"How can I engage in this trade?" Lucius inquired, stirring up agitation in the crowd. Lucius was a well-known figure, indicating the authenticity of the "Elixir of Resilience" bottle he possessed.
It's important to note that every potion master produces a limited number of high-grade potions each year. In England, there are merely a dozen bottles of high-grade potions available annually, let alone the prestigious "Elixir of Resilience." It holds a unique status as an advanced potion.
"These items are sold as bundles. Here's my request: if you make a bid, you must include a dragonheart scale," Amphisbaena stated, handing over a list.
Lucius examined the list, initially furrowing his brow but soon calming down.
Although the list contained numerous and complex materials, they were easily obtainable. With the Malfoy family's inventory, these materials could be readily provided, and the house elves could deliver them in a matter of minutes.
Moreover, Lucius noticed the remaining items. With his keen eyesight, he easily identified them as high-quality alchemical items.
Having both the materials list and his alchemical knowledge, Lucius realized the added value of being both a potion master and an alchemist.
The combination of these two identities made him highly sought after, deserving a high price within the pure-blood community.
Wearing a smile, Lucius replied, "No problem, sir. I'll attend to your request promptly, and as a gesture of goodwill, I'll offer you five hundred gold galleons as payment."
The crowd suddenly erupted in exclamations, with buyers willingly increasing their bids, an uncommon occurrence in the black market.
Lucius smirked. How could these unsophisticated wizards comprehend the significance of a skilled potion master and alchemist?
Regardless of the Dragonheart scale's value, without the means to replace it through family heritage, it would hold no worth.
"Wait," a voice echoed from a distance. The crowd dispersed, making way for the imposing figure entering the scene. After all, challenging Lucius, a renowned figure, was a rare occurrence.
Although Lucius initially wore a displeased expression, upon seeing the person approaching, his countenance transformed into a smile. "Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke."
The individuals in question were none other than Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke, the proprietors of Knockturn Alley's most esteemed dark magic shop. Mr. Borgin wore a gray wizard robe, his hair greasy and emitting an unusual odor, but no one dared underestimate the owner of the establishment.
"Lucius, since it's a bidding war, I would like to participate as well," Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke grinned ominously. Without glancing at the list, he directly offered, "I'll bid 800 gold galleons and the materials, and I extend an invitation for you to become my shop's supplier."
Although Lucius could afford the price, it wasn't worth it.
Lucius pondered for a moment, then stated, "I'll offer a thousand gold galleons."
His hesitation didn't stem from the "mere" two hundred gold galleons. For the Malfoy family, that sum wasn't significant, but competing with Borgin and Burkes, the black market tycoons, was more than a matter of money.
However, considering his son, obtaining a bottle of the "Elixir of Resilience" would indeed be a worthy bid.
Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke glanced at Lucius's offer, understanding his determination. With a smile, Mr. Borgin said, "Congratulations, Lucius."
Lucius, upon hearing their words, displayed a rare smile as he explained, "My son hasn't taken the 'Elixir of Resilience' yet, so it would be beneficial for him to have one."
He then instructed Dobby, the house elf, to swiftly retrieve the materials listed and a thousand gold galleons.
Amphisbaena and Lucius were invited by Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke to sit in their shop while awaiting the delivery.
For over ten minutes, the trio engaged in conversations about potions and alchemy. As time passed, both Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke grew increasingly convinced that this potion master and alchemist were worth pursuing.
After a while, Dobby hurriedly arrived, carrying a box that had been expanded using the telescopic spell.
Carefully placing the box in front of Amphisbaena, Dobby opened it, and Amphisbaena swiftly inspected its contents. Satisfied with what he saw, he bid them farewell.
The box and its contents were flawless. After all, it would be foolish to attach tracking magic in the presence of an alchemist.
Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke promptly requested Amphisbaena's stay, but he declined, citing an ongoing alchemical experiment.
Soon after Amphisbaena departed, a dark wizard entered to report, "He left using Floo powder."
Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke nodded in acknowledgement. While Floo powder travel provided some safety, the wizarding world was far from simple.
Mr. Borgin produced a small mirror before Amphisbaena, with a skeletal statue adorning its edges.
A peculiar essence emanated from his palm, the same scent he had detected from Amphisbaena earlier.
"Mirror, magic mirror, reveal the whereabouts of the owner of this essence," he chanted, and the essence dissipated, absorbed by the mirror.
However, this time the mirror didn't display the desired image; instead, it remained pitch black.
Mr. Borgin rarely frowned. Lucius, observing the scene, suddenly understood that the alchemist and potion master had either possessed immense power or had mystifying objects interfering with the magic mirror's functioning.
In either case, the value of this master had reached an elevated level.
Relaxing his brows, Mr. Borgin put the magic mirror away and smiled at Lucius. "Seems like this master is no ordinary rabbit. If he comes to your manor as a guest, I hope you'll inform me. I'm truly interested in hiring this lesser-known potion master."
Before departing, both Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke had extended invitations to Amphisbaena, yet they weren't certain whose invitation he would accept.
Lucius replied, "Of course, Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke."
Lucius didn't decline Borgin and Burke's request. As a Death Eater, their relationship was inseparable.
Upon returning home, Amphisbaena carefully examined his robes, ensuring there were no distinctive marks. After contemplating for a moment, he decided to throw them into the fireplace and burn them. After all, their unique scent could be detected by numerous magical items.
It's essential to be cautious when sailing the ship for a thousand years.
Once in his room, Amphisbaena overcame the effects of certain compound decoctions that accelerated the passage of time. He didn't want his mother to return and find him in such a state.
He stashed Lucius's suitcase under the bed, and the alchemical materials he had acquired this time would suffice for an extended period. Although potions and alchemy required substantial gold coin investment, they also yielded significant profits.
With an intelligence score of 42 and Voldemort's assistance, Amphisbaena's talent could rival that of Nicholas Flamel.
This venture not only provided him with alchemical materials for the upcoming semester but also established a stable sales channel.
During their parting, Lucius handed him the address of Malfoy Manor, and Borgin and Burke offered an invitation letter to an auction.
However, Amphisbaena intended to utilize the former channel. While Lucius was a member of the Death Eaters, his loyalty to the pure-blood cause wavered after Voldemort's demise, making him temporarily "safe."
If he were to join the Death Eaters again, Amphisbaena was confident that his magical creations would provide some unexpected "surprises." Only foolish alchemists would perish at the hands of their own magical inventions.
Moreover, Amphisbaena knew very little about Borgin and Burke. The unknown always harbors unpredictable risks.