Law of Trade

Aberforth was taken aback by Albert's words, never expecting that this was his intention. However, Potions made from materials obtained from the black market, or magical artifacts, required complex craftsmanship and techniques. Hearing this from a young wizard like Albert was incredible; even a joke artifact couldn't be easily made by a child.

However, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan didn't think so. They knew Albert's capabilities very well and naturally thought that Albert made a lot of sense. Some things really couldn't be obtained through legitimate channels, so they could only go through the black market. If someone could help them in this regard, it would naturally save them a lot of time and trouble.

Albert didn't intend to dwell on these questions any longer. He looked at Aberforth and asked, "How can we make the Patronus speak?"

"Perhaps you should first master the Corporeal Patronus before considering this question," Aberforth, without answering Albert's question.

"I think I'll be able to master the Corporeal Patronus soon," Albert said softly. "If you don't mind, we can have a good talk about how to get the Patronus to speak before that Mr. Thief returns. This method of communication is very special. As far as I know, there are no records of it in the library. I don't want to miss this opportunity if possible."

Aberforth narrowed his eyes. In the past, given his temper, he probably wouldn't have paid any attention to this guy and would have kicked him out of the Hog's Head Pub. However, Albert's unusual behavior caught his attention, Aberforth was eager to see what other surprising things this guy would do.

"Knowledge is priceless," Aberforth said with a smile, the old man now looking every bit like a shrewd businessman.

"Of course, my reputation is always reliable." Albert understood what the other party meant—they just wanted money, right? However, Albert wasn't one to be easily fooled. He raised his hands and asked, "How about the price?"

"Okay." Aberforth quickly concealed the surprise on his face and nodded.

"However, before that, you must first teach me how to make the Patronus speak. Once I have learned it, I will give you the other nine Galleon," Albert stated his request.

"How would I know if you have already mastered it?" Aberforth asked in return.

"I think it will be about this time next year, Hagrid will be our witness." Albert looked at Hagrid and said, "Whether I have it or not, I will pay you the other nine Galleon, but in the meantime you must tell me how to get the Patronus to talk."

"Many wizards go through their entire lives without ever summoning Corporeal Patronus," Aberforth remarked meaningfully. However, he agreed, finding it quite amusing.

He didn't understand where Albert's confidence came from, but that didn't stop him from making a deal with Albert.

"If they can't summon Corporeal Patronus under normal circumstances, it just means they've never bothered to practice the Patronus Charm," Albert said nonchalantly.

"What are you talking about? I can't understand a word you're saying," Hagrid, still confused.

However, Fred and his companions found it hard to believe that Albert would actually spend ten Galleon to learn a Charms from a guy who didn't seem very reliable.

What's even more absurd is that they actually reached an agreement.

Mundungus didn't keep everyone waiting long. He quickly returned, carrying a small bucket full of salt, which he handed directly to Albert.

"You're not being sincere." Albert glanced at the salt in the small bucket, but instead of reaching for it, he scrutinized Mundungus with a critical look and said, "A deal requires integrity, even on the black market, for that relationship to last."

"Are you making fun of me?" Mundungus looked a little exasperated. He shut up as soon as he drew his wand because he was shocked to find that his wand had been disarmed by the boy in front of him, and Fred and the others had also drawn their wands and pointed them at him, looking eager to try.

"That would require five buckets. Perhaps you should get a larger bucket," Albert Mundungus kindly, his face still bearing a faint smile.

"You're pretty good." Mundungus caught the wand Albert tossed to him, Apparition vanished.

"Where did that guy get the salt from?" Lee Jordan asked Albert, turning his head to look at the spot where Mundungus had disappeared.

"Does it matter? Nothing on the black market is ever clean." Albert could guess, of course, that barrel of salt was probably stolen from somewhere by Mundungus. However, Albert didn't care about the origin of these things; since he was buying things on the black market, he was naturally prepared for this.

Before long, Mundungus returned, grumbling and carrying a large bucket full of salt.

"Your Galleon." Albert placed a Galleon in Mundungus's hand and said with a smile, "See? Isn't this great?"

Upon seeing Galleon, Mundungus's displeasure vanished.

This was a good deal for him; the salt and the barrel were obtained from Muggle, and he earned a Galleon in just a short time.

However, Mundungus soon witnessed a scene that silenced him: Albert waved his wand and cast a spell on the bucket of salt.

After a moment, he looked up and said, "It seems you didn't use the Duplication Charm to copy the salt."

Not only did Mundungus fall silent, but Fred and the others also stared at Albert in astonishment.

"Is it strange? Not at all. After all, we're dealing with people in the black market. It's never wrong to be careful." Albert's tone remained calm, as if it were the only thing that should be done this way.

"What if Mundungus used the Duplication Charm?" Aberforth asked curiously, the scene he had just witnessed had once again broadened his understanding of Albert.

"What do you think?" Albert said with a half-smile.

An even longer silence fell over the area, and no one interpreted the smile as friendly.

"This is a ruthless and heartless fellow," Aberforth thought to himself.

"By the way, I hope you don't have any anti- Tracking Charm on you. If I need anything, I'll contact you via owl. Oh, and your name is Mundungus, right? I've memorized your name." As he spoke, Albert pulled out a notebook from his pocket and actually wrote down Mundungus's name.

Mundungus secretly wiped away a cold sweat, cursing Albert's treachery. He was also relieved that he hadn't thought of using the Duplication Charm, or who knows what might have happened.

He then remembered something, rubbed his hands together, and said, "If you need Runespoor eggs, I can try to get them for you. Of course, they won't be cheap."

"If you can get your hands on them, you can write to me. My name is Albert," Albert said. "By the way, I only need two."

"Mundungus actually agreed." Hagrid found it incredible.

"He can easily make money off me, so why shouldn't he agree?" Albert said, scoffing. "Isn't it all about the money?"

"Aren't you afraid that Mundungus will try to fool you with counterfeit or substandard goods?" Aberforth asked rhetorically, as this was actually quite common in the black market.

"I hold grudges," Albert said. "If Mundungus does that, I wouldn't mind making him understand why flowers are so red and why the sun rises in the east."

"That's not good." Aberforth was taken aback. Although he didn't understand what those words meant, he already knew Albert's attitude.

"You should go back," Hagrid suddenly said. "I'll take you back; don't expect to stay here any longer."

"Oh, Hagrid, we have other things to do," George said dryly.

"No, you have to go back, or I'll tell Professor McGonagall about this, that you sneaked into Hogsmeade, and I think she'll definitely put you in solitary confinement." Hagrid unleashed his ultimate weapon without hesitation.

"We'll go with you to see Fluffy," Lee Jordan suddenly said.

"No, you must return to the castle now," Hagrid insisted.

"Oh, okay, don't be angry, Hagrid."