Chapter 829: Chapter 712: Malfoy in Diagon Alley
There’s one week until the semester starts, and Kael and the others need to go to Diagon Alley to purchase the items they need for the new term.
Even though the weather isn’t great today, it doesn’t affect everyone’s good mood in the slightest.
Especially Harry, who hasn’t been out for over a month. Although he likes spending time with Sirius, it gets a bit boring after a long period.
So, after stepping out of the house, he seemed particularly excited.
"How are we getting there?" Bill stood on the street, cautiously surveying the surroundings.
"Remus and Kingsley are driving us," Sirius said, "Oh, there they are."
As he spoke, a Ministry of Magic car had already pulled up in front of them.
"Great," Ron said happily, "I thought we’d have to take... what’s that thing called, the subway?"
"There’s nothing wrong with taking the subway," Hermione glanced at him.
"Of course, you’re right," Ron said, stretching comfortably in the car, "but in terms of convenience and comfort, the Ministry’s car definitely has the upper hand."
This time Hermione didn’t argue, because Ron was right; the magically modified car is indeed much more comfortable, and the space is ample.
"Don’t get used to it; this is just a special case, to protect Harry, especially since the Death Eaters attacked Diagon Alley not long ago," Mr. Weasley turned his head and said.
"He’s now under top-level protection, and there will be others at the Leaky Cauldron to protect us."
Harry said nothing, still not quite accustomed to such special treatment, nor did he want a group of Aurors following him while shopping... of course, excluding Lupin.
"We’re here," shortly after, the car slowed down and drove into Charing Cross Street, stopping outside the Leaky Cauldron.
"How long do you think you’ll need," Kingsley turned around and asked, "I’ll come to pick you up."
"About two hours," said Mr. Weasley, as they got out of the car and entered the pub.
"Great, he’s already here," as soon as they walked in, Mr. Weasley waved happily.
Harry thought he was greeting an Auror, but when he looked up, he saw a familiar huge figure.
"Hagrid!" He exclaimed in surprise, "Why is it you?"
"Don’t you want me to protect you?" Hagrid walked over, knocking into several tables along the way.
"No, of course not..." Harry shook his head vigorously.
"Don’t worry, I’m joking," Hagrid said as he walked over and gave Harry a hug that was strong enough to crush bones.
Kael could swear he absolutely heard a distressed creaking sound just now; if Hagrid used a bit more strength, the Skele-Gro Sirius gave would come in handy.
For that reason, when Hagrid intended to greet him the same way, Kael didn’t hesitate to decline.
"Hagrid, is your mission over?" Kael changed the subject.
"Just finished," Hagrid said, "Dumbledore thinks there’s no need to keep an eye on those..." Hagrid glanced at the others around, then whispered, "Well, you know what I mean."
"That’s really good," Kael said.
"Yeah, and I returned just in time. The Ministry originally wanted to send a bunch of Aurors to protect Harry, but Dumbledore said I could handle it," Hagrid said proudly, "Alright, let’s head to Diagon Alley; there’s still a lot to buy."
Despite a previous attack by the Death Eaters, the Leaky Cauldron is still fairly crowded due to the Ministry’s enhanced protection.
They passed through the pub and had to queue in the backyard to be checked with Auror’s Developing Potion, before finally going through the wall’s door and entering Diagon Alley.
Compared to previous years, Diagon Alley now appears somewhat quieter; even with school approaching, there aren’t many people on the streets, and everyone seems to be in a hurry.
Moreover, whether it’s on walls or shop windows, as long as it’s a noticeable spot, there are large notices and photos of Death Eaters wanted posters.
I have to say, these things do affect the shopping experience a bit, but this is the Auror Office’s decision, and Kael can’t change it.
"There are quite a few of us, so we need to hurry," Mrs. Weasley said, likely due to the previous attack, she doesn’t want to linger here.
"First stop is Madam Malkin’s."
Mrs. Weasley said, "Kael, I’ve noticed before that your clothes are a bit short; you should buy new ones. Harry, you need some too."
"Molly, there are too many of us; we can’t all go to Madam Malkin’s," Mr. Weasley said, "Why don’t you take them? I’ll go to Flourish and Blotts with Ginny and Hermione."
"And Bill, you and Charlie go to Scrivenshaft’s; remember to buy more parchment and ink."
"Alright, Dad."
"But..." Mrs. Weasley hesitated a bit, she wanted to shop quickly, but didn’t want everyone to split up.
"Don’t worry," Kael reassured, "There are at least three Aurors at the Leaky Cauldron, plus all of us; it’ll be fine."
"Alright then."
In Diagon Alley, there were quite a few people like Mrs. Weasley, everyone moving quickly.
When they arrived at Madam Malkin’s, three people were just coming out.
"You don’t need to follow me; maybe you didn’t notice, mother, I can completely come out and shop on my own." Malfoy said, wearing a dark green robe, walking in front and complaining.
