Chapter 464: Knockturn Alley (3k)

Things seemed different from what he had imagined.

Professor Professor Sineipu cast a deep glance at Professor Professor Qiluo and left Diagon Alley in silence.

Words can be glossed over and concealed; believing anyone's one-sided account is no different from being a fool.

The Dark Lord's former minions were either imprisoned or hiding; now, it is often the foolish and the accidentally present who play a role.

And Professor Professor Qiluo... heh... only a fool would trust him lightly.

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

Written on it in simple, easy-to-understand terms was: "Jianyiru Sect's Introductory Guide to Empty Runes."

"I must remind you, child: caution is the only rule the wizards of Uagadou have learned in the world behind the Veil."

Professor Professor Taila said slowly.

"I have remembered it, Professor."

Xiang Xiang Xien nodded. As he turned aside, he saw Professor Professor Qiluo staring blankly at a certain place.

Since Voldemort fell from power, Death Eaters have become the most despised objects among wizards. Bearing such an identity...

Professor Professor Qiluo noticed that the horizon had already grown somewhat dim and yellow.

In the lingering moments of Diagon Alley's sunset, a mouse ran through the dark sewers in the distance.

Professor Professor Qiluo felt a sense of vastness and utter reliance on nothing. The wizard who had been looked down upon in his youth, who longed to prove himself, remained to this day an existence that made people feel sick.

Because of one choice he would regret for the rest of his life, he went from one mistake to the next. At this moment, the surging crowd was like an endless ocean at dusk, and he was setting sail, the road unfamiliar and far.

"Professor, do not dwell on the past any longer."

Xiang Xiang Xien's voice surged out from the crowd. When Professor Professor Qiluo turned around, the Fairy Tale Shop was already empty.

Although Xiang Xiang Xien very much wanted to test the function of the Empty Rune immediately, he had to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow to purchase "Lockhart" books, so he temporarily shelved this plan and instead summarized the functions of the Empty Rune.

【Empty Rune: Can guide a wizard into the world behind the Death Veil.

This world can help wizards master their own soul transformations; it is highly likely that more than one type of animal transformation exists, and wizards with profound mastery of soul transformation can master almost all transformations.

The following are guesses: The world behind the Death Veil can possess a certain degree of precognitive ability and the ability to pull out "wandering" souls.】

These abilities seem outrageous yet have traces within the Wizarding World. Seers, namely Trelawney's ancestors and Trelawney herself, could foresee the future through dreams, tarot cards, or crystal balls.

This brings up the role of dreams in prophecies; even Harry had dreamed of Nagini attacking Mr. Wei Silai. These facts seem to indicate that prophecies and dreams indeed share a certain special relationship.

As for the ability to pull out "wandering" souls, this made Xiang Xiang Xien think of a Deathly Hallow—the Resurrection Stone.

It can pull out souls, but such souls are sorrowful and cold; between them, it seems there is a layer of Veil.

Amidst such contemplation and organization, Hogwarts Castle had already fallen into sleep.

The cold wind howled atop the Gao Ta, bringing waves of chill even on summer nights. Amidst the sound of the cold wind beating against the windows, the shopping day arrived.

In Diagon Alley, Xiang Xiang Xien browsed the dazzling array of shop windows. A young wizard gazed reluctantly at the full set of Chudley Cannons uniforms displayed in the window of Quidditch Masterpieces, while Xiang Xiang Xien glanced over and went without hesitation to the next shop to buy ink and parchment.

He met Hermione here.

"Xiang Xiang Xien!"

Hermione appeared very surprised; they had not seen each other for a month.

For a young wizard, this period felt as long as a year.

"Long time no see, Hermione."

Xiang Xiang Xien replied.

Hermione ran over quickly, her bushy brown hair flying behind her.

"Did you see 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 truly expensive... perhaps they are worth the price."

While the two were talking, the doorbell rang; it was Jia Siting, wearing a gentle smile on his face.

"Long time no see, Xiang Xiang Xien, Hermione."

After the group gathered, they waited for time to pass before meeting at the entrance of Gulingge, not only because it was the most conspicuous place but also to withdraw some Jin Jialong.

At this moment, Luo En ran over in a hurry. He did not even greet the two people beside Xiang Xiang Xien but asked Xiang Xiang Xien directly:

"Xiang Xiang Xien, have you seen Harry? He mispronounced the name of Diagon Alley and got separated from us!"

"Separated?"

Hermione frowned. She was already used to Harry and Luo En being unreliable, but she still did not expect them to be this unreliable... After all, Diagon Alley is right next to Knockturn Alley.

"I hope he only missed one Lu Sect..."

Luo En appeared very nervous.

"One Lu Sect?"

This was the first time Xiang Xiang Xien had heard this expression.

"Oh! Of course, even if you mispronounce the name, the Floo Powder network will connect you to the nearest location—"

Luo En explained quickly, but he soon made a crying face again.

"The only place near here with a Lu Sect is Knockturn Alley..."

At this moment, a look of both fear and excitement appeared on his face, as if at Xiang Xiang Xien's single command, everyone would rush into Knockturn Alley to retrieve Harry.

Although this was the first time Xiang Xiang Xien had heard this expression, thinking about it made sense; one only mispronounced it slightly, and a wizard could hardly be transported from one end of the ocean to the other.

"Do not worry, I will go and check."

Finally, Xiang Xiang Xien answered.

In fact, Harry should have been rescued by Hagrid, but since he knew this, Xiang Xiang Xien prepared to go and check.

His Huan Shen Zhou had reached the level of Expert; it should be very difficult for any wizard to detect him.

Still, it would be best not to be discovered... after all, in a place where magic can be used recklessly... there is some danger...

Xiang Xiang Xien left amidst a sea of restless gazes; although the people of the Hope Cottage wanted to follow, since Xiang Xiang Xien had not said so, they would not rashly follow.

Xiang Xiang Xien walked into a small path, before him lay a filthy alley, and on both sides seemed to be shops of dark magic.

Xiang Xiang Xien saw a shop not far away with the sign Borgin and Burkes; it seemed to be the largest. Across from it, in a shop window, Chen Lie displayed some shriveled human heads in a gloomy manner.

Two storefronts away, a large cage was swarming with huge black spiders. In a dark doorway, two ragged wizards were whispering while looking at something.

Thus, Xiang Xiang Xien naturally found Harry, who was the subject of their whispering.

At this moment, an old witch with ill intent walked up to Harry; she held a plate of something resembling an entire sheet of dead man's nails, revealing moss-covered teeth:

"Lost your way, dear?"

said the witch, who made one feel sick and uneasy.