42 Chapter 42 "Borgin Burkes"
The following day, Skyler awoke lazily as the sunlight streamed through his window, a rarity for someone who typically rose early.
In the living room, Lucius and Narcissa couldn't help but exchange whispers, speculating about what might have transpired the previous day.
Skyler touched his lips, recalling the passionate kisses shared the previous night, a smile gracing his face uncontrollably.
The days of summer vacation were dwindling, with less than a week left before the commencement of the school year.
As Skyler descended for breakfast, Lucius initiated the conversation. "Skyler, we have an important luncheon today with the Parkinsons and the Bock family, and Draco and Pansy will also be in attendance. Unfortunately, I forgot to reserve your place at the table. Given that you seem tired this morning, perhaps you should take a rest at home."
Skyler pondered for a moment and replied, "Very well, Father. I might go to Diagon Alley later to procure the supplies needed for the upcoming school year, including Draco's share. However, I'm curious about how these two families currently perceive the Malfoy family. Father, are you confident in maintaining our influence over them?"
As Skyler's influence in the wizarding world continued to grow, and as it became known that he had initiated discreet connections within the Ministry of Magic, Lucius became more willing to divulge some family matters to his sons.
Lucius explained, "For now, it should be fine. Borgin, the old fox, is known to be cunning. He's quick to distance himself when situations become unfavorable. Borgin might hold some sway within the Ministry, which might give him a pause, but he won't forsake the alliance between our families. The same goes for Parkinson; the mutual interests that bind us are too strong." A hint of a smile crept onto Lucius's usually austere face as he spoke.
"I've heard that Pansy's daughter has a great fondness for our Draco," Skyler interjected, eager to testify.
Draco, in response, displayed a rare blush and a shy expression.
Skyler had long known of the close relationship between Lucius and Professor Snape, both of whom were Death Eaters.
Their mutual understanding undoubtedly granted Lucius insight into his sons' activities at Hogwarts, so this revelation didn't come as a surprise.
"Understood, Father," Skyler replied. "Should you require my assistance, please don't hesitate to let me know."
Narcissa, however, was more concerned about a different matter than family affairs.
She expressed her discontent upon learning about Draco and Pansy's relationship, questioning why she was the last to know.
She glared menacingly at her husband and sons and asked, "You decided on these family matters ahead of time. Why was I left in the dark about Draco and Pansy's relationship?"
Seeing that neither Lucius nor Draco had an answer, Narcissa turned her questioning gaze toward Skyler. "And what about you, Skyler? Is there something you've kept from your mother? Anything at school? Are you getting close to any girls?"
Skyler first cast Draco a subtle, warning glance, then surreptitiously signaled "10 Galleons" beneath the table.
Finally, he shook his head, feigning innocence. "Oh, no, Mother. You know me. I've been dedicated to my studies most of the time. Dabbling in puppy love would only hinder my studies. It's completely undesirable, undesirable..."
Draco recognized the profitable opportunity to remain silent and secretive, so he remained loyal to Skyler, testifying on his behalf.
Although Draco wasn't in need of money, he found it quite amusing to exploit his brother's vulnerability.
On the other hand, Lucius was well aware of the connections between Skyler and the Greengrass girls, as well as his involvement with the Shafiq family's girls at school.
He was pleased with Skyler's choices and the promising prospects they held for the Malfoy family.
Both girls were from distinguished pure-blood families, excelling in terms of appearance, knowledge, and family background, making them excellent candidates for potential daughters-in-law in the Malfoy family.
Considering the historical thinness of the Malfoy family's lineage and their history with two wizarding wars, Lucius believed that it was time to allow the family's legacy to flourish in the peaceful era.
Skyler did not intend to publicize this information, and Lucius respected his son's privacy.
Consequently, the incident remained undisclosed.
After Skyler's parents and Draco left, he too headed to Diagon Alley.
He had arranged to meet with his family there.
After the meal, they would take a night horse-drawn carriage to pick up Skyler and return home.
Skyler found himself alone and decided to use Floo powder in the fireplace.
Uttering "Leaky Cauldron," he was transported to Diagon Alley.
However, before plunging into Diagon Alley, he discreetly cast a simple transformation spell in an inconspicuous corner, making himself taller and altering his appearance.
His Supreme Wizard's robe changed into a new ensemble, and after double-checking his mysterious black cloak for any flaws, Skyler appeared at the intersection in front of Gringotts as Knockturn Alley.
This was Skyler's second visit to Knockturn Alley.
His prior visit had been in the company of Lucius and Draco, leaving him no opportunity to explore on his own.
This time, it was his chance for an unguided tour.
He pulled his robe around him, stuck his hands in his pockets, and began wandering aimlessly through Knockturn Alley.
Along the way, he encountered a variety of strangely dressed individuals, most of whom concealed their faces beneath hoods.
Skyler noticed the largest store in Knockturn Alley, Borgin and Burkes Magic Shop.
After a moment's thought, he decided to enter. As the door chimed when he pushed it open, a man with greasy, hair-obscured features appeared behind the counter.
He idly ran his hands through his hair, flashing a sardonic smile as he greeted Skyler, "Buying or selling?" Borgin and Burkes's Magic Shop had a reputation for dealing with unique and enigmatic magical items, some of which were associated with dark magic.
Skyler disguised his voice with a voice-changing spell and replied, "I'd like to have a look around first." Mr. Borgin's interest waned as he heard Skyler's voice, and he settled back into his seat, absentmindedly wiping down the glass display.
Skyler's gaze wandered across the assortment. Inside a glass box, there lay a shriveled hand known as a "Hand of Glory."
When a candle was placed in it, the candlelight only illuminated the hand itself, making it an invaluable tool for thieves and rogues.
Shaking his head, Skyler continued to inspect the other items. The counter was adorned with various human bones, a blood-stained deck of cards, and a glass eyeball that seemed to be perpetually fixated on anyone in its vicinity.
The walls were adorned with eerie masks while rusty, elongated, sharp instruments dangled from the ceiling.
"That is the Ominous Masm. It possesses a deterrent and intimidation effect, involving a form of mild soul magic," Skyler mentioned, casually observing Mr. Borgin's curiosity about the mask on the wall, and decided to provide an explanation.
"Give me the mask. How much?" Skyler inquired, intrigued by the soul magic concept mentioned by Mr. Borgin.
He pointed to one of the ghostly masks on display.
"29 Galleons, sir," Mr. Borgin responded, his attention still focused on the wall.
Skyler didn't haggle over the price and cheerfully counted out the 29 Galleons, placing them on the counter.
Witnessing Skyler's readiness to make the purchase, Mr. Borgin's eyes subtly gleamed with a chilly light. However, his mouth maintained a sincere smile as he proposed, "Dear customer, we also possess a family heirloom within this shop. Perhaps you would like to take a look?"
Seeing Skyler's nod of agreement, Mr. Borgin retrieved a long box.
Upon opening it, a beautiful opal necklace was revealed. He didn't touch the necklace but instead gestured toward it, explaining, "This necklace has been passed down through generations in the Borgin family. It carries magical properties that accelerate magical growth. As you may know, one's magical abilities typically advance slowly with age. However, with this necklace, you can hasten that progress..."
"This merchandise is quite unsavory. It's no wonder this shop is the best one to have in this locale," Skyler thought to himself. He responded with a smile, albeit one tinged with cynicism, "Why don't you put it on me so I can see, Mr. Borgin?"
Observing the cold glint in Skyler's eyes and the iciness in his voice, Mr. Borgin swiftly grasped the situation, deciding not to antagonize this unfamiliar customer further.
He withdrew the necklace with a bow, saying, "I apologize, esteemed customer. Perhaps I misspoke." He went into a back room for a moment and reemerged with an ancient cloak. "In a gesture of goodwill, you may inspect our shop's prized possession. While this cloak isn't a family heirloom, it is still of substantial value. It can shield you from a powerful spell when your life is at stake, and only a life-threatening spell can breach its defenses."
Mr. Borgin's expression was genuinely sincere this time; he truly wished to strike a deal.
However, Skyler already owned a high-defense Night Cloak, making this cloak seem somewhat redundant.
He politely declined the offer and after perusing the shop's treasured items, Skyler lost interest and departed without looking back.
Ominous Mask acquired!
A few steps further into Knockturn Alley, a small establishment named "Giant Spider" caught Skyler's attention. Cages containing various exotic creatures were on display.
Skyler pondered that he might find the Phantom Sniffing Grass he was seeking within and entered the shop.
"Welcome, esteemed guest," in the innermost part of the shop, a hag wearing a wide-brimmed peaked hat greeted in a gloomy and hoarse voice, "Please feel free to browse."
Skyler cast a glance at the hag before shifting his focus to the creatures within the cages on either side, scrutinizing the many rare and perilous creatures found there.
Among them, he observed snakes, long-horned water snakes, fire grey snakes, and Murtlaps, among others.
With a quiet sigh, Skyler inquired casually, "Is it possible to purchase Phantom Sniffing Grass here?"
The hag stared intently at Skyler, her eyes radiating an eerie coldness. "I'm afraid, sir, that you're making a jest. Phantom Sniffing Grass is a Class A restricted item, and no one dares to openly trade it, even in Knockturn Alley."
Skyler curled his lips into a sneer. "I assure you I'm not jesting. I genuinely believe that, in this world, where there's enough incentive, there's nothing that can't be obtained." With that, he turned and left.
The hag murmured in a low, barely audible tone, "If the customer is truly interested, I know someone who can help. He's my supplier and possesses various means to assist you."
Skyler produced two golden Galleons and placed them on the counter.
In a cold voice, he demanded, "Give me his name and contact details."
The hag calmly retrieved the Galleons, placing them in a drawer.
She then slowly produced a note with the name "Nicholas" inscribed upon it, along with coordinates located in a specific region of the Black Forest in Germany. "Dear guest, he is a professional smuggler. His name is concealed by multiple intricate protective enchantments. Owls can't locate him. I must respectfully request you to travel there."
"Black Forest?" Skyler muttered to himself.
It appeared that this task would require Dobby to accompany him through Apparition, as dealing with individuals operating in the shadows left him with limited trust.
Given his somewhat lacking IQ, this option seemed most prudent.
After securing the lead he sought regarding Phantom Sniffing Grass, Skyler checked the time and decided to depart from Knockturn Alley.
He then contacted Dobby to set up a rendezvous point in the Black Forest, and after Dobby located Nicholas, he'd return and accompany Skyler through Apparition.
He considered that he would soon need to Apparateall the way from England to Germany. He pondered the idea of developing an anti-stunning bracelet capable of withstanding a wide array of magical stuns.
Changing back into his usual attire, Skyler returned to Diagon Alley. His experience in Knockturn Alley felt like journeying through two entirely different worlds.
