They might be trapped

Compared to daytime, Diagon Alley was far less pleasant at night. Especially after the shops on both sides had closed, the cold moonlight mingled with the flickering yellow lamps, lending the place an eerie air.

Holiken's group hurried down the street, with two in front and three behind, loosely surrounding Kyle in the middle as though to prevent him from escaping.

Although Kyle had seen through their intentions, he pretended not to notice and even impatiently urged them on.

"Why is it so far? Aren't we there yet?"

"It's just ahead," Holiken said, turning back.

He rounded a corner and turned into a narrow alley.

Kyle stopped, somewhat hesitant. "Are you sure this is still part of Diagon Alley?"

"Of course, I guarantee it." Holiken lowered his voice. "This is Diagon Alley's back street, also called Knockturn Alley."

"But I've never heard of it."

"Because... well, this is where the shop owners rest." Holiken explained, "During the day, they stay in their shops, then return here at night to rest. Maybe there's nothing to browse, so no one ever told you about it."

Knockturn Alley was the shop owners' dormitory?

Kyle sneered... Would he really believe such a ridiculous excuse?

The others apparently found the excuse ridiculous too. They instinctively shifted closer to Kyle.

"I see."

The next second, Kyle nodded and walked in of his own accord. "Hurry up, don't waste time."

"No problem." Holiken showed a cold, triumphant smile and once again moved to the front to lead the way.

Knockturn Alley at this time was even filthier than it would be a hundred years later. Strange, bone-like objects lay scattered everywhere, and the air was thick with a suffocating stench of rot.

"This really is where shop owners rest?" Kyle could not help casting a Bubble-Head Charm