https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-221-The-Photo-and-the-Crustacean-Helper/12937618/
Chapter 222: Rumors and Bargains
Chapter 222: Rumors and Bargains
Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts Castle, was despised by most students for his joy in catching rule-breakers.
For the first time, his usually stern and gloomy face managed a smile, the sunken cheeks lifting slightly, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes crisscrossing, making his smile appear rather peculiar.
Mrs. Loris, as thin as a skeleton, squatted by his side, her long tail hooked around Filch's pant leg, her bulbous eyes fixed on Vold without blinking.
Vold maintained his composure, nodding as he spoke, "You're talking about the Cleaning Crabs? They can indeed help with cleaning, but they're not as meticulous as house-elves. They might not clean as thoroughly and may overlook some spots."
"It's fine, it's fine," Filch said cheerfully. "As long as they can work... I wonder how much they cost?"
He asked, holding a heavy bag of coins.
Hogwarts provided room and board for its staff, and Filch spent most of his time in the school, only occasionally leaving to buy alcohol. He had few expenses.
Although his salary wasn't particularly high, Filch had managed to save up a considerable sum. His confidence was evident as he inquired about the price.
"The Cleaning Crabs are still in the prototype stage. If you need them, I'll give you a cost price... fifteen Sickles each," Vold offered.
This was a fair price, much better than Filch had anticipated. He immediately exclaimed, "Then I'll take ten... no, twenty!"
Vold couldn't help but laugh, "I don't have that many. These crabs haven't been mass-produced yet. I only have seven that I made myself. Hmm... I'll keep one, and you can have the remaining six."
"Uh... okay," Filch said, slightly disappointed. But the thought of delegating most of the tedious cleaning tasks to these crabs made him feel better.
"Follow me," Vold said. "I've kept the Cleaning Crabs in the activity room."
As they climbed the stairs, Filch's mood improved, and he became more talkative.
"I'm sick of... frog brains, rat intestines, and slug slime... Those little devils always make a mess with these things..." Filch complained, then continued, "Of course, you're an exception, child. I know you've never made a mess with dirty things... And those Quidditch players, dragging mud everywhere..."
Students passing by in the corridor were surprised to see someone walking with Filch. Assuming the person was caught by the caretaker, they quickly hid to the side, casting sympathetic glances at Vold.
Some younger students, eager to help, rushed to inform the other members of the Student Support Club (SSC).
"Oh no, oh no!"
A young girl, holding Padma's hand, exclaimed in panic, "Filch caught Vold Gray, and he's coming for you next!"
"What!"
Padma was shocked. She rushed back to Umbrella House and, finding most of her housemates there, quickly shared the news.
"On what grounds did he arrest him?!" the housemates exclaimed in disbelief.
"It must be because of the previous fight," Theo worriedly asked.
"It's definitely Malfoy and his gang reporting us," HARRY stated confidently.
"He can't just arrest people like that!" Padma stomped her foot. "I'll go find Professor Flitwick!"
She pulled open the door and rushed out, while HERMIONE, pinching her face, said in a high-pitched voice, "Our club doesn't violate any school rules! I've memorized all the rules!"
"Come on, HERMISTLETOE, "How many rules have we broken? We can't even keep count ourselves!"
Fred clapped his hands loudly, "What are you waiting for? Pack up and run!"
The housemates sprang into action, quickly gathering what they thought might be against the rules, and rushed out of Umbrella House with their bags.
The corridor was quiet, with no sign of any ambush.
They hid their belongings in an empty classroom nearby, but their worries persisted. They turned back, pretending to be ordinary students.
"Have you heard? Vold Gray has been caught," a student whispered.
"By whom?"
"Filch."
"I wonder what rule he broke..."
The rumor spread swiftly among the students, faster than the flu.
It wasn't unusual for the Weasley Twins to be caught, nor was it uncommon for Gryffindors like HARRY and HERMIONE to be in trouble. But for Vold Gray, an exemplary student and a Ravenclaw, to be caught and possibly acting as a guide, was indeed peculiar.
Vold noticed that the corridor seemed unusually crowded with students, all sneaking glances at him. But when he looked back, they averted their eyes.
Some familiar classmates gave him complex looks.
One student signaled to him, 'What's going on? Do you need help?'
Others secretly took out various prank props, ready to use them on Filch to create an opportunity for Vold to escape.
Vold quickly understood the reason for this and couldn't help but feel amused. He shook his head at some of them, signaling them not to cause trouble.
However, Filch couldn't understand why there were so many students in the corridor, as if the entire school had gathered there. He glared at some of them, ready to grab them by their braids at any moment.
They soon arrived at Umbrella House, and the students gathered at the end of the corridor, watching from a distance. They saw Vold open the door smoothly, but Filch stood at the entrance, not entering.
Even Mrs. Loris obediently squatted to the side, her usual arrogance absent.
A string of question marks appeared above the students' heads.
It wasn't until they saw Vold carrying a few Cleaning Crabs and handing them to Filch, who then counted some Galleons and Sickles and gave them to Vold, that they realized what was happening. Filch happily took the crabs and left.
The students were filled with a mixture of resentment and disappointment.
The sound of footsteps approached, and Professor Flitwick almost flew as Padma pulled him along, shouting, "Slow down, slow down... Oh, Merlin, not so fast... What's going on?"
The girl who had first spread the rumor shrank back and quietly slipped away.
One more chapter later.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
