Chapter 277: Knockturn Alley (3k)

Things seemed different from what he had imagined.

Snape cast a deep glance at Quirrell, then left Diagon Alley in silence.

Words can be embellished and concealed; believing any one side’s account is no different from being a fool.

The Dark Lord’s former followers were either imprisoned or in hiding; now, those who actually mattered were often foolish, accidental individuals.

And Quirrell… He … only fools would believe him.

Xiang Xien also left Diagon Alley; Professor Taila slightly raised her hand, and a book carried by Abigail flew into Xiang Xien’s hands.

The title was simple and clear: “Simple Entry to Empty Symbols.”

“I must remind you, child, caution is the only law witches and wizards of Wagadu learn beyond the Veil.”

Professor Taila said slowly.

“I’ve remembered, Professor.”

Xiang Xien nodded; as he turned his head, he saw Professor Quirrell staring blankly at a spot.

Since Voldemort’s fall, Death Eaters had become the most despised figures among wizards; bearing such a Shenfen …

Quirrell noticed the horizon had begun to turn yellowish.

At the dying moments of sunset over Diagon Alley, rats scurried through the dark sewers in the distance.

Quirrell felt lost and unsupported, the boy who had once been looked down upon, desperate to prove himself a wizard, was still now an abhorrent existence.

Because of one regrettable choice, he had gone down the wrong path entirely. The surging crowd before him now resembled an endless ocean at dusk, and he was adrift at sea—unfamiliar with the route, far from shore.

“Professor, stop dwelling on the past.”

Xiang Xien’s voice emerged from the crowd; when Quirrell turned, the Fairy Shop was already empty.

…

Although Xiang Xien very much wanted to immediately test the function of the Empty Symbol, he had to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow to purchase “Lochhart” books, so he temporarily shelved the plan and instead summarized the Empty Symbol’s abilities.

【Empty Symbol: Can Making Guide a wizard into the world beyond the Veil of Death.】

This world can help wizards master soul transfiguration; it is highly likely that more than one type of animal transfiguration exists, and wizards with advanced soul transfiguration can master nearly all forms of transfiguration.

Further speculation: The world beyond the Veil of Death may possess limited precognitive abilities and the capacity to pull out “wandering” souls.】

These abilities seem absurd yet have traces within the Wizarding World. Precognitives—such as Trelawney’s ancestors and Trelawney herself—could glimpse the future through dreams, tarot cards, or crystal balls.

This brings up the role of dreams in prophecy; even Harry had dreamed of Nagini attacking Mr. Weasley, suggesting a special connection between prophecy and dreams.

As for the ability to pull out “wandering” souls, Xiang Xien thought of a Deathly Hallow—the Resurrection Stone.

It could summon souls, but such souls were sorrowful and cold, as if separated by a veil.

Amid these reflections and consolidations, Hogwarts Castle had fallen into slumber.

The cold wind howled from the high towers, bringing chill even in summer nights; amid the sound of wind slapping against windows, the shopping day arrived.

In Diagon Alley, Xiang Xien browsed the dazzling shop windows. A young wizard stared longingly at the full set of Chudley Cannons uniforms displayed in the Quidditch Premium store window, but Xiang Xien glanced once and walked straight into the next shop to buy ink and parchment.

He met Hermione there.

“Xiang Xien!”

Hermione looked delighted; they hadn’t seen each other in a month.

For young wizards, this time felt as long as a year.

“Long time no see, Hermione.”

Xiang Xien replied.

Hermione rushed over, her bushy brown hair flying behind her.

“Have you seen the book list? We need to buy Gilderoy Lockhart’s books!”

Hermione said,

“The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher must be his admirer,

but his books are terribly expensive… maybe they’re worth it.”

As they talked, the shop bell rang; it was Justin, smiling warmly.

“Long time no see, Xiang Xien, Hermione.”

After gathering, they waited for the time to meet at Gringotts’ entrance—not only because it was the most visible spot, but also to withdraw some gold Galleons.

At that moment, Ron rushed over, not even greeting the two beside Xiang Xien, but directly asking Xiang Xien:

“Xiang Xien, have you seen Harry? He mispronounced Diagon Alley’s name and got separated from us!”

“Separated?”

Hermione frowned; she was used to Harry and Ron being unreliable, but she hadn’t expected this level of incompetence… after all, Diagon Alley was right next to Knockturn Alley.

“I hope he only missed a fireplace…”

Ron looked extremely anxious.

“A fireplace?”

Xiang Xien had never heard this term before.

“Oh! Of course—even if you mispronounce the name, the Floo Network will connect you to the nearest location—”

Ron quickly explained, but then his face fell.

“The only place near here with a fireplace is Knockturn Alley…”

His expression now showed both fear and excitement, as if Xiang Xien would give the order and they’d all rush into Knockturn Alley to find Harry.

Although Xiang Xien had never heard this term before, it made sense—mispronouncing slightly wouldn’t send a wizard from one end of the ocean to the other.

“Don’t worry, I’ll go check.”

Finally, Xiang Xien replied.

In fact, Harry should be rescued by Hagrid, but since he now knew, Xiang Xien decided to go see for himself.

His Disillusionment Charm had reached the [Expert] level; it would be hard for any wizard to detect him.

Still, it was best not to be discovered… after all, in a place where magic could be used recklessly… it was somewhat dangerous…

Xiang Xien left amid a sea of watchful eyes; though the Hope Hut group wanted to follow, since Xiang Xien hadn’t invited them, they wouldn’t rush after him.

Xiang Xien entered a narrow alley, before him a filthy lane lined with shops selling Dark Arts items.

He saw a shop nearby labeled Borgin and Burkes—apparently the largest—while across the street, a grim display showed shrunken human heads.

Two doors down, a large cage was crawling with massive black spiders; in a dark doorway, two ragged wizards whispered about something.

Xiang Xien naturally found Harry—the object of their hushed conversation.

At that moment, an old witch approached Harry with malicious intent, holding a tray of objects resembling whole human fingernails, her teeth covered in moss:

“Lost your way, dear?”

The witch said, repulsive and unsettling.

Harry was already terrified when suddenly a hand yanked him backward; a tall figure emerged as if shedding an Invisibility Cloak.

The moment he appeared, two stone statues nearby came to life and surrounded the witch.

“I don’t think he is.”

Xiang Xien held his wand; the witch was now stuttering.

“O-oh, yes, dear.”

Harry stared blankly at Xiang Xien; the young wizard grabbed his arm and hurriedly pulled him away.

“Come on, Harry, are you planning to sleep here?”

Seeing Harry frozen with fear, Xiang Xien eased the tension slightly.

“Oh—”

Harry blushed and quickly followed Xiang Xien.

Along the way, unfriendly wizards watched them—until Xiang Xien cast a silent Sectumsempra, splitting a rat in the hand of a Dark wizard, which frightened the others into silence.

Xiang Xien said nothing, but Harry remained on edge, thinking Xiang Xien was angry—after all, Xiang Xien was even making jokes.

In truth—Xiang Xien was reflecting on himself: when faced with danger, his Dark Magic had surfaced without conscious thought.

This was not good news, because it proved that a wizard’s instincts reacted under stress—resistance and harm came naturally, and Dark Magic moved almost instinctively.

If he couldn’t even control ordinary Dark Magic, how could he possibly master the Unforgivable Curses?

Controlling magic is simple; controlling a wizard’s instincts is extremely difficult.

Even Harry, in his hatred, had used Crucio on Bellatrix…

Xiang Xien reminded himself: he must maintain the utmost caution toward Dark Magic—this is the attitude every wizard must hold when facing the mysterious, profound, and boundless nature of magic.

More than one professor had told him this.

On the way, they met Hagrid; Hagrid seemed to have witnessed what had just happened—he gave Xiang Xien a thumbs-up, then shouted loudly:

“Don’t wander around Knockturn Alley, Harry—even with Xiang Xien here. You don’t understand—it’s not a good place. Come on, hurry, don’t let anyone see you here—”

“What about you?”

Harry, now safe, still seemed a bit dazed.

“Oh, oh, I’m looking for a potion to get rid of flesh-eating slugs,” Hagrid grunted. “They’re destroying all the school cabbages.”

“How can flesh-eating slugs eat cabbages?”

Harry whispered.

Hagrid shoved him straight out of Knockturn Alley.

In contrast, Hagrid was more open with Xiang Xien; he whispered carefully:

“Shh—Xiang Xien, you know what I’m here to buy—”

Xiang Xien nodded to Hagrid; Hagrid sometimes came to buy food for magical creatures.

Outside Knockturn Alley, sunlight instantly flooded the street.

Harry said carefully:

“Sorry, En, I’ve gotten into trouble again.”

“It’s fine, Harry.”

As En spoke, Ron and the others were hurrying toward them from the crowded street, their faces lit with relief.

“Harry! Thank goodness you’re safe! Where did you go? Was it Knockturn Alley?”

Ron said.

“Yes.”

Harry replied.

“That’s amazing!”

Fred and George, appearing out of nowhere, shouted together.

As they appeared, Harry, his eyes slightly red, saw Mrs. Weasley rushing toward them, flanked by the entire Weasley family.

This is a leave request—urgent family matters in Lu’s household, had to return home in the middle of the night.

Therefore, requesting half a day off. Five chapters will be updated gradually from afternoon to evening.

Lu has already owed ten chapters; deeply sorry^. More updates will follow soon.