Chapter 218: The Art of the Deal
Chapter 218: The Art of the Deal
Aberforth was taken aback by Albert's suggestion. He hadn't expected that the young wizard would be contemplating such an idea. After all, the potions and magical artifacts that required ingredients from the black market often entailed complex processes and techniques. It seemed inconceivable that someone as young as Albert could procure them, even if he was jesting. It wasn't something a child could create lightly.
However, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan thought otherwise. Well aware of Albert's capabilities, they naturally found his suggestion reasonable. There were indeed things that couldn't be obtained through regular means, and the black market was sometimes the only option. Having someone who could help them in that regard would undoubtedly save them a lot of time and trouble.
Albert didn't intend to dwell on these issues any longer. Turning to Aberforth, he asked, "How do I make a corporeal Patronus speak?"
"Perhaps you should master a corporeal Patronus first before worrying about that," Aberforth replied, sidestepping Albert's question.
"I think I'm close to mastering a corporeal Patronus," Albert said softly. "If you're willing, we could discuss how to make a Patronus speak before that thief returns. This method of communication is quite unique, and as far as I know, it's not documented in the library. I don't want to miss this opportunity if possible."
Aberforth narrowed his eyes. In the past, given his temperament, he might have ignored the young man before him and simply kicked him out of the Hog's Head. However, Albert's uniqueness had piqued his interest. Aberforth was curious to see what other extraordinary feats this young man might accomplish.
"Knowledge is priceless," Aberforth said with a mischievous smile, looking every bit the shrewd merchant.
"Of course, my credibility is quite reliable," Albert said, understanding what the older wizard meant. He knew it was about money. But Albert wasn't a pushover. Raising his hands, he asked, "What's the price?"
Aberforth quickly composed himself, nodding in agreement. "Deal."
"However, before that, you must first teach me how to make a Patronus speak. Once I've mastered it, I'll give you the other nine Galleons." Albert stated his request.
"How can I be sure that you've truly mastered it?" Aberforth countered.
"I should be able to by this time next year, and Hagrid here will be our witness." Albert said, glancing at Hagrid. "Regardless of whether I've mastered it or not, I will pay you the remaining nine Galleons, but in the meantime, you must teach me how to make a Patronus speak."
"Many witches and wizards go their whole lives without ever managing to produce a corporeal Patronus." Aberforth said meaningfully. Nonetheless, he found the proposition intriguing and agreed.
He didn't understand where Albert's confidence came from, but that didn't stop him from making this deal with the young wizard.
"Failing to produce a corporeal Patronus just goes to show that they never practiced the charm diligently enough." Albert replied nonchalantly.
"I can't understand a word you lot are sayin'!" Hagrid interjected, still a bit confused about what was going on.
However, Fred, George, and the others were astounded that Albert was willing to spend ten Galleons to learn a spell from someone who didn't seem very reliable.
What was even more unbelievable was that they had come to an agreement.
Mundungus didn't keep them waiting for long. He soon hurried back, carrying a small bucket filled with salt, which he handed to Albert.
"You're not being very sincere." Albert glanced at the salt in the bucket and, instead of taking it, looked Mundungus over appraisingly. "Honesty is the foundation of any transaction, even in the black market, if you want to maintain a long-term relationship."
"Are you makin' fun of me?" Mundungus looked a bit flustered and was about to pull out his wand when he suddenly found himself disarmed by the boy before him, with Fred and the others also drawing their wands and pointing them at him, ready for action.
"This will require five buckets, so you might want to get a larger one.
Albert maintained a faint smile on his face and gently reminded Mundungus, "You're quite the character."
Mundungus took the wand that Albert tossed to him, and the phantom he had conjured vanished.
"Where do you think he got that salt from?" Lee Jordan asked, turning to Albert as he eyed the spot where Mundungus had disappeared.
"Does it matter? Nothing in the black market is ever clean." Albert could guess that the bucket of salt was probably stolen from somewhere, but he didn't care about its origins. If one chose to engage in black market dealings, they ought to be prepared for such possibilities.
Before long, a grumbling Mundungus returned with a large bucket filled with salt.
"Here's your Galleon." Albert placed a Galleon in Mundungus' palm and said with a grin, "See? Everything's fine now."
Mundungus' displeasure vanished the moment he saw the Galleon.
This was a profitable deal for him; the salt and bucket were procured from Muggles, and he had earned a Galleon with minimal effort.
However, Mundungus soon witnessed a scene that left him speechless. Albert waved his wand and cast a spell on the bucket of salt.
After a moment, Albert looked up and said, "It seems you didn't use the Duplication Charm on the salt."
Not only was Mundungus silent, but Fred and the others were also taken aback by Albert's actions.
"Is that strange? I don't think so. After all, we're dealing with someone from the black market, so it's always better to be cautious," Albert said nonchalantly, as if it were only natural to do so.
"What if Mundungus had used the Duplication Charm?" Aberforth asked curiously, as the scene before him once again challenged his perception of the young wizard.
"What do you think?" Albert replied with a half-smile that held a hint of menace.
An even longer silence fell upon the group, and no one dared to interpret that smile as friendly.
"This kid is ruthless," Aberforth thought to himself.
"By the way, I hope you don't have any tracking spells on you. If I need anything, I'll contact you via owl. Oh, and your name is Mundungus, right? I'll remember it," Albert added.
"As he spoke, Albert took out a notebook and jotted down Mundungus's name.
Mundungus secretly broke into a cold sweat, cursing Albert's cunning. He was fortunate that he hadn't thought to use the Duplication Charm earlier, or who knows what else might have happened.
He suddenly remembered something else. Rubbing his palms together, he said, "If you need Runic Snake Eggs, I can try to get them for you. Of course, it won't be cheap."
"If you can get them, send me an owl. My name is Albert," Albert said. "By the way, I only need two."
"He actually agreed," Hagrid muttered, astonished.
"He can easily make money off me, so why wouldn't he agree?" Albert replied with a twist of his lips. "Money is all they care about, isn't it?"
"Aren't you afraid Mundungus will try to cheat you with fakes or inferior products?" Aberforth countered. Such situations were quite common in the black market.
"I have a long memory," Albert said. "If Mundungus tries anything like that, I wouldn't mind teaching him why flowers are so red and why the sun rises in the east."
"That's not good," Aberforth was taken aback by Albert's bluntness, although he didn't understand the exact meaning of his words, he got the gist of it.
"I think it's time for you to head back," Hagrid suddenly interjected. "I'll escort you back. Don't think about staying any longer."
"Oh, Hagrid, we still have other things to do," George said, trying to stall.
"No, you must go back now, or I'll tell Professor McGonagall about your little trip to Hogsmeade. I'm sure she'll lock you up," Hagrid insisted, playing his trump card.
"We want to visit Rookwood," Lee Jordan blurted out.
"No, you need to return to the castle now," Hagrid remained firm.
"Oh, alright, don't be angry, Hagrid."
(End of Chapter)
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