Earlier, she quietly followed Ryan Troka to Diagon Alley. She knew Troka was there to buy textbooks, hoping to seize the opportunity to see the young wizard who saved them before.
But Mabel didn't expect there to be so many people in Diagon Alley!
Dense and shoulder to shoulder, as far as the eye could see, it was all a pitch-black crowd.
Moreover, the wizards' clothing was very similar. Apart from a few mavericks, most people preferred black wizard robes. Although there were different embellishments on the edges and corners, at a glance, it felt like everyone was wearing the same outfit, making it hard to tell them apart in terms of height, weight, or build.
Having grown up in a dungeon and always staying in deserted places after escaping, Mabel had never seen such a crowded crowd!
Even with her powerful and frightening strength, she still felt fearful and lost in this crowded and noisy place. In her panic, she accidentally lost Ryan Troka and completely lost her direction.
Mabel was like a fledgling abandoned by its parents, standing trembling in the middle of the street. She leaned against the wall to catch her breath.
She rested against the wall for a while, and as she casually turned her head, she saw her own black and white photo on the brick wall.
—It was a wanted poster affixed to the wall.
"Hey, kid!" An employee from the nearby shop came out and kindly asked, "Are you feeling unwell? Is there something I can do for you?"
Mabel got startled, fearing he'd see her face, quickly pulled down her hood, and ran off!
She ran aimlessly for a while, only stopping when she realized no one was chasing her, choosing a corner to observe outside.
The girl's constitution was weak, and this burst of running left her chest feeling like it was about to explode. She crouched on the ground, gasping for air, trying to relieve that agonizing sensation.
Wisps of black mist emanated from her body, spreading along the floor for a distance, and just as they were about to touch a passerby, they suddenly retracted.
"Don't do anything bad!" Mabel muttered to herself, "If someone finds out, I'm done for!"
She looked up at the sky, always feeling the weather had gotten gloomier.
Vid… where can she find him?
…
Vid didn't hide; he saw Lupin appear at the bookstore entrance, and the group bid farewell to the newly acquainted professor and walked out together.
Michael noticed Lupin's expression wasn't quite right and asked, "Did something happen? You look terrible."
"Who was that person just now?" Lupin asked with a stern face.
"Hogwarts' new professor," Harry said, "He said his name is Ryan Troka."
Lupin was taken aback: "The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?"
"Yes."
Lupin was silent for a moment.
Previously, he had also received a letter from Dumbledore, asking if he could come to the school as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Lupin was tempted for a moment, but ultimately refused.
Though the cooperation with Vid and Aslan Magic Workshop was smooth, it didn't mean he could just leave it behind. Usually, Lupin had a lot of work to take care of.
Sirius was still tracking down the whereabouts of Peter Pettigrew, and Lupin couldn't stop worrying about him.
Now, he discovered a group targeting young wizards—even though the Ministry of Magic thought that matter was over, both Dumbledore and those like Lupin, who joined later, didn't think it was that simple.
Lupin had too much on his mind, and couldn't leave everything behind to hide in the ivory tower of the school.
It seemed that after his refusal, Dumbledore invited that person inside to be the professor... Despite being elegant, Lupin couldn't like him.
Perhaps it's the mutual perception between dangerous creatures; he vaguely felt—that guy was somewhat like a vampire.
Having previously been tricked by such a creature, Lupin had a poor impression of vampires.
But he couldn't be certain, because merely from the appearance... actually, there was always a rumor among Hogwarts' students that the Professor of Potions, Snape, was a vampire.
And since he was someone invited by Dumbledore...
"Is there something wrong with him?"
Hearing Vid's question, Lupin hesitated for a moment, then shook his head, saying, "Just felt a bit uneasy—have you finished all your shopping?"
"No, but we're planning to buy the rest at a Muggle mall," Harry said with a smile.
"I see..." Hearing this, Lupin felt a bit curious himself and said, "Let's go then, it's getting late."
"The weather today is really bad!" Michael looked up at the sky, irritably said, "It's neither rainy nor clear, feels like you can't breathe properly."
As they walked towards the Diagon Alley entrance, they saw many people who had already bought the new Communication Peas, conversing as they walked, appearing to talk to themselves, and occasionally bursting into laughter.
"Really convenient," Michael said, "Perhaps the Friendship Book will soon be replaced by Communication Peas."
"Impossible," Harry shook his head, saying, "The Friendship Book is much cheaper and can send pictures, which Communication Peas cannot do."
"Speaking of which... Vid, won't your Christmas gift this time be just giving everyone a Communication Pea?"
Michael raised an eyebrow at Vid and said, "Once in a while, put in some effort and prepare a bit more special gift, alright? Honestly, I'd rather have the little snacks made by your family's Little Demonic Puppet."
Vid glanced at him and noticed that although Michael was speaking in a joking tone, his gaze seemed very earnest.
On the surface, he was asking for a gift, but he was actually telling Vid—not to give Communication Peas this time.
Though poppets weren't cheap, since Vid made them himself, the costs were not too high.
Communication Peas were even more expensive, and since they were in such high demand, the Aslan Magic Workshop had to limit purchases, making them quite valuable when resold, not suitable as gifts to exchange between students.
"Mmm hmm hmm," Harry nodded vigorously without much thought, "They're indeed delicious... and the ribs and drumsticks are also well-cooked. Vid, your family's poppet must have secret recipes?"
Vid chuckled, "Alright, the gifts will definitely include a snack package, and I'll prepare other things too..."
He looked at Michael and emphasized, "Not Communication Peas."
"Good," Michael smiled, "I'm looking forward to the surprises you have for everyone."
They had just passed a pet shop when suddenly a wizard not far away shouted, "What did you say? Is that for real?"
Passersby all turned to look at him, but the wizard didn't pay attention, he just pressed his left ear, face pale, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.
"That can't be right... Are you kidding me?"
He trembled as he spoke.
The curious onlookers didn't get an answer, but everyone unconsciously stopped in their tracks.
Because some heard sounds from their newly bought Communication Peas, some felt the Friendship Book in their pockets heat up, and others watched in shock as a silver-white Guardian God appeared before them.
The people in the street stopped one by one, responding to the sudden emergency contact.
Moments later, the expressions on everyone's faces eerily synchronized—pale, fearful, incredulous.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Explosive sounds rang out in succession, many wizards used Apparition to leave Diagon Alley, others rushed towards the Fireplace Management Office.
Vid watched this scene curiously, suddenly feeling like he had slipped into "The Truman Show," a strange sensation as if everyone around had received instructions from a director all at once.
"What happened?"
Lupin hadn't finished speaking when he suddenly raised his hand to his ear, and the three young wizards watched him tensely.
Moments later, Lupin raised his head, swallowing, his eyes showing a hint of disbelief.
"Sirius said... Nimongard received news... that person... escaped from prison!"