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Chapter 241: Montondges
Chapter 241: Montondges
Chapter 241: Montondges
Felix Harp stepped into the grimy tavern, his eyes scanning the room. Inside, there were only a few scattered patrons, and one of them was a short, plump witch wrapped in a thick veil.
"Hmm, looks like he hasn't arrived yet."
He settled into an obvious spot by the window. The barkeep approached with a sour expression. "What'll it be?" he grumbled. Felix smirked and replied in an androgynous voice, "A glass of Fireflame Whiskey."
Before long, the barkeep returned with a tall glass engulfed in bright flames, containing a shimmering blue liquid.
Felix had no intention of drinking, not with suspicious stains on the glass. But Fireflame Whiskey was the secret signal he had arranged beforehand.
Minutes later, the veiled witch rose from her seat. Felix initially thought she was leaving, but to his surprise, she took a seat across from him.
"Someone's here, madam," Felix frowned.
"It's me," the witch boasted in a deliberately deep voice, muffled and proud. "Though I have no clue who sent you, the Hog's Head isn't exactly a prime meeting spot. I was banned from here over a decade ago. I have to keep up appearances."
Felix stared in astonishment at the "witch" before him. He tapped the edge of the table, causing the area around them to blur, their voices confined to a narrow space.
Returning to his normal voice, Felix curiously asked, "Montondges Flay?"
Montondges muttered, "Who told you? I prefer my alias - Jack of All Trades." With his back turned to the barkeep, he casually loosened his veil to reveal a scruffy face with bloodshot eyes and a drooping eyelid.
He lifted the Fireflame Whiskey. "You won't be drinking, I presume? Too conspicuous, lad. In the real world, you're undoubtedly a person of status, one who values—" He took a sip, "—unlike me—hiss." He inhaled and exhaled, releasing a burst of heat from his mouth.
Felix chuckled. "Consider it my treat, but if you haven't brought what I seek—"
"Oh, another threat. Montondges has grown quite accustomed to those!" Montondges glanced around surreptitiously, an unnecessary habit that seemed deeply ingrained. He retrieved a flat package from beneath his robes, grinning slyly. "You'll be satisfied..."
Felix let the package unfold by itself, revealing its contents—a dust-covered silver dish. He lightly brushed his hand over it, causing the dust to vanish instantly. Montondges' cautious gaze fixed on him.
The dish revealed its true form—a shallow basin adorned with ancient runes and magical symbols. A Pensieve.
"It seems a bit worse for wear," Felix murmured, assessing its condition while discreetly evaluating the possibility of restoration.
"Ha, quite fresh actually. Otherwise, I wouldn't have kept it for two years." Montondges took a swig of his drink, studying Felix. "Are you an alchemist? From Knockturn Alley or perhaps over with Kanoon? Or a rogue element?"
"It's none of your concern, Montondges."
"Oh, don't mind me. I think we can establish a stable connection, no need for intermediaries. They charge a hefty fee for accurate information, you know." Montondges grumbled, "It cost me two knuts, but if it weren't for hearing that you wanted a Pensieve, I wouldn't have bothered coming."
Felix grinned. "You'll earn even more. After all, smugglers are in it for the profits, aren't they?"
"Heh! In my youth, I aspired to grand accomplishments, fame... I nearly believed I had succeeded, got in good with a bigwig. I was loyal to him, but I realized these gray corners suited me better in the end."
"Or should I say, gray tombs?" Felix quipped, lifting the Pensieve, studying its intricate magical etchings.
Montondges showed no trace of shame. "One must make a living—200 Galleons at least. We lost one life and left another half-dead to get this."
Felix Harp glanced at him, skeptical that even if he handed over 200 Galleons, Montondges would honestly share with his supposed companions. In fact, Felix suspected those companions were nothing more than a makeshift team.
He pondered for a moment. "200 Galleons? Maybe a hundred at most. I'm not a fool. In your hands, this thing is practically trash. I can't guarantee a perfect restoration either. You can have more if you want, but I need you to gather some information for me—ancient ruins... and ancient magical creations."
"An intermediary? No problem! Old Montondges is well-connected," Montondges proudly declared.
"However," Montondges' bloodshot eyes widened, "I need a down payment! A down payment..."
"Bang!"
A bag embroidered with green and blue patterns appeared on the table, emitting a pleasant "clinking" sound.
Montondges swallowed hard, opening the bag to reveal blinding golden light.
"What a charming little thing... listen to their sounds..." He reached out with his dirty hand. "You're truly generous. I'll take this job. You just wait patiently—oh, what's this!"
As Montondges reached into the bag, a gray-green snake suddenly emerged and bit him. The small snake wriggled its gray body and returned to Felix, transforming into a transparent glass vial.
The vial still contained a few drops of blood.
Montondges stared at him with an unpleasant expression, seemingly ready to explode at any moment.
"I've heard of your reputation, Montondges Flay. A smuggler, cheat, thief, pilferer... I can't easily trust your words. To prevent any misconceptions, I think—precautions are in order."
Montondges, who had been initially furious, seemed to have realized something, and his expression grew calm.
"I never break my word. All those allegations outside are just slander against me! But... as you wish. Now, there won't be another snake popping out of the bag, will there?" He glanced at Felix, who made a welcoming gesture. Montondges muttered, "Slytherin." He concealed the bag within his robes.
Felix said, "100 Galleons for a damaged Pensieve. Another 900 Galleons to fund your collection and purchases of magical items or for information gathering... it's up to you. I don't want modern items, and don't try to fool me with Dark magic artifacts."
"As long as I find it worthwhile, you'll have a steady stream of money from me."
Montondges found Felix's black-and-white mask more agreeable. "How do I contact you?" He began to consider this seriously.
Felix tossed him a stone, a variant of the Heating Charms. "Infuse it with magic. As long as you're at Hogwarts, I'll be able to find you."
"I'm more convinced now that you're an alchemist." Montondges pocketed the stone, muttering, "Not fair, you know me, but I don't know you."
Felix said, "You will know, but we need time to build trust."
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