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Chapter 31
It was a gloomy morning. Although the day had barely begun, the sky was already blanketed with heavy, brooding clouds—dark enough to threaten a downpour at any moment. Even so, the Malfoys left early and headed toward their destination.
They didn't go straight to Diagon Alley. Instead, they stepped into a neighboring alleyway. Unlike the lively streets they were used to, this place was quiet, grim, and filthy. Malfoy yawned and asked,
"Father, what are we doing here? The environment's… not exactly pleasant."
"Taking care of a minor inconvenience," Lucius replied calmly.
"You mean getting rid of stolen goods. No need to dress it up," Malfoy said under his breath, amused. His eyes drifted to the surrounding shops. One appeared to be devoted to breeding spiders—a massive cage packed with black spiders whose countless legs made his skin crawl. Another store sold poisoned candles. He had no idea what anyone would use those for—assassinations?
A rickety wooden sign stood out front: a large black spider hanging over the words Knockturn Alley.
They finally stopped before a shop called Borgin & Burkes, clearly the largest in the area. Across the street, someone had arranged a row of shriveled human heads in the window as if it were normal décor.
"When we go in, don't touch anything. I trust you already understand how dangerous these Dark artifacts are," Lucius warned.
"Of course, Father."
The pair entered. Lucius headed straight for the counter and tapped the bell. Malfoy wandered, carefully surveying the items around him. A shelf of skulls, a withered hand displayed on a velvet cushion behind glass, a stack of blood-stained cards, a dull glass eye, a grotesque mask glaring down from the wall. Bones littered the counter, and rusty, toothed instruments dangled from the ceiling. Business seemed terrible—everything was coated in dust.
Soon, a hunched man shuffled out from the back, smoothing down his slick hair.
He began speaking with Lucius, who pulled out a piece of parchment. Malfoy had no interest in listening to their negotiation and continued browsing the shop.
After a few rounds of haggling, they settled on a price.
"Now then, Young Master Malfoy—what might interest you?" the man asked eagerly as he approached. Compared to buying, shopkeepers here were always more enthusiastic about selling. Seeing Draco's attention on the merchandise, Borgin immediately slipped into sales mode.
"How about this?" Borgin lifted the withered hand. "Stick a candle in it and only the holder can see the light! Thieves and burglars adore it."
"I doubt my son has any use for that," Lucius cut in. "He was top of his class at Hogwarts last year. He'll almost certainly be working for the Ministry someday."
"Is that so?" Borgin said with an awkward smile as he put the hand back. "Then what are you looking for, Young Master Malfoy?" He hunched lower, bowing so deeply it looked like his nose might hit the floor.
"I like that cabinet." Draco pointed toward a tall black cabinet standing against the wall.
"Ah, excellent taste—" Borgin began, but Lucius cut him off immediately.
"You say that to everyone. Just tell me the price."
Borgin raised several fingers.
Lucius let out a soft, derisive laugh. "I'll be waiting at home tomorrow for the collection. If you bring that cabinet with you, perhaps you'll get a look at a few other pieces in my collection."
After hesitating, Borgin nodded. "All right." He knew perfectly well the cabinet was useless to him at the moment. Better to trade it for something worthwhile. And Lucius's hint was clear enough—cooperate now, and future business would improve.
"Draco, we're leaving," Lucius called, already stepping out the door.
"Mr. Borgin, may I ask you something?" Draco lowered his voice.
"Of course. At your service."
"Do you know Tom? Tom Riddle."
Draco watched every flicker of expression on Borgin's face.
Borgin shut his eyes, sifting through old memories. After a moment he opened them again and said,
"Of course. Best employee I ever had. Shame he resigned." There was genuine regret in his voice. "How do you know of him?"
"I saw his name in the school's trophy display. Heard he worked here. He must have been impressive."
"You'll be even better," Borgin said.
"Thank you," Draco replied politely before slipping out of the shop to catch up with Lucius.
No one noticed that the box—already sold—seemed to tremble slightly on its shelf.
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