Zhang Xiao climbed the crumbling stone steps and studied the house that had suddenly appeared.
The black paint had peeled off the heavy front door, which was covered in scratches.
Its silver handle looked like a great, twisting serpent.
Unlike an ordinary door, it had no keyhole, and there was no letterbox outside.
"It's protected by spells. Rather dull, really. I prefer houses out in the open countryside. They make me feel like there's room to breathe-like the Burrow."
Sirius winked at Ron. "I visited when the Burrow was still only one story tall. Beautiful scenery, beautiful house."
Ron immediately flushed and muttered, "But it's too crowded there, and too small..."
"Perhaps you'll understand the Burrow's charm when you're a little older. Right, let's have a look inside..." Sirius drew his wand and tapped the door.
They heard a series of loud metallic clunks from behind it, along with the rattling of chains.
Then the door creaked open as though showing its age.
A strange smell, thick with mildew and dust, immediately billowed out.
It was pitch-black inside, the contents barely discernible. The children swallowed, feeling unexpectedly afraid.
"Come on." Sirius led the way inside, warning them cautiously, "But don't go too far in, and don't touch anything.
"A lot of things in here have been enchanted. They could hurt you."
Zhang Xiao stepped over the threshold into the almost completely dark entrance hall.
The damp, dusty smell of decay grew even stronger.
Although everyone raised their wands and lit their tips, even Sirius's exceptionally powerful Lumos could illuminate only a small area.
The house seemed to be greedily devouring the light.
Zhang Xiao frowned, raised his hand, and snapped his fingers sharply.
"Light."
Soft light like dawn flooded the entire house from some unknown source.
It illuminated every last