Chapter 241: Montgomery Fletch
Chapter 241: Montgomery Fletch
Felix walked into the dirty bar, looking around. Only a few customers were scattered about, one of whom was a plump witch wrapped in a thick veil.
"Hmm, he probably hasn't arrived yet."
He took a seat in a visible spot by the window. The bar owner approached, grumbling, "What'll it be?" Felix smiled and replied in a gender-neutral voice, "A fire whisky."
Before long, the bar owner brought over a tall glass with a bright flame burning inside, the liquid within a deep blue.
Felix had no intention of drinking it, given the suspicious stains on the glass. However, the fire whisky was the prearranged signal.
A few minutes later, the veiled witch stood up. Felix thought she was leaving, but instead, she moved to sit across from him.
"This seat is taken, ma'am", Felix frowned.
"I am the one you're here to meet", the witch replied in a deliberately lowered, triumphant male voice. "I don't know who sent you, but the Hog's Head isn't a good place for a meet-up. I haven't been allowed here for over a decade and had to disguise myself."
Felix looked at the "witch" in surprise, tapping the edge of the table. The table became hazy, and the sound was confined to a small space.
He reverted to his natural voice and asked curiously, "Montgomery Fletch?"
Montgomery Fletch grumbled, "Whoever told you, I prefer to be called Jack-of-All-Trades. Being here with my back to the bar owner, I can relax a bit." He loosened the corner of his veil, revealing a bearded face with drooping eyelids and bloodshot eyes.
He picked up the fire whisky. "You shouldn't drink, should you? Too obvious, kid. In real life, you must be someone important, particular about appearances—” He took a sip of the drink, "Unlike me—ah!" He inhaled sharply, exhaling a puff of hot air.
Felix laughed. "Consider it on me, but if you don't have what I want—"
"Threats again, Montgomery hears them all the time!" Montgomery Fletch said, glancing furtively around—though it was unnecessary, it seemed more like a deeply ingrained habit. He pulled out a flat package from under his robes, grinning. "You'll be satisfied..."
Felix made the package open itself, revealing a dusty silver dish. He gently brushed his hand over it, and the dust vanished instantly. Montgomery Fletch's eyes became wary as he watched.
The dish revealed its true form: a shallow stone basin with Ancient Runes and magical symbols carved along its edges. It was a Pensieve.
"It doesn't look to be in great condition", Felix murmured, continuously sensing the Pensieve's state and secretly assessing the possibility of repair.
"Hah, what did you expect? Otherwise, I wouldn't have kept it for two or three years", Montgomery Fletch said, taking another swig of the whisky, his eyes fixed on Felix. "You're an alchemist? From Knockturn Alley or the Ministry? Or are you a lone wolf?"
"That's none of your concern, Montgomery Fletch."
"Oh, don't be so touchy. I think we can establish a stable connection, no need for intermediaries. It's too shady, and I have to pay a fee to get accurate information. You know, two sickles. If I hadn't heard you were after a Pensieve, I wouldn't have come."
Felix smiled. "You'll earn more. Smugglers are all about profit, after all."
"Hey! When I was young, I also dreamed of achieving great things, of making a name for myself... I almost thought I succeeded, climbing up to a powerful figure and being loyal to him. But in the end, I found that these gray corners suited me better."
"Or, gray graves?" Felix said casually, picking up the Pensieve and examining the magical symbols on it.
Mundungus showed no sign of shame. "I have to live—200 Galleons, at least. To get this, one of us died, and another is half-dead."
Felix glanced at him, skeptical that even if he gave the guy 200 Galleons, Mundungus would honestly share it with his companions, if they even existed as a team.
He thought for a moment. "200 Galleons? At most, one hundred. I’m not a fool. This thing is trash in your hands, and I can’t guarantee I can repair it to its original state. If you want more—then I need you to gather some information for me, about ancient ruins... and ancient magical artifacts."
"Broker? No problem! Old Mundungus has his ways", Mundungus said proudly.
"But", Mundungus's bloodshot eyes widened, "I need a deposit! A deposit..."
Bang!
A bag embroidered with green and blue patterns appeared on the table, making a pleasant jingling sound.
Mundungus swallowed, opened the bag, and the golden glow inside almost blinded him.
"What charming little fellows... Listen to their sound..." He extended his dirty hand. "You’re a generous man. I’ll take this job, just wait—ouch, what’s this!"
As Mundungus reached for the bag, a gray-green Slytherin snake suddenly appeared, biting him. The snake, with its gray body, swam back to Felix and transformed into a transparent glass bottle.
A few drops of blood remained in the bottle.
Mundungus glared at him, looking ready to explode.
"I’ve heard about your reputation, Montgomery Fletch—a smuggler, a cheat, a thief, a robber... I can’t easily trust your word. To prevent any bad ideas, I think—some precautions are best."
Mundungus had been furious, but he seemed to think of something and his expression calmed.
"I never break my word; those are just slanders! But... do as you please. Now, no more snakes in the bag, right?" He glanced at Felix, who gestured for him to proceed. He muttered, "Slytherin", and hid the bag in his robe.
Felix said, "100 Galleons for the broken Pensieve, and another 900 Galleons for you to gather and purchase magical items or gather information... as you see fit. I don’t want modern items, and don’t try to fool me with dark magic artifacts."
"As long as it’s worth it, you’ll keep getting money from me."
Mundungus found Felix’s black-and-white mask more tolerable. "How do I find you?" he asked, seriously considering it.
Felix tossed him a stone, a variant of a Hot Knut. "Infuse it with magic, and I can find you as long as you’re in Hogsmeade."
"I’m more convinced you’re an alchemist", Mundungus said, pocketing the stone. He muttered, "Unfair, you know me, but I don’t know you."
Felix replied, "You will, but we need time to build trust."
(End of Chapter)
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