Old Tom had left, and in Diagon Alley, nearly every shop was frantically moving things out.
Far in the distance, the Hogwarts Express standing at Diagon Alley's station sent thick white smoke billowing up into the clear daytime sky.
"People saw what happened when Professor Breen fought the Dark Witch at the Quidditch World Cup final—"
Several people stood before the display window of Flourish and Blotts, watching the chaos in Diagon Alley. Percy spoke gravely.
"The Ministry announced to the wizarding world that You-Know-Who has returned, and the prisoners who escaped from Azkaban were all notorious Death Eaters. People think You-Know-Who definitely won't be able to swallow this insult and will choose to retaliate. If You-Know-Who and Professor Breen fight in Diagon Alley, this place will suffer devastating losses!"
Understanding dawned in Harry's eyes. At last, he understood why these people were so eager to leave.
Objectively speaking, they were not worrying without cause.
Harry had been there during the Quidditch World Cup. The apocalyptic scene when Professor Breen fought Cliodna was still deeply engraved in his mind.
If Professor Breen and Voldemort truly fought in Diagon Alley—
Then without question, this place would be reduced to ashes.
"Had Professor Breen not considered that possibility?"
The sense of impending disaster hanging in the air left even George, one of the twins, unable to joke. He looked uneasily at the shops being abandoned like worn-out shoes.
"If Diagon Alley is destroyed, where will wizards do business afterward? Hogsmeade can't compare to this place."
After all he had been through, Percy appeared much more steady than before.
"Some shop owners rushed to the Ministry to complain as soon as they heard about this, but I don't think Professor Breen will be swayed by their objections."
Harry, Hermione, and Ron exchanged looks,