Chapter 272: Morality in the Corner
Chapter 272: Morality in the Corner
There's much to look forward to in the month of February.
Early in the month, students in their third year and above are allowed to visit Hogsmeade. Midway through, there's a Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and at the end of the month, there's the Wizarding Clubs competition selection.
Of course, the last one is just to make up the numbers.
Time, like a hobbling old man, slowly trudges into February amidst the eager urging of countless students.
However, not all students wish for time to speed up. Albert is one of them, feeling lately that he hasn't had enough time, even finding less opportunity to slack off and relax.
If only he had a Time-Turner.
But the time that a Time-Turner consumes is also deducted from the user's lifespan if used too frequently to travel back to the past.
Albert is considering whether to cast aside all the troublesome matters on his plate.
With far too many old friends, he basically has to write a letter every day, and there are still many tasks in his notebook that remain unfinished.
Isobel was right; he is too greedy. If not for the skill panel, he would probably have been crushed and driven mad by all these matters, just like the hardworking Hermione in her third year.
Never mind, now is not the time to rest. While he's still young, he should accumulate more resources, and once he has enough capital, he can live the life he desires.
"Just another year or two, and that should be enough."
As for the problem of Voldemort, Albert has never really worried about it.
After all, with the tall, savior-like figure of Harry Potter in the forefront, all he needs to consider is how to use Voldemort's actions to his own benefit.
Indeed, the period when Voldemort ruled the wizarding world was the darkest time for both the wizarding community and Britain, and chaos always brings opportunities.
Albert takes out his small notebook and jots down his thoughts; this notebook is almost full.
He flips through the pages, sighs softly, tucks the notebook back into his pocket, and then checks over his recently completed homework. Next, he begins to write a letter to Mundungus Fletcher, suggesting they meet at the Three Broomsticks during the next Hogsmeade visit.
Albert really needs the hair of a Marsh Hare. Several months ago, he had soaked a Mandrake in salt, and it will soon completely transform into a Dark artifact. At that time, he will need the hair to counteract its effects, otherwise, not even Albert would dare to recklessly attempt further processing of this Dark artifact, lest he brings misfortune upon himself.
Mundungus Fletcher's reply comes swiftly, and it seems he also doesn't want the hair of a Marsh Hare on his hands. However, between the lines of the letter, it's not difficult to see that the man still intends to swindle Albert out of a hefty sum.
Does he really take me for a child?
Albert can't help but chuckle, tossing the parchment into the fireplace and watching as the flames turn it to ashes, a strange smile on his face.
"Albert's laugh is so creepy." George, slacking off, happens to look up and catch this scene, and he can't help but shudder, nudging Fred beside him to look in Albert's direction.
"I wonder who's going to be unlucky now," Fred mutters.
"Are you going to Hogsmeade next time?" Albert looks around to ensure no one is nearby before asking quietly.
"Of course," Lee Jordan replies without looking up, his pockets still bulging from the Christmas holidays.
"Then, did the thief reply?" Fred feels he's guessed the answer.
"Yeah, he still seems intent on swindling me. If the negotiations fall through..." Albert continues with a cold laugh, "...we'll rob him, or force the sale."
"Isn't that...a bit much?" Lee Jordan puts down his quill, concern written on his face as he looks at Albert. Although he often plays pranks and breaks school rules, Lee Jordan is fundamentally a good person.
"It is a bit much," Albert doesn't deny this, "but Mundungus Fletcher isn't a good person either. That guy is a professional con artist and thief, also moonlighting as a black market trader. He's done plenty of shady dealings, and if he doesn't want to trade amicably, then there's no need to be polite to him."
"When it comes to a bad guy, Albert's right, I think we don't need to be too polite," Fred agrees, exchanging a glance with George before asking in a lowered voice, "What do you plan to do?"
"One Disguise Spell, one Stunning Spell, and one Obliviate," Albert knows exactly what to do, feeling no worry about failing. Sometimes, no matter how cautious you are, things can still go awry in ways you never expected.
Perhaps Mundungus Fletcher is a cautious fellow, but he definitely wouldn't expect that the lamb he intends to fleece is plotting to rob him.
In his previous life, Albert considered himself a very moral person, and even if negotiations fell through, he never had such thoughts.
But in this life, with his cheats and the mastery of wondrous magic, coupled with the influence of capitalism over the past decade or so, the moral values of his previous life have long been kicked into the corner.
To say something rather immoral: the primitive accumulation of capital is always cruel and bloody.
"It depends on Mundungus' choice, then we'll decide how to handle this."
Fred and George don't have a good impression of Mundungus, so they agree with Albert's suggestion, and Lee Jordan also consents. Albert doesn't plan to go too far, though.
"What are you guys talking about?" Susan walks over, holding books she borrowed from the library.
"We're talking about Wizarding chess," Albert casually throws out a topic, and the three beside him are used to this, casually chiming in.
"By the way, have you guys heard?"
"Heard what?" Fred asks curiously.
"There's a monster hidden in the Forbidden Forest," Susan whispers, "This afternoon, someone heard a terrifying beastly roar while patrolling the outskirts of the forest for Care of Magical Creatures."
"Forbidden Forest... beastly roar?" Albert immediately thinks of Hagrid's roving monster, the one he named Rover.
"Maybe Hagrid's keeping some dangerous creature in the forest," Fred jokes.
"Why don't we go and see what kind of monster it is?" George suggests, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, "We can ask Hagrid to come with us; this is his area of expertise."
It seems George isn't all that dim-witted.
In just half a day, strange rumors begin to circulate around the school, claiming that some dangerous magical creature from deep within the forest has ventured to the outskirts.
All sorts of gossip spread, and Professor Kettleburn is already considering moving most classes to the lawn near the Forbidden Forest.
(End of Chapter)
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