Chapter 865: Deep in Diagon Alley
Chapter 865: Deep in Diagon Alley
With his hard work over the past period, Kyle had more or less completed the renovation of his shop in Diagon Alley. Several shelves were placed in the most prominent positions, and a house-elf was busy stocking the products that had been piled on the floor onto the shelves.
"You've been working hard, Dobby," Kyle said as he entered from outside, handing the excited house-elf an ice cream cone filled with nuts and biscuit crumbs. "Come by during the holidays to help me organize the stock."
"Dobby isn't tired at all," the house-elf said, eagerly accepting the ice cream. "Dobby just wants holidays, but he would much rather help Mr. Kyle."
Even though Dobby actively asked for holidays and wages, which was unusual for a house-elf, it was more of a formality. Deep down, he still retained the same traits as any other house-elf.
For instance, he couldn't stay idle.
Upon hearing that Kyle was short-staffed and needed someone to organize the inventory, Dobby, who had relevant experience, immediately offered to help, not minding at all that today was his one day off each week.
"I was wondering why I kept seeing you in Diagon Alley lately," said a slightly surprised voice from outside the door. "I never expected you to open a shop here."
Kyle turned around and recognized the owner of the neighboring ice cream shop, Florean Fortescue. He had just patronized Fortescue's shop earlier.
The two had met during the Death Eaters' attack on Diagon Alley when Fortescue was one of their targets. However, Kyle had rescued him.
"Welcome, Mr. Fortescue," Kyle greeted him warmly.
"I'm just having a look," said Fortescue. "This shop has been vacant for at least thirty years. It's been closed since I opened my store, and I never expected it to be yours."
"It's quite a coincidence," Kyle said.
Fortescue stepped into the store, curiously examining the items on the shelves before stopping in front of something that resembled grapes. "Are you open for business now?"
"Of course," Kyle replied. "As my first customer, I can give you a 50% discount."
"No need for that," Fortescue waved his hand. "I can afford this small amount, and besides, I've been wanting to properly express my gratitude for saving my life."
"What is this?" Fortescue asked, holding the 'grapes' in his hand.
"Oh, you have a good eye," Kyle said. "Those are the pods of the King Vine, one of the sweetest fruits in the wizarding world. It'll definitely be a hit as an ice cream flavor."
"King Vine... Isn't that a magical plant unique to North America?" Fortescue paused, "I heard that about fifty years ago, it was placed under strict control by the local Ministry of Magic."
"Yes," Kyle sighed. "Grindelwald and his dark wizards damaged the local environment, reducing the areas suitable for the King Vine to only a tenth of what it used to be. This plant has become endangered."
"And you managed to get your hands on this delicacy?" Fortescue was even more surprised.
He didn't doubt Kyle's words because even holding it in his hand, he could smell the sweet and refreshing fragrance, indicating it was undoubtedly authentic.
And given Kyle's connections with Headmaster Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic, he figured Kyle wouldn't bother with selling fakes.
"Ah, it was quite a coincidence," Kyle smiled.
"How much is it?" Fortescue asked, holding the pod.
Just holding it in his hand, the sweet fragrance filled his nostrils, and he couldn't wait to taste it.
"It's not expensive, only ten Galleons," Kyle replied.
Visibly, Fortescue's hand trembled.
"Merlin, ten Galleons each? That's expensive!"
"No, not each," Kyle laughed. "As you know, you can't find this anywhere else on the market, so the price is naturally high."
Fortescue's hand shook even more, and he held his breath as he carefully placed the pod back on the shelf.
Too expensive, he thought. He couldn't afford it.
He only earned around five Galleons a day, and if he accidentally dropped this pod on the ground, his earnings for two months would be gone.
"What about this?" Fortescue asked, looking at a bottle of ink next to the pods.
Although he didn't understand why ink was displayed on the same shelf as the King Vine pods, this common stationery item should be affordable... hopefully.
"That's Mobian squid ink," Kyle looked up. "This one is cheap, only fifty Galleons... but I need permission from the Ministry of Magic to sell it, so it's not available yet."
Only fifty Galleons?
Fortescue suddenly felt a toothache coming on.
"That's really unfortunate," he said, taking a small step back, unconsciously moving away from the shelf. "I quite... like it."
After browsing a bit more and inquiring about the prices of a few other interesting items, Fortescue suddenly felt that he didn't need to be in such a hurry to repay Kyle for saving his life.
The main reason was that everything was too expensive. Even the ten Galleon King Vine pod was considered a bargain, and he wondered where Kyle had sourced these rare items.
However, he did make a small purchase.
For one Galleon, he bought a box of candy.
"It's impressive that you found these," Fortescue said, watching the candies buzzing above his head like bees. "I remember loving these when I was in my first year, but not long after, they stopped production. I heard the Honeydukes Sweetshop changed owners."
(End of Chapter)
"It's not free, but I make an exception for friends." Kyle took out a bottle of Butterbeer and placed it on the table.
Anyone who made a purchase in his store was considered a friend, and if they hadn't... even Fred and George wouldn't get a sip of water.
Although Mr. Fortescue's spending limit was a bit low, as the first customer, a special discount was warranted.
Moreover, Kyle felt there was potential for collaboration between them.
"If I may suggest, you could buy two King Vine pods." He took out another bottle of Butterbeer and sat down next to Mr. Fortescue.
"No, I can't afford that." Fortescue shook his head repeatedly.
He would have to be mad to spend two days' earnings on a single fruit.
"You're not buying it to eat, but as a raw material for a brand-new, unique flavor." Kyle said softly, "Your shop hasn't introduced new flavors in years, and the most expensive one is only eight Sickles. It's time to offer a premium product.
"Juicing one King Vine pod should yield enough material for at least ten servings. Even if you sell each serving for one Galleon, you'll still make a profit."
"One Galleon... that's too expensive, isn't it?" Fortescue hesitated.
"You won't know until you try," Kyle waved his hand. "If it doesn't work out, you can divide it into twenty or fifty portions..."
Dobby immediately understood and scurried to pluck a pod, which he then delivered to Kyle.
Kyle handed it to Fortescue.
"As we discussed earlier, I'll give you a 50% discount. This pod is yours for five Galleons, and I'll also give you a box of old-fashioned milk candy as a personal gift."
"Well... alright." Fortescue nodded after a moment's hesitation.
Although five Galleons for a single pod was still outrageous, it was a price he could afford if he gritted his teeth and accepted the bite.
He decided to use half a pod as a test batch when he returned. If it didn't sell, he would consider it a novel experience.
As Kyle had said, the King Vine pods were indeed a rare treat worth indulging in.
After seeing Mr. Fortescue off, a familiar face suddenly appeared from the corner of the street.
Draco Malfoy?
Kyle was taken aback for a moment, then quickly hid himself from view.
However, Malfoy seemed preoccupied and didn't notice the newly opened shop, walking past without a second glance.
Kyle hesitated for a moment, then turned and said, "Dobby, I have something to attend to. I'll leave the store to you for now. We won't be open for business, so remember to close up later."
"No problem, sir," Dobby nodded.
After giving these instructions, Kyle tapped his wand on his head, and with a twist of light, his figure vanished.
He then proceeded to follow Malfoy, curious as to why this young Death Eater, who had been expelled from Hogwarts, was in Diagon Alley at this time.
Due to the start of the school year, the streets were not as crowded.
As expected, Malfoy soon turned into Knockturn Alley.
These Death Eaters certainly had their quirks; it was as if they couldn't do anything without involving Knockturn Alley, as if they wanted everyone to know they were Dark Wizards.
Kyle didn't hesitate to follow suit.
Knockturn Alley was much the same as ever. This small street closely associated with Dark Magic was almost deserted, despite being in a prime location near the entrance. The shops on both sides were empty, and the owners couldn't be bothered to show their faces.
This was normal. While this area might be considered prime real estate elsewhere, Knockturn Alley was an exception. Those who came here to trade feared being seen, so they usually avoided spots closer to the street entrance.
As they ventured further, the surroundings gradually became more populated.
Several wizards wrapped from head to toe sat on the ground, displaying a pile of repulsive-looking objects.
Malfoy frowned and quickened his pace as he passed them.
Although the residents of Knockturn Alley were intrigued by the sudden intrusion of a young wizard, Draco Malfoy's distinctive platinum-blond hair kept them from entertaining any ideas.
Everyone knew that the Malfoy family was in Voldemort's good graces, and their trademark was that platinum-blond hair.
No one wanted to bring trouble upon themselves.
Thus, Draco Malfoy smoothly navigated this treacherous alley without incident.
At the same time, they didn't notice that Malfoy was being tailed by another person.
Knockturn Alley was deeper than Kyle had imagined, and Draco Malfoy walked for over twenty minutes without any sign of stopping. Kyle began to wonder if they were still within the boundaries of Diagon Alley.
He also spotted a group of werewolves, the same ones he had seen on his previous visit. As they passed by, Kyle could clearly see Malfoy tense up, but he continued on regardless.
Kyle followed close behind.
One of the werewolves, as if sensing something, sniffed the air curiously, his cloudy yellow eyes scanning the empty space behind Malfoy.
(End of Chapter)
Finally, Malfoy stopped in front of a dilapidated door.
As he drew closer, Kyle vaguely heard a faint buzzing sound. Malfoy anxiously looked around, and only when he was certain no one was around did he push open the door and enter.
Kyle's eyes widened.
He saw a familiar person and immediately understood the source of the buzzing sound.
It was a Muffliato Charm, a spell used to prevent eavesdropping.
Taking advantage of the moment before Malfoy fully entered, Kyle quickly stepped forward and slipped an object shaped like an ear into his robe pocket.
Malfoy seemed to sense something and turned his head subconsciously, but he was soon distracted by another voice.
"Come in, dear."
"Please, Severus, only you can help us this time," Narcissa begged.
Kyle hid outside the door, a mischievous smile on his face as he listened to Narcissa's sobbing through the Extendable Ear.
Severus... it was indeed Snape.
Who would have thought that guy would meet with Narcissa Malfoy in such a secluded place and even use a Muffliato Charm?
It remained to be seen if Lucius knew about this.
A devious smile played on Kyle's face as he glanced around.
Unfortunately, there were no windows to take pictures.
What a shame.
With a sigh, Kyle could only continue listening through the Extendable Ear.
"I've told you, it's impossible. Even if you beg me, it won't work!" Snape's voice sounded from within.
"But Severus, Draco is your godson..." Narcissa's voice quivered, as if she were on the verge of tears.
"Mother, please..."
Draco Malfoy tried to say something but was interrupted.
"Don't speak, Draco. Stand over there," Narcissa scolded, and Draco obediently fell silent.
"I've said it's impossible," Snape continued. "Even though I'm the Head of Slytherin, I don't have the authority to readmit Draco to Hogwarts. You should know that what he has done is more than enough reason for the school to expel him a hundred times over..."
"But that was the Dark Lord's order, Draco was forced to obey, he had no choice..."
"Be quiet, Narcissa!" Snape snapped. "If you want him and Lucius to stay alive, get that idea out of your head. The Dark Lord's orders cannot be disobeyed. We must obey, there is no question of being forced or willing."
"But Severus... Draco will die." Narcissa choked back a sob. "If he's not a student at Hogwarts... he won't be under Dumbledore's protection anymore... he will die..."
"That Kyle... he killed seventy Death Eaters in the Valley of Gordrick... seventy... even Bella is dead. If he finds out that Draco tried to kill him..."
There was a thud from within, as if Narcissa had lost her strength and collapsed to the floor.
Kyle raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected his own name to come up in the conversation.
But thinking about it, it made sense. The incident in the Valley of Gordrick had just happened recently, so his name would likely be infamous among the Death Eaters. It was understandable that Narcissa would be afraid.
"Do you think he doesn't know?" Snape asked coldly. "Or do you think your clumsy scheme could fool him?"
"But I'm still alive," Malfoy said, and this was the first complete sentence he had spoken since entering the room.
"Even if he suspects, there's no evidence that the opal necklace came from me."
"Evidence? That's something Dumbledore would need," Snape scoffed. "Do you think someone who can kill seventy Death Eaters without batting an eye needs evidence?
"He's not like Dumbledore; mere suspicion is enough for him."
"But he didn't kill me." Malfoy sounded a bit disgruntled. "If he were really like you say, why didn't he kill me?"
"That's because you were still at Hogwarts," Snape said impatiently. "Dumbledore wouldn't let him do anything outrageous while at school, right under his nose. That's why you still have your life."
As someone who had experienced those events firsthand, Snape knew exactly what had transpired. He was also aware that Kyle was well aware of the origin of the opal necklace.
If it weren't for Dumbledore, Malfoy might have disappeared in the Forbidden Forest long ago. He wouldn't have had the chance to stand here making dark jokes.
Of course, Snape didn't voice these thoughts; otherwise, Kyle would surely cry foul.
He wasn't the Dark Lord, after all, so how could he harm his classmates, especially when Malfoy had once been his valuable client, contributing a significant number of Galleons.
At most, he would have given the other boy a stern lesson.
As for the Death Eaters in the Valley of Gordrick, they had attacked first, and he had only acted in self-defense.
Besides, Voldemort had played a part in their demise as well; it wasn't fair to pin it all on him.
...
(End of Chapter)
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