Chapter 24: The Thales Manuscript

Chapter 24: The Thales Manuscript

In the bustling Diagon Alley, Moon appeared once again. He soon spotted Harry, who had returned from shopping, holding a variety of flavors of ice cream cones from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.

Harry greeted Moon excitedly, waving, "Uncle Moon, where did you go?"

"Met a friend who gave me some gifts," Moon replied, handing the wrapped box to Harry.

Harry took out the golden silk cloth bag given by Gringotts and stuffed the box into it.

"Mr. Jones, do you have any plans? If you have time, how about having a meal in London?" Chris suggested.

"Sure, but I need to make a trip to the potion shop to buy some ingredients," Moon nodded, not refusing. The Granger family seemed easygoing.

Later, Moon went to the potion shop, buying various peculiar items that seemed unusual to the Granger family. The group then retraced their steps from the Leaky Cauldron.

The two adults also took a stroll in the record store next to the Leaky Cauldron.

In a French restaurant on Charing Cross Road, the group chatted casually. Chris seemed eager to learn more about the magical world, perhaps due to concerns for his precious daughter, making him somewhat anxious.

Hermione, on the other hand, was not as carefree. Due to Diagon Alley not accepting pounds, she had set her eyes on many books but had no money to buy them.

It was then that Moon learned about the limited exchange of pounds for galleons. It was a benefit policy exclusively for Hogwarts students and had a conversion limit.

Harry, with Moon's permission, excitedly shared the interesting events at the Moonlight Castle. Soon, Hermione's discontent with Diagon Alley faded.

Though she had a strong curiosity about magic, she did not consider the upcoming primary school graduation year crucial.

At least that's how Hermione saw it...

At this point, the Granger family learned Harry Potter's real name but received no explanation for the hidden identity.

After dinner, Chris found out that the group lived in Surrey and offered to drive Moon home, but Moon politely declined.

He also performed a bit of Apparition for them.

...

Back at the Moonlight Castle, Moon lazily lay on the sofa, feeling thoroughly content.

It's been a while since he went out like this.

"Harry, give me that Ancient Greek manuscript," Moon said lazily.

When he saw this manuscript in Borgin and Burkes' shop, he immediately recognized its extraordinary nature.

The runes on the notes bore too much similarity to those on the sword of Triton seized from Blackbeard in the Caribbean Sea.

Moon's main research directions now originated from the Caribbean.

One was the sword seized from Blackbeard. The other was the trident obtained from the depths of the ocean.

Curses of the sea, artifacts, even the power of Davy Jones – he cared about none of it.

A true wizard needed only the mysterious knowledge behind these curses or artifact powers.

As long as he successfully deciphered them, he could take another step forward.

With that in mind, he took the book from the display cabinet. He later discovered that this manuscript, although incomplete, originated from one of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece – Thales.

Though Moon couldn't confirm if it was from Thales himself or a later follower's copy, finding such a level of notes in a dark magic store was simply unbelievable.

At this moment, Harry handed the manuscript to Moon.

Looking at Harry's expression, Moon asked curiously, "Are you this happy today?"

Harry awkwardly smiled, "No, I just... Well, Hermione is my first friend."

After saying this, Harry became a bit uncertain, "Uncle Moon, does this count as friendship?"

Harry had never had a friend before; he was always bullied at school, and no one wanted to be friends with him because it meant going against Dudley.

This led to Harry not knowing what really constituted friendship.

"I think this definitely counts as friendship," Moon pondered, nodding.

Harry's face immediately lit up with a smile. Moon then asked, "How long until your school starts?"

"Half a month," Harry replied.

Moon nodded, "Then, if you have nothing to do, you can go out more. The castle's work is almost done; there's no need to stay cooped up here every day."

Harry felt happy about that but suddenly thought of something, shaking his head, "Never mind, I'll stay inside. If Dudley and the others see me outside, they'll bother me..."

Through studying history, he had learned that wizards now had to hide among Muggles. He had also abandoned the idea of seeking revenge on Dudley after learning magic.

Moon stood up, "As you wish. Or you can ride a broomstick on the hill."

"Really?" Harry looked excitedly at the Firebolt.

Moon didn't look back, "Just be careful. By the way, the next spell is 'Arania Exumai.' Familiarize yourself with it within a week."

"Okay!" Harry quickly nodded.

Seeing Moon head to the basement, Harry looked at the Firebolt bounding towards him. He excitedly grabbed its broomstick handle.

Apparently, it was desperate. As a flying broomstick, it had fallen to the point of sweeping the house every day.

Just when it thought the two could finally go for a proper flight, Harry unexpectedly let go.

Apologetically, Harry said, "Sorry, Firebolt. I think I should finish my chores first. We'll clean up, then I'll learn the spell Uncle Moon mentioned, and finally, we can go out and play."

The broomstick handle drooped like a noodle, expressing its disappointment.

Afterward, the broomstick head swayed back to the corner, leaning against the wall with a touch of resentment.

Harry awkwardly smiled, then went upstairs to the wardrobe on the second floor. He hadn't folded the clothes he retrieved this morning...

Knock, knock, knock—

Suddenly, the sound of knocking on the door echoed. Lucifer peeked out from the fireplace with weary eyes, "Evans, find."

After speaking, he retracted into the fireplace to sleep.

Harry quickly walked over, and with a click, the doorknob pointed to Privet Drive. He then opened the door.

Outside, he saw a familiar face – Mrs. Hudson, who lived next door.

"Oh, little Potter, what are you doing here? I remember you live at Number Four Privet Drive," Mrs. Hudson said lightly.

"Mrs. Hudson, hello. I'm here... playing," Harry replied casually. "Is there something you need?"

Mrs. Hudson said, "Oh, nothing. I just wanted to ask if you have a lawnmower. Mine broke halfway, and I don't know why. I wanted to borrow one from the landlord to finish mowing the lawn."

A lawnmower...

Harry thought for a moment, shaking his head, "Sorry, Uncle Moon doesn't have a lawnmower."

Hearing this answer, Mrs. Hudson sighed, "Well, it seems I'll have to ask other neighbors. Have fun, little Potter."

"Thank you, Mrs. Hudson." Harry smiled in response, watching Mrs. Hudson walk away. Suddenly, a bright idea flashed in his mind.

Perhaps he could discreetly use magic

to change a few things, just like he used to.

In the past, he couldn't control it, but now he could. He could even do it better...

"Mrs. Hudson, if you don't mind, can I take a look at the lawnmower?"