The Only Choice Before Mr. Borgin

Draco closed in on Borgin, his body blocked by a large cabinet.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione hurriedly shifted aside so he would not disappear from view, but all they could see was Borgin, whose expression was one of utter terror.

"If you dare tell anyone," Malfoy said coldly, "you'll regret it. You know Fenrir Greyback, don't you?

"He's a friend of our family. He'll come by from time to time to make sure you're working diligently on solving this problem."

"There's no need—"

"I'll decide that."

Malfoy said, "All right, I'm leaving. Don't forget to keep that thing safe for me. I'll need it."

"Don't you want to take it now?"

"No, of course not, you stupid little man. What would I look like walking down the street with it? Just don't sell it."

"Of course not... sir."

Borgin bowed deeply. Harry had seen him bow the same way to Lucius Malfoy.

"Don't tell anyone, Borgin. Not even my mother, understand?"

"Of course, of course."

Borgin muttered, bowing again.

Then the bell above the shop door rang, and Malfoy strode out of the little shop, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.

He passed right by Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and they felt the Invisibility Cloak fluttering against their knees again.

Inside the shop, Borgin remained frozen in place. The false smile had vanished from his face, leaving him looking deeply troubled.

"What on earth was that about?"

Ron whispered as he reeled in the string of the Extendable Ears.

"I don't know."

Harry said, thinking hard. "He has something he wants repaired... and something else he wants the shop to hold for him...

"When he said 'that thing,' did either of you see what he pointed at?"

"No, that cabinet was blocking him—"

"You two stay here."

"What are you going