85. Passing By

"That witch cast a love spell on an ordinary person?" Nagini said, sounding confused when the call ended.

"Yes, it was a girl who got carried away by love," Aurelius replied, shaking his head. "In America, not only is casting spells on Muggles strictly prohibited, but even being friends with and interacting with them are as well."

"That seems harsh," Nagini remarked.

They traveled from the Sirens to Portugal and then to France. Nagini witnessed many things in the magical world and understood the wizards' desire to hide. Although she did her best to avoid being discovered by Muggles, she wasn't as nervous as people from MACUSA.

"Due to historical reasons," Aurelius added.

"Then why don't they immigrate to other countries? Other countries don't have such strict regulations, right?" Nagini questioned, feeling puzzled.

"That's a good question. You can ask her when you get the chance to meet her." Aurelius replied, not wanting to discuss Queenie's emotional issues any further. "Those aren't important right now. Let's go and see where there are suitable houses."

"Okay."

Taking the suitcase, Zouwu obediently got in, and Aurelius led Nagini out.

The wizard's hotel they stayed at was located on Hidden Place, the largest commercial street in France's magical world.

To be honest, the name was straightforward enough, but that was its unique feature.

The French Ministry of Magic was established in 1790 when Nicoléme was already over 400 years old.

Unlike the United Kingdom and America, the French Ministry of Magic was established due to the events related to the famous Louis XVI. It could be considered the ministry closest to Muggles.

Their slogan even was "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity."

Hidden Place was not hidden underground like Wally's Cave, nor was it a street like Diagon Alley.

If I had to describe it, it would look a lot like Platform 9 3/4.

They entered and exited through a statue, emerging onto the main street of Hidden Place.

There was no doubt that this was achieved through magic, but Aurelius didn't understand what kind of magic it was. Nevertheless, he was very interested.

It must have been a form of teleportation magic. It was impossible to hide an entire station in a pillar or an entire commercial district in a statue.

Not that it couldn't be done, but it didn't match the facts.

There was more than one way to travel to and from Hidden Place. These characteristics didn't align with the space expanded by the Traceless Stretching Spell.

To be honest, the experience of teleportation magic was hundreds of thousands of times better than Apparition, Floo Powder, and Portkey.

Silently, step by step, this was the teleportation that Aurelius had imagined.

Hidden Place was bustling with people coming and going. This festival is not unique. It is crowded every day of the year, 365 days in a row.

The French magical world is renowned as the top destination. Even after the sun has set, it seems like it hasn't gone down yet.

As the global leader in magic, it attracts a large population of wizards.

Conservative estimates suggest that at least 300,000 wizards are living in the French magical world, accounting for one-tenth of the total wizard population globally.

Even in my previous life, a number like three hundred thousand would be considered a large county town.

Visitors and merchants fill the streets here, creating a bustling atmosphere. The bright sun only adds to the heat and congestion.

"It's still only noon, and it's already busier than at night," Nagini and Aurelius complained, sweating after only a short walk.

Though it's already September, the sun's rays are still scorching.

Apparition is prohibited in the hidden areas, and there is no anti-Apparition magic in place. It is impractical to install anti-Apparition measures throughout the entire shopping street. However, nobody wants Aurors from the Ministry of Magic to come knocking at their door.

To Disapparate, one must leave the area or go to a specific place.

The central square is the only location in the hideout where Apparition is allowed.

The square features several moving statues and fountains.

Five roads surround the square, each lined with a variety of shops.

On the north side of the square, there is a notice board where enchanted notices stick to themselves. The words on the notices can also move, resembling electronic billboards seen in later generations.

"Is there anything?" After browsing the notices for a while, Aurelius didn't find any information about houses for sale. He turned to Nagini and inquired.

"No," she replied.

"I guess I'll have to buy a house in a Muggle neighborhood," Aurelius said, feeling somewhat helpless.

His ideal plan was to purchase a house in a hidden area.

The hidden area is centered around the central square, with five paths dividing it into six radiating sections.

The roads feature shops on both sides, while the space between the two streets is a residential area.

Many wizards reside in these hidden areas.

It is these houses in the residential areas that Aurelius desires. Here, he can utilize magic to decorate and conduct various magical experiments.

It would be much more convenient.

It would be quite troublesome in a Muggle community. If there were any accidents during magical experiments, Aurors would pay a visit.

Although Aurelius knew that he would likely be treated like Grindelwald in the future, he did not immediately resort to becoming a wanted criminal. Just as they were discussing purchasing a house in a Muggle community, Tina Goldstein, wearing a knitted hat and coat, secretly tapped the Muggle policeman resting in front of the hiding place with her wand.

"Confusion, confusion!"

The Muggle policeman shuddered but turned a blind eye to Tina.

The bronze statue behind her lifted its skirt. Tina lowered her body and entered the base of the statue.

Did she arrive in Paris?!

It took Grindelwald and a large number of wizards three months to find Aurelius, but Tina found him in just a few days.

Is Tina just that good, or is the Alliance Party a bunch of losers?

Neither is true.

Tina Goldstein has an advantage that Grindelwald cannot match - she can openly borrow resources from the Ministry of Magic in various countries.

Again, Aurelius has never hidden his whereabouts and can be considered quite high-profile.

Grindelwald couldn't risk his subordinates getting a photo of Aurelius. They were looking for 'Credence', so it's not surprising they couldn't find him!

And since Tina has met Aurelius in person and knows that he changed his name, it shouldn't be difficult for her to find him.

After receiving the news from the French Ministry of Magic, Tina went straight to the hotel where Aurelius was staying.

Anxious, Tina disregarded Aurelius and Nagini, who were walking together just ten meters away from her.

She passed by--.