Chapter 192: 'Working at Honeydukes”

Chapter 192: “Working at Honeydukes”

Matthews summer vacation had just begun.

He currently found himself in a cramped cellar, surrounded by crates and wooden boxes.

Matthew, struggling, heaved a large crate up and laboriously ascended the cellar stairs.

Bring up a box of buttery peanut candies, Wickfield, were almost sold out! a womans voice echoed from the cellar.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Coming! Matthew shouted, then made his way up the stairs with the crate.

Thank you! the store owner exclaimed gratefully when he handed over the box of butternut peanuts to Mrs. Flume.

However, she quickly shifted her attention back to the customers.

Matthew leaned against a wall, panting heavily; he hadnt rested in a while.

Matthew, fetch another box of Bee Candy, Flume, busy at the other counter, called out.

One moment! Matthew quickly mustered his strength and headed back into the cellar.

This summer, Matthew had chosen to work a temporary job at Honey Duke Candy Store.

The store was owned by Mr. Ambrosio Flume, a broad, bald man, and his wife, Mrs. Flume, who was a slightly plump woman.

Both husband and wife were very easygoing and accommodating.

When they learned that Matthew, a student, was seeking summer employment in Hogsmeade, they enthusiastically welcomed him and offered him the position.

The pay was quite generous, twelve Galleons per week, significantly higher than the average summer temp job.

Plus, Matthews living quarters were in the attic of Honey Duke, a relatively quiet and tidy little room.

The only downside was the strenuous workload!

It could even be described as quite demanding

Most of the time, Honey Duke was bustling with customers of all kinds.

As the sun slowly set, the number of pedestrians in Hogsmeade dwindled.

Even the Honey Duke customers gradually thinned until the last one left the candy shop

Closed! Mr. Flume declared, hanging the Closed sign on the door.

Its been another satisfying day! his wife exclaimed as she tidied up the scattered candies on the shelves.

Matthew, bent over, took a few deep breaths.

Get yourself some butternuts, Wickfield! She tossed a large butterscotch candy to Matthew. Refuel while I get dinner ready!

Thank you, madam! Matthew replied, although truthfully, unlike his peers, he wasnt particularly fond of these sweets.

At this point, may I go for a walk, madam? he softly inquired. Id like to unwind

Of course, its not healthy to stay cooped up in the store all day! Mrs. Flume warmly replied. Just make sure youre back before half-past nine. Well wait for you to lock up!

Thank you, madam! Matthew expressed his gratitude.

He then wrapped the butternut peanut candy in tin foil and placed it on the table.

Grabbing his wand, which was secured at his waist, he left Honey Duke Candy Shop.

In the summer, the sun sets later than usual.

Nevertheless, although the sky had not yet completely darkened, there were few pedestrians on the streets.

Despite the absence of an official curfew in Hogsmeade, the recent Azkaban prison break and the residual effects of dementors had discouraged nighttime outings for most residents, even though the dementors had since been withdrawn.

Matthew wandered aimlessly down the central avenue of Hogsmeade.

Up close, one could see that the boys face was etched with contemplation.

As he approached the post office on Central Avenue, he glanced up toward the next intersection

There, at the intersection, stood a small, worn-down pub.

A battered wooden sign hung on a rusty bracket above the door, displaying a decapitated pigs head with bloodstains seeping through the white fabric that covered it.