Chapter 199: 'Banned Words”

Chapter 199: “Banned Words”

Matthew and the others continued their hushed conversation when Neville was suddenly interrupted mid-sentence.

A mysterious wizard, dressed in dark, boldly kicked open the door of the remote teahouse, causing the aged teahouse owner, who was leisurely puffing on a cigar, to react with nonchalance.

Neville promptly closed his mouth, but the stern-looking dark-clad wizard had already advanced towards them.

Hermione and Neville exchanged surprised glances.

The dark wizard eyed each of them suspiciously, appearing taken aback by their youthful age.

However, he soon regained his composure and barked sternly, What are you lot discussing in here?

The entire teahouse fell into an eerie silence as the intruder made his presence known.

Witches sipping tea at nearby tables hurriedly paid their bills and left, abandoning their tea and pastries.

In contrast, the cigar-smoking old wizard and the teahouse owner began gathering the silver and copper coins, seemingly unperturbed by the intrusion.

We were just having a conversation Neville quickly stood up, addressing the unexpected guest. Just a friendly chat.

Chat? The dark wizard sneered and waved his hand, summoning a few rusty iron chains onto the table before them. I find that hard to believe

I dont understand Neville feigned ignorance, attempting to play it off.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

What exactly were you discussing just now? We can continue that conversation in more detail at Azkaban! The dark wizard roared menacingly, his grip tightening on Nevilles wrist.

Hermione sensed that something was amiss and instinctively reached for her wand, but Matthew held her hand in time, shaking his head subtly.

Matthew then stood up and approached the intruder.

The dark wizard eyed him suspiciously, his wand trained on Matthews chest.

So, what should we do now? Neville inquired in a hushed tone.

What else can we do? We have to be cautious, Matthew replied, shrugging with uncertainty. But its unsettling. Wizards cant suppress free speech in this manner. Lets keep an eye on things; theres bound to be some changes.

Neville and Hermione both nodded thoughtfully.

It was no longer comfortable to stay in the teahouse.

The three paid their bill and exited the establishment.

The shabby teahouse owner accepted a few silver cigars from them before returning to his counter to resume smoking.

Stepping outside, Hermione suddenly remembered something and gave Matthew an incredulous look.

Whats the matter? Matthew felt a twinge of unease.

Arent you the one who broke into Gringotts, Matthew? Hermione asked in a low voice. Where did you get all this money?

Judging from the size of the purse handed to the dark wizard, it contained at least a hundred Galleons.

Matthew, an ordinary Muggle-born student, had briefly worked as a temporary employee, so conjuring such a sum was quite out of the ordinary.

Its simple, Matthew grinned triumphantly. He leaned in close to Hermiones ear and whispered, I came prepared. With a basic Transfiguration spell, I made Copper Knuts appear exactly like Galleons in both appearance and weight of course, theres no magical protection on them. If he tries to use them, hell be found out!

Ah, I see, Hermione replied, slightly anxious.

If they catch on, they catch on, Matthew shrugged nonchalantly, then asked, Do you really think theyll expose this matter?

Hermione was at a loss for words.

Lets not discuss this on the street. Lets go, Matthew waved to his two friends.

The three of them then vanished into the bustling streets of Diagon Alley.