manages to gather some courage and picks up the book. He curiously traces the creature with his small pointer finger as if petting the creature on his head. It looks like an eagle but the legs of a horse. The creature moves his head into his finger as if enjoying the sensation. Endeared, Felix smiled and felt like this one was going to be one of his favourites. Looking around, he notices Seok-Jin is already nearing the counter to pay, making up his mind he quickly moves to find his last book of this visit. Walking around the edge of the shop near the back he finds a large brown leather-bound book with golden lettering in symbols he can't understand but feels like he should take it with him. It seems as if it should be far too heavy for the tiny first year to lift, but the book allows itself to be lifted easily as Felix crouches and wraps his hands around it.
''Little one? Where are you hiding dear? Did you find your books of choice?'', Felix hears faintly from the front of the shop. Jumping up he scuttles back to Seok-Jin's side.
Showing his finds, Seok-Jin lets out an approving sound and takes the bookworm's books out of his hands.
''Phew, this one is quite heavy, you're a lot stronger than you look little one'', the full-fledged wizard says, winking at Felix.
Blushing cutely, Felix looks down shyly, startling slightly as he feels a hand ruffling his hair. Peeking up from beneath his bangs he sees the tall wizard smiling at him.
''Are you ready to move to the next shop little one? I promise you will like the other ones just as much!'', he says. Perking up, Felix enthusiastically nods his head and speedwalks to the door hearing the footsteps of his companion close behind him. Looking left and right he wonders where they should go next.
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