*62

How did she know?!

Borgin was initially startled but then frowned slightly.

"My shop deals only in legitimate magical goods, and everything has been reported to the Ministry of Magic. There are no dark magic items here."

Hermione nodded:

"In that case, we have nothing more to discuss. Arthur Weasley from the Ministry is outside and will conduct a search soon. If he finds no dark magic items, you can complain all you want. But if there are any..."

"You understand how much you'll lose this time, right?"

Borgin's expression soured.

While the Ministry of Magic bans the spread of dark magic items, it's tough to prevent their circulation entirely. As long as the goods aren't found and are sold quickly, there's no problem.

But getting caught would mean severe penalties.

Enough to wipe out his annual earnings!

Arthur Weasley was known for inspecting houses for dark magic items, especially the Malfoy residence, which he visited frequently.

Now Borgin had no time to sell the goods, and Arthur Weasley was nearby.

If the recent transaction were discovered, both he and Lucius would face consequences. Lucius would surely cause trouble, and Borgin's store reputation would be ruined. Who would dare trade with him then?

"What do you want?"

Borgin asked with narrowed eyes.

"Give me everything from the recent transaction."

Hermione extended her hand.

"You're blackmailing me!"

Borgin burst out angrily.

"Blackmail? I'm helping you surrender prohibited items. It's called confiscating illegal goods. I have a good relationship with Uncle Arthur. If you voluntarily surrender, the Ministry might not fine you."

Hermione spoke confidently: "This is called having connections. If I mediate, you'll have someone looking out for you in the Ministry. Imagine how much trouble you'd avoid."

"A businessman must think long-term..."

Hermione advised, pointing to her forehead.

"I'm well-connected!"

Borgin's eye twitched.

He didn't buy any of the little girl's nonsense.

Anyone who believed in these so-called connections was a fool.

This was clearly a case of being outsmarted by a savvy kid!

But she was right about one thing: if she reported him, he'd lose more than just a box of goods...

Should he deal with her now?... Borgin considered, a flash of cruelty in his eyes.

Noticing his intent, Hermione remained unfazed, leaning against the wall casually.

"At least twenty people saw me enter your store. I'm just a second-year student at Hogwarts. If I disappear here, who do you think will investigate first: the Ministry of Magic or Dumbledore?"

Hearing Dumbledore's name, Borgin shuddered.

He noticed the girl was indeed wearing a Hogwarts uniform, with a Gryffindor emblem.

Wait...

Looking at Hermione, confident and twirling her wand, Borgin recalled something.

Hogwarts, second year, Gryffindor, bold...

"Are you Hermione Granger?!"

"Uh..." Hermione blinked, "You know me?"

Oops, I've been recognized.

If I don't get these goods quickly, they'll complain to Hogwarts in no time.

Should've worn a mask...

Borgin nodded, "Who doesn't know you now? Your fame rivals even Harry Potter's."

After a moment's thought, he continued, "Since it's you, take the items as a gesture of goodwill. Just remember to visit my store in the future. I'll accept anything."

Hermione was a bit puzzled by Borgin's sudden change in attitude.

A minute later.

Watching Hermione leave, Borgin sighed.

Everyone knew Hermione was a magical prodigy who defeated Quirrell, but he, with insider information, knew she faced more than just Quirrell.

She faced Quirrell possessed by the Dark Lord!

The difference between the two was vast.

Though Voldemort had been gone for over a decade, everyone remembered his terror.

Even as a remnant soul, far weaker than before, he wasn't someone an ordinary wizard could challenge.

Yet Hermione, alone, had defeated him. What kind of monster could do that?

You call this a first-year student?

Borgin concluded that Hermione was an extraordinary talent, destined to be as powerful as Dumbledore someday.

What's a box of goods compared to a connection with her?

Imagine the prestige if a wizard of Dumbledore's caliber frequented his shop. His business would be renowned throughout the wizarding world!

Why bother with shady dealings when he could make a fortune honestly?

Once he realized this, Hermione became a revered figure in Borgin's eyes.

And judging by Hermione's demeanor, even if it came to a fight, he wasn't sure he could win.

But... Thinking of her cunning tactics, he couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy.

Is this really Gryffindor?

Why does she feel different from the Gryffindors he knew?

The Sorting Hat isn't faulty, is it?

---

Leaving the shop, Hermione found Harry waiting for her at the door.

It seemed he slipped out while she was dealing with Borgin.

"You..."

Harry stared at the box Hermione held, feeling overwhelmed but unsure where to start.

"Oh, just enforcing justice. Call me a concerned citizen," Hermione said nonchalantly.

Then why did you stash the box in your backpack? Shouldn't it go to Mr. Arthur? When did you learn the Undetectable Extension Charm? Isn't it supposed to be registered with the Ministry? This doesn't seem above board...

Harry watched Hermione's carefree demeanor and felt his cheek twitch.

Though he had many questions, Hermione's direct gaze made him feel like asking would land him in trouble, so he wisely stayed silent.

In truth, Hermione didn't know why she took the items.

She expected Borgin to give her the box after considering the situation but thought he'd be reluctant and possibly resentful.

Who would've guessed he'd hand it over so willingly?

Whatever, it didn't matter.

Maybe he was intimidated by my "connections."

At worst, she'll consider future cooperation if possible.

Unconcerned, Hermione left with her bounty, a trove of excellent alchemy materials!

Thanks, Marty.

I'll be sure to slightly inconvenience you later!