[Emotion Points +50] [Emotion Points +40] [Emotion Points +30] [Emotion Points +35]
Molly noticed the commotion as well. Carrying a stack of books, she walked over.
Seeing the strange expressions on the children's faces, the clear handprint on George's face, and then Skofot standing silently with his head lowered, she seemed to understand what had happened.
She sighed, her gaze softening. She reached out as if to pat Skofot's head, but in the end, merely patted his shoulder.
"All right, children, we've bought almost all the books. Mr. Leoqi, your books..."
Molly hesitated, seemingly considering whether she should pay for him.
At that moment, Skofot raised his head. Calm had returned to his face, though his eyes were still slightly red.
He gave Molly a strained but grateful smile.
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. I... I'll figure something out myself. You can keep shopping. I'll take a look around."
Without waiting for anyone to react, he turned and, like a slippery fish, quickly squeezed into the noisy crowd and vanished around a corner of Diagon Alley.
"Leoqi!" Harry called out instinctively, but the other boy had already disappeared.
"Let him be by himself for a while, Harry."
Arthur walked over and spoke softly. Looking in the direction Skofot had vanished, he frowned slightly.
As Skofot passed through the crowded streets, the vulnerability and grievance on his face receded like the tide, replaced by cold indifference.
Sympathy really was cheap and easy to obtain.
Without slowing, he headed straight for Knockturn Alley, the dark, damp street separated from bright and prosperous Diagon Alley by only a wall.
The moment he entered Knockturn Alley, even the air seemed to become thick and foul.
Crooked shops lined both sides, their windows displaying suspicious potions, skulls, and objects made of human bones. The