HP: Spirit Talker

The woman was interested in the question of seals in general and in particular: rumors had spread, so she was already aware of the sale of various variations of seals. When she heard the prices at which the French were buying them (by the way, a new shipment of some specific modifications was to be sent out today), the woman was a little disappointed, since the funding of the DMLE was traditionally reduced.

But after a minute of silence, she perked up and even told me an interesting situation that not many people in the country know about. There are several packs of werewolves in Britain, and most of them are quite peaceful and don't mess with people, but according to the law they have to pay taxes to the Ministry.

They have nowhere else to get the money, so the werewolves congregate in magical forests, moors, and heaths, where humans are least likely to be because of the strong natural magical activity.

The ministry buys up all the collected items and takes a tax from this activity as well. However, the DMLE has its share of materials and ingredients, some of which can be traded for something interesting. So I was offered a barter, which I agreed to, but only on my own terms, so there were no hard deadlines.

I was also asked about a new venture with greenhouses at Hogwarts — news of this is already circulating among officials and high society, causing a certain amount of confusion among people who are used to getting super profits from any business without significant investment.

The article I ordered, with my detailed interview, will be published the other day, where I will explain everything, i.e. my official motives for this idea, and the journalist will "wrap and season" it all for me in the right way.

Madame Bones was interested in a new supplier of essentials, preferably not greedy for discounts. We talked about it for at least an hour, and when we had more or less agreed on the price and volume of supplies, I was even told that the Light of Life factory was owned by Malsibert and Nott through a third party, having been mortgaged some thirty years ago. Before that, it hadn't been werewolf hearts that had been used, but some tricky root vegetable from South America that Prince had grown.

And then the woman gave me a sly look and mentioned that the Aurorat had its own training and production facilities, classified, of course. So, it has its own small "greenhouse" where some extremely rare or unique plants are grown in small quantities, including the aforementioned root vegetable.

And the current deputy head of the Aurorate is not at all averse to providing a few specimens in return for a "gift from a conscientious citizen in favor of the Law and Order-bearers". I don't know what it is, but I decided to trade it in for five sets (five seals in a set, forming a dome) of medium-level protective barriers, five anti-eavesdropping seals, and two dozen first-aid seals.

 With my skills, it took me a little over an hour to make that many seals. But that was a side benefit; my main interest was satisfied: I got the names of the owners of the Death Factory and those who had most likely ordered the attack; I also got a good look at the aura of Amelia Bones, one of the last two members of the Light Bones family, and I liked what I saw.

— Madam Bones, — the meeting ended. — I am glad that our meeting was so fruitful. — With these words, I tucked into an inner pocket a contract of intent that would take effect the moment I delivered the first harvest from the Hogwarts greenhouses. I've already handed over the seals, and the root vegetables will be delivered to me in a few days.

— You have a very responsible job, and I have heard that you continue to work 'in the field'. — The woman nodded at my words, raising her thin eyebrow in interest. — Since I don't want to lose such an intelligent person, with whom it is so easy to talk, as well as a woman who I personally like very much, — Madame Bones had already raised both eyebrows, although I didn't say anything in terms of sexual interest, because she is not my type at all, even if she is pretty and young. — I thought I'd give you this. — A flat wooden box with a light lacquer finish is placed on the table.

— Hmm? — The woman opened the lid, checked the box for dangers without hiding, and now saw a set of two wide silver rings, an inch wide bracelet, a medallion on a thin chain, and neat earrings. The woman raised her wand again and studied the jewelry made of silver and colored faux ruby crystals (my latest achievement). — Artifacts?

— Yes, — I nodded, smiling a little, pleased with the look of the jewelry. — All jewelry is bound by blood and cannot be removed or even seen without the owner's wish, sorry, mistress. — A slightly wider smile at the woman's slight grin. — I'll start with the medallion, it's the Puncher. — The woman's eyes widened at what she heard and she swallowed noisily, staring at the scarlet hexagonal prism (a hexagonal figure with rectangular sides and truncated tops, like a cylinder) surrounded by a silver oval.

— Disposable, but it would pierce even the Hogwarts shield. — The woman's eyes sparkled. — The earrings heat up when the mistress comes in contact with potions/poisons/dangerous gases. The bracelet creates a powerful shield for five minutes that can withstand a dozen and a half Bombarda Maxima. The rings, on the other hand, carry small storage units, — I thought I couldn't surprise her any more, but I did. — And the nested structure allows you to use instant telekinesis with a single thought, so you can seal yourself off from Avadas with any object, even a person. I hope you enjoyed my humble gift. — and this humble, embarrassed smile.

— Mr. Hoshino, — the snide smile and the strange expression in his eyes, along with the incomprehensible emotion, surprised me. — Together with the words that preceded the gift, your gesture is very much like a suggestion. — And your eyes are shining!

— Not at all! I am in no way asking for your freedom, madam. My sincere wish is for your health and long life. — And we feign embarrassment, averting our eyes; judging by her emotions, the woman is ready to laugh now, but she restrains herself; I myself can hardly hold back a smile.

— And I had hoped... — playfully stretching out a formidable and firm fighter, a lady of strict rules, and so on.

— Well... — let's continue the game. — You're not going to join my harem, are you? — you ask with a little more hope in your voice.

— Of course not! — she replied categorically, her eyebrows furrowed. — What insolence and self-confidence to even suggest such a thing!

— Pity, pity... — I lower my head and shake it in disappointment. — Well, — I sighed and looked at her hopefully, receiving a frown in return, but the treacherous twitching of her lips betrayed her. — In that case, I'll leave you now. — I added over my shoulder as I headed for the door. — But I don't give up hope.

As the door closed, I covered my mouth with my hand to hide the inappropriate laughter from the secretary and the waiting guests. From behind the door came a suspicious gurgling and other sounds of a man trying to contain a wild laugh. Well, well done, hopefully this would help the worthy woman survive.