How does she know?!
Borgin was startled first. Then frowned slightly.
"My shop conducts normal magical business. Everything on display is registered with the Ministry. No Dark magical items beyond that."
Hermione nodded. "In that case, nothing more to discuss. Arthur Weasley from the Ministry is outside right now. He'll come search shortly... If no Dark items are found, you can file any complaint you want. But if there are..."
"Don't need me to tell you how much you'll lose this time, right?"
Borgin's expression soured.
Though the Ministry prohibited Dark magical item circulation, couldn't completely stop the flow. As long as you weren't caught and disposed of goods quickly—no problem.
But once caught, penalties were severe.
Enough to cost him a year's revenue!
Arthur Weasley—he'd heard of him. Recently specialized in confiscating Dark items from various households... Especially the Malfoys, raided several times.
Right now he had no time to dispose of the goods. And Arthur Weasley was right outside.
Once the items from that transaction were discovered, not only would he be fined—Lucius wouldn't escape either. The latter would definitely cause trouble. His shop's reputation would be ruined. Who'd dare trade here afterward?
"What do you want?"
Borgin's gaze turned hostile.
"Give me everything from earlier."
Hermione extended her hand.
"This is extortion!"
Borgin was furious.
"What extortion? I'm helping you voluntarily surrender contraband. This is called confiscating illegal gains. Uncle Arthur and I are close—this time counts as voluntary surrender. The Ministry won't fine you."
Hermione said calmly, "This is called connections. Understand? With me as intermediary, someone covering you—how much trouble will you avoid from the Ministry?"
"Businessmen need long-term vision..."
Hermione lectured earnestly. Pointed upward.
"People above!"
Borgin's eye twitched wildly.
This little girl's nonsense—not believing a word.
What connections? This is obviously criminal-on-criminal extortion!
But one thing she said right—if this little girl really reported him, he'd lose more than just a box of goods...
Should I just... Borgin's thoughts raced. Eyes flashed with ruthlessness.
Noticing his intent, Hermione remained unfazed. Leaned casually against the wall. Completely relaxed.
"At least twenty people saw me enter your shop. I'm a Hogwarts second-year. Guess if I disappeared here... Would the Ministry investigate first, or would Dumbledore come find you?"
Hearing "Dumbledore," Borgin shuddered.
Only then noticed—the girl indeed wore Hogwarts robes. The crest showed Gryffindor.
Wait...
Watching Hermione's fearless attitude, casually twirling her wand, Borgin suddenly remembered something.
Hogwarts, second-year, Gryffindor, girl, audacious...
"You're Hermione Granger?!"
"Uh..." Hermione blinked. "You know me?"
Recognized.
Won't he report me to Hogwarts after I take his goods?
Should've worn a mask...
Borgin nodded. "Who doesn't know you now? Your fame's almost catching Harry Potter's."
After thinking, continued, "Since it's you, these items are yours. Consider it an introduction. Remember to visit often. I can handle anything you have."
Watching Borgin's sudden attitude shift, Hermione was confused.
One minute later.
Watching Hermione's departing figure, Borgin sighed softly.
Others only knew Hermione was a magical prodigy who defeated Quirrell... But with inside information, he knew—Hermione didn't just defeat Quirrell.
She defeated Quirrell possessed by You-Know-Who!
Huge difference.
Though the Dark Lord had vanished for over a decade, everyone knew his terror.
Even as a fragment, condition far worse than before—still not someone ordinary wizards could challenge.
And Hermione, alone, just casually took him down. What kind of person does that?
You call this a first-year student?
Borgin was certain—Hermione was unprecedented. Future Dumbledore-level existence.
Building good relations with her—what's one box of goods?
If a future Dumbledore-level wizard regularly visited his shop—incredible advertising!
His shop would be famous throughout the wizarding world!
Forget Dark item dealing. Just make honest money, isn't that better?
The moment he figured it out, Hermione became invaluable in Borgin's eyes.
Plus, looking at Hermione—if they actually fought, uncertain he'd even win.
However... thinking of the girl's behavior, felt indescribably bizarre.
This is still Gryffindor?
Doesn't match his understanding at all.
Is the Sorting Hat malfunctioning?
Leaving the shop, Hermione saw Harry already waiting at the door.
Apparently snuck out while she was negotiating with Borgin.
"You..."
Harry looked at the box Hermione held. Had many questions but didn't know where to start.
"Oh, justice enforcement. Call me concerned citizen." Hermione said flatly.
Then why are you putting the box away instead of giving it to Mr. Weasley... And when did you learn that charm? Don't you need registration for that?...
Harry watched Hermione's smooth operation. Face twitched.
Though his mind was full of questions, seeing Hermione's stare, had the feeling that if he spoke, consequences would follow. Very wisely kept his mouth shut.
Actually, Hermione was also confused. Walked away with the goods in a daze.
She knew Borgin would weigh options and give her the box... But definitely reluctantly. Maybe even scheme against her.
Who knew he'd suddenly happily gift it?
Whatever. Forget it.
Guess he was impressed by "people above."
Worst case, try real cooperation if there's a chance later.
Couldn't figure it out. Too lazy to think. Either way, this time gained a pile of good stuff—all top-grade alchemical materials!
Thanks, Papa Malfoy.
Will definitely go easy on you later!
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