Chapter 1155: Soul-Stealing
Chapter 1155: Soul-Stealing
"Why does it sound like I'm a ruthless killer?"
As Albert exited Dumbledore's office, he paused and looked back at the closed wooden door, unable to resist a snarky remark.
In truth, Albert was quite averse to the idea of killing.
As for those unfortunate souls that Scrimgeour had executed, they certainly couldn't be blamed on Albert. He had merely given Scrimgeour a nudge, and it was the Ministry of Magic's court that had ultimately sentenced them to death.
None of it had anything to do with him.
After leaving the headmaster's office, Albert headed straight for the nearby Hog's Head Inn. When he reappeared in Hogsmeade, he had donned a new disguise.
It wouldn't do to meet with Zacco as himself; it might attract unwanted attention. So, for now, he wore the identity of Lee Jordan, which was also why he hadn't brought Lee Jordan along to Hogsmeade in the first place.
The village of Hogsmeade was quiet in the early morning. As Albert approached, the shops along the street were just opening. He stopped in front of Zacco's store and pushed open the red wooden door, stepping inside.
"You're right on time," Zacco managed a strained smile as he greeted the visitor, but his expression froze as he recognized the person who had entered.
"Is there a problem?" Albert retorted.
"I thought..." Zacco said uncertainly, "Fred and George Weasley told me that the famous Mr. Albert Anderson would be coming to talk to me."
"Oh, you mean Albert?" Albert replied with a hint of exasperation. "That guy took off on a trip with his new wife after his wedding, and who knows where they are now. I'm here to handle this matter in his stead."
"I see..."
"Anyway, take a look at this contract first, and we can discuss any questions you have later." Albert handed a parchment to Zacco, who was standing behind the counter, and then began to browse the items in the store, assessing the inventory levels.
"I think the profit margin you're offering is too low," Zacco frowned slightly as he complained. "And, the merchandise in this store is still quite..."
"Don't worry, keep reading. There are several other options below, and you can choose one that suits you." Albert offered a friendly reminder. "Also, the items here aren't very marketable. If they don't sell, their value will be far lower than you imagine. We won't spend money on a batch of goods that are likely to remain unsold. Some of the items here will eventually have to be given away as freebies to students who make purchases."
"Of course, you can also choose the option with the lowest commission. That way, the Galleons from the sale of your original store's merchandise will still be yours, and we will also purchase the store at a fair price. But you'll only receive a decent salary and a lower commission of five percent."
"If you're interested in a long-term partnership with us, I suggest you choose the former option. That was actually Albert's sincere invitation for you to join us. I recall that it was specifically mentioned on the parchment."
"Sincerity?"
Zacco clearly didn't believe this nonsense. He saw no sign of the so-called sincerity.
"I'll choose the lowest commission."
"Are you sure? Won't you consider the other options?" Albert raised an eyebrow. "The shops in Diagon Alley will be temporarily closed soon, and Owl Delivery will be redirected through your store. Are you sure you don't want to choose the more profitable option? Perhaps by then..."
"No, I think the latter option suits me better," Zacco interrupted.
"That's a pity." Albert nodded. "Also, there's one more thing. You'll need to work for us for three years. If you breach the contract, you'll have to pay a penalty of five hundred Galleons. After you accept the employment, your salary will be no less than eighty Galleons per month, plus a five percent profit-sharing bonus."
"If you have no objections, please sign and date the last parchment to confirm that this is indeed your intention. I must remind you that this is a magical contract with a validity period of three years. If you wish to stay on after that, we can renew the contract."
"No problem, let's do it!"
Zacco pulled out a quill from somewhere and hastily scrawled his signature several times on the last parchment before handing the contract back to Albert. He then suggested with a smile, "By the way, would you like a glass of whiskey to celebrate our pleasant cooperation?"
"A butterbeer will do. I still have work to do later, so I can't afford to get drunk," Albert politely declined.
"Butterbeer? Wait, I think I have some left in the back."
Zacco turned and walked into the warehouse to fetch the butterbeer, paying no attention to Albert, who had stealthily raised his wand behind his back.
"Here you go, to our successful collaboration," Zacco said as he brought out a small keg and poured two glasses of butterbeer, handing one to Albert.
The two clinked their glasses lightly and then downed the butterbeer in one go.
"In a while, Fred and George will deliver the goods you need. You'll have to spend some time rearranging the store..." Albert swayed slightly and pretended to be drunk as he collapsed on the ground, feigning unconsciousness.
Zacco watched the unconscious man without expression, then proceeded to pull down the curtains and lock the door of the store, remembering to hang up the 'Closed' sign.
When he returned, a woman emerged from the warehouse, looking pleased as she gazed at the unconscious Lee Jordan on the floor. "It's a shame that damn guy got away, but I'm sure we can get some useful information out of this one!"
"Help him up, we need to interrogate him elsewhere. I'm sure Bella will be delighted," said Amycus, reasonably satisfied with the day's outcome. Although they hadn't managed to capture that Mudblood named Albert Anderson, they had caught his friend, and they could still monitor the former's whereabouts by controlling him with the Imperius Curse...
Before Amycus could continue his fantasy, he suddenly froze in place, unable to move. Behind him, Zacco had his wand pointed at Amycus, and Albert had also drawn his wand, aiming it at the uninvited guest.
"Oh, it looks like my luck is holding," Albert said, showing no signs of having consumed the Draught of Living Death. "Amycus Carrow, and a Death Eater, no less."
A few minutes later, inside the Shrieking Shack, Amycus was climbing the stairs to the second floor.
"You failed?" Bella asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced at Amycus.
"The Mudblood didn't show up. It was his friend, that black wizard, Lee Jordan. He's very cautious and didn't fall for it," Amycus explained helplessly. "But he probably doesn't suspect anything yet, so we still have a chance."
"What about your side?" he asked.
"I succeeded."
"What's your plan now? Do you have something in mind? Those guys are very careful, so we should..."
"I plan to control the Mudblood's friend first. We must find out where that guy is hiding," Bella said confidently. "It won't be difficult. We can..."
"That might be tricky," Amycus interrupted. "According to the latest information I received, they're planning to temporarily close their shop in Diagon Alley. Those guys are looking for a place to lie low."
Upon realizing that her proud plan was useless, Bella angrily punched the wall. "We'll catch them off guard eventually. They can't hide forever."
(End of Chapter)
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