Knockturn Alley

Description

Knockturn Alley is a dark, twisting side street that branches off from Diagon Alley. Narrow and shadowy even in broad daylight, the alley is lined with shops dealing in dark arts artifacts, cursed objects, and other sinister goods. Respectable witches and wizards generally avoid the area, and those seen frequenting its establishments often attract suspicion.

The name itself is a play on “nocturnally,” evoking the things that happen under cover of darkness.

Notable Locations

The most well-known establishment is Borgin and Burkes, a dingy shop specialising in objects with dark or dangerous magical properties. Tom Riddle once worked there as a young man after leaving Hogwarts, using the position to track down powerful magical artifacts for his own purposes.

Background

Despite its unsavory reputation, Knockturn Alley operates openly within wizarding London. The Ministry of Magic has periodically attempted to crack down on the trade of restricted items within the alley, but the shops persist, catering to a clientele that prefers to conduct its business away from prying eyes.