Fear Of The Water ~ Draco Malfoy

Chapter 5

Knockturn Alley looked completely deserted. Nothing moved, all shops were closed. Ottiliana reckoned it probably looked rather suspicious to be buying Dark artefacts during this time, especially with Aurors stationed around most mainstream places. Ottiliana and Harry were pulled back from walking too far, not just with their legs but with their minds as well. Judging by the looks on their faces, they owned the same train of thought.

"Look, he's in there!"

The only shop with its lights on happened to be Borgin and Burkes, just as Ottiliana had expected. In the midst of skeletons, vials of what was most likely poison and jars of floating body parts stood the platinum blonde. His face was contorted into a frown while Mr Borgin, the owner of the establishment, looked on with a mixed expression of curiosity and fear.

"Oh, if only we could hear what they're saying." Hermione sighed.

"We can! Hang on... oh, damn." Ron fumbled through his boxes, rummaging his hand in the largest. He pulled out two small, false ears attached by a piece of flesh-coloured string. "Extendable Ears, look!"

"Oh, excellent!" Hermione exclaimed while Ron fed the string through the bottom of the door. It was quite a feat while trying to stay hidden under the cloak. "I hope the door isn't Imperturbable-"

"No, it isn't! Shhh, listen."

The four of them huddled their heads together, listening intently to the conversation between the boy and the man. "...you know how to fix it?" The end of Malfoy's sentence reached their ears. Ottiliana, who was at the back, leaned in closer to hear what they were saying.

"Possibly." It was obvious the man didn't know how to fix... whatever it was. Or he was unwilling to do it for a teenager. "I'll need to see it though. Why don't you bring it into the shop?"

"I can't." He answered bluntly. "It needs to stay put. I just need you to tell me how to do it."

Mr Borgin licked his lips nervously, "Well, without seeing it, I must say it will be a very difficult job, perhaps impossible. I couldn't guarantee anything."

"No?" Ottiliana grew nervous, but continued to listen as Malfoy sneered, "Perhaps this will make you more confident." He stormed towards the older man as he backed away in fear. They were blocked by a cabinet, but the four were still able to hear what was said as they shuffled along to try and keep the boy in sight. "Tell anyone," he hissed, "And there will be retribution. You know Fenir Greyback? He's a family friend. He'll be dropping in from time to time to make sure you're giving the problem your full attention."

Borgin squeaked. "There will be no need f-"

"I will be the one that decides that." He interrupted. "Well, I'd better be off. And don't forget to keep that one safe, I'll need it."

"Perhaps you'd like to take it now?"

"No, of course I wouldn't, you stupid little man, how would I look carrying that down the street?" Malfoy sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just don't. Sell. It. Do you understand?"

"Yes... sir. Of course not." He bowed, like a peasant would to a king.

"Not a word to anyone, Borgin, and that includes my mother."

"Naturally." He agreed hastily, bowing once again as Malfoy exited the shop looking extremely pleased with himself. The four watched him leave as Mr Borgin absentmindedly sat on a stool, his watery eyes glued to the spot where the boy had just stood.

"What do you think that was about?" Ron asked, reeling in the extendable ear.

"Dunno." Harry frowned, Ottiliana could see the cogs whirring in his brain. "He wants something mended, and something reserved. Did you see..."