"It seems you remember me, Mundungus," John said, his tone icy as he stepped closer, allowing Mundungus a clear view of his eyes through the mask's eyeholes. The eyes transformed, taking on a draconic appearance, and a palpable sense of coercion enveloped Mundungus. He trembled uncontrollably, rolling out to kneel before John, his voice quivering with fear. "Honorable Lord Silverhand, Mundungus Fletcher offers his most sincere and respectful greetings."
Any trace of Mundungus' former complacency and arrogance evaporated in the presence of the Silver Hand. Sweat dripped from his nose as he attempted a flattering smile. "Your Excellency Silver Hand, this has all been a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?" John entered the Johnny Silver Hand store with an air of indifference, causing the security team to tense. They were werewolves, keenly aware of the danger emanating from the figure before them. Their captain, Tommy Shelby, approached John with a respectful bow. "Welcome back, Your Excellency."
As the face behind Johnny Silver Hand, Tommy was the primary contact for the store. He was taken aback by John's imposing aura, feeling the weight of a superior's presence. "We have been eagerly awaiting your return," he said with due respect.
Seeing their captain's deference, the security team lowered their wands, no longer perceiving their boss as a threat. "It seems you appreciate what we've done with the place," John remarked, pleased with the state of the Johnny Silver Hands store. Mundungus and Tommy had managed the establishment well, both inside and out.
The return of the mysterious Silver Hand prompted all employees to gather. The security team had expanded to ten, including the original four werewolves, a new squad led by Remus Lupin, and four other retired hitmen. Together with Tommy, their combat prowess rivaled that of Ministry Aurors.
Mundungus had also hired Kim Ledisley, a tall, handsome young man with blond hair and blue eyes, to help run the business. His presence next to Mundungus added a touch of humor to the scene.
"Dear Silver Hand, here is the income from the last year," Mundungus said, presenting the ledger. "Most of it has been deposited in Gringotts, with some used for business purchases." John's own contributions couldn't sustain the shop's vast inventory alone, necessitating purchases from various sources, including some less reputable dealings.
After a brief glance at the ledger, John addressed Mundungus, his words sending a chill down the latter's spine. "Mundungus, I would hate to see you permanently removed from Johnny the Silver Hand."
Mundungus fell to the ground in terror, protesting his innocence. "Your Excellency Silver Hand, I swear, I haven't—"
"Your oaths are worth little," John remarked, a strange force lifting Mundungus off the ground by his neck. Struggling for air, Mundungus realized the gravity of his situation, his fear of death overwhelming him.
"That's enough, Your Excellency Silver Hand!" Remus Lupin intervened, wand drawn and aimed at John. "You must release him."
Tommy drew his wand, his voice cold. "Remus, remember your place."
"Do you understand the source of the funds he's been embezzling?" John asked, addressing both Remus and Tommy without releasing Mundungus. "I've allocated funds to support every young wizard affected by curses. Thanks to this fund, even the poorest can afford essential potions and care."
The tension in the room was palpable as John's words sank in, highlighting the gravity of Mundungus' actions and the importance of the funds he jeopardized. Under the light of the moon, tension filled the air as Remus Lupin faced a difficult decision. John's grip tightened, and Mundungus Fletcher gasped for air, his life hanging by a thread. John spoke with a chilling indifference, "This man has embezzled more than half of the funds intended for our cause. Do you understand the implications of this?" Lupin, conflicted, finally lowered his wand, unable to defend Mundungus any longer.
"No, Remus, save me," Mundungus pleaded, despair evident in his voice as he realized the extent of Johnny Silverhand's knowledge about his deceit. The betrayal was especially grave considering the plight of young werewolves, who faced discrimination and hardship, something Lupin, a werewolf since childhood, understood all too well. The anger in the eyes of the werewolf community was palpable.
Just as Mundungus braced for the worst, the grip on him loosened. He collapsed to the floor, gasping for air, grateful for a second chance. "This is your first and last warning, Mundungus. I expect full restitution," John stated, his voice carrying a warning that left no room for negotiation. Mundungus, overwhelmed by fear and gratitude, clung to John's leg, promising immediate action.
The incident served as a stark lesson to the onlooking wizards from the security team, who had initially underestimated John. They now understood the respect and fear that Tang Mi and others held for Lord Silverhand. His ability to command respect through both compassion and power was undeniable.
Kim Ladisley, a young wizard who had been recruited by Mundungus, watched the scene unfold with a mix of emotions. He admired John's generosity towards the cursed young wizards and realized that true leadership required a balance of kindness and authority.
Meanwhile, Knockturn Alley, a place never known for peace, was about to witness another confrontation. A group of rough-looking individuals, led by Fenrir Greyback, entered John's store with clear malicious intent. Tang Mi, standing by John's side, identified the leader as the notorious werewolf who coveted the Wolfsbane Potion.
John, sensing Lupin's distress, inquired about his reaction. Lupin revealed his painful history with Fenrir, who had bitten him as a child, marking him forever. John's disdain for Fenrir grew, understanding the depth of his cruelty.
Fenrir, with a menacing arrogance, demanded to see the owner of the store. John stepped forward, his presence commanding. "You better have a good reason for being here," John stated coolly.
Fenrir, undeterred, made a direct threat, demanding the Wolfsbane Potion with a bloodthirsty gleam in his eyes. His reputation for preying on children and turning them into his followers through fear and manipulation was well known, marking him as a despicable figure in the wizarding world. John, facing this new threat, prepared to protect his principles and those under his care, signaling the beginning of another battle for justice in the dark corners of Knockturn Alley. Fenrir Greyback, a man notorious for his cruelty, was known to steal and kill for sustenance. His attacks were not limited to the nights of the full moon; he was a constant threat. Engaging in all manners of wickedness, threatening a shopkeeper was, for him, a trivial matter. Yet, as he issued his threats, a sneer formed on John's face, hidden beneath his mask. With a calm demeanor, John spoke, "It seems you've misunderstood something."
"Huh?" Fenrir's brow furrowed in confusion.
John stepped closer, his expression unreadable as he faced Fenrir's grotesque and menacing visage. "Only the strong have the right to dominate the weak," he stated, his voice carrying a light but firm tone.
Fenrir, revealing his sharp fangs in a menacing snarl, lunged forward, aiming to tear John's neck apart. However, in a mere second, a scream echoed through the air, followed by the splatter of blood.
_________
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