Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Knockturn Alley
After learning what had happened between Mr. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy, Harry was extremely confused. It didn't make sense at all—someone like Lord Malfoy, who was known to hate non-magicals, fighting like a non-magical person with his fist seemed extremely fishy.
There weren't any laws forbidding the usage of a wand. In fact, there was a law allowing it, stating that if both parties were aware and didn't act in a backstabbing manner, it could be considered an Honor Duel to resolve conflicts. Although it wasn't allowed to be a fight to the death, as that would be considered murder, a Duel to the Death was still possible with proper registration at the Auror Office. However, it required a public agreement, seconds to handle matters after the duel, and more. Duels were actually a common part of a society that was partially stuck in the Middle Ages.
So this whole fistfight was extremely strange and didn't make any sense. There had to be an ulterior motive that he wasn't aware of. But nothing he had heard gave him an actual clue as to what Lord Malfoy was playing at. Unlike Draco, his father was a truly crafty Slytherin—crafty and cunning. Harry quickly learned this when he read the reports with intel on the British Wizarding World, as Lord Gremory investigated the different political parties.
Definitely, there had to be something else at play besides tensions over a new law about Dark Magical Artifacts. There was probably an underhanded scheme to discredit Mr. Weasley, but he had no idea how that fistfight served that purpose. Not that it had anything to do with him. However, this new so-called Muggle Protection Act was an interesting piece of information because what would someone do if they had some dark artifacts hidden at home that could earn them time in prison if found? Now, with legal raids searching for them, the obvious choice would be to sell them.
This law would definitely shrink the pool of interested buyers, pushing the prices for these dark artifacts down. It would be the optimal time to buy them for someone interested in studying them.
After chatting a bit with Hagrid, the group said goodbye to the Weasleys and the friendly half-giant and left the store after paying for their books. Since they had finished their Hogwarts shopping, they decided to call it a day. The Grangers headed towards the Leaky Cauldron, where they had their car parked outside, while Harry escorted Daphne and Tracey to a potion store owned by the Greengrass family. There, they used the Floo network to return home.
Now alone, Harry headed to Gringotts, where he emptied the 2000 Galleons from his trust vault this year. Although he had enough for his Hogwarts shopping, his current funds would be insufficient for a proper shopping spree in Knockturn Alley.
Finished at Gringotts, he made his way toward an unused and empty side alley. After ensuring that nobody was watching him, he formed a magic circle in the palm of his hand and cast Transformation Magic on himself. He took on a much rougher and older form, with a wild black beard and scars on his face. His clothes looked darker and a bit worn out. He had scars and callouses on his hands as well.
Satisfied with his transformation, he headed toward the entrance of Knockturn Alley, walking down the shady street where many dark individuals eyed him. However, his rough appearance made sure that they wouldn't try anything, as he looked very experienced in combat. He also made no effort to conceal his demonic power, as its higher quality gave him the feeling of a powerful wizard.
There were many stores in this part of the alley, of a more questionable nature, but also some that appeared normal, like ingredients shops or a wand store. However, they definitely offered a different kind of service if you knew what you were asking for. He even spotted different kinds of blood on the shelves inside one of these potion ingredient stores—blood that didn't look like it came from a magical creature.
But none of these stores were the one he was looking for. No, what he was looking for was more akin to a pawn shop or an antique shop, dealing in interesting goods that someone might want to sell. And he didn't have to look for long.
A short distance down Knockturn Alley, at number 13B, lay Borgin and Burkes—an antiquity shop exactly what Harry was looking for. It looked quite large from the outside, but like the rest of the alley, it was dirty and exuded a shady feeling that no honest person would associate with.
Without hesitation, Harry entered the shop, opening the front door to reveal a large, dusty, and dimly lit room with a stone fireplace. A glass case nearby held a withered hand on a cushion, a bloodstained pack of cards, and a staring glass eye. Evil-looking masks stared down from the walls, an assortment of human bones lay upon the counter, and rusty, spiked instruments hung from the ceiling. In a corner of the shop stood a large black cabinet. On shelves to the side were a collection of old-looking books that he hadn't seen before.
He was definitely in the right place for his goal. Harry didn't have to wait long as a stooping man appeared behind the counter, smoothing his greasy hair back from his face. A spell that Harry felt on the front door had him alert to his arrival.
"A new face. How delightful! Welcome to Borgin and Burkes, the central trading place for anything with unusual and powerful properties or any other interests in Wizarding Britain," greeted the greasy shopkeeper with a sly smile. "I am Mr. Borgin, one of the owners of this humble store. What can I do for you today, Mr...?"
"Smith, my name is Smith," replied Harry calmly with a rough voice, as the Transformation Magic Grayfia had taught him. It properly disguised himself, including his voice. Unfortunately, it was still a weak illusion that could be dispelled with a bit of force, as Harry was still a beginner in this magic. But since he was just shopping in disguise, it would be enough.
"Ah, Mr. Smith, it is nice to meet you. How may I be of assistance? I must show you, just arrived today, and very reasonably priced—" Mr. Borgin instantly switched to business mode.
"I am definitely interested in your goods. Currently, I am looking for some enchanted objects of a more questionable nature, especially those with interesting and rare enchantments worth studying," he explained without hesitation, his eyes wandering over the goods in the store, finally landing on the bookshelves. "Also, I am not opposed to expanding my library with some works I don't yet possess."
"An eager customer, how wonderful! How about we start here, with this piece..." Mr. Borgin began, his smile widening with greed, as he led Harry to one side of the shady store where a collection of artifacts was displayed behind a glass box. They began their rather long journey through his vast list of different dark goods.
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