The hulking wizard covered two steps with every one Cedric took. Cedric had to jog to keep up.
Fortunately, he was sturdy enough that the pace didn't leave him breathless.
They twisted left and right through narrow alleys. A few times, Cedric thought they must be nearing Knockturn Alley, only to turn his head and catch glimpses of Diagon Alley's colorful shops through gaps between the walls.
After a long walk, the big man finally stopped outside a shack that looked ready to collapse. He turned to Cedric. "Rent's cheap around here. Costs a bit more than over in Knockturn Alley, but there are plenty of Aurors on patrol. Less to worry about."
He pointed toward the mouth of the alley. "That leads to Knockturn Alley. See? There's an Auror standing right there. Safe enough."
Cedric considered that. Was the man trying to reassure him while explaining why they hadn't gone into Knockturn Alley?
He hadn't taken the big man for someone so thoughtful. It surprised him, but he said nothing.
When Cedric didn't answer, the man curled his lip, shoved open the battered wooden door, and ducked inside.
Cedric had raised a hand to cover his nose, but he lowered it again. Everything inside was shabby, yet neatly kept, and there was no strange smell.
Calling the place dirt-poor would have been generous. There was a table just inside the door and, farther back, something slumped on the floor that might have been a bed.
Before long, the big man emerged carrying three sealed bottles filled with Dragon Blood, red as blood could be. Each looked to hold about a pint.
"That's all of it." He set the bottles in front of Cedric.
"You're awfully trusting, leaving this much Dragon Blood lying around. Aren't you worried someone might steal it?" Cedric asked.
"Who'd come to a dump like this to steal anything?" The man plainly wasn't concerned.
"We're about to do business. Shouldn't we exchange names first? I ought to know what to call you," Cedric said.
"Douglas Savile. Used to work with dragons. These days... I've got nothing going on." Douglas gave him a sharp look. "Anything else you want to ask?"
"No. Let's hear your price," Cedric said.
Cedric knew little about Dragon Tamers beyond their brief appearance during the Triwizard Tournament. He hadn't expected them to be this formidable. With a Hunting Level of 85, Douglas could probably pin a Fire-Dragon down and pummel it.
"Quit stalling. Four hundred and fifty Galleons for the lot. Pay up," Douglas urged.
Cedric almost laughed. "Do I have 'sucker' written across my face?"
Douglas's brows drew together. "That's the market price. When supplies are tight, it goes even higher."
"You really don't know how this works, do you? What a waste of all that bulk." Cedric shook his head. "This isn't a proper shop, and let's be honest: that Dragon Blood didn't come through legitimate channels, did it? If buying from you costs the same as buying from a shop on the main street, why would I come all this way?"
Douglas frowned harder. He knew Cedric had a point. "So how much are you offering?"
"Seventy Galleons. Deal?" Cedric slashed the price without hesitation.
"Are you having me on?" Douglas's face darkened. "Even the Black Market buyers pay more than that."
"Oh? Black Market dealers have more conscience than I do? That can't be right." Cedric spread his hands. "Tell me what they offer, then. I'll add five Galleons."
Douglas let out an incredulous laugh. "Should I get down on my knees and thank you for your generosity?"
"No need. I'll be a repeat customer, and I'll buy plenty. Think about it: wouldn't a steady buyer beat sitting at a stall every day and hoping for luck?" Cedric calculated how much time he had left. "I'll be here for at least another month. During that month, I'll need a bottle from you every day."
"Why only a month?" Douglas asked without thinking.
"School starts in a few days. I've got to go to Hogwarts," Cedric said, spreading his hands.
Douglas slapped his forehead. Cedric acted so much like a seasoned trader that Douglas kept forgetting his age. Of course a kid that young belonged at Hogwarts, not next to Knockturn Alley haggling with him.
What had he been thinking, believing a little brat had come to talk business?
"Get out!" Douglas roared. "I'll let it slide this time, but try pulling my leg again and I'll stuff you down a Gnome hole to eat dirt!"
Cedric answered by tossing down a dazzling handful of gold Galleons.
He counted ninety Galleons from his purse, slapped them onto the table, and fixed his eyes on Douglas.
"I don't have time to play games," Cedric said quietly. "My name is Cedric Grey. If you've been paying any attention, you probably won't be so quick to throw me out."