Chapter 248: Knockturn Alley
Chapter 248: Knockturn Alley
"Does that mean we can't sell these things in the Joke Shop?" Liam asked, somewhat dejected. After all, he needed Galleons to buy raw materials. If he couldn't sell things through this channel, he would have to go to a pawnshop, which would be a significant loss.
"Of course not", Fred waved his arm emphatically. He had no intention of giving up such a profitable business. "This level of alchemical product is perfect as a high-end item for our Joke Shop. By the way, Liam, how much of these alchemical products can you produce?"
"I can make one a week. If I work overtime, I can make three in two weeks", Liam replied, not daring to reveal that he could actually make one in just 40 minutes. Even this speed amazed Fred.
"One a week is enough. These high-end Joke Shop items won't sell in large quantities. When you mentioned this level of product, can you make other levels as well?"
"There are higher-tier items", Liam said, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a delicate silver bracelet on his wrist, adorned with seven pale golden gems the size of marbles.
"What is this?" Fred looked at the exquisite piece of jewelry with curiosity, sensing a faint aura of light magic that made him feel warm all over.
"This is the result of over a month's hard work", Liam said proudly. "It can neutralize negative energy in the environment and slightly enhance certain white magic and Life-related spells."
The core of the bracelet was the seven golden gems, each made by fusing a thousand Sunlight Crystals through alchemical means. These Sunlight Crystals, when gathered in sufficient quantities, formed a stable energy aggregate. This was the only type of magic crystal Liam could produce in bulk. Unfortunately, these crystals had specific attributes, making them unsuitable for all types of magic artifact creation.
"Forget it, I'll take a few of those bracelets", Fred shrugged. "These high-end magic artifacts, priced at least 500 Galleons, aren't suitable for our shop."
Liam pulled out two bronze bracelets from his Dimensional Pouch. "Alright, I'll leave these here on consignment. Hopefully, they can help build our shop's reputation."
"That's enough. These three will sell for a while. But I suggest you keep some extra stock. When we go to the Quidditch World Cup, there will likely be many buyers."
At that moment, the door downstairs opened, and George soon appeared, carrying several bags.
"Liam, what brings you to Diagon Alley today?" George asked, setting down his bags.
"I brought some new items I've developed to see if they can be new products for our shop. I also need to buy some more raw materials."
"New products? What are they?" George asked, but Fred quickly pulled him aside to explain.
"I see. You can check out the potion shops and raw material stores on the street. And in Gringotts, there's a balance auction house in the back where you can find some more precious raw materials", George enthusiastically informed Liam about the stores in Diagon Alley that sold alchemical materials.
"Why have I never heard of an auction house in Diagon Alley?" Liam asked, puzzled.
"Most students don't deal with auction houses, and the items there are usually too expensive for us. We've only heard about them from our father."
"By the way, if there's anything you can't find, just write a list and we'll help you look in Knockturn Alley", Fred added.
After bidding farewell to the Weasley Twins, Liam first toured Diagon Alley to purchase most of the basic alchemical ingredients he needed. However, there were a few ingredients he couldn't find no matter how hard he searched. After all, some of the alchemical ingredients he needed were not exactly mainstream.
"Now I just need some Mummy Powder and a Vampire's Blood. Looks like I have to take a trip to Knockturn Alley." With this thought, Liam found a corner in Diagon Alley, then cast an Enlarging Charm on his clothes before drinking the Polyjuice Potion he had on hand.
The Polyjuice Potion he had confiscated in Brazil was enough to last for two hours, and he had taken half of it this time. The hair used in the potion was from a random middle-aged man of Southern European descent he had encountered on his way home from the train station that day.
The taste of Polyjuice Potion was like overcooked cabbage. As he quickly swallowed it, the sludge-like elixir seemed to come alive in his stomach. After all the elixir entered his stomach, a burning sensation spread quickly throughout his body. Liam felt as if his entire body was melting. Soon, he began to grow rapidly, and the loose-fitting clothes he had worn due to the Enlarging Charm now fit him perfectly. When all the discomfort ceased, he had transformed into a nondescript middle-aged man.
"This feeling is indeed quite peculiar, but I hope I never have to drink it again." Liam shook his head, changed the color and style of his robe, and then lowered his head to pull out a football-sized cylindrical object wrapped in cloth from his Dimensional Bag. He slung it over his shoulder with a rope and casually put on the hood of his robe. Then, he strolled into Knockturn Alley.
Knockturn Alley was a dirty little alley, with Dark Magic shops lining both sides. Through the grimy windows, one could see brown venomous spiders and shrunken human heads. The Wizards wandering the streets didn't look like good people, with some openly selling herbs that appeared toxic or bizarre silver items.
"How can I act like a Dark Wizard who frequently visits this place? Urgent, please reply." As Liam entered Knockturn Alley, he faced a significant problem: he didn't know how Dark Wizards interacted with others or what these shops sold. After a brief moment of thought, Liam decided to head to Borgin and Burkes, the only store he knew.
Borgin and Burkes was the largest shop in Knockturn Alley, and Liam easily found it. The store's entrance was flanked by boxes filled with skulls and bottles.
As he pushed open the door, the bell above it rang. Liam walked straight to the counter, where a hunched, balding man appeared from behind it, smoothing his greasy hair back.
"Welcome, sir. How may I assist you?" Mr. Borgin asked in a tone as slippery as his hair.
"That's none of your business." Liam mimicked the pirate's accent from the Assassin's memory, speaking in heavily accented Spanish-tinged English while releasing a bit of the death aspect of Life Magic. "I'm just here to buy some things and sell some others. After all, I don't have much cash on me."
"Very well. What would you like to sell?" Perhaps intimidated by the death aura, Mr. Borgin quickly stopped his probing and asked earnestly.
"Take a look at this and tell me what you think it's worth." Liam placed the cloth-wrapped object from his shoulder onto the counter and then yanked off the covering.
(End of Chapter)
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