Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts

The ability to see through appearances and discover the truth from subtle details is undoubtedly a talent.

But it also needs to be forged through constant practice.

Initially, Sherlock started with relatively simple problems.

For example, when encountering a stranger, he would observe and identify their history and occupation.

Such exercises may seem childish and boring, but they can sharpen a person's observational skills.

As time passed and with continuous practice, Sherlock became increasingly skilled in this area.

Now he already knew where to look and what to observe.

He had summarized his own method of deduction.

Although not yet perfect, observation and analysis had become second nature to him.

If he were in a train carriage, he could even identify the occupations of his fellow passengers through observation.

——Unfortunately, no one would bet with him, otherwise, he would definitely make a fortune.

While Sherlock was questioning the bar owner Tom, the latter led Sherlock and his parents through the bar to a small courtyard surrounded by walls.

Sherlock's eyes quickly scanned the surroundings and found nothing but a trash can and some weeds.

So… the problem lies with the trash can?

Sherlock took two steps forward and approached it.

At the same time, Tom also made a move.

He slowly drew his wand, and just as he was about to do something, he turned back to Sherlock with a smile, reminding him:

“Once you have a wand, you'll need to come in by yourselves—remember the position of this brick, it's on the trash can's…”

“Third brick up, second brick across.”

Sherlock said calmly.

Tom turned back to look at Sherlock, and asked with a look of surprise, “How… how did you know?”

Because it was different from the other bricks on the wall, both in color and the degree of wear and tear around it.

For someone skilled in observation, discovering this was not difficult.

“What an amazing ability of observation!”

Hearing Sherlock's explanation, Tom couldn't help but express his sincere praise, and then tapped the brick lightly three times with his wand.

Sherlock's family stared at the wall brick without blinking.

Next, something astonishing happened.

The tapped brick began to shake.

First, a small hole appeared in the middle.

Then the bricks on both sides moved quickly, and the hole became larger and larger.

Finally, a wide archway appeared in front of them.

The archway led to a winding, cobblestone street with no end in sight.

Compared to the original dark and cramped Leaky Cauldron, this avenue seemed particularly bright.

It could be said that the view suddenly opened up.

“Welcome to Diagon Alley.”

At this moment, Tom's voice rang out just right.

This was their destination, Diagon Alley, also known as Diagon Road.

Sherlock turned around and saw the archway narrowing, the walls returning to their original appearance, and Tom waving goodbye to them.

“That dwarf… he has no money, he should be preparing to run away now.”

Sherlock thought for a moment and decided to offer a reminder.

Hearing his words, Tom's face suddenly changed, as if he remembered something, and he rushed back without even thanking them.

Then they heard faint sounds from inside the bar, such as "Stop," "You stop," and "Catch him."

Sherlock shrugged, retracted his gaze, and walked onto the street with his parents.

Diagon Alley was in stark contrast to the Leaky Cauldron.

Bright and wide streets, bustling and crowded shops, and a lively crowd.

Even the knowledgeable Mr. Holmes couldn't help but say, “It's hard to imagine that London would have such a place.”

Mrs. Holmes nodded, agreeing with her husband's opinion.

Sherlock, however, fell into thought.

Since confirming that the existence of magic was not Fake News, the magical world had become increasingly attractive to him.

Now it seemed that the existence of places like the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley was somewhat similar to the outer and inner worlds in science fiction works.

However, the magical world should not exist apart from the secular world. Presumably, even if the city government doesn't know, the Prime Minister and the Royal Family should be aware.

Just the existence of such a place would definitely result in the city government collecting less tax.

Sherlock said secretly in his heart.

According to McGonagall's reminder, the three first went to Gringotts Wizarding Bank on the north side of Diagon Alley.

They needed to exchange some magical currency.

Yes, although somewhat unexpected, the magical world really had its own monetary system.

Gold coins were Galleons, seventeen Silver Sickles made one Galleon, and twenty-nine Bronze Knuts made one Sickle.

This exchange rate inevitably made Sherlock somewhat despise the wizards' mathematical abilities.

Even if they couldn't arrange it in decimal, at least they should keep the exchange rate between the three currencies consistent, right?

Although the United Kingdom used to have an old system of £1 equaling 20 shillings and one shilling equaling 12 pence, since the currency reform in 1971 abolished shillings, it had long since become £1 equaling 100 new pence.

The secular world was constantly progressing, so why couldn't the magical world keep up?

Regretful as it was, money still had to be exchanged.

Compared to other buildings in Diagon Alley, Gringotts Wizarding Bank was very distinctive.

The tall, towering white building made it stand out from the surrounding low buildings, and the bronze doors shimmered in the sunlight.

However, the most attractive thing was the guy standing at the door wearing a scarlet gold-trimmed uniform.

Short stature, long hands and feet, black face, long and pointed beard, that was...

“Goblin.”

Seeing this scene, Sherlock's eyes lit up, another creature that existed in legends.

“Are you here to exchange money? Don't wander around, come with me.”

Probably recognizing the Holmes couple's non-wizard status, the goblin immediately guessed the trio's intentions, bowed to them, and said.

Sherlock noticed that the other party's attitude was distant and the tone was quite cold.

Tsk, the service industry still has this attitude, the magical world really should train them properly.

Holmes' parents didn't have the mind to consider this, and Mrs. Holmes seemed a little worried:

“Tanan, I wonder if the money we brought is enough? Sherlock seems to want to buy a lot of things, I don't want him to suffer so far away…”

“Dear Valita, don't worry, trust me, it'll be fine.”

Mr. Holmes comforted her softly.

The Holmes family had a solid foundation.

Sherlock's grandfather was a generational country squire, which in the Victorian era was a proper aristocrat.

Even in today's London, they belonged to the top of the middle class.

So as long as the currency value of the magical world wasn't too outrageous, Mr. Holmes was confident in his family's purchasing power.

When following the goblin into the second silver door, the words engraved on the two doors caught Sherlock's attention.