A Chance Encounter
The Leaky Cauldron's warm glow spilled onto the cobblestone street, a stark contrast to the grey London evening. Harry Potter emerged, his green eyes scanning the faces of passersby. His thoughts were a jumble of potion ingredients and spells, trying to piece together the puzzle of a recent case at St. Mungo's. His robes swished as he took a deep breath, the scent of rain-soaked bricks mingling with the aroma of roasting meat from a nearby street vendor.
In the midst of the hustle, a man caught Harry's eye. He was tall and lanky, with a lab coat flapping around his legs like a cape, and his hair stood on end as if he'd just stuck his finger in a socket. His eyes darted from one peculiar sight to the next, a mix of fear and fascination playing across his features. Harry's instincts as a healer and a protector kicked in. He approached the man slowly, not wanting to startle him further.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked, his voice calm and steady. The man, Dr. James Wilson, jumped at the sound, spinning around to face him. His eyes widened at the sight of Harry's wand, and for a moment, Harry thought he might bolt. Instead, James's gaze fell on the Hogwarts emblem stitched onto Harry's robes. There was something familiar in the crest's design, something that whispered of knowledge and safety.
"I-I'm lost," James stuttered, clutching his chest as he tried to regain his breath. "I don't... I don't know where I am." His voice was laced with panic, but Harry noticed the underlying current of curiosity. The man was a doctor, after all. He must have seen his fair share of strange things in his time.
"You're in Diagon Alley," Harry said, speaking slowly and clearly. "It's a... special place. I'm Harry Potter, a healer. Can I help you find your way?"
James stared at him, his mind racing. "Diagon Alley? I-I don't understand." But he knew he wasn't in his own world anymore. The sights and sounds were too bizarre, too fantastical. "My patient," he finally managed to say. "I followed him here. He was supposed to be in my hospital."
"Ah, a muggle," Harry murmured, recognizing the confusion in James's eyes. "I see. You've stumbled into the wizarding world. I can help you get back to where you belong." He offered a gentle smile and a hand. "But first, let's get you somewhere safe to talk."
They ducked into an empty alleyway, where the sounds of the magical street market faded to a murmur. Harry cast a disillusionment charm around them, ensuring their conversation would remain private. James's eyes grew round as he watched the shimmering veil fall into place.