            They entered Diagon Alley in what felt like a burst of light—and relief, though she also knew it was far more likely to run into people she knew here. Whereas the wizarding shopping district had been all but abandoned during the war, time had bred new life into the streets. Twinkling lights left over from the winter holidays still strung over the paths, floating lazily like the candles at Hogwarts. Families and couples bustled around, laughing and giggling and hurrying to and from the open shops. Hermione couldn’t help but lift her head to watch. At least this place had moved on.