Hogwarts Homecoming

Old Tom left, and almost every store in Diagon Alley was frantically moving things out.

In the far distance, a train where the Hogwarts Express stopped at the Diagon Alley station was sending thick white smoke into the clear sky under the day.

"Everyone has seen the previous match between Professor Blaine and the Black Witch in the Quidditch World Cup final-"

Several people stood in front of the window of Fox Ice Cream Shop, looking at the chaos in Diagon Alley. Percy said in a serious tone,

"The ministry announced to the wizarding world that the mysterious man has been resurrected, and the prisoners who escaped from Azkaban before were all notorious Death Eaters. People think that the mysterious man must not be able to bear this breath, and he will definitely choose revenge. If the mysterious man and Bree If Professor En starts a war in Diagon Alley, there will definitely be heavy losses here!"

Realization appeared in Harry's eyes, and he finally understood why these people were anxious to move away.

Objectively speaking, these people are not unfounded.

During the Quidditch World Cup, Harry appeared at the scene. When Professor Blaine and Cliona played against each other, the scene of death and destruction was still deeply engraved in Harry's mind.

What if Professor Blaine and Voldemort really fought in Diagon Alley.

There is no doubt that this place will be burned to the ground.

"Hasn't Professor Brain considered this possibility?"

The sense of urgency of impending disaster that filled the air made George, the twin, unable to joke anymore. He looked at the abandoned shops in panic.

"If Diagon Alley is destroyed, where will wizards do business in the future? Hogsmeade can't compare to this place."

After going through some training, Percy looked much calmer than before.

"Some shop owners have rushed to the ministry to complain after hearing about this, but I think Professor Brain will not be swayed by their opposition."

Harry, Hermione and Ron looked at each other in silence.

Among the young wizards at Hogwarts, they know Professor Blaine well. Once he makes up his mind, he will not waver easily.

But there is nothing wrong with what George said. If Diagon Alley is destroyed, where will they buy textbooks and various props for learning magic?

Where can new students buy wands from?

"This decision was made by Amosta and the ministry."

Mrs. Weasley said worriedly,

"Isn't it very safe? Of course, it will be no problem to fight against the mysterious man."

Not to mention Mrs. Weasley, even Remus was thinking about this problem.

If Diagon Alley is destroyed in a war, first of all, how will the losses of these shops be calculated, and secondly, what will happen to the lives of the people?

"What are those people doing?"

The group of people who were worried about the fate of Diagon Alley remained silent, while Ron looked at the long queue of wizards like a migrating ant colony in front of the majestic and solemn white building not far away, and asked in confusion.

"I'm afraid I want to take out the gold I have stored in Gringotts."

Remus only glanced at it and knew it in his mind.

"Are they afraid their gold will be affected?"

"I'm afraid it's more than that, Harry -"

Remus shook his head slightly, his tone was very serious,

"You know that fines are not an uncommon form of punishment and are used all the time by the Ministry?"

Harry nodded.

How could he not know that originally, he was going to the ministry to pay the fine this afternoon.

"However, as far as I know, there is no precedent for confiscating the personal assets of criminals."

Remus said.

"What does this mean?"

Ron asked confused.

"This means-"

Hermione's eyes were filled with awe;

"Your money is no longer yours from now on.

If you commit something, Ron, and the Ministry of Magic determines that the crime is serious enough to confiscate all your personal assets, then the Ministry can directly take your gold away from Gringotts and confiscate it without going through you! "

Before Ron could utter an exclamation, Hermione bit her lower lip as she stared at the long queue in front of Gringotts, doubts filling her brown eyes again.

"But I can't figure it out. Why are the goblins willing to cooperate with the ministry's decision? This will cause great damage to their reputation, won't it?"

Harry blinked, then realized what Hermione was wondering.

Harry still remembered that when he first came to Diagon Alley with Hagrid many years ago, Hagrid's introduction to Gringotts was that if you wanted to hide something, Gringotts was the safest place outside of Hogwarts. place.

At Gringotts, private property is inviolable.

The goblins will only allow the original owners or heirs of the property to take away the wealth in the vault, and orders from the Ministry of Magic are of no use to them.

But now, they are actively cooperating with the Ministry's punishment and are willing to hand over the gold that the Death Eaters who escaped from Azkaban kept with them.

This will undoubtedly lead many to believe that Gringotts is no longer neutral and infallible.

This is undoubtedly a serious blow to the goblins' banking business!

The goblins must have gotten a bigger profit from Amosta and the Ministry.

Remus' eyes flashed.

Otherwise, given the character of goblins, they will never destroy their own wealth.

However, Remus did not say these words to Harry and the others.

"I don't entirely agree with what the ministry is doing."

Looking at the wizards who were anxiously waiting to handle business, Percy spoke solemnly,

"Ms. Bones's appointment as acting minister is too hasty. Many people are opposed to it. This decision of the Ministry will further induce a large number of people to voice their opposition, which is unwise."

"I disagree with you, Percy--"

Remus shook his head.

"The Ministry of Magic is currently in turmoil due to the return of Voldemort. Now is the time when order is at its weakest. Many wizards who used to follow the rules may also have evil thoughts because of this.

At this time, Amosta helped the Ministry to win this right from the goblins, which was a very severe shock to those who were wavering. This will help reduce crime if those people don't want their gold to be confiscated by the Ministry. "

"But those people can take the gold home, right?"

Harry asked,

"Like these people, they don't give the gold to goblins for safekeeping?"

"The situation is turbulent, and hiding a large amount of gold at home is also not a rational choice, Harry--"

Remus said calmly,

"Comparatively speaking, goblins are undoubtedly more professional in the matter of keeping wealth. Moreover, if you don't have the intention of committing crimes, there is nothing to be afraid of, right?"

Harry was silent, and then nodded.

They went to Madam Malkin's robe shop, and as expected, it was closed.

Through the transparent glass window of the shop, Harry saw that the fabrics in the shop were also moved away by Madam Malkin, leaving only some gray unsalable ready-made clothes hanging on the rack.

Although it was to deal with Voldemort and his minions, everything in front of him still made Harry feel extremely heavy.

It seemed that overnight, the wizarding world went from peace and tranquility to endless turmoil.

This feeling of uneasiness even made Harry miss Fudge a little.

At least, he did a good job in whitewashing the situation.

However, Harry immediately threw this stupid idea out of his mind.

Even if Professor Braine's drastic response made him feel whether it was necessary, he should not have any sense of identity with Fudge, especially since this person almost caused him, Ron and Hermione to go to Azkaban.

They walked around Diagon Alley for a while and could hardly find a shop that was open for business.

After all, even if people don't cherish money, they will cherish their lives.

Three days later, the Ministry will transport the wealth of the Death Eaters away. At that time, the mysterious man may be concerned about Braine and Dumbledore, but he will at least send his Death Eaters.

This is something that anyone with a discerning eye can see through.

"Let's go to Gringotts--"

Mrs. Weasley said to the disappointed children,

"I've never been able to find a chance to deposit Ron's winnings into the vault. I think now I can go to Gringotts to deposit money without queuing." (End of this chapter)