บท 9: Knockturn Alley
On the way from Florin's Ice Cream Shop to the Leaky Cauldron, Ethan accidentally saw a signpost with a bloody hand pointing toward a gloomy alley. The sign next to it read "Knockturn Alley."
Standing at the entrance of the alley, Ethan hesitated for only three seconds, then resolutely walked inside.
It's not easy to get gold galleons by conventional means, but unconventional ways might work. After all, money-making methods are often found in criminal law.
Besides, he can use any magic, and as long as he's not seen, nothing will happen.
With this ability, breaking the rules is no problem. Knockturn Alley is the wizarding world's black market, specializing in shady magical items. The place is a mix of different kinds of people—those who make money and those who can't succeed in the regular wizarding world. Of course, there are many Ministry of Magic fugitives too.
It's risky for an underage wizard to go in, but the three unforgivable curses at full power made Ethan ignore these threats. After all, they're hiding in Knockturn Alley. How strong could they really be?
As Ethan moved deeper into the alley, the road became gloomier. Unlike the sunny Diagon Alley, the sun seemed unable to reach here, and everything was shrouded in shadows. Despite the close connection between the two alleys, Diagon Alley was bustling with life, while Knockturn Alley had shady figures lurking everywhere.
Ethan, unlike them, walked with a face full of curiosity and excitement. After a simple disguise, he hopped around every stall, much like those little wizards who secretly came here after hearing about Knockturn Alley from legends.
"These are powerful magic items. With these, you'll be unbeatable in wizard duels. Take a look?" An old wizard leaned against the wall, showing his big yellow teeth as he promoted his wares to Ethan.
Ethan glanced at the items on the stall. There were human or unknown animal skulls, beads and sculptures with strange symbols, and small bottles of unmarked potions. None of it looked like legitimate goods.
"No, thanks. I don't need these." Ethan took two steps back, waved his hand, and quickly moved on.
"Hmph!" The old wizard sneered twice as Ethan hurried away. He didn't stop him. Most of his goods were fake anyway, but if the boy had spent some money, he might have offered him a warning. After all, the dangerous part of Knockturn Alley was just ahead. But now, let the scum deal with him.
"Come and take a look! The latest wizard novels *The Witch and the Seven Fairies* and *The Witch and the Werewolf*. These are the latest bestsellers; you can't get them outside!" A pockmarked, middle-aged vendor hawked his wares to passing wizards.
Ethan, seeing the covers depicting white thighs in motion, quickly averted his gaze and hurried forward without looking back, keeping a pure boyish expression.
Ethan looked around, seemingly interested in everything, but out of fear, he walked through the alley without buying anything. His peculiar behavior attracted a lot of attention.
"Lost, aren't you? Need me to help you out?"
"Finally, they've lost their patience," Ethan thought as three wizards in dirty robes, reeking of sourness and with their faces hidden under hoods, cornered him.
Not long after Ethan entered Knockturn Alley, they'd been watching him. Others had also marked him as an easy target, but the trio drove them away. Wizards were a valuable commodity, fetching a good price from those conducting experiments. Of course, if the little wizard had a wealthy family, a ransom might be another option.
"Thanks, but I know my way," Ethan muttered, trying to slip past them.
But they had no intention of letting him go. One wizard clamped a hand on Ethan's shoulder, leaned down, and whispered in his ear, "I think you need our help, don't you?"
"Think carefully before answering," said another, resting his hand on Ethan's other shoulder, tightening their grip.
Head lowered, Ethan replied in a barely audible voice, "I do need your help." But under the shadow of his hood, they couldn't see the smile curling his lips. You want to catch me, and I just so happen to have the same idea.
"That's more like it. Follow me; I'll take you out," said the first wizard, grabbing Ethan's sleeve and dragging him deeper into Knockturn Alley. In their minds, the little wizard was already captured.
This boy, who appeared to be no more than a second-year Hogwarts student, couldn't possibly know many spells. How much trouble could he cause? The other wizards turned a blind eye, accustomed to such scenes.
After about fifty meters, the wizards and Ethan came to a stop.
Ethan, acting scared, asked, "Where are we going?"
"We're heading to our base in Knockturn Alley. Now shut up and follow me."
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