*61

Hermione realized that the Ministry's method of tracking magic had many loopholes.

But given the circumstances, it was probably the best solution they could come up with.

Because of this system, Hermione could freely use magic at the Burrow since there were many registered wizards around, and her magic wouldn't be detected.

"Beautiful silent spell!"

As Hermione continued to practice her spells, Molly's voice came from behind her.

Watching Hermione, Molly exclaimed, "Little Hermione, you truly are a rare genius. So many spells cast without speaking! You're not only gifted but also diligent. No wonder your magic is so advanced."

All these spells were cast silently, a feat even Molly found challenging. She was amazed to see a child perform them.

"You're too kind," Hermione replied modestly.

She hadn't even started practicing wandless magic yet.

While silent spells were a required skill for wizards, wandless magic was another level entirely, something Hermione wasn't ready to display publicly.

Partly because she didn't want to alarm the Weasley family, and partly because it was her secret weapon, something she didn't want others to know.

"Sister Hermione!"

Little Ginny, now familiar with Hermione after a night of bonding, ran towards her in her pajamas.

At breakfast, Ron complained to Hermione:

"Can you keep an eye on your cat? He keeps circling Scabbers, and Scabbers is too scared to leave his cage."

Hermione glanced towards the corner, where Goose was outside the cage, eyeing a small mouse inside with interest.

The mouse was scruffy, missing a toe, and trembling with fear, its beady eyes wide with terror.

Hermione smirked, finding Ron's choice of pet amusing.

Who in their right mind would want a pet rat?

And not just any rat, but a common black one.

But it was amusing, nonetheless.

Hermione knew the so-called "Scabbers" was actually Peter Pettigrew, Harry's father's friend, who was an Animagus in rat form.

Pettigrew had betrayed Harry's parents, leading Voldemort to them and causing their deaths.

When Sirius Black hunted him down, Pettigrew faked his death and lived as a rat, eventually becoming Ron's pet.

Normally, he shouldn't be afraid of cats, since he wasn't a real rat, but to avoid exposure, he had to act terrified.

Wait a minute.

Hermione suddenly realized something.

Goose seemed genuinely threatening.

If Hermione hadn't forbidden him from eating indiscriminately, Goose might have devoured Pettigrew, cage and all.

"Goose!"

Hermione called.

"Meow?"

Goose turned, reluctantly leaving the cage, and leapt onto Hermione's shoulder, licking his paws.

Ron sighed with relief.

Time passed, and soon it was time to shop for school supplies.

Hermione eyed the fireplace warily, asking, "Can't we use a different mode of transport?"

"What are you talking about? Floo Powder is the fastest and most convenient way to Diagon Alley," Molly replied with a smile. "Just say your destination clearly, and you'll arrive in no time."

Hermione had nothing to say. While she was curious to try Floo Powder, the thought of being covered in soot wasn't appealing.

Ron confidently stepped into the fireplace, grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, and shouted:

"Diagon Alley!"

He tossed the powder, and with a whoosh of green flames, vanished.

"Alright, Harry, your turn. Speak clearly," Molly advised.

It was Harry's first time, and he looked visibly nervous.

"Diagon Alley!"

Whoosh!

As the flames faded, the fireplace was empty.

"Did he just say...?"

"Yep, he did."

Everyone fell silent.

Why the rush? Let him practice first; he can't even pronounce the place! Hermione thought helplessly.

At least say Diagon Alley, not something like Dragon Valley...

"Let's go find Harry. Even if he ended up somewhere else, he shouldn't be too far," Molly said quickly.

Everyone took turns using the Floo Network.

Though Hermione was nervous, she arrived at the destination a few seconds later.

By the way, isn't this system a security risk?

Watching people emerge from the fireplace, Hermione pondered.

There's no access control on the Floo Network. What if someone ends up in another person's home?

She recalled Harry landing in Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley, as if it were no big deal.

First, she needed to find him.

Hermione didn't wait for the Weasleys and headed straight to Knockturn Alley.

---

**Knockturn Alley.**

As Diagon Alley's neighbor, Knockturn Alley was a hub of shady characters.

If Diagon Alley was a bustling commercial district, Knockturn Alley was the wizarding black market, filled with dark magic shops.

Among them, "Borgin and Burkes" was the most renowned.

Approaching the area, Hermione felt numerous eyes on her.

Some were curious, others malicious, and some covetous...

With her advanced legilimency skills, she could sense the emotions behind their gazes.

"Humph!"

With a flick of her wand, Hermione conjured several flames that formed a menacing serpent around her.

Though the flames were illusory, they were enough to intimidate.

With a steely gaze, Hermione surveyed her surroundings.

Realizing the girl wasn't to be trifled with, the strange-looking wizards averted their eyes.

Dismissing the flames, Hermione approached Borgin and Burkes, noticing two figures leaving the shop.

The adult had long, white hair, sharp eyes like a hawk, and a pale face.

Lucius Malfoy.

The child beside him was familiar—Draco Malfoy.

Hermione's eyes narrowed, and after they left, she entered the store.

"Excuse me."

Approaching the counter, she addressed the shifty-looking Borgin.

"Did Lucius Malfoy just sell you something?"

Borgin assumed she was there to sell items but was caught off guard by her question. His face darkened, and he replied coldly:

"That's a private matter between me and my client. None of your business. If you're not buying, leave."

Lucius had indeed sold him something—a dark magical object.

"Oh?"

Hermione leaned in and whispered:

"Need I remind you that the Ministry of Magic prohibits the private sale of dark magic items? Once discovered... well..."