Chapter 296
Germany often left foreigners with two distinct impressions.
The first was its rigid seriousness.
The second was its powerful industrial system and the German engineers' obsessive pursuit of perfection.
As for Berlin—
The city's most symbolic landmark was undoubtedly the Berlin Wall.
A monument that once represented two opposing extremes.
Today, however, most of that wall had already been torn down by Muggles yearning for freedom and reunification.
Only a small remaining section had been preserved as a historical memorial.
The dramatic division and eventual reunification of the past gave Berlin a unique atmosphere.
Many traces of history still remained upon the walls themselves.
The East Side Gallery along the Spree River preserved countless murals and political paintings created during that era.
Some Muggle artists had directly painted over historical propaganda walls, transforming them into priceless artistic relics.
"All of that is merely camouflage."
"In reality, this place is now one of the entrances to Nurmengard."
The tour guide spoke hoarsely.
His voice sounded rough and broken, like metal scraping against stone.
This was the guide assigned to Malfoy and Hibiscus by the tavern owner.
Unlike his boss, this man appeared far more honest.
"At least on the surface."
"Allow me to introduce myself properly."
"You may call me Mark."
He bowed respectfully.
A surprisingly ordinary human name.
"The German Ministry of Magic is extremely cautious."
"They believe prevention is always better than repair."
"So if they don't want a place discovered, the easiest solution is simply making sure nobody can ever find it."
"Every few years, they change the entrance to Nurmengard."
Mark coughed heavily before continuing proudly:
"But there's no such thing as a perfect secret in this world."
Malfoy quietly nodded while listening.
The information Albus Dumbledore had provided was limited.
Much of what they needed still depended upon black-market information brokers.
The three slowly walked along the East Side Gallery.
"Muggle-Repelling Charm?"
Malfoy suddenly stopped before an abstract mural painted in a distorted style reminiscent of Picasso.
The human figure within the painting looked grotesque—
Its head positioned near its feet.
Its spine unnaturally bent.
Its body appearing crudely stitched together.
At that moment, Malfoy sensed a strange magical fluctuation hidden nearby.
A very powerful repelling enchantment lingered around the area.
Countless tourists passed through the gallery, yet almost nobody paused before this mural.
"That's merely a decoy created by the German Ministry."
"In reality, it's just an ordinary painting."
Mark shook his head and continued forward.
"The real entrance is over here."
They walked several dozen meters further before stopping before another section of wall.
This mural depicted a blonde girl plowing farmland.
Her modern clothing contrasted sharply against the backward rural scenery behind her.
The entire composition looked awkward and mismatched—
Yet strangely harmonious at the same time.
Perhaps the artist had been expressing East Germany's complicated jealousy toward West Germany.
After all, West Germany's conditions had once surpassed East Germany in almost every aspect.
That much was undeniable.
Most East German citizens had desperately attempted to flee westward in search of a better life.
Passing through the wall felt almost identical to crossing Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
Their bodies seemed to be lightly torn apart by invisible force.
A wave of dizziness swept over them.
Then—
The scenery changed completely.
A salty sea breeze struck their faces.
Before them stretched an endless blue ocean.
Waves rolled steadily beneath a gray sky.
The two now stood upon wet sand.
There was nobody nearby.
Only towering stone walls, scattered reefs, and the distant sound of the wind.
The modern steel city had vanished completely.
Like Azkaban, Nurmengard also appeared to be located upon an isolated island surrounded by the sea.
The normal method of entry was by boat.
A small wooden vessel sat quietly near the shore, secured tightly by thick ropes so it would not drift away with the tide.
"Shall we depart?"
Mark asked cautiously.
Malfoy nodded calmly.
"Let's go."
The three boarded the boat.
"The weather's favorable today."
"We should begin the journey immediately."
Mark muttered softly.
A strange glint briefly flashed within his eyes.
The boat itself looked ancient and poorly maintained.
The wood emitted a rotten smell, as though it might collapse at any moment.
Seawater occasionally seeped through the gaps in the planks.
Yet despite appearances, the vessel moved surprisingly steadily.
Mark clearly possessed considerable experience navigating these waters.
Whenever waves surged, he effortlessly stabilized the boat.
After some time, he suddenly asked:
"What exactly are you planning to do in Nurmengard?"
"It's not a pleasant place."
"Rescue someone."
Malfoy answered casually, unconcerned about revealing his purpose.
Mark nodded slowly.
"If it isn't revenge…"
"Then it's always rescue."
"Most people who come here are the same."
His grin widened slightly.
"But unfortunately…"
"Most of them never reach it alive."
The tone of his voice suddenly changed.
The earlier respectful attitude vanished completely.
Hibiscus frowned immediately.
She disliked his ominous words.
"You're no exception."
His smile grew colder.
Hibiscus instantly raised her wand toward him.
However—
Mark reacted even faster.
Without hesitation, he leapt directly into the sea.
A huge splash erupted as he disappeared beneath the water, completely avoiding her spell.
Hibiscus' expression immediately paled.
She finally realized—
They had likely fallen into a trap.
At that same moment, the boat began rocking violently.
The surrounding waves surged aggressively.
Several seagulls circled overhead in unnatural patterns.
Their movements looked almost intelligent.
Most likely magical surveillance.
"Let's go."
Malfoy spoke calmly.
Hibiscus clung tightly to the broken mast while struggling to maintain balance on the violently shaking boat.
"Go where?"
Her voice carried obvious panic.
The guide had abandoned them in an unfamiliar sea.
This situation had clearly exceeded her expectations.
"To Nurmengard, obviously."
Malfoy remained completely unhurried.
"Though before that…"
"We need to handle something first."
The betrayal had indeed caused trouble.
But Malfoy had never fully trusted people from the black market to begin with.
Their reputation existed for a reason.