Josh Foster finally stumbled through the entire notebook.
It had taken him nearly four hours, but the glittering golden statue on the table remained his unwavering motivation.
"Sir… I…" Foster began, visibly nervous. "Did I pass the test?"
"Of course," Dana replied cheerfully, having already committed the entire contents of the notebook to memory. "This golden statue is yours. But remember, it's an antique from King Arthur's time—its worth goes far beyond its material value. Don't let anyone trick you into selling it cheaply."
Foster's eyes widened, nearly brimming with tears. His mouth broke into an uncontrollable grin. He hadn't expected the statue to be even more valuable than he had imagined.
"Sir, thank you so much. I don't even know how to express my gratitude."
Dana smiled gently, taking out his wand and pointing it at Foster. Using a wand offered finer magical control—important when avoiding harm to others.
"You just need to forget me—"
A flash of light burst from his wand tip.
"Obliviate!"
Knockturn Alley.
Borgin and Burkes.
Mr. Borgin sat idly behind the counter. It was the tail end of the off-season, but with Christmas approaching, his store would soon be bustling again.
Suddenly, two vines sprouted from the wooden floor in front of the counter, intertwining into an arch. As delicate flowers bloomed along the vinework, a starry shimmer filled the arch's center.
The shimmer split apart, and Dark Dentis emerged from within.
"Oh, it's Mr. Dentis!" Mr. Borgin said ingratiatingly. "Your magic is truly extraordinary. I've never seen such a unique entrance. Is it some variation of the Floo Network?"
Dana didn't answer the question. Instead, he tossed five hundred Galleons onto the counter.
In both Knockturn and Diagon Alley, Apparition was particularly dangerous. Numerous Anti-Apparition Wards had been installed, and even in unwarded areas, the dense presence of alchemical items could easily cause interference.
But Dana's method defied conventional understanding. If he could enter and exit at will, Borgin felt utterly exposed—this was a man who had effortlessly killed over a dozen dark wizards.
If Borgin could uncover the secrets of Dana's travel method, he might devise some form of protection. But Dana had clearly thought this through—this dramatic entrance doubled as a warning.
"This covers the prior expenses," Dana said. "I'm heading off to find Huo Jin Riches. I hope your information is accurate. If this turns out to be a trap, Mr. Borgin..."
"No, no, no!" Mr. Borgin cried, waving his hands. "The intel is absolutely genuine! Huo Jin Riches is right where I said! I would never deceive such an important client!"
Dana raised a brow. "That's hard to say. You do business with both sides of the law. And I'm just an unknown foreign wizard, carrying an awful lot of Galleons. It wouldn't be the first time someone set a trap out of greed."
Mr. Borgin's face turned sour. "Sir, I wouldn't dare!"
And he meant it—Dana could sense the man's sincere fear.
Dana's visit was intentional. It wasn't just to confirm the location—it was to demonstrate his power and put Borgin on edge, ensuring he didn't hatch any underhanded schemes.
"You'd better not dare."
With that, Dana turned and walked toward the Spandim Gate. Behind him, Mr. Borgin called out:
"Sir, should we continue the investigation? If so, I'll need another deposit."
Dana shook his head. "If I need more help, I'll contact you via two-way mirror."
Then he disappeared behind the door. The magical arch dissolved into specks of starlight, vanishing as if it had never existed.
Mr. Borgin frowned. Was it an illusion? This Dark Dentis had grown more powerful since their last encounter. He was no longer just a dangerous man—he was an unknowable one. Skilled in combat, knowledgeable in strange magic, and, above all, exceedingly cautious.
Borgin decided to warn others in Knockturn Alley—better to stay clear of someone like that.
London's Chinatown.
The Royal Chinese Restaurant was well known in the area, though Dana had never been. It wasn't the traditional red and gold-themed storefront he'd imagined. Instead, its minimalist exterior gave away nothing. Most passersby would never guess it was a Cantonese restaurant.
He checked the house numbers: Baker Street 24–26. Then Dana walked to the space between that and Baker Street 27.
—This was an old wizarding trick.
A combination of a Muggle-Repelling Charm and Confundo ensured the place was invisible to ordinary eyes. But Dana wasn't ordinary.
Before him stood a red brick wall, a brass door, and a brass plate labeled:
Baker Street 26 and a Half
He stepped up and knocked.
No response.
After several more knocks with no answer, Dana whispered, "Alohomora," unlocking the door and stepping inside.
The space beyond was far larger than it appeared from the outside—more like a two-story villa.
It was cozy and spotless. Someone had clearly taken great care in cleaning it. The atmosphere reminded Dana of his mother, Anna.
He moved quietly, almost silently, inspecting the first floor.
It featured a living room, dining area, kitchen, a washroom, and a fireplace. On the mantel sat a small box of Floo Powder. The kitchen lacked cooking equipment—only plates and chopsticks were present, neatly stacked.
Finding no one downstairs, Dana headed to the second floor.
He moved like a shadow—because, in fact, he had transformed into a cat.
Three doors stood open on the second floor. He entered the first room.
A simple bed and wardrobe occupied the space. The window was open, suggesting the occupant wanted to air the room. A faint ink sketch adorned the otherwise pristine white wall—it looked familiar, but Dana couldn't place it.
The second room resembled the first, but with the addition of a dressing table.
Still, no sign of anyone.
Finally, in the third room, Dana found a person.
A bearded man lay on the bed, emaciated, his hollow eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.
Dana scanned the room—no traps. He transformed back into Dark Dentis and stepped forward.
"Huo Jin Riches?" he asked.
The man's eyes moved slowly, unfocused, until they rested crookedly on Dana.
"Ah… ah… Huo Jin… Riches?" he mumbled. "Huo Jin… Riches…"
Dana frowned.
If Borgin's information was accurate, this was Huo Jin Riches. But in his current mental state, the man was clearly incapable of providing any answers.
Suddenly, a faint whoosh echoed from downstairs—the fireplace.
Someone had just arrived via the Floo Network.
Dana's instincts kicked in. He cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself and melted into the shadows near the window curtain.
Soon, the sound of heels on wood echoed up the staircase.
Click. Click. Click…
Then the steps softened—there must be a carpet on the corridor floor.
Thump. Thump. Thump…
A tall woman appeared in the doorway. Chinese. Black hair. Black eyes.
Dana knew immediately.
The cheongsam never lied.
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