Earlier that morning, you and James had set out from the Leaky Cauldron, eager to explore the treasures of Diagon Alley. The sun played hide and seek among the wispy clouds as you strolled arm in arm, sharing childhood memories and teasing each other about old pranks.

"Remember the time Sirius tried to transfigure Snape's robes into a ball gown?" James chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

You grinned, shaking your head. "And the look on Snape's face when he realized what was happening? Priceless."

"Yeah," James agreed, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Good times, huh?"

As you neared Flourish and Blotts, James' excitement surged. "Let's see what new books they've got," he suggested eagerly, pulling you towards the entrance.

Inside, the scent of parchment and ink enveloped you as James made a beeline for the latest releases display. His eyes lit up with delight as he scanned the titles, clearly in his element among the stacks of magical literature.

Meanwhile, the clerk, a rather dour-looking wizard with thin-rimmed glasses perched on the edge of his nose, eyed James with thinly veiled disdain. His disapproving gaze lingered a moment too long before he spoke.

"You're rather excitable for a grown wizard, aren't you?" the clerk remarked snidely, his tone dripping with condescension.

James froze, his hand hovering over a particularly intriguing tome. His jaw clenched imperceptibly, a mixture of frustration and restraint flickering in his hazel eyes. Beside him, you felt the shift in his demeanor, sensing the storm brewing beneath his typically jovial surface.