Actually, Hermione thought this method had plenty of loopholes.
But the Ministry doing it this way—probably the best solution they could think of.
Precisely because of this, after arriving at the Burrow, Hermione could use magic without restraint... Because a bunch of wizards were registered nearby. Couldn't trace it to her.
"Beautiful nonverbal spell!"
Just as Hermione was grinding proficiency, Molly's voice came from behind.
Looking at Hermione, Molly was amazed. "Little Hermione, you really are a once-in-a-century talent. So many spells cast nonverbally! Not just gifted—so diligent too. No wonder your magical level is so high."
Casting all these spells silently—even she'd struggle. Never expected to see it in a child today.
"You're too kind."
Haven't even started wandless casting yet.
If nonverbal spells were still required curriculum—within understanding—then wandless casting would be remarkable.
Hermione had no plans to practice wandless in public.
One, didn't want to alarm the Weasleys. Two, this was her trump card. Didn't want people knowing.
"Hermione!"
Little Ginny had somehow woken up. Running toward her in pajamas.
Initially shy, but after a night of chatting, Ginny had warmed to this older sister. After learning about Hermione's achievements, looked at her with admiration.
Breakfast time.
Ron complained to Hermione:
"Can you watch your cat? It keeps circling Scabbers. Scabbers is too scared to leave his cage."
Hermione looked toward the corner. Crookshanks sat outside the cage, eyeing a small rat inside.
The rat was balding, missing a toe. Currently cowering inside, trembling. Beady eyes showing humanlike fear.
Hermione's mouth twitched. Somewhat speechless at Ron's hobby.
What normal person keeps rats as pets?
Though it acted pretty convincingly...
Hermione naturally knew "Scabbers" was actually Peter Pettigrew—once a friend of Harry's father, a rat Animagus.
He'd betrayed his friends. Leaked their location. Led to tragedy.
When hunted, faked his death. Never dared show his face again. Lived as a rat ever since. Even became Ron's pet.
Normally, he wouldn't fear cats—wasn't a real rat after all... But to avoid exposure, he had to act this way.
Wait.
Hermione suddenly thought of something.
This cat seems genuinely threatening.
If Hermione hadn't strictly forbidden Crookshanks from eating randomly, consequences would follow.
"Crookshanks!"
Hermione called.
"Meow?"
Crookshanks turned. Reluctantly glanced at the cage. Bounded to Hermione's shoulder. Licked his paw.
Ron finally relaxed.
Time passed. Days later, school was approaching.
Time to buy textbooks again.
Hermione looked at the fireplace. Asked cautiously, "So... can't we use a different mode of transportation?"
"What are you saying? Floo powder's the fastest, most convenient way to Diagon Alley." Molly smiled. "Just say the destination clearly. You'll arrive instantly."
Hermione had nothing to say. Though she wanted to experience Floo powder, coal-ash fireplaces were truly filthy. Really didn't want to get covered in soot.
Ron went first. Stood in the fireplace. Grabbed Floo powder. Shouted, "Diagon Alley!"
Scattered the powder.
WHOOSH!
Green flames engulfed him. Ron vanished.
"Alright, Harry—your turn. Remember, speak clearly."
Harry was also a first-timer. Obviously nervous.
"Diagonally!"
WHOOSH!
Flames disappeared. Looking at the empty fireplace, everyone exchanged glances.
"Did he just say..."
"Yep."
Everyone fell silent.
Seriously, that rushed? Couldn't let him practice first? Hermione was helpless.
"Let's go quickly. Find Harry. Even if he transported wrong, shouldn't be far." Molly said immediately.
Everyone departed in turn.
Though Hermione was also nervous, seconds later successfully reached the destination.
By the way, doesn't this method have security issues?
Watching people emerge from the fireplace one after another, Hermione thought.
The entire network has zero access control. What if you just said someone else's address? Wouldn't you enter directly?
She remembered Harry basically ended up in the wrong place entirely.
Either way, better find him first.
Hermione didn't wait for the Weasleys. Headed straight for Knockturn Alley.
Knockturn Alley.
As Diagon Alley's neighbor, this place was a mixed environment.
If Diagon Alley was a commercial shopping district, Knockturn Alley was the wizarding black market. Almost entirely Dark Arts shops.
Chief among them—Borgin and Burkes.
Just walking a short distance, Hermione felt countless gazes converge on her.
Peeping. Malice. Covetousness... all kinds.
Level 3 Legilimency let her roughly discern emotions projected through gazes.
"Hmph!"
Hermione flicked her wand. Instantly, several flames appeared. Transformed into serpent forms coiling around her.
Though only simulated, enough to show its ferocious side.
Eyes carrying faint intensity, Hermione's gaze swept over surrounding people.
This girl's trouble... Feeling the cold aura, the oddly-shaped wizards around lowered their heads. Didn't dare meet her eyes.
Retracting the flames, Hermione approached Borgin and Burkes. Saw two figures emerge from inside.
The adult had long white-blond hair. Eyes cold. Pale complexion.
Lucius Malfoy.
The child Hermione also recognized. Draco Malfoy.
Hermione's eyes flickered. After the two left, walked straight into the shop.
"Shopkeeper."
Arriving at the counter, Hermione looked at the shifty-eyed proprietor. Asked directly, "Did Lucius Malfoy just give you something?"
Borgin thought Hermione was also here to sell things. Didn't expect this question. Face immediately darkened. Said coldly:
"That's confidential between me and my client. None of your business. If you're not buying, leave quickly."
Lucius had indeed come to sell—just not normal items. Dark magical objects.
"Oh?"
Hermione leaned forward. Said quietly, "Need me to remind you? The Ministry prohibits private circulation of certain items. Once discovered... well."
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