Little Tricks

Albert and Isabelle followed Hertok, chatting and laughing about pointless things.

The three walked along Wizard Street for a while before Hertok turned into an unremarkable shop with a sign outside that read, "Waving a Wand over the Cauldron."

It was a Potions shop.

At least, that was Albert's first impression after following Hertok inside.

The shelves were stocked with all manner of Potions, each labeled with its effects and exact price.

"Is that Liquid Luck?" Isabelle exclaimed in surprise when she spotted a bottle of golden potion in a display case farther inside.

"Yes." Hertok glanced at the glass case and said meaningfully, "But it says: price negotiable."

Hearing that, Albert and Isabelle both understood.

There was not only Liquid Luck, but all kinds of illegal Potions as well.

Most of the Potions mentioned in Powerful Potion could probably be found here. Veritaserum and Polyjuice Potion were hardly lacking.

Another display case held quite a few Potion ingredients, most of which were prohibited items too.

"I'm really curious why France's Ministry of Magic hasn't sent anyone to shut this place down," Albert muttered quietly as he looked at the cabinets full of contraband.

"Everything here is sold legally. A lot of these things can't be bought without connections, and no one would dare sell prohibited items carelessly." Hertok handed his Golden Membership Card and suitcase to the receptionist at the counter, then passed her a letter. After taking back his card, he lowered his voice. "Help me see whether you can get these ingredients."

"Of course, Mr. Hertok."

"Do you need a membership card to buy prohibited items?"

"Yes." Hertok nodded. "Come with me."

There was another counter farther inside the shop. When Hertok brought them over, the witch behind it gave him a slight bow. "It's been a