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Chapter 741: Borgin and Burke
Chapter 741: Borgin and Burke
"What did you just say?" Fred exclaimed, nearly jumping out of his skin. He wondered if a Mooncalke had stomped on Kyle's head.
"How could you even consider getting rid of something so important... Oh, wait." He paused mid-sentence, realization dawning on him. "You're planning to ambush Death Eaters inside the castle, aren't you?"
"My friend, you never fail to impress," Kyle replied with a lopsided grin. "That's exactly what I had in mind.
"Just imagine, the ambitious Death Eaters take Malfoy's advice and crawl through the Vanishing Cabinet to Hogwarts, only to find themselves face-to-face with seven or eight professors, wands at the ready..."
Fred's face had turned crimson with excitement, and he exclaimed, "That would be a sight to behold!"
"Brilliant! This plan is absolutely brilliant!" George chimed in, breathless with anticipation, as if he could already envision the Death Eaters lining up to meet their demise.
In their excitement, the twins huddled together, brainstorming mischievous ways to set traps for the Death Eaters within Hogwarts.
They suggested ideas like tying the Vanishing Cabinet to a flying broom and sending it soaring into the sky...
Or stuffing the cabinet into the sewage pipes...
Or even digging a Quidditch pitch-sized swamp right in front of the cabinet.
The twins' outlandish ideas flowed endlessly, like water from a fountain.
Kyle sat by, taking notes of their wild suggestions with a quick-quill.
It wasn't until ten minutes later that Fred and George gradually calmed down.
"Wait a moment," George abruptly interjected, turning to Kyle. "You mentioned finding one of the cabinets, but for them to work, there need to be two. So, where's the other one? Is it also in Hogwarts?"
"There's only one in Hogwarts," Kyle confirmed.
His statement was like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing their enthusiasm.
However, as they calmed down, they recalled something else Kyle had mentioned earlier.
"The other Vanishing Cabinet isn't in Knockturn Alley, is it?"
There was no reason for Kyle to draw their attention to Knockturn Alley and the Malfoys unless there was a connection. It was clear that the other cabinet was indeed in Knockturn Alley, and Malfoy was aware of it. If he wanted to execute his plan, he would have to go there.
Everything made sense now.
"Let's go to Diagon Alley right now!" Fred exclaimed, jumping to his feet and heading for the door.
"No need to rush," Kyle waved his hand, signaling for them to calm down. "It doesn't matter if we go earlier or later. I just wanted to confirm it this time."
"Confirm what?"
"Whether the cabinet is still there, of course," Kyle explained. "Malfoy probably wouldn't carry the cabinet around. If it's still there, we just need to keep an eye on Knockturn Alley, and we'll know exactly when they plan to make their move."
"What if Malfoy takes the cabinet away?" Fred asked. "It wouldn't be difficult with an Undetectable Extension Charm cast on a box."
"Then we'll just have to be extra vigilant and prepared," Kyle replied.
"Do Dad and the others know about this?"
"They should," Kyle replied thoughtfully. "I've discussed it with Professor Dumbledore, and he has no reason to keep it from the other members of the Order of the Phoenix."
"They definitely know!" George exclaimed. "Remember the last time they were discussing something, and Alastor suddenly mentioned 'the passage'? And Tonks and Sirius practically live in Hogsmeade now."
"They know everything but refuse to tell us!" George's anger grew. "They always treat us like little kids, just like Ginny."
"Yeah, we've graduated, but we still don't get the same level of trust," Fred added, equally frustrated. "Bill and Charlie get to attend the meetings, but we're left out, reduced to eavesdropping!"
"Don't say that," Kyle quickly consoled them. "It's for your safety."
"But we want to help too," Fred sighed. "Kyle, do you know why we haven't resigned from our jobs yet?"
"Because you find your work at the Ministry entertaining?" Kyle asked.
"It was for the first two months," Fred admitted. "But it got boring after that."
"Doing the same repetitive tasks every day, writing reports, wasting time chasing down small-time traders..."
"...and for a pittance of a salary, which our shop makes in two days," George added.
"The reason we haven't resigned is that we want to share some of the burden with Dad," Fred explained.
"And to show Mum that we can be of help," George continued.
"But she doesn't seem to have noticed any of it," they concluded, sounding dejected.
Seeing the twins' disappointment, Kyle didn't know how to comfort them, so he softly said, "Maybe you're overthinking it."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you want to take over Charlie's job and be in charge of the surveillance of 12 Grimmauld Place?"
"No way," Fred and George replied in unison, shaking their heads. Making them stay in the same place for a day would be like casting the Killing Curse on them.
"Or how about Hogsmeade?" Kyle suggested.
Again, they shook their heads. What was the difference? Hogsmeade was just a bigger version of the same idea.
"Then stop complaining if you don't want to do anything," Kyle said. "Mrs. Weasley has been very accommodating to you both."
Fred and George exchanged glances, the earlier atmosphere of frustration and discontent evaporating, leaving a hint of embarrassment in its wake.
"I could talk to her and see if you can take over for Tonks and Sirius," Kyle offered. "Or I could speak to Professor Dumbledore directly."
"Never mind... "
"It's not necessary..."
"We were just joking around. Why are you taking it so seriously?"
...
Ten minutes later, Ron knocked on the door, calling them to lunch.
"It has nothing to do with you. Mind your own business," George added.
"You should focus on taking care of that girl," Fred continued.
"What was her name again... Lavender?" George asked.
"It's a pity that at such a young age, your eyesight is failing you, causing you to think that he... is handsome?" Fred teased.
"You were snooping through my letters!" Ron's face turned red with embarrassment.
"Don't get the wrong idea, we don't have that kind of hobby." George said matter-of-factly, "You were talking in your sleep, and your voice was especially loud."
"If you don't believe me, you can ask Harry," Fred suggested.
"I bet you've memorized that letter by now," George chimed in.
The twins then proceeded to recite the letter in a dramatic fashion.
"Ro-ro, why is this holiday so long... "
"Ro-ro..."
Fred and George seemed to have a knack for it, as Kyle felt a shiver down his spine with each word they uttered.
Ron's face turned even redder, and he shouted, "Enough, you two! Shut up!"
He began throwing things at them in frustration—a candy, a Swiss Army knife, and two Sickles... all items that had been in Ron's pockets.
However, Fred lazily waved his wand and turned those objects into paper airplanes.
Oh, except for the Sickles; he and George each took one. Just perfect.
"That's all the pocket money I have!" Ron exclaimed in dismay.
"You threw them at us," Fred pointed out.
"We thought you didn't want them anymore," George added.
"It's all your fault!" Ron said angrily. "Just you wait until I turn seventeen..."
"I believe you'll use magic that no one has ever thought of to stun us," Fred waved his hand dismissively. "Let's go, George, Kyle."
They squeezed past Ron and made their way to the dining room.
Lunch was beef stew and mashed potatoes. Mrs. Weasley kept serving Connie more food, as if she was afraid she wouldn't get her fill.
"You can go back to school with Harry and the others this afternoon. It's at five o'clock," Mrs. Weasley said after lunch. "Before that, you can chat or play in the house."
"No, thanks," Kyle shook his head. "We need to buy some things in Diagon Alley."
"Diagon Alley?" Mrs. Weasley frowned. "But everyone else is busy right now, and I can't let you go there alone... it's too dangerous."
"It's alright, we'll go too," Fred immediately stood up and said, "We also have some business to take care of at the shop, so we can take them there."
"You two?" Mrs. Weasley still looked a bit hesitant, but there didn't seem to be a better option at the moment.
"Well then, how do you plan to get there? By Disapparating?" she asked.
"No, we'll take a carriage," Kyle replied.
...
"I saw Mr. Malfoy just ten days ago," Winky said at the entrance of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
"Are you sure it was him?" Kyle asked.
"Klicky saw it clearly, Master Kyle," the house-elf said, "That was Mr. Malfoy."
"That's right," Kyle agreed.
The group arrived outside the shop.
"Malfoy definitely knows that the other Vanishing Cabinet is here," Fred commented.
"I need to go to Knockturn Alley to confirm that the other cabinet is still there," Kyle said.
"No, that's too dangerous," George frowned. "Mom asked us to protect you, so we're coming with you."
"Don't talk about protection; you're just interested in coming along," Kyle directly exposed their excuse.
"Also, have you ever seen anyone go shopping in a dark magic shop together? It would be less dangerous if I went alone."
Kyle glanced at Connie, who was still in the shop, and then he transformed the clothes on his body into a large hooded cloak. Ignoring Fred and George's attempts to stop him, he apparated to the entrance of Knockturn Alley.
...
Nowadays, Diagon Alley was much quieter, and this particular street was even more deserted. There wasn't a soul in sight, and the stalls that used to sell poisons and various strange artifacts had all disappeared, probably relocating elsewhere.
After all, in this dangerous and suspicious era, no one would dare to come here to buy dark magic artifacts, risking the attention of the Aurors.
Only at a spot not far from the entrance sat a ragged-looking person, also hooded, making it impossible to see their appearance.
As Kyle walked past, he faintly smelled a faint, bloody scent, and his intuition told him that this person was dangerous.
Turning back now would definitely be a bad idea, as it would be tantamount to admitting his fear. Kyle could only pretend to be calm and continue walking forward, his hand tightly gripping his wand inside his sleeve.
As he passed by the person, they lifted their head, revealing a pair of eerie brown eyes, accompanied by a subtle sound of swallowing saliva.
Fortunately, they didn't seem interested in causing trouble and merely glanced at him before lowering their head again.
However, Kyle remained vigilant and continued holding his wand, walking alertly towards the middle of the street, where the largest shop was located.
Borgin and Burke's shop was also empty of customers, and the owner, Borgin, sat boredly behind the counter, dozing off.
Kyle adjusted his hood to make sure it covered his face, then walked into the shop.
The bell above the door jingled, rousing the person behind the counter from their slumber.
"Welcome, customer," Borgin said, his voice lacking enthusiasm.
Kyle didn't say anything and simply walked past a cabinet filled with skulls and old bottles, casually kicking a box that was in his way to the side.
"I must remind you, sir," Borgin said coldly, "Here, touching things without permission comes with a price."
Without responding, Kyle began to browse the store, eventually stopping in front of a withered hand.
"How much for this?"
"Two thousand galleons," Borgin replied.
"Tsk, the Hand of Glory isn't worth that much." Kyle said dismissively, "I think I'll look elsewhere."
"If I may be blunt, you won't find it anywhere else."
Borgin remained calm, still seated behind the counter, but his tone became more urgent, "Given the current situation, not many dare to sell such items. I'm taking a huge risk, so naturally, I have to increase the price a bit."
Kyle paused for a moment, as if acknowledging his statement, and continued to browse the store, scrutinizing the items on display with disdain.
"The Blood-boiling Curse, only effective against Muggles, garbage."
"Corrosive poison... rubbish among rubbish..."
"Look at this, a century-old discarded item... is this place an antique shop?"
Borgin's expression darkened, but he couldn't find a reason to lash out, as the person before him wasn't wrong, and his tone was annoyingly condescending.
"If you're here to cause trouble, customer, I..."
"Oh, this is quite interesting." Kyle stopped in front of a corner next to the counter and asked, "How much for that?"
"The Cursed Tapestry..." Borgin said coldly, "For just one hundred and fifty galleons, it can be yours."
"No, no, I don't want that junk." Kyle shook his head, "I'm talking about what's under the tapestry."
There was a cabinet hidden beneath the tapestry, covered so that only a corner was visible, as if someone had deliberately concealed it.
"What?" Borgin narrowed his eyes.
But at that moment, Kyle flicked his finger, and the tapestry flew to the side, revealing what was underneath.
It was indeed a Vanishing Cabinet, and its design and carvings were identical to the one at Hogwarts.
"Well, I didn't expect to see such a fine item." Kyle said, "How much for this? I'll take it."
"Five thousand galleons," Borgin quoted an exorbitant price.
The price would be reasonable if there were two cabinets, but it was a bit high for just one.
Borgin intended to make the customer back down, but things didn't seem to be going as he expected...
"I'll take it." Without hesitation, Kyle took out a box and placed it on the counter, opening it to reveal its contents.
This was something Kyle and the Weasley brothers had prepared beforehand—it was filled with golden galleons.
It was as if a lamp had been lit inside the store.
Borgin was instantly drawn into the mesmerizing golden glow, and whatever caution he had initially felt seemed to dissipate in that instant.
It was only when Kyle walked up to the counter and opened the Vanishing Cabinet that Borgin snapped out of his trance.
"Wait a moment, customer." Borgin hastily moved to block Kyle, his eyes reluctantly leaving the pile of galleons.
It was quite impressive that he could still move so swiftly.
"What's the meaning of this?" Kyle's voice carried a hint of displeasure, "Are you planning to ask for more money?"
"Of course not, customer," Borgin replied, "Borgin and Burke's reputation in Knockturn Alley is impeccable. This Vanishing Cabinet, however, is faulty."
"Faulty?"
"Yes." Borgin knocked on the cabinet forcefully, "I can fix it for you, and then you can come back for it."
"How long will it take?"
"Half a year... no, three months, that should be enough."
"That's too long..." Kyle shook his head, "Never mind, I can fix it myself."
As he spoke, Kyle reached out towards the cabinet again.
"No, customer." Borgin interjected once more, "We can't sell something that's broken; it's against our policy."
"You really won't sell it?" Kyle snapped the box of galleons shut.
To be honest, for a fleeting moment, Borgin was tempted. Five thousand galleons was the biggest deal he'd seen in a decade.
But then he remembered that this cabinet was connected to someone's plan, and he regained his composure.
"I won't sell it!" Borgin asserted, "However, to compensate for your wait, I'm willing to offer a fantastic discount. For just three thousand galleons, it's yours."
Borgin was playing a clever game, and he valued the consequences of displeasing that 'someone' over losing this potential sale.
Regardless, he wanted to secure the money first, and as for the three months later... if the Death Eaters took the cabinet by force, it had nothing to do with him.
Once the galleons entered Borgin and Burke's, they wouldn't be returned.
With a discount of two thousand galleons, he was confident that anyone would be tempted.
"Only three thousand galleons? That's quite a bargain." Kyle said softly, "But..."
"Cheap goods aren't good, and I don't want it."
Before Borgin could react, Kyle had picked up the box and walked out of the store.
By the time Borgin snapped out of his daze and chased after him, Kyle had already disappeared into the street, leaving no trace.
...
(End of Chapter)
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