It was a gloomy day. Even though it was morning, the sky was covered in dark clouds. The dark clouds seemed to indicate the possibility of a rainstorm at any time. Even so, the Malfoys left early and headed for their destination.
They didn't go directly to Diagon Alley. Instead, they came to an adjacent alley. Unlike the bustling scene in Diagon Alley, the streets here were cold and cheerless, dark and dirty. Malfoy yawned and asked Lucius, "Father, what are we doing here? It doesn't look like the environment here is very good. "
"Getting rid of some small troubles," Lucius said.
"Just get rid of the stolen goods. Why are you being so tactful?" Malfoy couldn't help but want to laugh. He silently looked at the surrounding shops. There was a shop that seemed to be domesticating spiders. There was a large cage full of black spiders, and their densely packed legs made one feel nauseous. There was also a shop that sold poisonous candles. He didn't understand the practical use of these poisonous candles. Was it to be used for assassination? However, there was an old wooden street sign in front of this shop with a large black spider hanging on it. The sign read: Overturn Alley.
Then they came to a shop called Birkin's Burk. It seemed to be the largest shop in the area. Opposite this shop, there was a sinister display of some shriveled human heads in the window.
"When you go in later, don't touch anything. Of course, I know you must be very clear about the danger of those black magic items, my child," Lucius reminded before entering the shop.
"Of course, Father," Malfoy replied.
The two of them walked through the shop. Lucius slowly walked to the counter and rang the bell on the counter. As for Malfoy, he was carefully looking at the surrounding goods. He saw a shelf full of skulls, a withered human hand on a cushion in a glass case, a stack of bloodstained cards, and a lifeless glass eyeball. A hideous mask looked down from the wall. There were all kinds of human bones on the counter, and rusty, sharp-toothed instruments hung from the ceiling. It seemed that the shop's business was very poor. Most of the goods were covered in dust.
Soon, a hunchbacked man appeared behind the counter, running his hand through his glossy hair.
The man spoke, and Lucius pulled out a piece of parchment.
Malfoy was not in the mood to listen to the two haggling. He continued to wander around the store, looking at the goods around him.
After some haggling, the two of them finalized the final price.
"Well, Master Malfoy, what would you like to buy?" The hunchbacked man walked towards Malfoy. Compared to purchasing, merchants were more interested in selling their goods. Seeing that Malfoy was interested in the goods, Mr. Borgin started to promote his goods.
"Young Master, what do you think of this?" Mr. Boggin picked up a withered human hand from the mat and said, "Stick a candle in it so that only the person holding it can see the light! Thieves and robbers are best friends. "
"I don't think my son needs it." "Last year, he was the top student at Hogwarts. I think he will definitely work in the Ministry of Magic in the future."
"Really?" Mr. Borgin revealed an awkward smile as he placed his withered hand back to its original position. "Then what do you need? Master Malfoy. " The man bent down in a flattering manner. His hunchbacked body bent down even more, making people feel as if his head was about to hit the ground.
"I think this cabinet is not bad." Malfoy pointed to the right and pointed at a black cabinet by the wall.
"Oh, you have such good taste." Mr. Borgin exclaimed, but was interrupted by Lucius. "You say that to everyone. Just tell me, how much is it?" Lucius did not want to be entangled with him.
"This amount?" Mr. Borgin raised a few fingers.
"Ha." A sarcastic smile appeared on Lucius's pale face, and he said unhurriedly, "Tomorrow, I'll be waiting for you at home to collect the goods. If you bring this cabinet with you, you might be able to see the other things in my collection."
After a moment of hesitation, Mr. Borgin nodded and said, "Okay." No matter what he said, he knew very well that, at least for now, the cabinet was of no use. It was better to exchange it for something more substantial. Lucius was obviously hinting that his business could improve.
"Draco, let's go." At that moment, Lucius's foot had already stepped out of the door.
"Mr. Borgin, can I ask you a question?" Malfoy said in a low voice.
"Of course, I'm at your service."
"Do you know Tom? Tom Riddle. " Malfoy stared at Mr. Borgin, not missing a single change in expression on his face.
Mr. Borgin closed his eyes and seemed to be immersed in his memories. Soon, he opened his eyes and said, "Of course, he was the best employee I've ever seen. It's a pity he resigned." His tone carried a tinge of regret. "How do you know him?" he asked.
"I saw his name in the school's souvenir display room. I heard that he worked in your shop. He's really good," Malfoy said.
"You'll be better than him," Mr. Borgin said.
"Thank you for your kind words," Malfoy said, and hurried out of the shop to catch up with Lucius.
No one noticed that the box that had already been sold seemed to shake a little.