The bookstore clerk stood frozen in place, utterly stunned.
Wait, are Hogwarts students really this capable nowadays?
Subduing these little monsters so effortlessly?
Glenn slipped The Monster Book of Monsters, now safely encased in an alchemically crafted cover, into the bag he shared with Hermione. The weight in his hand increased slightly once again. It was indeed inconvenient not being able to openly use the Undetectable Extension Charm or Mustard Seed Holds Mount Sumeru.
It's easy to get used to luxury, but hard to return to simplicity.
Still, this bit of weight wasn't much for Glenn now. Carrying it was no big deal.
Especially since Hermione was bound to buy a mountain of books next, which was obvious without even thinking.
"Excuse me, is this technique you used a new Transfiguration spell taught at Hogwarts?" the clerk asked hesitantly, still reeling from shock.
"Yes," Glenn replied, lying without batting an eye.
The clerk bit his lip, glanced at the bite marks on his thick gloves, and made a decision.
"Then, um, could you possibly transform a cover for each of the monster books in our store that can restrain them?"
"Of course, I'll inform our manager. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to pay a reasonable price for this, especially since he's been bitten quite badly by these books."
Glenn didn't reply immediately. He glanced at Hermione and the others. The young girl was still browsing the shelves, seemingly far from finishing her selection of books.
In other words, there was still some free time.
Although he didn't lack Galleons, who would complain about having too much money?
Besides, expenses were bound to increase in the days to come, so earning a bit more wouldn't hurt.
The alchemical materials required were inexpensive—essentially just magically processed soil.
This deal was practically a giveaway.
So, Glenn nodded.
The clerk was overjoyed and quickly ran to fetch his manager. After a brief discussion, they returned with a proposed price.
It was roughly within Glenn's expectations, and he didn't bother haggling over the amount. After all, it was just a matter of moving his fingers.
Earlier, since he had only taken out a small amount of material, Glenn had discreetly used his black ring. Now that more materials were needed, he decided to be a bit more cautious.
He asked the clerk to find him a private room and began crafting the alchemical book covers.
Due to their simple structure and single function, Glenn completed the task quickly, even though there were many of them.
After successfully restraining those pesky monster books, the manager of Flourish and Blotts came to inspect the results and happily handed over the payment.
"As expected of a Hogwarts student! Young man, keep it up. I believe you'll achieve great things in the future!" The manager patted Glenn's shoulder, his words filled with genuine admiration.
Glenn showed no reaction, merely nodding.
---
Hermione was truly Hermione. While other young wizards would only spend three to five minutes buying books, she took several times longer.
"What a satisfying shopping spree!" the young girl exclaimed, laughing as she stuffed a large pile of books into the bag Glenn was holding, wiping away imaginary sweat from her forehead.
Glenn sighed. There was no need to think—there was no way the small bag he was holding could fit all the books Hermione had picked.
So, Glenn discreetly transferred the books into his black ring the moment they entered the bag, leaving only a few to keep up appearances.
"By the way, the manager and staff at Flourish and Blotts seemed oddly welcoming to us. I remember they looked quite miserable when we first entered," Parvati said, glancing back at the manager, who was still waving at them, puzzled.
"Oh, it must be because Hermione bought so many books. With so many items sold, of course they're happy!" Lavender said with a sly grin, spreading her hands.
"I feel like the buzzing around their heads has lessened," Luna's ethereal voice floated up, her large eyes also fixed on the manager standing at the bookstore door.
"So, their troubles have been reduced?"
"That seems to be the case, right, Luna?" Hermione, having finished stuffing her books, smiled and took Luna's hand.
The latter simply smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
"But because of me, we did stay in there a bit longer than usual… So, as compensation, I'll treat you all to ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour!"
"And for lunch, let's just eat here in Diagon Alley." Hermione checked the time and realized it was almost noon, so she made this decision.
She acted immediately, happily leading the group to the ice cream shop, with Glenn reluctantly trailing behind.
Eating ice cream before a proper meal wasn't ideal, was it?
Shaking his head, he decided against voicing this thought. After all, it was only right for the young girl to celebrate reuniting with her friends.
"In that case, we'll forgive you. I want chocolate chip and nut ice cream."
"I'll have apple syrup flavor!" Parvati and Lavender, familiar with Hermione's ways, didn't hold back and cheerfully responded.
Luna seemed lost in thought, unable to decide.
"Luna, what about you?" Hermione gently poked the young girl's cheek. After a moment's thought, Luna still couldn't decide.
"I'll have the same flavor as you."
"Alright, then two more strawberry and butter ice creams—Glenn, are you having lemon ice cream again?"
"I'll just have a glass of lemon wa—"
"Hmm?"
"…Yes, lemon ice cream is fine."
Faced with Hermione's smiling "threat," Glenn quickly retracted his words.
"Glenn really listens to you. You mentioned before that both your allowances are managed by him, right?" Lavender raised an eyebrow and nudged Hermione with her elbow, making the young girl giggle.
"Sounds like he's henpecked."
Parvati chimed in with a laugh.
"Sounds like he's henpecked," Luna also joined in, her large eyes curving into crescents as she smiled beautifully.
"Although I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 'henpecked,' if it aligns with my literal understanding of the term, then yes, you're correct," Glenn's voice floated up from behind them.
Straightforward as ever, he succeeded in rendering the girls speechless.
Hermione's face turned as red as a tomato, and she reached out to cover Glenn's mouth.
"Damn it, I want to experience a sweet romance too!!!" Lavender wailed in despair.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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