[84] A New Page

With the Saints' matter resolved, Hall handed the Ministry of Magic issues to Dumbledore. Now free, Hall was given three days off to prepare for the next school year with his family.

"Hurry, hurry! Diagon Alley — remember your lists!" Mum clapped her hands, counting the children, then urged them toward the fireplace.

After Ginny passed through last, Mum also went via the Floo Network.

"Hall! Harry said he and Sirius are going to Madam Malkin's to buy robes. Harry said he's grown a lot taller and his old ones don't fit." Ron dragged Hall along, eagerly running toward the robe shop. Hall had promised Ron a complete set of brand-new clothes. Ron had been incredibly excited all morning.

"See you at Flourish and Blotts later!" Mum called after them.

"Okay, Mum," Hall shouted back.

Ron grumbled silently. Mum was so excited about Gilderoy Lockhart's book signing today.

Outside Madam Malkin's, Hall and Ron stepped out. Ron's face was still flushed with excitement.

It wasn't just Ron who had new clothes — everyone in the family had some. The others just weren't as excited. Ron and Hall had five older brothers, and they'd never lacked hand-me-downs. Hall had been criticised by Grindelwald for wearing tattered clothes during a previous visit; he didn't care, but found Grindelwald's nagging annoying, so he'd sent the old man new robes by owl.

This was, in a way, their first real shopping trip for new clothes. Because they'd ordered a large quantity — nearly everything for all four seasons — it would take three hours to prepare.

"Hall, did we spend too much?" Ron asked worriedly. Hall had paid.

"No. I've earned money." Hall smiled and waved his coin purse. It jingled softly. Ron reached out and took it — the heavy weight reassured him.

"Then let's go to Flourish and Blotts now!" Hall nodded, but a hint of resignation crossed his face. Ron's expression fell immediately.

Neither of them wanted to go. Today was the book signing for the famous author Gilderoy Lockhart. Even before arriving, they could imagine how many witches would scream for him.

They walked toward Flourish and Blotts with wry smiles. Sure enough, they could hear screams and cheers from afar.

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Hall sighed. If there were any other bookshop in the wizarding world, he wouldn't choose this one.

They arrived at the entrance. The signing was in full swing — Lockhart had made his dazzling entrance. Hall and Ron stood helplessly at the door, waiting. It was impossible to squeeze inside.

The witches screamed wildly, waving their arms to attract Lockhart's attention. Some were moved to tears when he looked at them. Mum squeezed through the crowd and was now at the very front, her eyes gleaming with fanaticism, clutching a copy of Lockhart's latest book.

Percy, clutching a stack of books, stood far to one side, seemingly about to be pushed away. He protected the books tightly, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

"Hall! Ron!"

A heavy pat on Hall's shoulder. He and Ron turned to see Harry standing behind them, smiling.

"Harry? I thought you'd be even later." Harry's letter had said he'd retrieve the duplicate from the Dursleys' today.

Harry shrugged and glanced at Sirius behind him. Sirius's face was gloomy, his expression serious, as if ready to start a fight.

"Sirius, Hall, Ron, and I are waiting for Hermione here. Do you want to find somewhere to rest?" Harry's tone was gentle, soothing Sirius's anxious mood.

Sirius wanted to stay, but looking at the group — all children without parents — he felt his presence would make Harry lose face in front of his friends. "Alright. I'll wait at the ice cream shop. I have a friend I'd like to introduce you to."

Harry nodded. After a brief farewell, Sirius left.

Hall frowned, watching Sirius intently. His expression had been off — unusually agitated, with unease beneath it.

"You're in trouble?" Hall turned to Harry.

Harry's smile froze. He thought he'd hidden it well. "Hall, how did you notice?"

"I initially thought the Dursleys had said something unpleasant, but that didn't make sense. With Sirius around and knowing his sharp tongue, you wouldn't be at a disadvantage." Hall analysed.

Harry nodded. Hall's insight was remarkable.

Ron, completely bewildered, scratched his head in frustration.

Hall continued, "But Sirius's dark expression means you've definitely run into trouble — something Sirius can't handle, and it's not particularly big." If it were a big deal, Sirius would have gone straight to Dumbledore.

Harry sighed. "You're right."

Though Ron didn't fully understand, he could tell from Harry's expression that something was wrong. He grabbed Harry's hand. "Harry, what trouble have you gotten into? Don't worry — Hall will definitely help. If Hall can't, we can go to Dumbledore."

Hall covered his head. Ron actually said he couldn't do it!

Meanwhile, Harry explained, "Sirius had a fight with the Dursleys. He won."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Ron asked, puzzled.

Harry pushed up his glasses. "Later, when we were about to leave, Sirius discovered someone had been following us."

"It was one of You-Know-Who's henchmen!" Ron blurted out.

Harry shook his head. "You'll never guess who it was —"

"A house-elf. Dobby," Hall answered.

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