Naya caressed the glove in her hand with a loving expression. Now, in her eyes, this glove was more beautiful than custom-made gloves in luxury stores.
As an experienced member of the Aurors, Naya knew very well that being able to instantly cast the Protego Charm during a duel represented a significant advantage. This spell brought endless possibilities; it could turn a evenly matched duel into a swift victory or allow her, at a disadvantage, to catch her breath.
Naya was confident that, with the help of this glove, she could give her colleagues a "surprise." That's why she didn't hesitate to interrupt Tom's deal with Dawlish directly.
How could someone like Dawlish deserve this glove?
"Fixed price, 20 galleons," Tom announced. This glove wasn't a product of Fred and George, but one he had crafted himself. Handmade, it had to have some added value.
In the original timeline, with the growing threat of Death Eaters, Fred and George created a series of defensive products like hats, cloaks, and protective gloves with the Protego Charm. They were highly practical and had the Protego Charm incorporated, so much so that even the Ministry of Magic placed a large order.
What they used wasn't alchemy but rather adhered the Protego Charm to clothing through some strange magical spells. That was beyond Tom's knowledge.
The advantage of doing it that way was that they could quickly mass-produce, but the disadvantage was that if the Protego Charm on the clothing was broken, the garment became unusable. It wasn't like Tom's products, which could be recharged repeatedly.
Hearing Tom's price, both Dawlish and Naya widened their eyes. It wasn't because Tom was inflating the price, but because they thought it was too cheap.
With great willpower, Naya refrained from saying something like "It's too cheap!" She knew the basic rules of doing business.
No matter how cheap it is, don't show it in front of the merchant.
"Of course, this glove was made hastily and has many shortcomings," Tom said, aware that he had given a ridiculously low price. Buying a glove that could bounce back simple curses unlimitedly for 20 galleons was as ridiculous as buying a Series 20 graphics card for 2000 dollars.
A Series 20 graphics card bought for 2000 dollars was surely a mining card, just like the issues Tom's 20-galleon protection glove had.
"It can only bounce back simple curses; if the spell is too powerful, the Protego Charm will break. Additionally, after each use, it's necessary to recharge the Protego Charm. Too many recharges can damage the magical text on the glove..." Tom honestly revealed the weaknesses of the protection glove, not hiding anything.
After all, he had an Auror from the Department of Magic in front of him. Tom was a principled person and wouldn't swindle someone of good character. He had a very flexible moral boundary when it came to people he didn't like.
Naya nodded repeatedly. She already knew that buying a glove that could bounce back curses indefinitely at that price was too good to be true. However, the fact that the mysterious young man in front of her told her all these details was an unexpected surprise.
The manufacturing principle of these types of charge alchemical artifacts was based on engraving magical texts on the surface of the magical silver so they could store a spell and have protective magical texts to prevent leakage. Combining these magical texts wasn't complicated, so Tom could do it in a short amount of time.
Could higher-quality alchemical artifacts be crafted? Of course, they could, but they would require more time. Tom could definitely make those artifacts that could release magic without needing recharges. He just needed to arrange the magical texts to match the flow of magic and the corresponding spell. However, that would require additional effort. And that meant more money!
Listening to all the shortcomings of this glove, Dawlish felt relieved. However, when he saw his colleague pull out money without hesitation and buy the glove, he felt a bit bitter.
"So, could you..." Dawlish looked around and wanted to know if Tom could make higher-quality alchemical artifacts. To his surprise, the Mr. Seven in front of him could indeed do it.
"I can customize a protective glove for you. By just inputting magic, it can release a powerful Protego Charm, and you won't need to recharge the spell. It can be used repeatedly in battle. Of course, if you want to add other spells, that's possible too, but the price will be a bit higher, and it'll require some waiting time."
Dawlish's eyes lit up immediately. Could he release spells just by inputting magic? And use it repeatedly? It was like carrying an auxiliary shield into battle!
Hearing that there was a better version, Naya felt a veil of sadness cover her heart.
"So, how much does a glove like this cost?" Dawlish, of course, noticed his colleague's mood, but that had nothing to do with him! Who gave her permission to interrupt his deal?
"Two hundred galleons, it will take approximately one week to make, but I can customize the appearance of the artifact according to your wishes, whether it's a cloak, hat, glove, anything is possible."
Dawlish nearly choked on his own saliva.
Two hundred galleons! That was a hefty sum of money!
Dawlish's monthly salary was fifty galleons, and he already had a decent job in the magical world. But to buy this glove, he'd have to go without eating and drinking for four months.
In fact, as an impulsive spender, even though Dawlish had a decent job, he spent a lot of money: the mortgage for his new house, bar expenses, Quidditch match tickets, all sorts of novelty toys... Just a moment ago, he already spent a good amount of money on Tom, but at least he could justify those sweets as tax-deductible expenses. But this personal use glove definitely wouldn't be reimbursed.
Two hundred galleons meant that Dawlish would go through tough times in the future. Upon hearing this price, the sadness and indignation in Naya's eyes disappeared. The raise she would get wouldn't be worth ten times the price, and she'd have to wait a week besides. As for the form, Naya thought that apart from the glove or ring, there were no other options.
A hat? Would you shake your head in the middle of battle? A cloak? How would you activate the Protego Charm?
Dawlish's facial expression underwent a change and was caught in indecision.
"Alright." He finally made a decision. This glove, even if he had to sell everything he owned, he would get it. Naya, beside him, showed a surprised expression: had Dawlish gone crazy? Buying such an expensive alchemical artifact?
"Please pay a deposit of twenty galleons."
"Of course." Dawlish pulled out his wallet with a stiff expression, and every time he took out a coin, it felt like a piece of his flesh was being torn away.
Those coins felt like they were stuck in his ribs, each time he took one out, it caused him unbearable pain.