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Bruce still doesn’t know what to do with his current robes. It has been a month since he was sorted into Hufflepuff and the skirt has become uncomfortable for him. The shoes are a good style, but boots are always better for traveling as well. Sebastian and Natsai notice the boy’s discomfort and decide to help.
“Do you remember Gallywigs’ shop? We can find something for you on our next trip to Hogsmeade. I’m sure Mr. Hill wouldn’t mind helping the troll slayer again” Sebastian suggests.
“What if he doesn’t. I may be a wizard, but my body is still-” Bruce protests, with Sebastain interrupting.
“Then Natty and I will come with you for support. You will find that the wizarding world is more accepting of such things. Sirona is an excellent example of this, in fact let’s invite her to come too” Sebastian interrupts.
“You’re our friend and you’ve been honest with us, even though at first you hid some things” Natsai chuckled. Bruce blushes in embarrassment and Sebastian laughs. It seems there will be a trip to Hogsmeade as soon as Sebastian sends out an owl to Sirona.
The three students enter the Three Broomsticks to see Sirona leave her post from behind the bar. She smiles at the three of them and shakes Bruce’s hand.
“We meet again, though I did not expect to be joining you on your own journey through a transition. Though I did have some good garments myself at school, I do prefer the dresses I have now. Though for you, dresses seem to be too uncomfortable to wear” Sirona smiles.
“Yes, this skirt is rather cumbersome. I only wish I had chosen my robes myself. I did not have the courage to protest at first” Bruce explains. Sirona nods and they all begin to make their way to Gallywigs.
“You have much more courage than I did when I was at Hogwarts. I couldn’t even tell my closest friends when I used to work here as a student. I decided I had enough long after I graduated” Sirona smiles.
“Even the first time Sebastian and I met Sirona, she was a small confusion to us. But now, we have more insight on the wizarding world than ever before with these kinds of possibilities” Natsai assures. Bruce thinks on this as they enter Gallywigs. It seems muggles are more scared of the unknown than he first realized, his parents being a rare exception. However, in the wizarding world, change and new aspects of life are much more accepted. It makes sense in a way, with magic and research being a core element in this world. Mr. Hill sees the four of them enter and smiles.
“Ah, the troll slayer! With Sirona accompanying you, what a treat this is! What can I do for you?” Mr. Hill exclaims as he puts down his cup of tea on the desk. Bruce opens his mouth to speak his request, but only stutters come out. It seems even with the voice he has now, there are some things that he can’t be confident about. Sirona clears her throat and decides to help in this endeavor.
“My friend here would like a new set of attire. He is in a similar situation as I was in when Dorothy and I came here looking for dresses if you remember. Some good travel clothes would be much appreciated as well” Sirona explains. Mr. Hill realizes this and looks at Bruce with a calm look.
“Ah, another transitioning customer. Much younger than usual, but we can work with this. I do happen to have some uniforms in stock even after the school year has started. Choose what suits you and I’ll use a charm to change it to your house colors” Mr. Hill smiles, much more calm than usual. Given the situation, Bruce is grateful for this calm demeanor. Mr. Hill shows Bruce the uniforms with the others following them, excited about how this will turn out.
“These boots will make traveling easier, even with just your uniform. I also have some travel gear in stock if you would like to peruse” Mr. Hill explains as Bruce tries on his new uniform. He decided to choose a uniform that has shorter pants with high stockings and ankle high boots. The boots are much better for traveling the world than his heels ever could. It definitely wouldn’t hurt to get more gear for when he runs into trouble though.
“Yes, more gear would be good along with the uniform. I tend to run into trouble while looking for plants and ingredients” Bruce says, not including how Ranrok is after him. He still doesn’t quite know why, but he needs to be as prepared as possible.
“Yes, mongrels and dungbogs can be quite hard to get potion ingredients from. Why back when I was a student, I always had to have help in that regard” Mr. Hill chuckles. He begins to check his inventory for better gear when Bruce’s three companions see how he is holding up. They see his new uniform and smile.
“Looking good Bruce. I’d say when you meet Anne, she’ll think so too” Sebastian smiles. Bruce blushes and of course Natsai sees through it with a chuckle. It seems his crush on Sebastian isn’t completely hidden after all. This is yet another setting where he is learning the wizarding world is more accepting. He thinks he is really going to enjoy his time here, even with his troubles.
“I dare say, you look more confident in that uniform. The colors of Hufflepuff seem more bright than they were in your last uniform” Sirona smiles. Bruce sees her point as he looks at himself in the mirror. He looks more natural, more like himself.
“Here are some traveling gear in your size. I’d say you will be confident and happy with
the selection I have come up with. I daresay after that troll attack, you will need more than just armor for beasts” Mr. Hill interrupts. Bruce takes the box Mr. Hill presents him with and smiles.
“Thank you for all your help Mr. Hill. How much do I owe you?” Bruce smiles.
“That’ll be 100 galleons. I’m giving you a discount for your transitioning journey as I did with Sirona” Mr. Hill says. Bruce gives him the galleons requested and they are off back to the Three Broomsticks with hearts satisfied.
“I daresay this is cause for a celebration. How about some butterbeer on me for the three of you? I also have some sweets from Honeydukes I bought yesterday” Sirona smiles. The three students agree and begin their celebration in earnest, not having a care in the world for the time being. It seems Bruce’s new home has much to offer for him, more than just exploring the world and learning new things in his classes. He now has friendships that are going to last a lifetime.