Traces Left Behind at Spinner's End

They Apparated to Cokeworth.

It was an industrial town on the outskirts of London, but it had fallen into ruin in recent years. Basic living facilities were lacking, chemical pollution was severe, and the air was thick with an unpleasant chemical stench. It had long been a gathering place for the poor. The town's young people could find no reason to stay, while the elderly left one after another, until it gradually became deserted.

Outside the town ran a filthy river. Its pitch-black water murmured along, yet there was no sign of life. No fish could be seen in the water; only all kinds of plastic rubbish drifted past. Gray-green moss clung to the rocks along the banks, weeds ran wild, and garbage lay piled everywhere.

Grayish-white smoke hung in the air without dispersing, and even sunlight could not penetrate it. On a July morning in summer, Loren and the others walked along the abandoned roads and somehow found the place rather eerie.

"Spinner's End..."

Loren looked around, searching for a map that might appear somewhere along the streets and alleys.

Although he had never been here before, Loren could still find the right direction with precision. In this desolate Muggle town, the only magical glow was especially conspicuous, and Felix Felicis was also offering subtle guidance.

They followed a row of old railings into a narrow cobblestone alley. After passing through the maze-like lanes, there was no sound around them. As the sound of the river gradually faded, the rustle of their footsteps became clearer.

Beyond the alley stood rows of dilapidated brick houses. Most of their glass windows had already shattered. Some had been nailed over with wooden planks, while others were left as dark, empty holes. There were no lights, no trace of life.

The house at