A New Connection

The entrance to Diagon Alley.

With a light tap of a wand against the brick wall, a wide, straight archway appeared before them. It looked no different from previous years. The archway led to the backyard of The Leaky Cauldron, where there was nothing but a rubbish bin and a few weeds.

The occasional passerby came from the other side, while Loren and Hermione were heading out.

They passed through the small courtyard at the back and entered the front hall. The once bustling bar was exceptionally deserted. Loren looked around. The lively crowds in strange clothes were gone, and only the proprietor Tom remained in the room, his wrinkled face downcast.

Hearing someone enter, the pub owner immediately looked up hopefully. When he realized they were merely two young wizards returning from their shopping, his cloudy eyes dimmed again. He lowered his head and absentmindedly wiped the tabletop.

Whenever they had passed by in previous years, Old Tom had always seemed vigorous and spirited. Only now did they realize that all of his teeth had fallen out.

Neither of them disturbed Old Tom. They silently crossed the front hall and slipped out the door.

At the corner of the street, Hermione turned back for one last look.

The storefront was still as narrow and grimy as ever. Compared with the bookshop and record store beside it, The Leaky Cauldron's sign had accumulated years of dirt, dust, and sticky grime from sun and rain. Hurried passersby would not notice this wizarding pub, and in these unusual times, wizards had no leisure to sit in a pub chatting.

The quiet would likely continue for some time.

But not for long.

Drawing her gaze back, Hermione slipped her hand into his. "Loren, that fireplace Floo Network renovation you mentioned earlier—can it be