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Chapter 720: Fidelius Charm!
Chapter 720: Fidelius Charm!
Listening to Sirius Black’s words, Ivan nodded but did not agree. Instead, he directly refused.
"Thank Professor Dumbledore for his kind offer, but we have other things to do this summer, so I’m afraid we can’t visit your place..."
Ivan was well aware of how much Asia disliked Dumbledore and his people, so he could hardly imagine how awkward it would be for Asia to spend time with the Order of the Phoenix members.
Besides, there were many matters in Knockturn Alley that needed his attention, which meant he couldn’t go into hiding at the Order of the Phoenix’s safe house like Harry and the others.
Ivan’s firm response caught everyone off guard.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked at him with concern, wanting to persuade him.
But before they could speak, Ivan beat them to it. "Actually, you don’t need to worry about our safety... Don’t forget, I just drove off the Dark Lord. He can’t do much to me, and we have our own safe house!"
Sirius Black silently shook his head. Having participated in that battle, he knew very well that Ivan was not yet a match for Voldemort.
However, Sirius did not press the issue further because he had a good idea of what Ivan meant by their safe house, which explained Asia’s decisive refusal of Dumbledore’s offer.
Despite Ivan’s insistence, Harry and the others eventually gave up on trying to persuade him. Hermione, however, stepped forward and hugged Ivan.
"Since that’s the case, you must be careful this summer and remember to stay in touch with me!" the young witch said, her voice filled with reluctance.
"Sure! You too..." Ivan replied with a smile.
They hugged for a minute until Ivan saw Mr. Granger approaching. He then released Hermione and bid her farewell.
A short while later, Mrs. Weasley and the Dursleys came to take Ron and Harry away.
Ivan stood there and soon saw Asia arrive. She looked rushed and a bit tired.
"Is something wrong in Knockturn Alley?" Ivan asked quickly.
"Recently, there have been more unfamiliar wizards there. I’ve already sent people to investigate", Asia replied casually.
Ivan frowned; this was not a good sign.
"Have you chosen a location for the safe house yet?" Ivan asked again.
"Yes, the underground fortress near the Wizards Market is perfect. It has three entrances and exits, and most importantly, it’s large enough to store plenty of supplies. It also has meeting rooms and places for daily rest", Asia explained.
After looking at several places, she concluded that the Nott Family’s base in the Wizards Market was the most suitable. However, it had its drawbacks, mainly that being underground meant they wouldn’t see sunlight for long periods.
"Let’s go with that. We can’t be too picky right now!" Ivan decided immediately. They were building the safe house for protection, not comfort, so sacrificing some amenities was acceptable.
The two of them continued chatting as they avoided the crowded areas, eventually finding a secluded alley where they used Apparition to return to Knockturn Alley.
With a shift in space, Ivan regained his senses and found himself in the Wizards Market.
Unlike its usual chaotic and noisy state, the Wizards Market was now eerily empty, devoid of anyone except them, giving it a desolate feel.
Ivan turned to Asia, puzzled.
"To make it easier for you to cast, I've ordered everyone to stay away from here today!" Asia explained.
Ivan then understood that this was his first time performing the Fidelius Charm, and he wasn't sure if there were any specific taboos. It was best to have as few people around as possible.
Following the familiar route, Ivan and Asia entered the house and turned on the old oil lamp placed beside them, revealing a passage before them.
The Underground Fortress had clearly undergone some decoration. The floor was carpeted, and Magic Lamps hung at regular intervals, casting a warm, bright light down the long corridor.
The walls were adorned with intricate runes, and the entrances and corners were lined with Magical Statues. These defenses would automatically activate upon detecting intruders, giving them time to either counterattack or escape.
As Ivan listened to Asia describe the changes to the underground fortress, he made his way to the Meeting Room.
Pushing open the door, Ivan walked straight to the center. Asia, standing to the side, suddenly asked, "Do you need me to leave?"
"Um, it's better to be cautious", Ivan said hesitantly.
Asia didn't delay, turning and leaving immediately.
Ivan then drew his wand, closed his eyes, and began to recite a long and complex spell.
Magic surged within him, extending rapidly in all directions under his perception.
Soon, the entire layout of the underground fortress appeared in Ivan's mind, and he had already used up more than half of his magic.
This made Ivan somewhat worried that the location he had chosen for the secret might be too large. If his magic ran out, it could be disastrous.
Fortunately, as he completed the spell, the feeling of magic being drained gradually subsided.
Ivan sighed in relief, then opened his eyes and looked around. The Meeting Room appeared unchanged, but he had a vague sense that something was different, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what.
There was just an additional location in his mind...
"Is it done?" As soon as Ivan emerged from the Underground Fortress, Asia approached and asked.
Ivan nodded, then suddenly said, "Mom, do you remember where our Safe House is?"
"Of course, it's in..." Asia started to answer instinctively, but her words trailed off as she suddenly stopped, muttering to herself, "Strange, I remember it clearly. I even inscribed some protective Runic Inscriptions there a few days ago..."
The more she tried to recall the memory, the more it eluded her. Even when Ivan opened the entrance to the Chamber right in front of her, Asia couldn't see it, let alone enter it—she would automatically veer away, much like the effect of a Muggle-Repelling Charm.
Eventually, Asia began to doubt whether the Safe House even existed...
"Looks like the magic is even more effective than I expected", Ivan said with a hint of satisfaction.
Asia glared at him angrily, "Alright, where is the place?"
"The Safe House is located in the Underground Fortress of the Knockturn Alley Wizards Market, right in front of you!" Ivan said with a smile, pointing ahead.
(End of Chapter)
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