Chapter 790: Chapter 699: The Grangers at the Leaky Cauldron
After breakfast, the Weasley children headed to Diagon Alley.
As one of the busiest places in the British Magical Realm, the Ministry of Magic had arranged the tightest security measures here, with at least three Aurors checking the wizards coming and going at the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron.
Everyone who wanted to pass through to the backyard also had to undergo a test with the Revealing Potion to ensure they weren’t Death Eaters using Polyjuice Potion for disguise.
Although some people had complaints about this, most were quite happy, as the stricter the checks, the safer they felt here.
Some wizards even booked long-term rooms at the Leaky Cauldron, with their entire families staying there.
The rooms were always full, and Tom Senior had never had such good business; he was so pleased that he always wore a grin, telling everyone that the Ministry of Magic finally had a diligent deputy minister.
Yes, the tight security at the entrance of Diagon Alley was also Kael’s idea, as written in that little booklet.
When the Weasley party arrived, Cho and Hermione had already gotten there ahead of them.
"I just need one room..."
Hermione was talking to the pub owner, "Size doesn’t matter, and I can pay in advance."
"I’m sorry, Miss Wizard," Tom Senior replied without looking up, "I’ve made it clear, there’s not a single room available now. Perhaps in September, you might find a room if you can wait."
"But I’ll be going to Hogwarts in September, so I can’t possibly book a room then!" Hermione said.
"There’s nothing I can do," Tom raised his head, "Maybe you can ask around and see if anyone is willing to give up a room."
"Hey, what are you up to?" Fred asked, walking over.
"Hermione wants to rent a room here," Cho explained, "But it seems we’re too late."
"You want to live here?" George asked in surprise.
"Just a thought," Hermione sighed, "I assume you’ve read that booklet on protecting yourself too, right?"
"Ah, yes."
"That’s the reason," Hermione said. "My parents are both Muggles, and with Dementors everywhere, it’s too dangerous. Just a couple of days ago, someone at my dad’s workplace was attacked.
"Though the TV report said he was suddenly frightened and turned delirious, I know very well it was Dementors’ doing."
"So you’re trying to find them a safer place?" Fred asked.
"Exactly." Hermione sighed, "I finally convinced my dad to temporarily close his dental clinic, but I never expected the Leaky Cauldron to be fully booked."
"Hmm..." George pondered for a while.
If it were just Hermione, it would be easy enough; either No. 12 Grimmauld Place, or the second floor of their shop would do.
But for the Grangers, it wasn’t quite suitable.
As they were racking their brains, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind them.
"What are you guys doing here?"
"Long time no see, Cho, Hermione..."
George turned around, and sure enough, it was Kael and Cedric.
"Isn’t it work time now?" he asked, "Why aren’t you at the office?"
"Who says work has to be in the office?" Kael glanced at him, "We have something that requires us to be out, and you, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, it’s Hermione," Fred said, "She wants to rent a room here for her parents, but there aren’t any available... Since you’re here, quickly think if there’s another solution."
"It’s mainly because of the Dementors," Hermione quickly explained, "The gray mist has been getting thicker these days, and I’m worried that the Dementors will show up in our neighborhood. But they surely wouldn’t dare come to Diagon Alley, would they?"
"Not necessarily, but it is indeed quite a bit safer here." Kael glanced at Tom, preparing to inquire again, as they were old acquaintances.
The friendship forged over relocating trash bins wasn’t particularly strong, but it was certainly better than none with Hermione.
But before he could speak, Tom Senior directly said, "There’s a room on the third floor, a deluxe double room, and it’s only one Galleon and ten Sickles per night."
"Wait..." Hermione hurried over, "Didn’t you just say there were no rooms?"
"There weren’t." Tom Senior grinned, "I had saved that one for emergencies. But seeing as you’re a friend of young Kael, I could let you have it.
"So, would you like it?"
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows.
One Galleon and ten Sickles... To be honest, that was a bit expensive for her; all her money wouldn’t cover a month’s stay, and she needed to reserve some for buying textbooks and Potion Materials.
The textbooks for sixth year required quite a few updates.
But in the next second, Hermione gritted her teeth and said, "I’ll take it..."
Then she looked at Kael with slight embarrassment and asked, "Could I borrow some money?"
"Of course, no problem. How much?" Kael replied casually.
Hermione quickly calculated, "Fifty Galleons maybe."
"Sure." Kael nodded, took out fifty Galleons, and handed them to Hermione.
"Thank you," Hermione said, "I’ll make sure to pay you back as soon as possible."
"No rush on that," Kael waved his hand, then looked around and lowered his voice, "But there’s something I must say, the Ministry of Magic’s next move is to focus fully on clearing out the Dementors, so I suggest you don’t rent for too long at a time."
"Really?" Hermione’s eyes lit up.
If the Dementor issue could be resolved, she wouldn’t need her parents to stay here.
"I have no reason to lie to you," Kael shrugged, "But it certainly won’t be very fast. I’d suggest renting for a month first, then decide whether to continue based on the situation."
