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Chapter 713: Malfoy in Diagon Alley
Chapter 713: Malfoy in Diagon Alley
With just a week left before the start of the new term, Kyle and the others needed to make their way to Diagon Alley for some back-to-school shopping.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, everyone's spirits were high.
Especially Harry, who hadn't left the house in over a month. While he enjoyed spending time with Sirius, it was getting a bit tedious after a while.
So, when he stepped out of the house, he was visibly excited.
"How are we getting there?" Bill stood on the street, surveying the surroundings with caution.
"Remus and Kingsley are driving us," Sirius said, "Oh, here they come."
As he spoke, a Ministry of Magic official car pulled up in front of them.
"Great!" Ron exclaimed, "I thought we'd have to take the... what's it called again? The Underground?"
"There's nothing wrong with taking the Underground," Hermione glanced at him.
"Of course, you're right," Ron said, settling into the car and stretching his limbs comfortably, "But when it comes to convenience and comfort, the Ministry car definitely takes the cake."
For once, Hermione didn't argue, as Ron was stating a fact. The magically modified car was indeed much more comfortable and spacious.
"Don't get too used to this, it's a special case," Mr. Weasley turned and said, "We're providing top-level security for Harry, especially after the recent Death Eater attack in Diagon Alley."
"He's under the highest level of protection right now, and there will be others guarding us at the Leaky Cauldron."
Harry remained silent, still feeling a bit uncomfortable with this special treatment. He didn't want to be surrounded by a group of Aurors while shopping, except for Lupin, of course.
"We're here," After a while, the car slowed down and turned into Charing Cross Road, coming to a stop outside the Leaky Cauldron.
"How long do you think you'll need?" Kingsley turned and asked, "I'll come back for you later."
"Probably a couple of hours," Mr. Weasley said, and they all got out of the car and headed into the pub.
"Great, he's already here," As soon as they entered, Mr. Weasley waved happily.
Harry had thought he was greeting the Aurors, but when he looked up, he saw a familiar bulky figure.
"Hagrid!" He exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
"Don't you want me to protect you?" Hagrid approached, knocking over several tables along the way.
"No, of course not..." Harry shook his head repeatedly.
"Relax, I was just joking," Hagrid came over and gave Harry a bone-crushing hug.
Kyle was certain he heard a creaking sound as if the bones couldn't bear the pressure. If Hagrid had used a bit more force, the Skele-Gro given by Sirius would have come in handy.
That's why, when Hagrid attempted to greet him in the same manner, Kyle didn't even think twice before refusing.
"Hagrid, is your mission over?" Kyle changed the subject.
"Just finished," Hagrid said, "Dumbledore thinks we don't need to keep an eye on those... " He glanced at the others and lowered his voice, "You know what I mean."
"That's great," Kyle said.
"Yeah, and I came back just in time. The Ministry was going to send a group of Aurors to protect Harry, but Dumbledore said I'd be sufficient." Hagrid said proudly, "Let's go to Diagon Alley now, we have a lot of shopping to do."
Despite the previous Death Eater attack, the Leaky Cauldron was still bustling with people due to the increased security measures implemented by the Ministry.
The group made their way through the pub and, after undergoing Apparition checks by the Aurors in the backyard, finally passed through the wall opening into Diagon Alley.
Compared to previous years, Diagon Alley was slightly less crowded. Even with the approaching start of the term, the streets weren't teeming with people, and those present seemed to be in a hurry.
Additionally, large wanted posters of Death Eaters were plastered on walls and shop windows, wherever they would catch the eye.
It had to be said that these posters did affect the shopping experience, but it was a decision made by the Aurors, and Kyle couldn't change it.
"We have a large group, so we need to move quickly," Mrs. Weasley said, perhaps due to the previous attack, she didn't seem keen on lingering there.
"First, we'll go to Madam Malkin's Robes."
"Kyle, I noticed earlier that your clothes are a bit small," Mrs. Weasley said, "It's best to buy a new set, and the same goes for you, Harry."
"Molly, we can't all go to Madam Malkin's," Mr. Weasley said, "Why don't you take them there, while Ginny, Hermione, and I head to Flourish and Blotts."
"And Bill, you and Charlie, you two go to Eeylops Owl Emporium and get plenty of parchment and ink."
"Okay, Dad."
"But..." Mrs. Weasley hesitated, she wanted to finish shopping quickly, but even more so, she didn't want to split up.
"Don't worry," Kyle reassured her, "There are at least three Aurors at the Leaky Cauldron, and with all of us here, it'll be fine."
"Alright then."
In Diagon Alley, there were many people like Mrs. Weasley, all in a hurry.
As they arrived at Madam Malkin's, three people were just exiting the shop.
"You don't need to follow me, maybe you didn't notice, but I can manage on my own," Malfoy, dressed in a dark green robe, led the way out, complaining as he looked back.
Just then, at the shop entrance, he came face to face with Harry and the others.
"No wonder I smelled something foul earlier," Malfoy narrowed his eyes and looked at Harry with contempt, "Where's your Mudblood friend, Potter? Scared to show up..."
Malfoy's words came to an abrupt halt as he spotted someone he least wanted to see.
"K, Kyle..." Malfoy's eyes darted around, "What are you doing here?"
"Of course, for shopping," Kyle replied casually, "School is about to start, and I can't use last year's textbooks."
"Yes, you're right," Malfoy nodded,
For some reason, Kyle felt that Malfoy was acting strangely today, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what was amiss.
(Chapter 1)
Malfoy seemed to be acting strangely, but why would he feel guilty?
Before Kyle could figure it out, Harry and Ron had already drawn their wands.
"I'm warning you, Malfoy," Harry said angrily. "If you dare insult Hermione again, I'll make you regret it."
Things took an even stranger turn...
Normally, Malfoy would have retorted without hesitation or made a sarcastic remark, but today he seemed like a different person, not engaging in the conversation at all.
"You'd better tell them to put away their wands, Sirius," Kyle said.
Narcissa Malfoy stepped forward, her eyes cold as she looked at Sirius. "If they dare lay a hand on my son, I'll make sure they never hold a wand again," she said.
"Oh, really? Let's see about that," Sirius challenged, stepping forward and positioning himself between Harry and Malfoy. "Let's see whose spell is faster."
Narcissa's already pale face seemed to lose more color.
"Mom, let's go..." Malfoy whispered, "Don't waste time. I still need to buy new books."
The tension between them was palpable.
But Narcissa Malfoy ignored him, her gaze fixed on Sirius... and Kyle, who stood beside him.
She had just heard what Malfoy said and now knew Kyle's identity.
Was he the one... the one the Dark Lord was after?
Narcissa Malfoy slightly turned her wand.
It seemed like she was trying to provoke a conflict and take the opportunity to kill him, even though she might be arrested by the Aurors for doing so. But if that happened, Draco wouldn't have to take the risk.
As she thought this, Narcissa Malfoy's breathing became rapid.
Meanwhile, Kyle, who had been observing the scene, suddenly sensed a strange murderous intent.
This feeling was all too familiar, just like the times when the Death Eaters had encountered him.
And the only people here related to the Death Eaters were the two of them.
"Is it directed at yourself? Or everyone?"
Although Kyle wasn't sure about the Malfoy family's intentions, he instinctively gripped his wand hidden in his sleeve, while his other hand discreetly unlocked the latch of his trunk.
Ever since the last time he was attacked by three Death Eaters, Kyle never left his trunk unattended, always carrying it with him wherever he went.
...
"Oh, please, Mr.... Mrs...."
At that moment, Madam Malkin emerged from behind a rack of clothes, holding a measuring tape. "I don't want anyone fighting in front of my shop. If you insist on doing this, I'll have to call the Aurors."
"Mom, let's go," Malfoy said, his voice carrying a hint of pleading.
Whether it was because of Malfoy's words or her reluctance to deal with the Aurors, Narcissa Malfoy took a step back and put away her wand first.
She glanced at the people in front of her, her gaze lingering on Kyle for a moment.
"You can't protect them forever, and neither can Dumbledore," she said meaningfully.
"Let's go, Draco," she said, lifting her head and speaking in a deliberately loud voice, "Throw away the robe you're wearing. I can't stand shopping in the same place as those scum. Dervish and Banges have better options."
Malfoy followed her without a word, his mind focused on leaving this place as soon as possible.
"That's a tough one," Madam Malkin said, having overheard their conversation. She forced herself to appear nonchalant and managed a weak smile at Sirius. "Are you still shopping for clothes?"
"Of course, this is the best place," Sirius said, striding into the shop. Madam Malkin's expression improved considerably.
"The Malfoy family is like this, making you want to punch them." Ron and Harry also entered the shop, grumbling.
Kyle remained where he was, watching Narcissa Malfoy's retreating figure, his wand slightly raised.
If he hadn't noticed anything amiss by now, he might as well change his name to Ron.
Narcissa was the source of the murderous intent, and her target was most likely him.
He hadn't been sure before, but the look she gave him before leaving confirmed his suspicion.
Although he couldn't use Legilimency as a passive magic like Dumbledore, he could still make simple judgments without issue.
Narcissa Malfoy's gaze was filled with disgust when looking at Harry, but when she looked at Kyle, there was a noticeable change.
Despite her attempt to hide it, Kyle noticed.
(End of Chapter 1)
"As soon as they met, Harry couldn't help but ask,"
"I saw it," Hagrid said nonchalantly. "But in Diagon Alley, they wouldn't dare make a move. Is there anything else you need to buy?"
"We want to go to Fred and George's store and take a look." Ron said, "Can we?"
"We must hurry."
"It's fine, Molly." Mr. Weasley said, "You don't have to be so nervous."
"Yeah." Sirius also agreed and nodded, "It's not as dangerous as you imagine here."
Seeing that everyone said so, Mrs. Weasley had to agree.
The group started walking towards Weasley's Joke Shop, with Hermione, Bill, and others leading the way.
As they passed by the Owl Post, they bought a lot of owl nuts, and then some potion ingredients at the apothecary.
Harry and Ron also bought a little symbolically, as they were unsure if they would continue with Potions class, so they only bought the most basic things. If they didn't use them, they could always give them to Hermione later.
Everyone continued to walk forward.
"This is number ninety-two... and it's just ahead..."
They didn't need Hermione to remind them; everyone had already seen it.
Unlike other places plastered with notices and wanted posters, Fred and George's shop window was like a fireworks exhibition, attracting everyone's attention.
On the right window was a huge poster, with dazzling yellow letters printed on it.
Why worry about the mysterious man
You should care.
Constipation man!
...
Harry and Ron burst out laughing, but Mrs. Weasley looked a bit incredulous, muttering,
"Constipation man... they'll be assassinated!"
"No, they won't," Bill explained with a smile. "This poster has been up for two months. The mysterious man obviously doesn't care about such small things. Come and take a look; you'll be surprised. I have to say, their shop is quite interesting."
After saying this, he led the way into the store.
Fred and George weren't in the shop; at this time, they should still be at the Ministry of Magic.
During the previous period when the Dementors were rampant, they had been busy with the Guardian Amulets in the shop, and there was a lot of work to catch up on.
"Welcome, esteemed customer," said a well-dressed and clean house-elf, speaking fluently, "The latest products are on the counter. Constipation man is still on special offer, just one Galleon."
"You are... Dobby?" Harry examined for a while and said in surprise.
"Harry Potter!" Dobby then noticed Harry in the crowd and became even more excited.
"It's so great to see Harry Potter here," he exclaimed.
"Look, Harry Potter is also in Diagon Alley..."
"I knew he wouldn't be afraid of the mysterious man..."
People began to whisper quietly.
Harry immediately became nervous and tried to hide his scar with his hair.
But Dobby, in his excited state, didn't notice this and pulled Harry into the store.
The place was a bit larger than expected, with shelves filled with a variety of interesting items. Harry looked around, quickly forgetting his previous embarrassment.
"This is the Daydream Charm, which allows you to quickly enter a high-quality fantasy that lasts for thirty minutes."
"This is the Quick Escape Candy, which Harry Potter definitely doesn't need, right?"
"Dark Arts Defense products, including spell-resistant gloves and hats, are the most popular."
Dobby diligently introduced the products in the store, and Harry's eyes were almost dazzled by the variety.
"Dobby..." Harry stopped at the Dark Arts Defense products area, interrupting the chatty house-elf. "How come you're here? Did Fred and George hire you?"
"No, Dobby is here to help. I'll go back to my previous job in September, which I prefer."
"Previous job? What is it?" Harry casually asked, looking at a small mannequin holding a bomb on the shelf.
"Dobby can't say."
Almost instinctively, Harry quickly turned to Dobby.
He knew that it was strictly forbidden for house-elves to reveal their master's secrets. When they had this thought, even just a little, they would immediately punish themselves.
The first time Harry met Dobby, this house-elf often did this.
But what Harry didn't expect was that this time, Dobby didn't do anything and just stood there calmly.
This meant that he really didn't want to say, not that he couldn't.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Dobby had indeed found a job he liked.
"It's good," Harry said with a smile.
"I want this." He pointed to the small mannequin on the shelf. "How much is it?"
"The Bait Bomb, which can make a big noise, two Galleons," Dobby blurted out. "But if it's for Harry Potter, it's just one Galleon. Dobby can only offer this much discount."
"What about this?" Harry looked at a glass marble filled with mist, resembling a miniature Prophecy Orb.
"The Smoke Ball, which can quickly generate a cloud of mist, ten Sickles," said Dobby.
"I'll take it." Harry immediately took out his money.
During the last task of the Triwizard Tournament, when he was caught by Lord Voldemort, Kyle had used a similar mist to cover the entire mountain, which was incredibly convenient.
But he didn't expect it to be so cheap.
"Wait," Kyle said, coming from behind to explain. "This isn't the kind of large-scale mist you saw before. It's a replica I made. To be honest, the effect is quite good."
"It's fine," Harry said casually after thinking for a moment. "I'll just use a few more if needed."
He grabbed a handful of gold coins and handed them to Dobby. "I'll take all of these."
(End of Chapter)
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