[92] Bargains and Boundaries

"Are you sure this is enough to exchange for what you want?"

Hall looked at Sirius in surprise. Had he finally grown a brain? His gaze was so direct that Sirius understood the meaning behind it.

"I've known you for a while now. Are you sure you're not just looking for someone to pick up the tab?"

Sirius was certain this guy was capable of it. A box of venom, while highly corrosive, wasn't worth many Galleons. Knowing this guy, anything that got a Weasley brat to buy on credit couldn't be cheap.

Hall sighed. Was he really seen as greedy and insatiable in this man's eyes?

"While I do like money, I wouldn't do something so tasteless."

He continued, "The venom inside is far more precious than you think. It's the only one of its kind in the world, worth a fortune." Helena's venom was extremely corrosive, capable of dissolving any substance, tangible or intangible. As long as Hall stopped selling it, the venom at Borgin and Burkes would become unique. Sold drop by drop, dark wizards would snap it up.

Whether Hall would sell it again later was a matter for the future.

Sirius nodded, agreeing to the task.

"I'll tell you the details after you move that cabinet to Black House," Hall said firmly, pushing the box toward him.

"What about the Golden Cup?" Sirius asked.

He didn't think Hall could easily obtain it — Hall was trapped at school and couldn't move freely. Entering Gringotts and finding the Golden Cup was almost impossible. Most importantly, though Sirius had learned the location from Dumbledore, he doubted its authenticity. Not Dumbledore — he knew full well his cousin Bellatrix Lestrange's fanaticism toward Voldemort. The things Voldemort gave her were more likely kept on her bedside table for daily veneration.

"Do you know who provided Dumbledore with the clue about the Golden Cup?" Hall asked.

Sirius shook his head.

Hall pointed to himself. "It was me." He continued, "I have a way to get it, but the specific method is none of your business. Please don't ask."

Hall's words were blunt. Sirius's expression darkened.

Having put Sirius in his place, Hall didn't seem to mind. He genuinely couldn't say, so better to lay it out upfront.

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"Alright, I've said what I needed. I'm going back to rest." Hall stood up, waved to Sirius, and walked to the door. "Professor Black, see you tomorrow."

"Wait!" Sirius called out.

"What is it?"

"It's almost the full moon…" Sirius began. Though he knew Hall already knew Lupin's identity, he was still worried Hall might leak it. He spoke haltingly, but Hall instantly understood.

Hall shrugged at Sirius's wariness and confirmed the potion was ready.

"The potion is ready. Assistant Professor Lupin can pick it up anytime." Hall shrugged, unconcerned by Sirius's wariness.

He was already halfway out the door. "Are you alright now?"

Sirius blushed. His lips moved a few times before he finally uttered, "Thank you."

Hall waved dismissively, gently closed the door, and left.

He already had a plan for the Golden Cup.

The Vanishing Cabinet, originally stored in the Room of Requirement, had been quietly moved to an inconspicuous room in Nurmengard. This was certainly no secret to the castle's occupants — Hall had proactively informed them he needed to store a large item there. He was a Slytherin who respected rules.

Grindelwald didn't care at all, and didn't even ask what Hall had put in. Hall trusted him — he knew Grindelwald would never gossip or leak information. As long as Dumbledore didn't personally inquire.

On the weekend, Hall would use the pretext of studying to hide with Harry in the hut under the Whomping Willow, and the two of them would pass through the Vanishing Cabinet. The other cabinet would be placed by Sirius at Black House.

Once they arrived, they only needed to Apparate out of Regulus's room with Kreacher's guidance, then head to Diagon Alley and Gringotts.

As for the key to Bellatrix Lestrange's vault — Hall had contacted Mrs Malfoy through Draco. After consulting with Lucius, she was willing to try again.

For this operation, Hall crafted a round-trip Portkey for travel between Nurmengard and the hut under the Whomping Willow. That place contained a secret passage outside Hogwarts grounds, avoiding the limitations on Apparition within the castle.

The entire arrangement was complex, but Hall did it for one purpose — to conceal Harry's identity as a Horcrux.

Hall knew that if others discovered Harry was a Horcrux, given his current age and magical ability, he could be eliminated at any moment by those who called themselves heroes.

Six months ago, Hall wouldn't have cared about Harry's potential exposure. But after spending time together, he had come to consider Harry a friend — because Harry had always been willing to keep all of Hall's secrets.

Now Hall had everything arranged. He only needed to wait for Sirius to act.

"Why did you bring me along?"

On Saturday morning, Hall found Harry and explained the plan in detail. When they confirmed everything was correct, Hall took out a Portkey and gripped one end tightly.

Doubt flickered in Harry's eyes. This was the first time Hall had come to him for help. Since the summer holidays, Harry knew Sirius and Hall had been busy with things related to Voldemort. But what kind of trouble could only he solve?

Hall ruffled Harry's hair. "Don't overthink it. Once we finish this mission, we're done."

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