Amelia Potter and the Chamber of Secrets PART 1

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gives light only to the holder! Best friend of thieves and plunder- ers! Your son has fine taste, sir.'

'I hope my son will amount to more than a thief or a plunderer, Borgin,' said Mr Malfoy coldly and Mr Borgin said quickly, 'No offence, sir, no offence meant –'

'Though if his school marks don't pick up,' said Mr Malfoy, more coldly still, 'that may indeed be all he is fit for.'

'It's not my fault,' retorted Draco. 'The teachers all have favourites, that Hermione Granger –'

'I would have thought you'd be ashamed that a girl of no wiz- ard family beat you in every exam,' snapped Mr Malfoy.

'Ha!' said Harry under his breath, pleased to see Draco looking both abashed and angry.

'It's the same all over,' said Mr Borgin, in his oily voice. 'Wizard blood is counting for less everywhere –'

'Not with me,' said Mr Malfoy, his long nostrils flaring.

'No, sir, nor with me, sir,' said Mr Borgin, with a deep bow.

'In that case, perhaps we can return to my list,' said Mr Malfoy shortly. 'I am in something of a hurry, Borgin, I have important business elsewhere today.'

They started to haggle. Harry watched nervously as Draco drew nearer and nearer to his hiding place, examining the objects for sale. He paused to examine a long coil of hangman's rope and to read, smirking, the card propped on a magnificent necklace of opals: Caution: Do Not Touch. Cursed – Has Claimed the Lives of Nineteen Muggle Owners to Date.

Draco turned away and saw the cabinet right in front of him. He walked forward ... he stretched out his hand for the handle ...

'Done,' said Mr Malfoy at the counter. 'Come, Draco!'
Harry wiped his forehead on his sleeve as Draco turned away. 'Good day to you, Mr Borgin, I'll expect you at the manor tomorrow to pick up the goods.'

The moment the door had closed, Mr Borgin dropped his oily manner.

'Good day yourself, Mister Malfoy, and if the stories are true, you haven't sold me half of what's hidden in your manor ...' Muttering darkly, Mr Borgin disappeared into a back room. Harry waited for a minute in case he came back, then, quietly as he could, slipped out of the cabinet, past the glass cases and out of the shop door.