Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 279 Habitual Conflict

Diagon Alley has completely changed its appearance.

At this time of year, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this place is extremely difficult to navigate. Whether wizards or Muggles, adults would accompany their children to buy everything they need for the new school term. Shops would display their main products in the most prominent positions, and some would even place them directly on the roadside to attract potential buyers.

But now, everything is different.

The place where spellbooks, potion ingredients, and cauldrons used to be kept is now covered by large notices from the Ministry of Magic. Most of them are safety guidelines issued by the Ministry of Magic during the holidays, and the rest are wanted posters for the Death Eaters.

And these are mostly Bellatrix and Ike.

As soon as they entered Diagon Alley, everyone fell silent. Hagrid walked in front, Mr. Weasley brought up the rear, and the others naturally formed a circle to protect Harry inside.

They quickly passed several closed shops, as if trying to get through this sparsely populated area as fast as possible, until they finally stopped at the Madame Malkin's Robe Shop.

"Alright, come in, everyone. We're going to buy lots of new clothes," Mrs. Weasley said. "Hermione needs one, Ron's is too short, and Harry definitely needs one too..."

"Molly, I don't think we need to all go to the robe shop," Mr. Weasley said. "How about we let the three of them go with Hagrid and we go to Flourish and Blotts to buy them all the books they need for the new school term?"

"This..." Mrs. Weasley looked troubled. She didn't want everyone to separate, but she also knew in her heart that Mr. Weasley's actions were appropriate.

So she chose to pass the ball to Hagrid.

"Hagrid, what do you think?"

"Don't worry, Molly, Arthur." Hagrid slapped Ron on the shoulder, making him stumble. "They'll be fine with me!"

Despite Hagrid's words, Mrs. Weasley was still somewhat uneasy, but Mr. Weasley persuaded her to leave. They led Ginny toward Flourish and Blotts, while Harry, Ginny, and Harry followed Hagrid into Madam Malkin's Robes Shop.

Madam Malkin's shop wasn't very big, especially considering Hagrid's large size. They filled the entire shop as soon as they entered, so Hagrid had to leave again.

"You guys go ahead and buy it. I'll be right at the door. Just call me if you need anything." Hagrid's face showed a fleeting embarrassment as he left without giving Harry and the others a chance to speak, closing the door behind him.

Before the three could react, Hagrid had already left, but they didn't think much of it.

Looking around, the shop was empty, but as the door closed, they could faintly hear people talking inside.

"...I'm not a child anymore, Mom. I'm perfectly capable of coming and buying things by myself."

Then came a series of indistinct murmurs, followed by someone saying, "Honey, your mother is right. In this situation, none of us should have come out alone..."

"Hey! Be careful, watch out for the safety pin!"

A pale-faced, blond-haired boy emerged, wearing a dark green robe with pins fastened to the hem and cuffs. He walked straight to the mirror and examined himself closely. It was then that he saw Harry and his two companions reflected in the mirror, standing not far behind him.

"No wonder I smelled a nauseating stench earlier, Weasley. Are you so poor that you can't even afford to take a bath now?" Draco said.

"Damn bad seed, you'll pay for this!" Ron yelled, pulling out his wand and charging forward, but Hermione pulled him back, and he and Harry also drew their wands.

"Stop!" Madam Malkin emerged from behind the coat rack, holding a measuring tape and a wand. "I don't want anyone pulling out a wand in my shop!"

Draco turned around casually, his gaze sweeping over Hermione behind him and landing directly on Harry and Ron, his words full of sarcasm.

"Don't worry, they don't dare to perform magic outside of school."

Harry and Ron were about to lash out when they heard this, but Madam Malkin stopped them in the middle.

"Madam, please..."

"Put them away..." Narcissa slowly walked out, staring intently at Harry and Ron just like Draco. "If you dare lay a hand on my son, I'll make sure you never have to move again!"

"Really?" Harry stepped forward, staring fearlessly at Narcissa. "Then let's do it! How about we get a few Death Eaters to wipe us out?"

Mrs. Malkin was startled by Harry's words and unconsciously took a step back, clutching her chest tightly with both hands.

"Oh my god... don't say that... it's dangerous, put your wand away right now..."

She kept trying to dissuade him, but unfortunately, no one listened to her. Draco even stepped forward, pulled out his wand, and pointed it directly at Harry.

"How dare you speak to my mother like that, Potter!"

"What, wanna have a fight right now!" Ron chimed in, "Come on, Malfoy, let me see how much you've improved over the vacation..."

"Enough!" Narcissa's face was grim. "Don't think Dumbledore can protect you forever, Harry Potter. He's not here right now..."

"So you want to give it a try?" Harry persisted. "Your failed husband must be lonely in Azkaban; maybe you could share a cell with him!"

"Damn it, Potter!" Draco was about to rush up and punch Harry hard when he heard this, but Narcissa held him back tightly.

He looked at Narcissa with confusion, but seeing the fear in her eyes, he immediately understood.

He put away his wand and ripped off his new clothes, throwing them at Madam Malkin's feet.

"I don't want this dress anymore! Mom, let's go!"

“You’re right, Draco,” Narcissa said. “Let’s go to the Transcendental Clothing Store; we can find something even better there!”

They arrogantly raised their heads, as if they completely ignored Harry and his two companions, and walked out, slamming the door shut behind them.

"Really..." Madam Malkin sighed and bent down to pick up the clothes from the ground. She gently touched them with her wand, and the dust and wrinkles that had just been there disappeared.

Looking at Harry and his two companions, his voice betrayed a hint of weariness: "Alright, come here, let me take your measurements. You're here to buy new clothes, aren't you..."

Madam Malkin was somewhat distracted; the earlier incident still affected her. She even made a mistake while taking the measurements and tailoring the new clothes for the three of them, and nearly sold a men's robe to Hermione.

After much trouble, she finally got the three of them dressed and then hurriedly saw them off.

Before leaving, the three men glanced at Madam Morkin's face, which clearly showed a hint of relief.

(End of this chapter)