Chương 130: 9
Chapter 9: A Glimpse of Knockturn Alley
"Knockturn Alley!"
On the route from Florean's Ice Cream Parlour to the Leaky Cauldron, Ethan caught sight of a signpost bearing a bloody hand, pointing towards a grimy alley.
Adjacent, a sign read "Knockturn Alley".
Standing at its threshold, Ethan hesitated for a mere three seconds before resolutely stepping inside.
Earning galleons through conventional means proved challenging, yet illicit paths often yielded results—after all, the criminal underworld offered myriad opportunities.
With his unique talent for unnoticed magic, such ventures were perfectly suited.
Knockturn Alley served as the wizarding world's black market, specializing in the trade of dubious magical items.
Its atmosphere varied, attracting profit-seekers, societal misfits, and even Ministry of Magic fugitives.
Though risky for underage wizards, Ethan's mastery of all three Unforgivable Curses rendered such threats negligible.
As Ethan proceeded, the surroundings grew dimmer. Unlike vibrant Diagon Alley, sunlight seemed unable to penetrate Knockturn's shadows, enveloping everything in obscurity.
Where Diagon Alley bustled with wizards, Knockturn's visitors were few and far between, each shadowed in mystery. Ethan, however, appeared different—his face etched with curiosity and excitement, navigating the stalls with childlike wonder.
Much like inexperienced young wizards drawn by tales of Knockturn's legends, they secretly ventured here against parental warnings.
"These are powerful magical artifacts—perfect for wizard duels. Care to have a look?"
An elderly wizard, leaning against a wall with yellowed teeth, pitched his wares to Ethan.
Surveying the assortment—skulls of unknown creatures, beads and sculptures of mysterious origin, and unlabeled potion vials—Ethan discerned their triviality.
"No, thank you. These aren't what I seek."
Stepping away, Ethan gestured a polite refusal and continued onward.
"Ha!"
The old wizard smirked at Ethan's departure but made no attempt to pursue him.
Despite most of his wares being dubious, he might have kindly redirected Ethan's patronage, had he chosen otherwise, given their proximity to the intersection.
"Come see the latest wizard novels—'The Witch and the Seven Fairies' and 'The Witch and the Werewolf'. These are the latest bestsellers, exclusive to this stall."
A middle-aged vendor with pockmarked features showcased his books, eyeing passing wizards with lingering interest.
Spotting the suggestive covers, Ethan averted his gaze and hurried ahead, projecting an air of youthful innocence.
Throughout his journey, Ethan feigned interest in every spectacle but refrained from making any purchases, guided more by caution than desire.
His conspicuous presence did not go unnoticed.
"Lost, are we? Need help finding your way out?"
Exasperated by Ethan's wandering, three wizards clad in tattered robes, faces concealed by hoods, cornered him.
They had been monitoring Ethan since his arrival at Knockturn Alley.
Other interested parties had considered Ethan a prime target, yet these three brothers successfully deterred them.
Wizards were valuable resources, fetching high prices among those conducting experiments.
If Ethan's family possessed significant wealth, they could potentially negotiate his release.
"Thank you, but I can find my own way!"
Ethan lowered his head, intending to sidestep the wizard blocking his path.
Unwilling to let him escape, one of the wizards laid a hand on Ethan's shoulder, leaning in close to whisper, "Looks like you could use our help. What do you say?"
"Think before you speak."
Another hand grasped Ethan's shoulder, effectively immobilizing him.
Head bowed, Ethan muttered almost inaudibly, "I need your help."
Yet in the shadows, none of the three noticed the smirk tugging at Ethan's lips.
They sought to capture him, unaware he harbored the same intent.
"Good. Follow me, and I'll lead you out."
The first wizard seized Ethan's sleeve, drawing him deeper into Diagon Alley.
In their estimation, they had captured a mere child—a young wizard, likely no more than a second-year student at Hogwarts, possessing scant spellcraft skills. How much trouble could he cause?
Onlookers turned a blind eye—this scenario was all too familiar.
After a fifty-meter walk, Ethan and the three wizards halted.
Ethan rolled up his sleeves and asked coldly, "Where are we going?"
"To our hideout in Knockturn Alley."
"How many are there?"
"Just one person on watch."
"Take me there."
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