The Tree of Blacks (English version)

Obsidian Mirror - part 2

April, 1977. London, Knockturn Alley.

Since Alya had not yet taken her materialisation and dematerialisation exams, she and Regulus travelled to Knockturn Alley thanks to the Floo Network given to them by Walburga.

One after the other, they entered the green fire inside the hearth of their living room and, with the confidence of one accustomed to travelling by such magical means, they loudly pronounced the name of the shop Regulus wished to visit: Borgin & Burkes.

With a flicker, the two siblings vanished into the tangle of embers and green flames, only to land on the cold stone fireplace inside the shop.
It was the largest and most famous emporium in all of Knockturn Alley, which said a lot about the sinister characteristics of the area. It was a rather cramped and dimly lit shop, looking grim and dirty. The shabby walls were covered with patches of mould, which made the air unpleasant to smell. As soon as Alya emerged from the huge stone chimney, she wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"Oh, the Black brothers! What a pleasure to have you here, in my humble workshop! Your mother warned me of your visit," cackled a hunched, thin little man with a few greasy hairs covering his head.

It was Mr Sinister, the owner of the shop, who had swiftly reached the mouth of the chimney, ready to give Walburga's children a warm welcome.

It was clear from his manner that he had a certain familiarity with treating his customers with reverence, especially the more affluent ones.
Alya shot him a scornful look, worthy of her mother, nauseated by the overly mellifluous voice with which he had addressed her.

Regulus, on the other hand, answered him detachedly, but politely.

"Good afternoon, Sinister. My sister and I have come here for some shopping."

"Of course, of course. Be my guest. I will be delighted to serve you. Do you already have any idea what you might be interested in?"

"Personally, I'd be interested in purchasing some books of... Dark Magic." Regulus instinctively lowered his voice, as if afraid someone might hear him. But the only one around was Alya, who nevertheless turned up her nose in disappointment. "Something ancient, if possible," the boy added, returning to a normal tone.

"A request worthy of Orion Black's son! Your father also always proved himself to be a passionate intellectual. By the way, how is Mr Black?" squeaked Sinister ecstatically.

"In good health." replied Regulus, quickly.

"I rejoice in that. Mr Black is one of our most valued customers. His knowledge of ancient magic manuscripts is unparalleled. But please follow me. I have just the right set of manuals for you... very valuable stuff, dating back to the early Middle Ages," the rakish shopkeeper rumbled in an increasingly sweet voice.

He pawed towards the counter, gesturing Regulus and Alya to follow him. But the girl refused, raising her hand imperiously.

"You go ahead, Reg. I'd rather have a look around. When you've decided, call me to pay the bill."

The boy nodded and walked behind Sinister, who disappeared into the backroom. Regulus elegantly rested an elbow on the wooden, splintered surface of the counter and waited patiently for the little man to return.

Alya's gaze, meanwhile, wandered distractedly over the articles on display behind tall glass cases.

Beneath thick layers of encrusted dust lay artefacts of all kinds, each with a macabre story to tell: doll heads possessed by demons of the lowest degree, ropes for hanging, cruets containing the blood of unclean creatures, cursed jewellery, sharp instruments for torture and so on.