Chapter 171 Diagon Alley

Chapter 171 Diagon Alley

Three days after returning to Kensington Palace, Henry received a letter from Harry.

The letter was brought back by Mercury, and now the snowy owl has developed a peculiar habit: every time it goes to work, it first flies to the kitchen to eat some poultry before slowly landing on Henry's windowsill.

He was probably spoiled by Elizabeth.

The handwriting on the envelope was crooked and messy; it was clearly written by Ron.

The letters were all different sizes, crooked and some were even crammed together, looking like they had lost a fight.

Henry opened the letter; inside was a crumpled piece of parchment, beginning with Harry's handwriting and the following paragraphs with Ron's.

Dear Henry:

I hope you still remember me—although you certainly do, since you just did me such a big favor.

I'm at the Burrow, Ron's house. It's amazing! A million times better than the Dursleys! The house is crooked, four stories high, and there's a magical antenna sticking out of the chimney. Mrs. Weasley is so kind to me, making delicious food every day. Ron's mom's pies are even better than you described. Last night she made meat pies, and I ate four in one go. Ron said I looked like a starving ghost, but he ate five himself.

George and Fred try to drag me out every day to try out their new inventions, but Ron always stops them, saying, "Don't blow Harry away!" Yesterday they invented a candy that moves on its own, and it jumped up and bit Ron's nose; he still has a red mark on it.

On a business note: Hermione wrote to say that we're going to Diagon Alley next Wednesday to buy textbooks for the new term. She wanted to invite us along so we could meet up. Ron said his parents would be going too, along with George and Fred (of course). Mrs. Weasley said she'd love for you to come along if it's convenient for you—Ron told her all about your heroic deeds, and now Mrs. Weasley calls you "that good boy who helped Harry," and even said she'd make you her best butter cookies.

I don't know if you're free, but it would be great if you could come. Hermione said she has a lot of questions to ask you, Ron said he can share half of his mom's sandwiches with you, George and Fred said they have a "great plan" to discuss with you, and Ginny heard you were coming and secretly asked me what you look like yesterday—I didn't tell her, I let her see for herself.

We'll meet at the Leaky Cauldron at noon. If you come, remember to use Floo Powder—Ron said you might not be used to it, but he added, "His Highness is definitely better than Harry; Harry almost burned himself the first time he used Floo Powder." Oh, and Ron also said, whatever you do, don't come over from the Weasley's fireplace, because George and Fred modified our fireplace, and it turns people's hair purple.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Your friend, Harry Henry, couldn't help but laugh after reading the letter.

He folded the letter and placed it on the table.

Then he picked up the quill pen and wrote a few words on a new sheet of paper:

Next Wednesday, at the Leaky Cauldron, at midnight, I'll be there.

Tell George and Fred that I'll ask Prince Philip, but they have to make sure the old man's hair isn't turned purple too.

He handed the letter to Mercury and asked the kitchen to prepare a small dish of fresh red meat for it.

Mercury picked up the letter, let out a satisfied cry, and flapped its wings into the night.

Next Wednesday, the weather will be sunny.

A few pigeons were cooing lazily on the windowsill.

Henry got up early, had breakfast, and went back to his room to prepare to go out.

He changed into a regular casual jacket and took out the wallet with the Seamless Stretch Spell from the drawer.

"Your Highness," Lucy's voice came from behind.

Henry turned around and saw her standing in the doorway, holding a small package in her hand.

"What is this?"

"Lucy prepared this." She walked over and placed the package on the table. "It's some snacks; Your Highness can share them with your friends."

Henry opened the package, inside was a box of exquisite cookies, each one shaped like a small animal.

There were owls, toads, mice, and a few small creatures that looked like sniffles.

"Lucy, you're so kind," he said.

Lucy's eyes lit up for a moment, then she lowered her head, clutching the corner of her tea towel tightly.

"Lucy—Lucy just thinks that His Highness's friends will like it."

"Yes, it will," Henry said with a smile.

When Henry came downstairs, William and Harry were already in the dining room.

They were going to their grandmother's house today, so they were dressed very formally.

But as soon as they saw Henry, they immediately revealed their true colors.

"Henry! Henry! Where are you going?" Harry slid off the chair, ran to Henry, and looked up at him to ask.

"Diagon Alley, to buy textbooks for the new semester," Henry said.

"We're going too!" Harry shouted immediately, his eyes sparkling. "We want to go to Magic Street too!"

William nodded in agreement, looking on with anticipation.

Henry glanced at them.

"no."

"Why?" Harry pouted, looking aggrieved.

"Because you'll only cause trouble," Henry said. "And Mom won't approve."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Diana's voice came from the direction of the restaurant.

"Henry is right, you two are coming with me to Grandma's today."

Harry's face immediately fell.

"But we also want to go to Magic City—"

"Diagon Alley," William corrected him.

"Yes, Diagon Alley!" Harry said.

Diana walked over, squatted down, and looked at them.

"Be good, I'll take you when you're a little older. Grandma has prepared new toys and delicious food for you today."

Harry's eyes lit up again.

"What new toy?"

Kids are so easy to fool.

"You'll find out when you get there," Diana said gently.

Harry thought about it and felt that the exchange was quite worthwhile, so he nodded.

"Alright then, Henry, when you come back, could you bring me a fire-breathing toy?"

Henry thought for a moment.

"Yes, but I can't guarantee it will breathe fire."

"Anything that can move will do!" Harry said immediately. "Like Norbert, something that can move and make noise will do!"

William chimed in from the side, "Me too!"

"Okay," Henry said with a smile.

Harry was delighted and rubbed against Henry's leg.

"Henry is the best!"

Diana watched from the side, shaking her head with a smile.

Henry arrived at the Leaky Cauldron via the Floo Network at 10 Downing Street. As he stepped out of the fireplace, he dusted himself off—although Lucy had cast a cleansing spell inside, Floo dust was always present, like a thin layer of silver powder.

The Leaky Cauldron was bustling with noise. Several old wizards sat at the bar, arguing heatedly about Quidditch, their faces red and necks bulging. One of them slammed his glass down with a loud bang.

In the corner, a young wizard couple were whispering to each other, their heads close together. The witch held a book by Gilderoy Lockhart in her hand.

Several students in long robes were queuing for drinks, chattering about their new semester's schedule.