Chapter 35: News of Damocles

Meanwhile, at Slug & Jiggers Apothecary.

Leonard stepped inside and greeted the shop's owner.

"Jigger, any news about the Wolfsbane Potion?" he asked.

Jigger, who had been tallying up the day's accounts, lifted his head. "Oh, it's you. There is news—and… well, it's not a small one."

"What do you mean?" Leonard pulled out a chair and sat down.

"That fellow Damocles… he's planning to sell the Wolfsbane Potion formula," Jigger said offhandedly.

"Sell it?" Leonard nearly laughed out loud, though he kept his face steady. That was exactly what he'd been hoping for.

But why now?

"It's only natural. After years of no one caring, the moment someone shows interest in his research, of course he'll seize the chance." Jigger paused, then added with a trace of reluctance, as though he didn't want to see Leonard duped, "But don't let him trick you."

"Trick me? How's he supposed to do that?" Leonard asked with curiosity.

"Oh, the usual lines—how many werewolves are desperate to be saved, how bright the future of the potion looks." Jigger gave a casual shrug. "But let me put it plain: this potion has no future."

"How much does he want for it?" Leonard pressed.

"No price. He insists on meeting face-to-face. So, what's your plan—handle the talk yourself, or send Midgard?" Jigger asked.

He might admit Leonard was gifted and sharp, but his age was a problem. Damocles could easily dismiss or overlook him.

"Let Midgard go," Leonard said after a moment's thought.

He might be the one pulling the strings, but with his age, no amount of sincerity would carry weight. Better to have Midgard at the table while he listened in.

"By the way, speaking of Midgard—have you kept your owl shut in lately?" Jigger asked. "She couldn't find it to deliver her letter, so the message ended up with me instead."

"What does keeping my owl inside have to do with her sending me a letter?" Leonard asked blankly. "She can't just go to the owl post office?"

"Of course it matters. Owls always show up when their masters need them. If a friend sends a letter, unless they're too far away, your owl will find its way there. And if someone posts you a parcel, your owl can even go to the office to fetch it back for you."

Jigger shook his head. "Midgard can't come to Diagon Alley right now. The Ministry's after her."

"What happened to her?"

"Nothing serious. The Ministry always wants to clean up what they see as unstable elements. They couldn't catch Fenrir, so now they're turning their sights on Midgard." Jigger gave a small shrug. "Not that it matters—they won't risk combing Knockturn Alley. But you, remember to let your owl out."

Hearing Midgard was safe, Leonard stopped worrying about her and turned his attention back to his owl.

He thought for a moment and recalled how Gray had been oddly restless lately—likely sensing someone was trying to send him a letter.

But what business could Midgard have with him?

"What did Midgard say?"

"She didn't say in the letter—just that she needs to see you. Told you to come when you've got time, same place as always." Jigger repeated the message, grumbling, "Why all the secrecy?"

"You should be asking her, not me," Leonard replied matter-of-factly.

"No, I'd bet this is your doing. Werewolves aren't usually this cautious," Jigger muttered. "By the way, you heading to Knockturn Alley?"

"That's over the line," Leonard rolled his eyes.

The question was clearly fishing for the location of the "usual spot."

Jigger lifted both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, my fault. I shouldn't pry. Anyway, get Midgard ready to meet Damocles as soon as possible. He's in a hurry—looks like he needs money fast."

"You're suggesting I can push the price down?" Leonard asked with a smirk.

"I never said that. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it. That formula is nearly twenty years of a potion master's work." Jigger shook his head.

"You two close?"

"No, I've only known him a few days. But I'm a potion master too—none of us want to see our life's work sold for scraps," Jigger explained.

"And from the short time I've spent with Damocles, he's like most potionmakers—sensitive and arrogant. Push him too hard, and you'll only offend him. And offending a potion master is never wise."

"That sounds like typical potionmaker bragging, but I'll take your word for it. I'll pass it on to Midgard and tell her to tread carefully." Leonard nodded. "I'll head out. See you."

"Wait a sec," Jigger called after him. "I heard from a customer that Harry Potter's here. Did you see him?"

"I did. What, planning to ask him for an autograph?" Leonard asked dryly, eyes narrowing at the mention of Harry Potter.

"Not quite. But do you even know who Harry Potter is?" Jigger asked skeptically. "You're not from a wizarding family, if I remember right."

"Thanks to the so-called Chosen One, I've heard his glorious deeds from just about everyone," Leonard said lazily.

"Well then, don't you think he's great? He defeated You-Know-Who, after all," Jigger said with a conspiratorial look.

"Jigger, do you really believe a newborn baby could defeat V—You-Know-Who?" Leonard caught himself just in time, nearly saying Voldemort's name aloud. A bad habit to slip into—one that could get him noticed by Voldemort himself.

"It's a fact. Nobody saw it happen, sure, but even Dumbledore, the greatest wizard alive, said so." Jigger spoke with absolute conviction, as though he'd been standing there when it happened.

With Dumbledore backing the claim, it was no wonder so many believed Harry Potter had truly defeated Voldemort. Otherwise, any reasonable person would assume his parents had played the key role.

Still, Dumbledore's reasoning was clear—branding Harry with the aura of "the boy who defeated Voldemort" ensured he'd receive the protection and attention he needed.

Take Jigger, for example. His respect for Harry Potter was plain as day.

"Fine, think what you like. But to me, Harry Potter's just a boy who's had a rough life and badly needs a little warmth."

Leonard waved dismissively. "That's enough talk. I should get going—I've got business with Mr. Ollivander."

Jigger shrugged. "You really are busy."

"People with talent are always busier than the rest, aren't they?" Leonard said, pulling his hood up before leaving the apothecary.