#224 - Spell Sneak Attack

Unicorn horns have become increasingly rare in the British wizarding world.

Even though everyone knows that a herd of unicorns is raised in the Forbidden Forest outside Hogwarts, no wizard would ever go there to hunt them.

All wizards know that hunting unicorns will incur a dark and unbreakable curse.

Moreover, the Ministry of Magic has also enacted relevant laws to protect this species.

Another point is that if unicorns die naturally, ordinary people cannot find their remains.

Because when unicorns feel that their lifespan is coming to an end, they leave the herd and quietly pass away in a deserted place.

That's why Slugworth said that he hadn't received a whole unicorn horn in over a decade.

"Mr. Scarlett."

Slugworth straightened his collar and sat up straight; only now did he truly treat Moon as an equal customer.

"Before the acquisition, I would like to ask, this unicorn was not hunted, was it?"

"Of course not, it died of natural causes."

This unicorn horn came from the Bailey family, who raised these magical creatures on a small island.

Because the island's area is not particularly large, even if these animals choose to leave the group to die alone, their bodies can be easily found.

"Oh, that puts my mind at ease."

Slugworth said, carefully examining the horn.

Although it had left its owner's body, it still emitted a faint silvery-white glow.

"The color, appearance, and hardness are all good. It weighs 13 pounds. I'm willing to offer 900 Galleons for it."

Because unicorn horn material is relatively scarce, Slugworth offered 100 Galleons more than the original purchase price.

"No problem, you can take a look at this first, and then we can calculate the total amount."

Just now, when Slugworth was inspecting the horn, he cast several spells that Moon couldn't understand at all.

This also made him realize that the shopkeeper in front of him should be quite skilled in inspecting medicinal materials.

This way, he could confidently take out those precious materials.

As Moon spoke, he took out a small wooden box from his suitcase, but just as the lid of the box was opened halfway,

Slugworth's large hand pressed down on it directly.

Clatter!

The box was closed again.

"Don't open it here, let's go to the back room to talk about it."

When Slugworth spoke, his face was flushed, and his eyes were darting around, afraid that someone would eavesdrop. Even his tone contained some tremor.

"John, watch the store. I'll take Mr. Scarlett to the back to introduce him to some potion ingredients."

"Okay, Dad!"

Passing through the busy counter and down a long corridor was the Slugworth family's reception room.

As soon as Moon sat down, a house-elf wearing the same green uniform as the front desk clerk came out with hot tea.

"Master, please have tea."

"Thank you, Wormwood. Also, please prepare a cup for Mr. Scarlett."

Slugworth said, turning his head to look at Moon as if asking for his opinion.

"Tea is fine."

"Okay, prepare a cup of tea too."

"Yes, Master."

Watching the house-elf leave again, Moon revealed a thoughtful expression.

Because Moon woke up very early every day at Hogwarts to study, he often encountered some house-elves cleaning in the morning.

They all looked similar, and every time they saw Moon studying, they would stay far away.

Later, in order not to disturb Moon's studies, the elves chose an earlier time to clean.

However, these were not the most important things; Moon found that the Slugworth family's elves seemed very loyal.

Using the title 'Master' was something Moon rarely encountered, even in another backward world.

After serving the tea, the house-elf named Wormwood was arranged by Slugworth to guard the door, forbidding anyone from entering.

Not long after the elf went out, an excited roar came from Slugworth in the room.

"Merlin's beard! I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime."

Watching Moon open the wooden box and place it on the coffee table,

Slugworth circled the box several times as if he were looking at a treasure.

Finally, he pressed his face against the box and carefully observed it.

"It's definitely it, Snow Berries. They were ruined long ago by those Indian wizards who practiced yoga magic. The last one was auctioned off from here."

Slugworth said, finding a clean white glove and picking up the Snow Berry in his palm.

"The moisture has disappeared a bit too much, Mr. Scarlett. You should use an icebox to preserve it, so the medicinal properties won't be lost, but it's not too late now."

After Slugworth finished speaking, he took out his wand and drew a stream of water from the teacup, immediately casting the [Freezing Charm],

Creating a red icebox.

A small groove was also reserved in the icebox, perfectly fitting the Snow Berry.

After doing all this, Slugworth carefully placed the icebox back on the coffee table.

"Mr. Scarlett, I must say that the things you've brought out are truly shocking. I'm willing to buy it for 3000 Galleons, what do you think?"

Slugworth didn't look at Moon when he spoke, but kept staring at the Snow Berry on the table.

"3000? No problem."

Moon was actually a bit shocked by this price. He never thought that such a small berry could sell for such a high price.

This was already much higher than dragon blood and dragon eggs.

And Moon obtained 5 of the same Snow Berries from Bellarine.

"Also, this is the Slugworth \u0026 Jiggers Apothecary's gold card. If you want to sell materials next time, feel free to come to me. Also, with this card, you get a 30% discount on all purchases of materials."

The Slugworth family has been running apothecaries for over 300 years and has a thorough understanding of some potion ingredients.

The current shopkeeper is far superior to his ancestors in this regard, so Slugworth is very clear that as long as Snow Berries are discovered, there won't be just one.

These very low, snow-white plants grow on snow mountains, and when they are discovered, they are usually clusters of a dozen or so connected together.

Giving Moon the gold card was also to obtain more materials in the future.

"Thank you very much."

Moon readily accepted the gold card.

Although it was unlikely that he would buy herbs here, it would be a good choice to come here to sell materials from another world in the future.

After negotiating the final price, Slugworth led Moon to Gringotts Wizarding Bank to open a private account for the convenience of transferring funds and for safety considerations.

When Moon came out of Gringotts Bank again, his net worth reached 5000 Galleons.

Of course, Moon did not put all the Galleons into the underground vault, but carried a lot with him.

After saying goodbye to Slugworth, Moon quickly came to the shop of the Quality Quidditch Supplies company.

Harry's Nimbus 2000 had been on his mind for a long time, and this time he finally had the opportunity to get it. A price of 150 Galleons to buy a broom that can reach a speed of 100 miles per hour and make 360-degree turns anywhere in the air, which is used by European professional Quidditch teams, is very cost-effective.

After paying happily, Moon had just walked out of the store door when a spell suddenly attacked.