fantasy novels Chapter 239 Discounts and Terrace Conspiracy
Chapter 239 Discounts and Terrace Conspiracy
Chapter 239 Discounts and Terrace Conspiracy (5.4K)
For the next period of time, Harry spent a rather novel and busy time in Diagon Alley.
He found enjoyment in his work at the broom shop, and Lynch's occasional guidance also greatly benefited him.
In his spare time, he enjoyed wandering through the spacious corridors and dazzling array of goods within the Stone Tower Merchant Guild, exploring every corner of this magical commercial empire. It could satisfy almost every imaginable desire and need in the magical world, from the latest models of spyglasses to magical snacks from all over the world.
Occasionally, he would have the idea of going out to Diagon Alley to experience the more lively and "wild" atmosphere of the magical market.
But whenever he hinted at leaving the Chamber of Commerce alone, Lynch would always appear at the right time, or more often, a Chamber of Commerce staff member in a smart uniform with a gentle but firm demeanor would "just happen" to come to his side and politely say, "Mr. Lynch instructed me to accompany you, Mr. Porter, to ensure your safety."
At first, Harry didn't think much of it, but after a few times, he gradually realized that it was no coincidence.
He understood that this was a careful arrangement by Uncle Lynch in the context of Blake's prison break, but being watched so obviously still made him feel a little uncomfortable and constrained.
As a result, he gradually went out less often, spending most of his time inside the Chamber of Commerce, or simply getting some fresh air near the Chamber's gate.
Fortunately, the Stone Tower Merchant Guild was big and interesting enough, and he spent most of his time working at the broom shop, so he didn't find it boring.
However, when Ron and Hermione arrived at Diagon Alley a week early to buy supplies for the new school term, Harry felt a surge of joy.
Although it wasn't their first time visiting the Stone Tower Merchant Guild, this time it was different—Harry was receiving them as a "half-host."
He expertly acted as Ron and Hermione's guide, while the others were led away by Lynch's staff—Percy was led to the office supplies section by a serious assistant for the new notebook and higher-quality quills he needed; Ginny was accompanied by a gentle witch to select witch's robes, cauldrons, and potions class materials.
The twins refused the guidance and rushed towards the joke shop with shining eyes.
On the way, Harry couldn't wait to share his experiences with his two friends, though he temporarily omitted the heavy parts about Sirius and his parents—this wasn't the right time to discuss those.
"Seriously, Harry," Ron said, glancing around enviously as he followed Harry through the bright, spacious corridors of the Merchant Guild, "you've been here for two weeks!? Every day in a place like this? This is so much better than being crammed into the Burrow's attic listening to ghouls banging on pipes and George and Fred setting off fireworks in their room!"
Hermione nodded in agreement, but her focus was more practical: "You mean you can freely access the books in Professor Lynch's office? This is an incredible opportunity. A powerful wizard like Professor Lynch must have many valuable books; I dare say some of them might not even be in Hogwarts' library!"
"This way," Harry said with a hint of barely perceptible smugness, skillfully guiding them around the main crowd. "Go directly to the logistics and storage area to get parchment and quills. The quality is just as good, and I can give you an employee price, plus you won't have to wait in line."
As he spoke, Harry showed the Stone Tower Merchant Guild badge on his chest: "Even though I'm just a temporary worker, Uncle Lynch still put me on the Merchant Guild's employee roster."
Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, guided by a well-dressed and elegant staff member, took the elevator to the top floor of the Chamber of Commerce.
They had never reached this height before, and when the elevator doors slid open silently, the sight before them made even Arthur, who had witnessed the wonders of the Ministry of Magic, gasp softly.
They were standing on a towering circular walkway, with smooth, dark marble beneath their feet and waist-high transparent glass railings on the other side.
Beyond the railings, the most breathtaking sight was a vast expanse of solid magical crystal forming a transparent floor, allowing them an unobstructed view of the bustling scene on the several floors below: miniature figures moved like colorful chess pieces across the corridors and platforms, while a massive, softly glowing chandelier cascaded down from the depths beneath their feet, illuminating each floor as if it were daytime. The place was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the clamor below, as if one were floating in the clouds, overlooking a miniature magical world.
"This way, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley." The staff member smiled and led them to a comfortable waiting area next to the bridge, where several expensive-looking armchairs were placed. "Mr. Lynch is working on an urgent document. I will go and inform him right away. Please wait a moment."
Not long after, a beautifully carved wooden door slid open silently, and Lin Qi strode out with a perfectly gentle smile on his face.
"Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting." He extended his hand and shook hands firmly with Mr. Weasley, then nodded to Mrs. Weasley. "I've been very busy these past few days and haven't been able to greet you personally; I'm truly sorry. If we don't need to be so formal—may I take the liberty of addressing you both as Arthur and Molly?"
"Of course, of course, Professor Lynch," Mr. Weasley said immediately, his face relaxing slightly at the other's easygoing attitude.
"Oh, don't say that, we're the ones who have disturbed you," Mrs. Weasley quickly interjected, her gaze lingering on the breathtaking view at her feet. "This place is truly—incredible. And you've made such thoughtful arrangements, even assigning people to keep an eye on the children; we are incredibly grateful."
"As long as it helps the children, that's all that matters." Lynch smiled and led them into his office, where they sat down in the small reception area.
The Weasleys complimented the office's view and layout, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
After discussing the children's shopping trips, Mr. Weasley seemed to remember something and took out a sealed scroll bearing the Ministry of Magic's seal from the inside pocket of his somewhat old wizard's robe.
"Oh, by the way, Professor Lynch, this is the department—mainly the Auror's office—finalizing the specific security plan for Harry's trip to King's Cross Station for the start of school." He handed over the scroll, his tone becoming slightly more formal. "Given the current—well—well, as everyone knows, they believe more caution is needed. The plan includes the route to the station, the accompanying personnel, and some contingency measures. Knowing I was here today, Chief Secretary Crouch asked me to bring you a copy as well."
Lynch took the scroll but didn't open it immediately. Instead, he gently placed it on the table beside him and nodded seriously. "Thank you very much, Arthur. Please also thank the department for their thorough consideration. Harry's safety is the top priority, and it's always good to be prepared. I will study this plan carefully and coordinate it with the arrangements I've made to ensure everything goes smoothly."
"Then I'll have to trouble you," Mr. Weasley said.
After the formal discussion ended, the atmosphere in the office became slightly subdued. During this brief moment, Mrs. Weasley exchanged a glance with her husband and took out a shopping list from her small bag.
"Professor Lynch, actually, besides the department's mission, we also have something to discuss with you—" Mr. Weasley took the list from his wife, his tone gentle but firm. He gently pushed the list onto the coffee table, pointing to the prominent "30% off" mark at the bottom. "Regarding this discount—after much consideration, we still feel we must talk to you about it."
He looked up, his gaze honest with Lynch: "We know you are a successful businessman, and for you, this might just be a normal discount for your businesses, as Ginny explained to us last year. We are very grateful for your generosity."
Mrs. Weasley continued, her voice soft but equally firm: "It is precisely because we know this is not an exception, but rather a regular favor you bestow upon us, that we feel even less at ease accepting it. In the past—in the past, when the family was poor, for the sake of the children, we shamelessly accepted your kindness, and we have always remembered this debt of gratitude."
Mr. Weasley nodded vigorously. "But things are different now. We've won the lottery, and although the prize money is almost gone, it's provided some financial security. We can't continue like before. If we continue to enjoy discounts that even many old families can't get, it—it makes us feel like we're taking advantage of good friends, and it's really unsettling. We hope to pay at prices that allow us to stand up for ourselves, like other ordinary families."
A brief silence fell over the office.
Looking at the determination in Mr. Weasley's eyes and then at the mixture of gratitude and embarrassment on Mrs. Weasley's face, Lynch finally understood.
This was not just polite talk; it was the couple's urgent desire to reclaim their own dignity and sense of independence after their economic situation improved slightly.
He hesitated for a moment, then abandoned his intention to persuade.
"I understand, Arthur, Molly." He stopped insisting, his tone becoming serious. "I completely understand and respect your decision. Canceling the 70% discount is fine."
He saw the Weasleys visibly relax, their faces beaming with relief.
Lin Qi smiled slightly and continued, "However, since you insist on something 'normal,' then a 30% discount is reasonable, based on the normal discount rates offered by the Stone Tower Merchant Guild and Ministry of Magic officials."
"But!" Lin Qi held up one finger, "You are my friends, so for that, a further 10% off, making it a 40% discount, is a very reasonable figure. This is my sincerity towards my friends, and also my bottom line."
"Professor Lynch..." Mr. Weasley wanted to say something more.
"Ahhh..." Lin Qi waved his finger to interrupt, "If you're going to refuse even this kind gesture, I'll really have to wonder if you two still consider me your friend."
Mrs. Weasley quietly tugged at her husband's sleeve.
Looking into the sincere light in Lynch's eyes, Mr. Weasley finally nodded slowly: "Then... thank you very much."
.
Meanwhile, Harry thought of a perfect spot.
He led Ron and Hermione through the intricate corridors of the Stone Tower Merchant Guild, and onto the automatically moving elevator, taking them directly to the top floor of the building.
He pushed open an inconspicuous door and led them onto a spacious terrace, an area not open to the public. The area was much quieter; Harry had stumbled upon it and sometimes came here to relax.
This white stone tower is the highest point in Diagon Alley; standing here feels like being under the central dome of a magical world.
Beneath their feet lay a panoramic view of the winding Diagon Alley, with its rows of shop signs and bustling wizarding crowds like a moving painting; in the distance, the outline of London appeared and disappeared in the mist, the hustle and bustle of the Muggle world silenced by a wondrous magic, leaving only a blurry silhouette.
"Wow! That's Gringotts Bank!" Ron exclaimed, clinging to the railing. "The view is amazing!"
"You can see these things normally?" Although he had been to the Chamber of Commerce before, he had never been to such a central and high-level area.
Hermione also looked around curiously, but her attention quickly returned to Harry.
"Obviously you want to tell us something. It's safe here now, Harry. What is it?"
After making sure no one was around, Harry took a deep breath and began to recount in detail his previously hidden experiences, from the Ministry of Magic's intervention and Uncle Lynch's appearance, to staying at the Stone Tower Merchant Guild, being taken to Godric's Hollow to pay respects to his parents, learning about the Faithful Charm and the Secretkeeper, and Lynch's astonishing deduction that Sirius Black might not be the real culprit and was after him.
Ron and Hermione listened in stunned silence, their expressions changing constantly as Harry recounted his story.
"Merlin's beard!" Ron murmured, his face pale, as Harry spoke of Godric's Hollow and his parents' gravestones. "You—you saw it with your own eyes—I thought—"
"This is terrible, Harry." Hermione's voice trembled. "But what Professor Lynch said—about Black possibly not being a traitor—if that's true, then the Ministry of Magic's whole story—" Her logical thinking immediately began to work, trying to unravel the huge contradiction. "And he said Black was after you!"
Whether he is the real killer or not... this is far more serious than simply him being a fugitive!
"That's right!" Ron chimed in eagerly, his red hair almost standing on end. "A madman who escaped from Azkaban and's got his eye on you! Who knows what he's capable of!"
"That's why Professor Lynch is so cautious, protecting you here and even having people follow you." Hermione quickly came to a conclusion. She looked at Harry, her eyes filled with lingering fear and a pragmatic calm. "Harry, I know it might feel a bit like being watched, but you have to admit, it's reasonable under these circumstances."
"Blake must have been extremely dangerous and had a clear objective to escape Azkaban."
Ron nodded vigorously, completely agreeing with Hermione's point of view: "That's right, you have to listen to Professor Lynch! He's your uncle, isn't he? At least until he figures out what Black is up to. Stay in a safe place and don't act alone!"
"We all want you to be safe, Harry," Hermione said gently. "Be good, okay? Just for a while."
"Yeah, Harry, listen to my advice!" Ron chimed in from the side.
"I know, I won't do anything stupid," Harry replied, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible urgency and impatience.
Of course he understood. He knew his friends cared about him, and Uncle Lynch's arrangement was indeed the safest option at the moment.
He understood the reasoning, but being repeatedly told the same thing by different people in similar tones—"Be obedient," "Don't run around," "Be safe"—that feeling of being treated like a child who needed strict supervision and had no judgment, piled up like layers of wet cloth, making it hard to breathe and causing an involuntary feeling of irritability to rise in his heart.
He paused for a moment, his gaze shifting from the bustling Diagon Alley in the distance to his two best friends. His voice lowered slightly. "But I've been doing some research lately and learned about the Loyal Heart Charm—when my parents chose Sirius Black as their Keeper of the Secrets, they must have entrusted that position to the person they trusted most, the person they considered family, right?"
Ron shifted uneasily, his brow furrowed. "So what? It just means he's incredibly good at pretending, incredibly cunning!"
“Precisely because he was the person they trusted most,” Harry interrupted him, “and now I know nothing about him! All I know is the ‘traitor,’ the ‘madman’ in the newspapers, and Uncle Lynch saying he might be after me. If I want to protect myself, I should at least know who I’m dealing with, what he was like in the past, and why—why did my parents trust him so much? Knowing your enemy, isn’t that the most basic thing? Just hiding, blindly fearing a name and a shadow, will only make you more passive!”
He looked at Hermione, seeking her support: "Hermione, what do you think? Is it really the right thing to just obey and hide without trying to understand anything?"
Hermione kept her lips tightly pressed together, listening intently to both sides' arguments.
At that moment, she raised her eyes and slowly said, "Actually—Harry is right."
Ron whirled around, his eyes wide with horror, his voice rising an octave: "Wait! Harry, you don't mean—you want to investigate him? Investigate that fugitive murderer?!"
The color drained from his face, as if Harry had just suggested touching a dragon.
"It's not about contacting him!" Harry quickly explained, "It's about researching him, finding out what kind of person he was in the past! Is that alright?"
“Ron, calm down and think about this,” Hermione added. “We certainly don’t approve of Harry taking the risk of contacting him, but gathering information is another matter. If we know nothing about Black, we’ll forever be passively fearing based on rumors. But if we can understand his past, his social circle, and even his possible behavioral patterns—that in itself is a defense. Knowledge itself isn’t wrong; the key is how we use it. I agree with Harry; we should try to understand him, at least figure out what kind of person he used to be.”
Ron looked at the two resolute individuals, opened his mouth, but ultimately slumped his shoulders in dejection, muttering, "Fine, fine—but it's a deal, it's just research! Absolutely no other work!"
"Of course!" Harry immediately assured him, feeling relieved and empowered by the newfound control.
“However,” Ron turned to Harry, “why don’t you just ask Professor Lynch? He seems to know a lot of inside information.”
A hint of helplessness crossed Harry's face. "I asked. But he just said—these are things I shouldn't be telling you," and that was it.
He imitated Lynch's calm yet unquestionable tone.
Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. Then we'll do it ourselves. When I get back, I'll go through the Daily Prophet from this period. They've reported on Sirius so many times, there should be some information about his past. I'll see if I can find any clues worth investigating."