Two weeks had passed when John received a package from the United States. The package, a lengthy wooden box, was securely wrapped. Eager to see its contents, John grabbed a crowbar and pried open the box. After removing six nails, he lifted the lid to reveal a bed of hay cushioning a knight's sword, its blade gleaming as if it were a mirror. The semi-circular handguard, a blend of mithril and steel powder, was crafted using a casting method. The oak hilt felt sturdy in his grasp, and the pommel, fashioned from mithril, featured a circular gap, a design choice made to facilitate enchantments.
This sword, constructed with a three-piece method, boasted a straight and durable blade, resistant to breaking. John, unable to resist, began to swing the sword, marveling at its balance. The center of gravity was perfectly positioned, allowing for smooth, effortless swings. It could be wielded with either one hand or both, a versatility that John had specifically requested to mimic the characteristics of a greatsword. After a few practice swings, he sighed, wishing he were at Hogwarts to test it on the training grounds.
"The gap in the mithril is perfect for enchanting," John mused, setting the sword down to begin the enchantment process. He meticulously carved runes into the mithril handguard, each stroke of the carving knife deliberate. The enchantment he chose was a flame spell, symbolized by the rune Fehu, representing the ox and signifying both harvest and untamed fire. With his wand, he completed the enchantment, and the sword transformed. Runes ignited with a red glow, and the blade burst into flames, becoming a fiery weapon.
Holding the flaming sword, John couldn't help but feel like a witch hunter. "With a set of Viking armor, I could very well pass for one," he thought, amused by the idea. He extinguished the flame and placed the sword into a small bag, which, despite its feminine appearance, served its purpose well.
"Let's name it Iron Wick's Sword," he decided, giving birth to a weapon that felt uniquely his.
After storing the sword, John turned his attention to a letter he had received, planning his next day. Hermione had invited him to Diagon Alley to purchase books for the semester. Her handwriting, dotted with ink spots from pressing too hard, conveyed her excitement. John wondered what made tomorrow so special, especially since Harry and Ron were also planning to visit. The trio, always in sync, seemed to have a knack for unintentional coordination.
Responding to Hermione's letter, John then wrote to Hagrid, requesting assistance in acquiring materials for magical creatures. He also penned a letter to Mundungus Fletcher, employing a different handwriting to mask his identity. Mundungus, despite his greed, had proven to be an effective middleman for selling John's magical creations. Claiming they were the work of a master alchemist, Mundungus had significantly boosted sales, thereby increasing John's wealth. Though not as affluent as Harry, John had amassed a considerable fortune, which he found all too easy to spend.
Hagrid's response arrived promptly, providing an estimate for the requested materials. The total cost took John aback: "1200 Galleons for alchemy materials?" he exclaimed, realizing the expense of his endeavors. Yet, undeterred by the cost, John prepared for his trip to Diagon Alley, eager to gather what he needed for his next project. The cost of magical materials was indeed steep. John couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy towards Hagrid, for whom the Forbidden Forest was a veritable treasure trove. Hagrid had offered him the lowest prices, yet even with those, a significant portion of John's savings was at risk of being depleted. Some items Hagrid had chosen not to include, thinking them unnecessary for John, which was a small mercy. Otherwise, the majority of John's funds would have been consumed by these purchases. "I'll need to withdraw money from Gringotts tomorrow and pick up some books while I'm at it," John thought, the financial strain of his alchemical pursuits weighing heavily on his mind. Despite the costs, the potential earnings from alchemy kept him motivated.
When John informed his parents of his impending trip to London, his father, Watson, was all too eager to open the family safe, planning to exchange some money at Gringotts for "a few odd purchases." John, however, quickly intervened, knowing all too well the goblins' cunning ways. He laid a handful of Galleons on the table, stopping his father in his tracks. "Other kids might need money for school, but I'm going to school to make money," John said, his eyes twinkling with a mix of humor and pride. Watson's initial excitement turned to resignation as he realized his son was not only setting boundaries but also offering a better exchange rate than the goblins.
The next day, the family made their way to the Leaky Cauldron, which, to their relief, was less odorous than before, likely due to Professor Quirrell's absence. John navigated through Diagon Alley with a clear plan: deposit the bulk of his money in Gringotts, keeping only what was necessary for his immediate needs. The goblins, though not the most pleasant creatures, managed a secure bank, and John couldn't help but admire their efficiency, even as he sneakily collected some of the water from the burglar waterfall, curious about its properties.
Upon leaving Gringotts, John encountered Draco Malfoy and his father, Lucius, heading towards Knockturn Alley. Curious, and with his own reasons for visiting the darker part of the magical world, John discreetly followed them under the cover of a Disillusionment Charm. Draco's incessant chatter about Harry Potter seemed to wear on Lucius's patience, a fact that John found amusing.
John's path eventually diverged from the Malfoys', leading him to Mundungus Fletcher's residence. Mundungus, who had been living comfortably off his dubious activities, now sported a more respectable appearance. "God, I look like a businessman now," he mused, admiring his reflection. His self-satisfaction was abruptly cut short when he noticed his door ajar. Wand at the ready, Mundungus prepared to confront the intruder, his heart racing with anticipation. "Who's there? Show yourself!" Mundungus Fletcher called out, his voice trembling slightly as he brandished his wand into the dimly lit alleyway.
"Mundungus, you dare to point your wand at me?" came a deep, hoarse voice, chilling Mundungus to the bone. He quickly lowered his wand, clasping his hands together in a gesture of submission. "Your Excellency, Johnny, I meant no offense. I thought you were a thief lurking in the shadows."
"Ha," was the only response from Johnny Silverhand, a name that John had adopted in his dealings with Mundungus. He never revealed his true identity, always shrouded in mystery. Finding a seat, he settled down with an air of authority, surveying the surroundings. "So, this is the shop you've acquired. It must have cost you a pretty penny."
"No, no, Mr. Johnny, you misunderstand," Mundungus hurried to explain, feeling unjustly accused. "I assure you, securing this location for 500 Galleons was a steal. It wasn't easy, but the location is prime." He was earnest in his defense; for once, he hadn't deceived John.
"Indeed. I suggest you refurbish this place promptly, Mundungus. Engaging in legitimate business can be far more rewarding than your usual petty thievery," John advised, his tone firm yet not unkind. He had encouraged Mundungus to purchase the shop, envisioning the establishment of a 'Silver Hand Johnny' store. It was part of a broader plan to steer Mundungus away from his life of crime.
Mundungus, who had grown accustomed to a more stable and less clandestine lifestyle, was eager not to jeopardize this newfound stability. "I'll see to it immediately," he promised, eager to please and await further instructions.
However, as was typical of Johnny Silverhand, there was no further guidance. Mundungus was left waiting, but John had already vanished, as silently and mysteriously as he had appeared. Johnny Silverhand was known for many things, but his abrupt departures without a word were his signature, leaving those in his wake always guessing.
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If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge