After passing through several narrow and shadowy alleys, Dudley once again set foot in Knockturn Alley.
Unlike his previous visit, this time Dudley had no companions. He had ventured here completely alone.
Some of the surrounding wizards seemed to have noticed Dudley, with quite a few casting calculating glances in his direction.
Although Dudley had concealed his face beneath his hood, his height wasn't particularly imposing yet, making him appear somewhat vulnerable in Knockturn Alley, which naturally attracted predatory attention.
"Dear, are you lost?" A witch with a filthy face approached, asking in a shrill, mocking voice.
"Get lost," Dudley rebuked in a low, dangerous tone.
In such a place, one absolutely couldn't show any weakness, nor could one afford to be overly polite. Here, only the law of the jungle prevailed.
The witch's expression darkened considerably as she glared at Dudley, but she didn't approach any closer.
"First time in Knockturn Alley? I can show you around," a withered old man said, stepping directly into Dudley's path after he had walked only a few steps.
At the same time, wizards from other directions also began converging on his position.
These dark wizards hiding in the shadows swarmed over like flies drawn to fresh blood.
Dudley didn't waste words again, slowly raising his right hand as his wand slid smoothly from his sleeve.
This action was witnessed by the surrounding dark wizards, immediately causing some of the smarter ones to hesitate.
This young man in a black cloak with his face hidden seemed genuinely dangerous.
However, there were still plenty who weren't afraid of taking risks. Just one wand wasn't enough to inspire real fear in hardened criminals.
"Oh, threatening me with a wand? This isn't something little boys like you should be playing with. Better put it away before you hurt your..." The withered old man's mocking words were cut short.
Bang!
A beam of brilliant light suddenly erupted from the wand, directly launching the old man backward.
He crashed into a garbage pile with a thunderous impact, and immediately the stench of decay filled the entire alley.
In an instant, the small alley fell completely silent.
No one had expected Dudley would actually attack, and so swiftly, giving his target absolutely no time to react.
Among the watching dark wizards, several faces changed as they began retreating, quickly abandoning the area.
When Dudley had cast that spell, there had been no incantation spoken aloud.
Nonverbal spellcasting.
Although this wasn't any particularly advanced technique, it still proved that the person under the black robe was not to be underestimated.
The more experienced wizards quickly chose to withdraw.
But there were still some who didn't know when to quit.
After that old man was sent flying, they became thoroughly enraged and charged toward Dudley with furious roars.
Dudley's wand rotated smoothly, and beam after beam of light shot out with precision. Fast, accurate, and ruthless. In just two or three seconds, he directly knocked down five or six wizards.
At this moment, no one dared question Dudley's capabilities anymore, all staring at this mysterious figure in black with genuine terror.
Among the dark wizards sprawled on the ground, those still conscious didn't dare attempt another assault, crawling and trembling pathetically.
Around them, the wizards who had been watching the confrontation seemed to vanish completely in an instant, the entire alley suddenly falling quiet with not a single extra figure visible.
Dudley paid no attention to those on the ground, stepping over their bodies as he continued forward.
Just as Dudley was about to leave the alley, one person on the ground suddenly leaped up, pointing his wand at Dudley's back.
"Reducto..." Before the curse could be completed, his wand suddenly exploded along with his entire arm, completely blown to pieces.
Dudley didn't look back, leaving the alley without pause.
Screams were swallowed by the narrow confines.
The surrounding dark wizards coldly watched the man who had lost his arm rolling on the ground wailing, with no one offering assistance.
"Where did this wizard come from? He's even more vicious than us!" a dark wizard lying on the ground said with an ugly expression, also glancing at the wizard whose arm and wand had been destroyed, feeling somewhat fortunate that he hadn't attempted a second attack.
Originally they thought they could extract some profit from this black-robed figure, but unexpectedly they were completely defeated in one encounter.
Although their individual strength wasn't exceptional, so many people against one person being defeated so thoroughly was indeed quite humiliating.
Dudley passed through several small alleys and finally reached Knockturn Alley's main thoroughfare.
He looked around, quickly identifying directions and walking purposefully toward Borgin and Burkes.
Several minutes later, Dudley approached the shop entrance. Just as he was about to enter, his expression suddenly shifted, and he stepped aside into shadow.
The door of Borgin and Burkes opened, and two familiar figures emerged first.
Lucius Malfoy and Draco.
Following closely behind was the shop owner, Borgin, himself.
"Goodbye, Mr. Borgin. I'll wait at home tomorrow for you to come collect the merchandise," Lucius said to the shopkeeper with aristocratic authority.
"No problem at all, Mr. Malfoy," Borgin responded with obvious deference, personally escorting Lucius and Draco to the door.
"It seems the Malfoy family indeed maintains connections with dark wizards," Dudley observed the father and son departing, thinking to himself.
Lucius already had documented connections with Voldemort. This wasn't any secret. Dudley seeing Lucius and his son here wasn't particularly surprising. He was simply curious about what business they had conducted.
After waiting for the two to completely disappear, Dudley approached Borgin and Burkes and pushed the door open.
"Welcome," Borgin said, seeing a black-cloaked figure enter his establishment, greeting him with practiced courtesy.
Dudley said nothing initially, removing the hood from his head.
"Oh, Mr. Dursley, long time no see!" After recognizing his visitor, Borgin immediately became much more enthusiastic, quickly emerging from behind the counter.
"Mr. Borgin, it has been a while," Dudley nodded politely.
"Any interesting items recently?" Dudley inquired.
"Several, actually. Would you like me to show you?" Borgin immediately offered.
"Certainly," Dudley agreed.
He wanted to first determine if any new sealed artifacts had appeared in the shop.
Borgin immediately began introducing various Dark Magic items he had acquired during this period.
"What did Lucius come here for?" Dudley asked casually during the presentation.
Borgin's expression hesitated momentarily. After considering his response, he smiled diplomatically and said, "Sir, we cannot reveal client information. I'm sure you understand."
Dudley said nothing in reply.
Borgin continued showcasing various Dark Magic items in the shop.
After a while, Borgin observed, "It seems you're not particularly interested in this current inventory. I wonder if Mr. Dursley has time the day after tomorrow? My shop will receive a new shipment tomorrow. Perhaps there will be something more to your liking."
Dudley's gaze sharpened with interest.
When Lucius had departed earlier, he had mentioned having Borgin come to the Malfoy estate tomorrow to collect goods.
Dudley looked at Borgin with newfound understanding.
Borgin responded with a knowing smile.
"Very well, I'll come take a look the day after tomorrow," Dudley agreed with a nod.