Chapter 12: Behind the Curtain: Journey into the Underworld

Over the next few days, Amphisbaena refrained from utilizing the Ravenclaw diadem. It was crucial for Voldemort to take a break and recognize his sole connection to the outside world. To catch a significant target, one must cast a long line.

Within the chamber, where desires found fulfillment, Amphisbaena adeptly extracted the 'trace silk' from their wand using alchemical tools. While this method wouldn't be sufficient for dealing with Voldemort and Amphisbaena's Alchemy LV2, it proved effective against ordinary wizards.

The table showcased four magical items that Amphisbaena had crafted during the semester. These creations were made using discarded materials from the Room of Requirement and resources from the Magical Animal Management Department.

Amphisbaena fashioned a necklace titled "The Unicorn's Sanctuary" from unicorn tail hair and fine gold. This seemingly simple guardian necklace was meticulously woven with a powerful protective spell using a special alchemical process. The unicorn's blessed tail hair bestowed upon the wearer heightened resistance against evil spells.

The second item was a ring named "Screaming Banshee," crafted from banshee hair and branches of the tree of grievances. This one-time-use magical item lived up to its name, capable of eliciting a banshee's scream to catch enemies off guard.

The third creation was a Love Potion, concocted using Ashwinder eggs, Rose thorns, Peppermint, Powdered Moonstone Pearl Dust, and Rose Petals. This potion had the power to infatuate or obsess the drinker with the one who administered it.

The fourth and final item was the "Elixir of Resilience," made from marinated tumor of Motra mouse, unicorn tail hair, and mandela grass. Crafting this rare potion required significant effort, even for a skilled potion master. Amphisbaena succeeded due to the assistance of Tom and the Ravenclaw diadem. Consuming this elixir enhanced one's resistance to evil spells and misfortune, although not absolutely. No wizard would disregard such a potent potion.

These high-quality alchemical items and potions, especially the first and last ones, would fetch an unimaginably high price from wizards. However, Amphisbaena had no intention of selling the "Unicorn's Sanctuary." The arduous and time-consuming task of engraving runes on adamantine made it a defensive item intended for their own protection.

As for the "Elixir of Resilience," Amphisbaena could sell it since he already consumed a bottle, experiencing a slight increase in luck and resistance to harmful magic.

After packing up the alchemy table and storing the items within Obsidian's endless stomach, Amphisbaena prepared to depart from Hogwarts.

At Platform 9¾, only Madame Black came to pick up Amphisbaena, as Mr. Black was currently dealing with a significant problem. A poisonous leopard had escaped during smuggling into England, posing a major magical disaster. This creature was a level 5X magical animal, lethal to Muggles, and capable of spreading diseases that could wipe out an entire village.

The Department of Fantastic Beast Management mandated that no staff member take a vacation until the Cystic Leopard was captured.

The following day, while Mrs. Black was grocery shopping, Amphisbaena pinched his nose and consumed a half bottle of compound decoction. Instantly, he transformed into a medium-built, bald passerby. The compound decoction had an unpleasant taste and caused discomfort during the transformation process, but even Dumbledore wouldn't recognize him afterward.

Cloaked in Mr. Black's wizard robe and with Obsidian safely stowed in their pocket, Amphisbaena embarked on their journey to Knockturn Alley.

After igniting the fireplace with Floo powder, Amphisbaena stepped into the emerald flames without hesitation. After a disorienting spinning motion akin to a washing machine, they arrived at the infamous black market street.

The weather was gloomy, the sky overcast, and with the hustle and bustle of Knockturn Alley, an eerie and peculiar ambiance permeated the air. Nevertheless, Amphisbaena wasn't overly concerned about their safety.

It was widely known that for a black market to thrive, safety was paramount. Even if one were to leave this place, they would face chase and interception from malicious individuals. However, the security within Knockturn Alley was safeguarded by vested interests.

The protectors of Knockturn Alley were diligent in maintaining order, surpassing even the Aurors in their vigilance. This dedication was evident in the street's well-established reputation.

Prior to their arrival, Amphisbaena had familiarized themselves with the general layout of Knockturn Alley. It comprised two sections: a row of black wizard magic shops and a free trading zone.

The vested interests within the area were the owners of these magic shops. Some were esteemed members of pure-blood families, while others were powerful black wizards. The most renowned among them was the Borgin and Burkes Magic Shop. Although the owner's name wasn't widely known, their ability to employ a young Voldemort and command respect from pure-blood families spoke volumes about their influence.

At the end of each month, a fixed auction took place, open only to those who received invitations. Approximately 90% of England's dark magic items were sourced from these auctions.

Amphisbaena headed straight for the free trading zone. Selling magic items within the sinister shops would undoubtedly yield disappointing prices.

After paying five gold gallons, Amphisbaena secured a temporary booth for three hours. Muttering about the truly unscrupulous nature of this place, they reluctantly displayed the items they intended to sell that day.

"Elixir of Resilience, only one bottle available! First come, first served!" Amphisbaena amplified their voice using a spell, easily capturing the attention of the sparse crowd. Even several stall owners came to observe the commotion.

With the "Elixir of Resilience" as their primary offering, Amphisbaena was confident they would quickly complete the transaction. No one would willingly pass up a potion capable of countering curses and ill luck, especially among these daring wizards living on the edge.

The spectators whispered among themselves, their eyes fixed on Amphisbaena's booth, yet no one placed a bid. The potion's rarity made it appear unattainable, and even many dark wizards realized they couldn't compete with their wealth.

"Can the authenticity of this potion be verified?" someone inquired, acknowledging the challenges of conducting transactions in the black market. Selling counterfeit items was not uncommon.

Amphisbaena recognized the questioner as an acquaintance, Lucius Malfoy.

Remaining composed and confident, Amphisbaena retrieved a piece of reagent paper and a glass stick, carefully applying a drop of the potion onto the paper before handing it over.

Amphisbaena's unpretentious and self-assured performance significantly swayed Lucius. After closely examining the potion on the reagent paper, Lucius concluded that it was indeed a rare and valuable bottle of "Elixir of Resilience," unobtainable through regular means.