#248 - Chapter 248 The Magic World Becomes So Strange

The changes in Hogsmeade made all the young wizards' eyes light up. Since the news spread back to Hogwarts, more and more students couldn't wait to flock to this magical city to experience the charm of this new town.

Those first and second year little wizards who were not yet allowed to go to Hogsmeade were also fascinated by this novel world.

In order to meet the needs of these little wizards who could not visit in person, the merchants of Hogsmeade thoughtfully launched an owl delivery service.

As long as the order and the corresponding Galleons are placed in an envelope and sent out by an owl, it won't be long before the owl flies back with the items they ordered.

For the older students, Hogsmeade's attraction is far more than just entertainment and food.

In just one weekend, their discussion of Hogsmeade had shifted from where to go for fun to buying property there after graduation.

Many students made agreements with each other that after graduation, everyone would settle in Hogsmeade and be neighbors there.

The little wizards happily arrived at the end of September in such excitement.

However, this September was not a good time for Sirius Black.

Since his escape from prison, Sirius had been hiding in the Muggle world as a black dog Animagus, living a life of starvation.

When Muggles saw him, they would only treat him as a stray dog. Occasionally, someone would throw him some food, and some kind-hearted Muggles even tried to adopt him.

Taking advantage of this, he ran in the shadows of the city, through narrow alleys, abandoned factories, and Muggle streets.

Due to the lack of information, the Aurors obviously did not expect him to be so cunning, using the identity of a black dog to wander around the Muggle world.

Occasionally, Sirius would turn back into a human and then deliberately let Muggles see him before quickly disappearing, leaving the Aurors empty-handed.

One chase after another left the Aurors running around like headless chickens. Sirius always seemed to be one step ahead of them.

Every night, he would find a hidden corner and continue to think about his next plan.

At this time, he would always look in the direction of Hogwarts, muttering to himself in a tone revealing madness.

"It's not time yet..."

"The Aurors are still chasing closely, and Hogwarts is even more heavily guarded."

"Have to be patient, until they completely relax."

"Peter, you wait at Hogwarts, I will catch you sooner or later and avenge James."

As time went by, the Aurors' vigilance gradually relaxed. As if seeing through Sirius's plan, their capture frequency was greatly reduced, waiting for Sirius to show a flaw.

Sensing this, Sirius secretly came to Knockturn Alley at the end of September.

He needed to find a way to get a wand. Without a wand, he was almost useless and couldn't take revenge at all.

Knockturn Alley was his first choice for finding a wand. There were always some criminals hiding here, making a living by buying and selling dark magic items and contraband.

He didn't need to buy one, just find a lone unlucky guy and snatch his wand.

These lawbreakers would most likely not report to the Aurors even if their wands were stolen.

Night gradually enveloped Knockturn Alley, and the darkness made Knockturn Alley particularly gloomy and narrow.

The air was filled with a rotten smell and a damp musty smell, mixed with occasional footsteps and low whispers.

In a hidden shadow, a large black dog quietly appeared. It was thin, with eerie green eyes that flickered with alert light in the darkness.

Since he escaped from Azkaban, this vigilance had become his instinct. Even in black dog form, he never let his guard down.

He passed through the corners of the alley, nimbly avoiding any possible gazes, the black dog's figure almost merging with the night.

Whenever a wizard passed by, he would immediately slip into the shadows, hold his breath, and keep his eyes fixed on those who passed by.

Suddenly, the conversation of two wizards reached his ears, arousing his curiosity.

"Boss, you stayed in Azkaban for a month this time, and it doesn't seem like you suffered much from the Dementors. Also, I don't know if it's just me, but I think your complexion is quite ruddy?"

"It's obvious that you haven't read the news. I signed up for the labor reform program. The time I spend facing Dementors in a day is less than eight hours."

"Then what do you do with the rest of the time?"

"What do I do? Work, of course. My job is to brew potions, but the location of the work is not in Azkaban."

"Ah! So, you have to work almost sixteen hours a day?!"

"What are you yelling about? I wanted to work longer, but the Aurors in charge said that would be too inhumane."

"You wanted to work longer?!"

"Of course. Work makes me happy. I can't wait to work a little longer so I can see the Dementors a little less. And at work, the food and drink are good. It's simply a heavenly life."

"I don't quite understand, but I'm very shocked."

"After this month of training, my potion skills have improved a lot. The training teachers there are very skilled. I even want to be locked up for another month to attend this alternative training class."

"...Okay, whatever makes you happy...By the way, boss, Hogsmeade has changed a lot. I'll take you there tomorrow to welcome you back."

"Really? If you want to learn a skill, I recommend you take a trip to Azkaban. All expenses paid, and you can learn a skill..."

The voices of the two people faded away, and Sirius stood in the shadows with a head full of question marks.

Azkaban training class?

Is this the Azkaban I stayed in?!

Why can't I understand what that person was saying?

Right, that little brother just said that Hogsmeade has changed a lot. What exactly has changed?

Will it affect my infiltration plan...?

Sirius's heart moved, and he came to a trash can and began to rummage through it for newspapers. He urgently needed to understand the recent changes in the wizarding world through newspapers.

Damn it...

Don't wizards read newspapers anymore? Why isn't there even a single old newspaper in the trash can?

Strange!

I've only been on the run for less than two months, how has the wizarding world become so unfamiliar?

With great difficulty, Sirius found a Hogsmeade flyer in the trash can. The modern architecture made his heart sink.

So unfamiliar...

Is the scenery on this really Hogsmeade?

No!

Can't wait any longer.

Must get a wand quickly and check out Hogsmeade.

Hope those secret passages are still there...

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