"Golden Pearl Grass?" Green, his head hooded, picked up the wine cup on the table and took a swig. "Eight Gold Galleons per ounce."
"So expensive?" Matthew frowned. This was not particularly rare material, yet it cost eight Gold Galleons per ounce.
Green grinned and said unhurriedly, "The Ministry of Magic has banned the trade of Golden Pearl Grass. I'm taking the risk, so this is what I deserve."
Blazing Explosive Agent refined from Golden Pearl Grass was on the Ministry of Magic's list of heavily regulated prohibited goods, so the trade of Golden Pearl Grass had been banned as well. Matthew's Potions formula had been passed down through his family.
"Too expensive." Matthew tried to haggle. "Even through Tumbledown Alley, it's only five Gold Galleons per ounce."
Green took another swig of wine. "Six Gold Galleons minimum."
"Fine. How do we trade?" Matthew agreed. It was a seller's market. Even if he bought it in Tumbledown Alley, he would be overcharged. The price he had just quoted was made up.
"Come with me." Green set down his wine cup and rose from his seat, leaving the tavern.
Matthew followed him. After leaving the tavern, they arrived at a deserted corner.
"Wait here. I'll go get the goods."
Green left alone. He was going to Slug & Jiggers Apothecary to collect the goods. He was a broker; legitimate shops entrusted him with selling things they did not dare sell openly.
Not long after, Green returned.
He took a package from a cloth bag. "Fifty ounces of Golden Pearl Grass."
After confirming it, Matthew handed over the three hundred Gold Galleons he had prepared.
Once Green had counted the Gold Galleons, he furtively glanced around. Seeing that no one was paying attention, he asked in a low voice, "Interested in a