The Death Eaters dragged the old wizard's body out and dumped it in the street. Moments later, several wizards wrapped in black robes hauled it away. Before long, it would probably be sold as ingredients in someone else's shop.
Flames swept through the swarm of Blood Flies. Those that survived the fire dropped to the ground with soft plops, writhing like tiny orange specks.
A Death Eater flicked his wand. "That's what happens to anyone who refuses to submit to the Dark Lord! Is there anyone left in Knockturn Alley who won't pledge allegiance?"
Caractacus Burke, the owner of Borgin and Burkes, pushed his way out of the crowd. "We support the Dark Lord! We support the Death Eaters taking control of Knockturn Alley!
"This place has always been a mess. Honest businessmen like us have been afraid to do business here. At last, the Death Eaters have arrived! Knockturn Alley is saved!"
Several masked wizards in the crowd joined in. "We support the takeover of Knockturn Alley! We support the takeover of Knockturn Alley!"
They looked suspiciously like plants, but Will understood the situation now. The Death Eaters were taking control of Knockturn Alley. The owner of that shop must have resisted, and it had cost him his life.
Interesting... The Ministry of Magic controlled Diagon Alley, so Voldemort wanted Knockturn Alley?
Were they going to draw a line down the middle?
Will left as he thought it over. This concerned Knockturn Alley and the Death Eaters. He could ask someone later and get the full story, so why linger?
No one seemed to notice the inconspicuous Dark Wizards in the corners falling asleep one by one. Their bodies twisted into rats, which scurried into a narrow, pitch-black alley...
Several Aurors stood outside Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, talking with