Knockturn Alley and Extremely Profitable Bad Decisions
Knockturn Alley smelled like damp stone, bad intentions, and money.
Lucien walked through it calmly.
Akeno, beside him, looked delighted.
"I love this place," she said cheerfully. "Everyone looks like they're about to betray someone."
"Focus," Lucien replied. "We're here for business."
They stopped in front of Borgin and Burkes.
The bell rang as they entered.
Mr. Borgin looked up—and immediately straightened.
"Lord Lionhardt," he said, eyes sharp and calculating. "What a… pleasant surprise."
Lucien smiled politely.
"I'd like to discuss a business matter."
Borgin didn't hesitate.
"Of course."
Private Room, Dangerous Product
They were led into a back room, warded heavily.
Lucien and Akeno sat.
Borgin leaned forward eagerly.
"So," Borgin said, "what brings you to Knockturn Alley?"
Lucien reached into his coat and placed a single vial on the table.
Dark.
Thick.
Quietly ominous.
Borgin stared.
"…That looks expensive."
"It is," Lucien said calmly.
He explained.
"One dose doubles the user's mana output."
Borgin's breath caught.
"However," Lucien continued, "the side effect is permanent. One quarter of the user's magic is lost forever."
Silence.
Borgin stared at the vial like it had personally insulted him.
"…That's not a potion," he whispered. "That's black magic in a bottle."
Lucien nodded.
"Yes."
Akeno smiled sweetly.
Borgin swallowed.
"…People will kill for this."
"They will," Lucien agreed. "Which is why I control it."
The Offer
"I will supply two hundred potions per year," Lucien said evenly.
"Exclusive to Borgin and Burkes."
Borgin's hands trembled slightly.
"No one must know who brewed it," Lucien added.
"Not a rumor. Not a hint."
Borgin nodded immediately.
"Of course. Absolute secrecy."
"Profits will be transferred yearly," Lucien continued, "directly to my Lionhardt vault at Gringotts."
Borgin didn't even pretend to negotiate.
"I'll draw up the contract," he said breathlessly.
Ink and Consequences
The contract was precise.
Magically binding.
Punitive clauses.
Severe penalties for betrayal.
Lucien read it once.
Then signed.
The parchment sealed itself with a sharp snap.
The deal was done.
Borgin exhaled like he'd just survived a dragon attack.
Aftermath
Outside the shop, Akeno laughed softly.
"You just made him very rich," she said.
Lucien shrugged.
"He was already rich."
Inside the store, Borgin clutched the contract, eyes shining.
Two hundred potions a year.
Exclusive.
Untraceable.
"This," Borgin whispered to himself, "will make a fortune."
He looked toward the door Lucien had exited through.
"…I look forward to many future dealings, Lord Lionhardt."
And for the first time in a long while—
Knockturn Alley felt excited.