Mundungus

While Albert was observing the little old man in front of him, Aberforth was also secretly sizing up Albert.

In the eyes of this man who had lived for more than a century, Albert was undoubtedly a very special person, a precocious child with a maturity far beyond his years. His words and expressions were highly purposeful, unlike anything a child would say.

Aberforth didn't know what the child was doing at the black market, but it certainly wasn't just out of interest, as Albert had just said.

If it's just out of interest, I wouldn't easily give myself a Galleon, even if the other person's family is really rich.

A Galleon is a considerable fortune for a child Albert's age, and the fact that he did this makes one wonder.

What does he want to do?

Is it really for making a deal with people on the black market?

This is absolutely absurd.

Aberforth was more inclined to believe that the other party had acted on a whim.

Of course, what the child in front of him wanted to do had nothing to do with him; Aberforth was simply curious.

He should be in Ravenclaw House! But it seems like all the Weasley go to Gryffindor.

The old man thought of someone: his brother, the young Albus Dumbledore. Dumbledore had displayed Extraordinary Magic talent shortly after entering school; perhaps this boy before him was a similar fellow! Talented and ambitious.

Aberforth thought so.

Soon, Hogwarts students began to appear on the streets of Hogsmeade, but no one paid any attention to what was happening in the secluded corners.

Hagrid didn't leave immediately; he stayed at the Hog's Head Pub to look after Albert and the others. He was very worried about leaving Albert alone at the Hog's Head Pub, fearing that this troublemaker would cause some more trouble.

The group sat on a rough wooden table near the entrance of Hog's Head Pub and chatted idly.

During this time, Albert recommended their Wizard Card to Hagrid and Aberforth. Unfortunately, Hagrid seemed uninterested, while Aberforth was quite interested in the Wizard Card and even played a game with Fred.

"That's interesting, indeed," Aberforth said, staring at Dumbledore's cards. "However, if you want everyone to like them, you'd better put more effort into the cards, at least make them look more refined, rather than like this half-finished product."

"We plan to spend five years perfecting and promoting this game," Albert said as he tidied up the Wizard Card. He heard a loud crackling sound outside as Mundungus appeared outside the Hog's Head Pub using Apparition.

"Aberforth," Mundungus called from the doorway.

"Why doesn't he come in?" Lee Jordan couldn't help but ask.

Who knows?

Later, Fred and his friends learned the reason from Hagrid: the owner of the Hog's Head Pub did not welcome Mundungus, a petty thief.

Mundungus seems to have done something to be permanently banned from entering the Hog's Head Pub.

As for their personal grudges, that's not something Albert and his friends should concern themselves with.

Mundungus looked at Aberforth and said, "Oh, Aberforth, Merlin's beard, I thought I misheard you."

"The customer I introduced to you," Aberforth said, nodding to Albert.

Mundungus glanced at young Albert, stunned, then turned to Aberforth and said, "You're joking. Honestly, it's not funny at all." Mundungus looked angry; he had been eating and had been startled by Aberforth's message.

"He wasn't joking." Albert also sized up the sudden, smelly thief.

Mundungus was a short, fat man with a stubble beard and short, bow-legged legs. He reeked of a foul odor, perhaps from hiding in alleyways or not having bathed for months.

In short, Albert didn't like the guy much, but there was no denying that Mundungus did look like a competent thief.

"He needs two Runespoor eggs, if you can get them for him."

"Runespoor eggs?" Mundungus's gaze lingered between Aberforth and Albert. "You know, those things are hot on the black market, not common at all, and I doubt the kid can afford enough Galleon."

Feeling annoyed, Mundungus turned to leave.

"Perhaps we should build trust first," Albert said. "Of course, I don't think there is any trust in the black market, but... if we do more transactions, at least there will be a foundation of trust."

"More transactions?" Mundungus stopped and turned to ask, "What do you want?"

"I need a bucket of salt, if you can get me one."

Albert narrowed his eyes, staring dangerously into Mundungus's eyes.

"Damn it, what do you need a bucket of salt for?" Mundungus and Albert exchanged glances, and Mundungus felt a little uncomfortable, so he involuntarily looked away. This guy gave him a strange feeling; the other's gaze and the faint smile on his lips were not something a child should possess.

Did this child see through my thoughts?

Such an absurd thought popped into Mundungus's head.

"All you need to know is that you can get one Galleon!" Albert calmly stated his price.

"Fine, damn bucket of salt, give me fifteen minutes," Mundungus grumbled. "And if I find out you're messing with me then..."

He shut up because Albert casually pulled a handful of Galleon from his pocket.

Mundungus quickly Apparition and left. All he needed to know was that the customer had money; who was willing to spend Galleon to buy a barrel of salt was none of Mundungus's business.

"What do you need a bucket of salt for?" Hagrid asked, frowning as he stared at the spot where Mundungus had disappeared.

"Pickled vegetables," Albert joked, though in a way he wasn't entirely lying.

"This is not funny at all," Hagrid said, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Well, a deal is the foundation of cooperation," Albert explained.

"You said it yourself, thieves aren't trustworthy." Hagrid frowned even deeper and couldn't help but remind him, "I think you should stay away from those kinds of people. Those guys in the black market like to use counterfeit goods to fool people."

"It's alright, I hold grudges very much," Albert said casually.

Holding a grudge, what does that mean? The literal meaning? "Didn't you say you never hold grudges?" Fred suddenly said, his eyes wide.

"Did I? When did I say that?" Albert directly denied ever saying it.

"As expected of Albert," Lee Jordan couldn't help but mutter.

"So, what do you need salt for?" George asked.

Albert didn't answer George's question, but instead said nonchalantly, "Whether it's Potions, or making joke props or magical items, there are some things that you can't buy in Diagon Alley. Mundungus will come in handy."