Chapter 16: Dumbledore Must Have His Reasons for Acting This Way!

On the way to the Wizarding Bank—Gringotts, Tom was already overwhelmed by the sights...

Most of the shops lining the street sold goods the two had never seen before.

There were shops selling owls, stores offering all sorts of strange potion ingredients, places selling cauldrons, and vendors with flying brooms...

What surprised Tom even more was that there was an ice cream shop here!

As the two passed a store called Mr. Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, Levit suddenly stopped in his tracks.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t we going to the wizarding bank to exchange money?” Tom asked, puzzled.

In fact, he was eager to explore these shops properly, so exchanging money first was crucial.

“We need to buy two decent sets of clothes,” Levit said.

“Of course, but shouldn’t we exchange money first?” Tom frowned.

He couldn’t understand why Levit was stating the obvious.

“When we asked where the bank was earlier, the gentleman told us that the wizarding bank is called Gringotts and is run by goblins, right?”

“That’s right.”

“He also said that goblins are very greedy creatures, correct?”

“Yes.”

“So, what do you think will happen if we come to Gringotts dressed like this, trying to exchange gold?” Levit asked.

Tom looked down at his clothes—they were clean but old, with several patched areas...

Then he understood the key issue.

“You mean... if the goblins see us looking like this, not like wealthy people, they’ll suspect our gold is ill-gotten and take the chance to lowball us?”

Levit nodded. “Exactly, Tom. You know this gold wasn’t easy to come by. I don’t want those greedy goblins to get the better of us.”

Not easy indeed—after all, barely escaping a beastly Nagini had nearly cost him his life.

“You make a good point.” Tom’s face turned serious. “Let’s go get some clothes. I just hope our money will be enough... After all, Dumbledore gave each of us twenty Galleons...”

Levit smiled. “Don’t worry, leave it to me. I guarantee I can get us two sets of good clothes.”

Tom glanced at Levit suspiciously. “You’re not planning to steal them, are you?”

“Do I look like someone who’d resort to robbery at the drop of a hat?”

Tom rolled his eyes and led the way into the shop.

*Ding-a-ling!*

As the door opened, the bell on it jingled.

“Welcome, two lovely young gentlemen. Are you here to buy your school robes for Hogwarts?” a tall man smiled at them.

He wore gold-rimmed glasses, had a small mustache, and was dressed in a resplendent tailcoat, as if he’d just stepped out of a grand ball.

“In fact, we want to buy two sets of good clothes first. Then we’ll come back later for the school robes,” Tom said.

“Oh...” The man surveyed their attire. “You definitely should change your clothes. Your current outfits don’t match your appearance at all! Come, leave it to me!”

“Well... I should mention we don’t have much money right now...” Tom said hesitantly.

After all, they couldn’t just flash gold bars around—it would be too conspicuous given their shabby clothes.

“I understand, young man. No need to say more; I know my limits. I’ve been doing business in Diagon Alley for many years. I’ve seen many children in your situation. The clothes I recommend will be perfectly priced!”

The man promptly grabbed Tom and several measuring tapes flew over, automatically taking his measurements to Tom’s amazement.

“You’re Mr. Malkin, right?” Levit asked suddenly.

“Yes, young man. My sign’s right outside,” Mr. Malkin replied warmly.

“Well... sir, may I try on this set of clothes?” Levit politely inquired, standing before a rather expensive-looking outfit.

Mr. Malkin stroked his mustache. “These clothes aren’t cheap, young man.”

“Can I rent them? I’d like to rent for two hours. The rent is negotiable. Also, here’s a deposit,” Levit said, producing a small gold bar.

Tom’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Levit like he’d gone mad.

If he could just take out a gold bar so casually, he could have sorted everything himself! Why did he need Levit?

Mr. Malkin carefully examined the gold bar, then looked at Levit in surprise. “This... this is real gold! I thought you were joking! But... the value of this gold bar far exceeds these clothes. Are you really trusting me just like that? What if I—”

“Since Mr. Malkin has been doing business in Diagon Alley for so many years, his reputation is beyond question. Besides... we’re actually working on Professor Dumbledore’s behalf. Otherwise, where would we get the gold?” Levit said calmly.

Mr. Malkin suddenly realized. “Ah! So this is a task from Professor Dumbledore! I see! Haha, another one of those peculiar little tests, huh?”

“I’ve heard he likes to give his students all kinds of strange little tests. Guess it’s true!”

“Well, if you’re doing it for Professor Dumbledore, forget the deposit. Take your gold back; I’ll pick out two well-fitting outfits for you right now!”

Hearing Dumbledore’s name, all lingering doubts in Mr. Malkin’s mind vanished, as did any questions about the gold’s origin.

The famous Dumbledore wouldn’t be short of a few gold coins, would he? As for what kind of test or mission this was... that was none of Mr. Malkin’s concern.

If Dumbledore was doing this, there had to be a good reason!

Once both were dressed in their expensive new clothes and stepped out of the shop, Tom was still a little dazed.

Levit suddenly smiled. “Tom, have you noticed something?”

“What?”

“Whenever it’s something related to Professor Dumbledore, no matter how strange or odd, people always seem to accept it quickly.”

Tom sighed. “Maybe it’s because he usually acts a bit eccentric? But he doesn’t seem that way. Besides, could an eccentric person even be a professor?”

Thinking back to their first meeting with Dumbledore and his extravagant attire, Tom suddenly felt it made sense.

“Alright, I just hope Dumbledore doesn’t find out you’re using his name to do this...” Tom said anxiously.

He could still vividly recall the scene of Dumbledore setting fire to his wardrobe! He was afraid that if they got caught, Levit would drag him down with him...

“No, no, Tom, you’re wrong,” Levit said, wagging his index finger.

He pointed at himself, then at Tom. “It’s both of us using his name... after all, you’re wearing the clothes too.”

Levit deliberately emphasized “both.”

A vein bulged on Tom’s forehead. “You... bastard!”

Unintentionally, he’d been dragged into the same boat again!

“Tom, your vocabulary for insults is a bit limited. If you want, I can teach you some...”

“Get lost!”