When the Death Eaters tore away their false disguises, a wordless panic completely descended upon the entire British magical world. Everyone was bewildered and helpless in the face of the sudden upheaval, worried that the Death Eaters might visit their homes one day and afraid their families would be harmed because of it.
For a time, Albert's previously published Self-Defense Guide suddenly became popular again. Fred and George's latest Defence Against the Dark Arts items were also warmly received.
Everything seemed perfectly normal, yet strangely unsettling.
The dark clouds of panic and unease continued to hang over Britain, impossible to dispel.
If there was anywhere unaffected, it was undoubtedly Hogsmeade. Not only had it escaped the turmoil, but it had become even livelier.
This former Wizard Village had now become Europe's most famous black market, drawing more and more Dark wizards eager to conduct illegal transactions.
Naturally, they could not help discussing the situation in the British magical world. Many were interested in the current chaos, because it meant there was a chance to make a great many Galleons.
The restraints once strictly enforced by the Ministry of Magic had now almost completely vanished. Quite a few capable Dark wizards had made a fortune during this period.
It was easy to see from the listings posted on the trading board in the Hog's Head Pub.
"If I were you, I wouldn't be discussing that here."
Aberforth, who was wiping a wineglass with a cloth, looked up at the customer discussing the earlier Public Execution with someone else and had no choice but to interrupt his loose tongue.
Recently, quite a few outsiders had clashed with the Death Eaters over this matter. The pub's old tables and chairs had all needed repairs because of it.
"Is it forbidden to discuss it