Chapter 217: Montague

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

In the eyes of this old man who had lived for more than a century, Albert was undoubtedly a very special existence - a child with far greater maturity than his age. Both his words and mannerisms carried a strong sense of purpose, unlike something a child would say.

Aberforth was unsure of what this child was doing in the black market. It couldn't be just as Albert said, coming here out of curiosity to see what the black market was like.

If it was merely out of curiosity, he wouldn't easily give away a galleon, even if the other party's family was wealthy.

For a child of Albert's age, a galleon was a considerable fortune, and yet he did this. It couldn't help but make people feel that there was more to it.

What did he want to do?

Could it really be for trading with the people in the black market?

That would be too absurd.

Aberforth was more inclined to believe that the boy acted on a whim.

Of course, what this child wanted to do had nothing to do with Aberforth; he was simply curious.

He should be from Hogwarts, right?

But all the Weasleys seemed to be in Gryffindor.

The old man recalled a person, his brother, the young Albus Dumbledore. Albus had shown extraordinary magical talent shortly after entering Hogwarts. Perhaps this child in front of him was a similar prodigy!

Full of talent and ambition.

Aberforth thought so.

Before long, Hogwarts students began to appear on Hogsmeade Street, but no one paid any attention to the remote corner.

Hagrid did not leave immediately; he stayed in the Three Broomsticks to look after Albert and the others. He was very worried about leaving Albert alone in the pub; afraid that this troublemaking guy would cause some commotion again.

The few of them sat chatting at a rough wooden table near the entrance of the Three Broomsticks.

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

"It's quite interesting." Aberforth stared at Dumbledore's card and said, "But if you want everyone to like it, you should put more effort into the design, make it look more exquisite, rather than a half-finished product like this."

"We plan to take five years to perfect and promote this game." Albert packed up the Wizard Cards while speaking. He heard a loud bang from outside, and Montague appeared in the Three Broomsticks using the Disillusionment Charm.

"Aberforth." Montague stood at the door and called inside.

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

"Who knows?"

Later, Fred and the others learned the reason from Hagrid. The owner of the Three Broomsticks didn't welcome Montague, a guy who liked to steal.

As if Montague had done something, he was permanently banned from entering the Three Broomsticks.

As for their grievances, it was not something Albert and the others should be concerned about.

Montague looked at Aberforth and said, "Oh, Aberforth, Merlin's beard, I thought I was mistaken just now."

"I introduced you to the customer." Aberforth pointed his head at Albert and said.

Montague turned his head to look at the young Albert and was also taken aback, then turned back to Aberforth and said, "You're joking, and honestly, it's not funny at all." Montague looked angry. He was eating just now when he was startled by Aberforth's communication.

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

Montague was a short and stout man with a scruffy beard, short legs, and a strong stench, perhaps from crawling through alleys or not bathing for months.

In any case, Albert didn't like this guy very much, but he couldn't deny that Montague indeed looked like a competent thief.

"He needs two Rune Serpent eggs, if you can get them for him," Aberforth said.

"Rune Serpent eggs?" Montague's gaze shifted between Aberforth and Albert. "You know, that thing is in high demand in the black market, not something you come across often. And I highly doubt this kid can afford enough galleons."

Montague felt unlucky and turned to leave.

"Perhaps we should build trust first," Albert spoke up. "Although I believe there's not much trust in the black market, if we trade a few times, at least there's a foundation of trust."

"Trade a few times?" Montague stopped in his tracks and turned back. "What do you want?"

"I need a barrel of salt, if you can get it for me," Albert squinted his eyes, staring at Montague's eyes dangerously.

"What in the world do you need a barrel of salt for?" After a brief eye contact with Albert, Montague felt a bit uncomfortable and instinctively avoided his gaze. There was something strange about this guy; the look in his eyes and the faint smile at the corners of his mouth were not something a child should possess.

Does this kid see through my thoughts?

Such absurd thoughts came to Montague's mind.

"You just need to know that one galleon is enough!" Albert calmly stated his price.

"Alright, a barrel of salt, damn it. Wait for me for a moment," Montague grumbled. "If I find out you're playing tricks on me..."

He stopped talking because Albert casually grabbed a galleon from his pocket.

Montague quickly Disillusioned and left. He only needed to know that the customer had money. As for who was willing to spend a galleon to buy a barrel of salt, that was none of Montague's concern.

"Why do you need a barrel of salt?" Hagrid looked at where Montague disappeared, frowning.

"To pickle vegetables," Albert jokingly replied, which, to some extent, wasn't a lie.

"That's not funny at all," Hagrid raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, one trade is the basis for cooperation," Albert explained.

"But you said you never hold grudges?" Fred suddenly widened his eyes.

"I did? When did I say that?" Albert denied what he had said before.

"Truly Albert-like," Lee Jordan couldn't help muttering.

"Why do you need salt?" George asked.

Albert didn't answer George's question directly but said casually, "Whether it's potion-making, creating prank products, or magical items, some things can't be easily bought in Diagon Alley. Montague might come in handy for that."

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(End of this chapter)