#5 - Section 5

“Petrify completely!”

A blue light shot out from the top of the magic wand. The moment it hit the white mouse, the white mouse stopped moving and turned grayish-white.

But how do I undo this?

Wait for the magic to dissipate naturally?

Forget it, whatever. I'll leave the petrified mouse aside. Next is the Energy Siphon spell.

With a 'boom,' the rat in the box was blown to pieces.

But it didn't form a shield, nor did it enhance the power of the next spell. After a little thought, Ethan understood what was going on.

This rat has no magic power, so it can't absorb anything at all. It can only be used as an explosion spell.

To fully unleash the power of Energy Siphon, you have to use it on a wizard or a magical creature.

I've tried all the spells I know, so the last thing is the spells in the textbook. I'll take out "Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1."

Skimming through it, Ethan found that there wasn't much content in the book. It only had the Lumos Charm, Alohomora, Reparo, Wingardium Leviosa, Incendio, and Petrificus Totalus.

Going over the information about these spells in his mind, he didn't feel any pressure!

He opened the page for the Severing Charm and read it carefully, then looked at the Mending Charm.

“Diffindo!”

“Reparo!”

The shattered vase seemed to rewind time. All the pieces returned to their original positions, and even the cracks disappeared.

Then Ethan began to learn the other spells and mastered them all before dinner.

It could only be said that learning magic was much simpler than math and physics. There was no pressure at all!

Chapter 8: Cassandra

Several days later, Ethan came to the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron again.

This time, perhaps because it was the afternoon, the Leaky Cauldron was bustling with activity compared to the deserted atmosphere last time.

The tavern's patrons didn't pay much attention to the young wizard who came alone. This kind of situation happened countless times every day.

Following Professor McGonagall's instructions, after tapping the corresponding brick three times, the door to the magical world opened again.

The moment he saw the trash can, Ethan really wanted to do something.

After all, judging from the golden finger's behavior, pranks were likely to have achievements.

But after thinking for two seconds, Ethan gave up the idea.

Entering Diagon Alley again, Ethan's goal was clear: Flourish and Blotts.

Last time with Professor McGonagall, he bought Hogwarts first-year textbooks, none of which contained the spells Ethan wanted to learn.

Such as the Shield Charm, the Undetectable Extension Charm, and Occlumency. (Although the Undetectable Extension Charm is forbidden from being abused, Hermione clearly used it, and she didn't even look through any forbidden books, so this spell should also be widespread. The reason why it's forbidden from being abused is probably because it's promoted by those companies that produce wizard tents and suitcases. After all, if you can make it yourself, who would buy it?)

In addition, since Hogwarts had two people who could use Legilimency, Ethan was still a little worried if he didn't know Occlumency.

Dumbledore's character was somewhat guaranteed.

He wouldn't use this spell on his students, or rather, he wouldn't use this spell on others without their consent.

The reason why he was proficient in this spell was also very simple. Dumbledore before Ariana's accident wasn't a good person. Like Grindelwald, he was the type who could use any means to achieve his goals.

After that, Dumbledore's life took a turn. He had his own bottom line and returned to Hogwarts to become a professor.

If Dumbledore had no bottom line, many things wouldn't have happened. For example, when Hagrid was wrongly accused, Dumbledore was already a professor. At that time, although he could confirm that Hagrid wasn't the culprit and tried to protect Hagrid,

But because he couldn't produce any evidence, Hagrid was still expelled.

If he had used Legilimency to investigate at the beginning, Little Tom might not have been able to escape. There might not have been a Voldemort later.

In addition, the events involving Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew also showed that Dumbledore didn't use Legilimency. Otherwise, one wouldn't have had the chance to betray James Potter, and the other wouldn't have been wrongly imprisoned for more than ten years.

Although the risk from Dumbledore was almost non-existent, Snape was different.

Although as a Potions professor, he was considered conscientious and responsible for his students, and he also had a certain bottom line, Snape wouldn't care so much when it came to Harry.

Who knew if he would feel that you weren't a good wizard, or because you had contact with Harry, and then use Legilimency on you to confirm whether you were a threat.

Entering Flourish and Blotts, he went straight to the area where the textbooks were located. Just like when Ethan came last time, a dozen young wizards were buying textbooks here. As the only bookstore in Diagon Alley, it had a monopoly.

“Intermediate Transfiguration” and “Advanced Transfiguration Guide,” he wanted them.

“Standard Book of Spells, Grades Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Seven,” he took them.

Ethan's shopping spree attracted a lot of attention. They had never seen a young wizard buy books like this.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” wasn't very useful, but Ethan still took it.

Ethan had read the previously purchased "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." Newt Scamander wrote it quite interestingly, and the key was that the price wasn't expensive.

“Advanced Potion-Making” was nine Galleons. Good heavens, this was the most expensive one so far.

“Sir, you must be a new student this year!”

“These books can be bought later. You don't need them at all now. Maybe the textbooks will be updated in two years, and you'll have to come again then.”

Seeing that there were more and more books in Ethan's cart, the clerk couldn't help but advise him.

After all, this kind of monopolistic bookstore didn't offer commission for selling books. If this young wizard regretted it and came to return the books, he might get complained at.

“Thank you for the reminder, but I need all of these to prepare for the upcoming year.”

“Well, maybe you're a natural Ravenclaw.”

With that, the clerk stepped aside and stopped meddling.

“If You've Got the Wand, You'll Find a Way”

Walking to the magic section, Ethan felt that the title of this book was quite interesting. This person might have unique insights into magic. He took it!

“Major Discoveries in Modern Magic,” “Guide to Medieval Witchcraft,” “Forgotten Ancient Magic and Zhou Yu,” “Research on the Development of Modern Witchcraft,” “The Rise and Fall of Black Magic,” “Directory of Contemporary Famous Magicians.”

These titles were all so attractive. Could they be clickbait!

Finally, in a corner, Ethan found his target, "How to Close Your Mind."

There were six or seven copies of this book, but they were covered in dust. It seemed that no one had touched them for a long time.

To be honest, the publication of this book is a bit awkward. Muggles who buy it might just read it and not necessarily learn anything. Those from wizarding families wouldn't lack this knowledge; if they wanted to learn, they would have someone to teach them, so they definitely wouldn't buy this kind of book.

After setting up the free mailing service, Ethan couldn't help but sigh at how quickly money disappears.

Owl post costs one Sickle per book, but orders over fifty Galleons qualify for free home delivery, and Ethan took advantage of this service.

Because he spent one hundred and twenty-seven Galleons, Ethan's little treasury was instantly depleted.

At Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, Ethan sat in the seating area near the entrance, listlessly scooping at his ice cream, contemplating how to get some more Galleons.

He originally thought one hundred Galleons would be enough, but just buying some books cost him over a hundred.

"Hmm?"

A shadow fell over him, and Ethan, coming back to his senses, looked up.

It turned out someone had come to sit across from him at his small table.

Looking around, Ethan saw that the seating area, which had been somewhat empty just moments ago, was now almost full. Ethan was the only one who had come alone and was occupying an entire table, making it the most available spot.

This young wizard didn't pay any attention to Ethan's reaction, or rather, completely ignored Ethan, placing the ice cream on the table and sitting down to enjoy it.

Waist-length golden curly hair, emerald green eyes, delicate features, and a bit familiar – Ethan seemed to have seen her in the bookstore earlier.

After eating the rest of his ice cream in two bites, Ethan didn't plan to stay any longer.

It had to be said that Florean Fortescue's ice cream was indeed delicious, better than any ice cream he had ever eaten, perhaps made with milk from some magical creature!

After Ethan left, the girl, who had been expressionless and arrogant, suddenly turned her head to look at Ethan.

In the bookstore earlier, Ethan's behavior had indeed attracted attention, and she had been selecting textbooks nearby, overhearing Ethan's conversation with the shop assistant.

This girl also chose the same course of action as Ethan, packing up all the textbooks for the next few years.

No, Ethan only bought some of the textbooks.

Chapter 9: First Exploration of Knockturn Alley (Seeking Flowers and Reviews)

"Knockturn Alley!"

On the way from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour towards the Leaky Cauldron, Ethan happened to see a sign with a bloody hand mark at a fork in the road, pointing towards a gloomy alley.

And the sign next to it read "Knockturn Alley."

Standing at the entrance of the alley, Ethan hesitated for no more than three seconds before resolutely walking inside.

Conventional methods might not be good for getting Galleons, but unconventional methods might work, after all, ways to make money are written in the criminal code.

Anyway, he had the ability to use any magic without being noticed by anyone, as long as they didn't witness it firsthand.

Using this ability to do things outside the rules was perfect.

Knockturn Alley was the black market of the wizarding world, specializing in trading shady magical items. The situation inside was a mixed bag, with some specializing in illegal dealings, others who couldn't make it in the regular wizarding world, and of course, many wanted criminals from the Ministry of Magic hiding there.

Generally, it was somewhat risky for underage wizards to enter, but with the three Unforgivable Curses at his max level, Ethan ignored these threats.

After all, how strong could they be if they were hiding in Knockturn Alley?

As Ethan advanced, the road became increasingly gloomy. Unlike the sunny and bright Diagon Alley, it seemed as if sunlight couldn't reach here, and everything was shrouded in shadows.

And although the two streets were closely connected, Diagon Alley was bustling with activity, while there were also many wizards coming and going in Knockturn Alley, but they were all lifeless.

Only Ethan was different from them. His face, after a simple disguise, was full of curiosity and excitement, darting around in front of each stall.

Like those ignorant little wizards who, after hearing the legends of Knockturn Alley, secretly came to broaden their horizons without their parents' knowledge, like idiots.

"These are powerful magical tools! With them, you will be invincible in wizarding duels! Take a look?"

An old wizard leaning against the wall, showing a mouthful of yellow teeth, promoted his goods to Ethan.

Ethan looked at the things on the stall, including human or unknown animal skulls, beads and sculptures of unclear significance, and small bottles of potion without any labels.

Clearly, these weren't anything legitimate.

"No, thank you, no need, I don't need these."

Taking two steps back, Ethan waved his hand and quickly walked forward:

"Heh!"

Seeing Ethan hurriedly leave, the old wizard smirked and didn't try to stop him.

Although most of the items on his stall were fake, if Ethan had been willing to spend money there, he might have kindly reminded him, since they were still close to the entrance.

But now, let him be eaten clean by those scum!

"Come one, come all! The latest wizarding novels 'The Witch and the Seven Fairies' and 'The Witch and the Werewolf'! These are recent bestsellers, you can't buy them outside!"

The middle-aged boss, with a face full of pockmarks, had a lewd expression as he recommended his goods to the passing wizards from the stall full of books.

Looking at the white thighs constantly shaking on the covers of those books, Ethan instantly averted his gaze, quickly walking forward without looking back, appearing every bit the innocent young boy.

And so, Ethan looked left and right along the way, seeming interested in everything, but walking further in without buying anything because he was timid.

Along the way, he attracted countless gazes.

"Lost, are we? Need me to send you out?"

Finally, these people ran out of patience. Three wizards wearing dirty wizard robes, reeking of sourness, and using hoods to cover their faces, blocked Ethan at a corner, one in front and two behind.

They had been observing Ethan for a while since he entered Knockturn Alley.

Along the way, several other groups had also been eyeing this fat sheep, but they had been driven away by the three brothers.

Wizards are also a valuable resource, and selling them to those doing experiments is quite profitable.

Of course, if this little wizard's family had a lot of Galleons, it wouldn't be impossible to let his family redeem him.

"Thank you, I know how to go!"

Ethan lowered his head, preparing to go around the wizard in front of him.

But clearly they wouldn't let Ethan get his way. One of them put his hand directly on Ethan's shoulder, leaned down, and whispered in Ethan's ear: "I think you need our help, what do you say!"