Matthews sumr vacation had just begun.
He currently found himself in a cramped cellar, surrounded by crates and wooden boxes.
Matthew, struggling, heaved a large crate up and laboriously ascended the cellar stairs.
Bring up a box of buttery peanut candies, Wickfield, were almost sold out! a womans voice echoed from the cellar.
Coming! Matthew shouted, then made his way up the stairs with the crate.
Thank you! the store owner exclaid gratefully when he handed over the box of butternut peanuts to Mrs. Flu.
However, she quickly shifted her attention back to the custors.
Matthew leaned against a wall, panting heavily; he hadnt rested in a while.
Matthew, fetch another box of Bee Candy, Flu, busy at the other counter, called out.
One mont! Matthew quickly mustered his strength and headed back into the cellar.
This sumr, Matthew had chosen to work a temporary job at Honey Duke Candy Store.
The store was owned by Mr. Ambrosio Flu, a broad, bald man, and his wife, Mrs. Flu, who was a slightly plump woman.
Both husband and wife were very easygoing and accommodating.
When they learned that Matthew, a student, was seeking sumr employnt in Hogsade, they enthusiastically welcod him and offered him the position.
The pay was quite generous, twelve Galleons per week, significantly higher than the average sumr temp job.
Plus, Matthews living quarters were in the attic of Honey Duke, a relatively quiet and tidy little room.
The only downside was the strenuous workload!
It could even be described as quite demanding
Most of the ti, Honey Duke was bustling with custors of all kinds.
Although they all ca for various sweets, no one paid much attention to Matthew.
The shelves were lined with the most delectable candies imaginable, all at reasonable prices
Large blocks of buttery peanut candy, shimring pink coconut ice, hundreds of neatly arranged chocolate varieties, a large bin of assorted flavored beans, and a container of savory bee candy.
And then the other specialties Honeydukes could offer!
These candies disappeared from the shelves daily at a rate visible to the naked eye, snatched up by eager custors.
Matthews task was to retrieve another box from the cellar before the shelves were completely emptied.
The Flus never failed to remind him
Considering Honey Dukes candys popularity, he had about five minutes until the next trip to the cellar.
It was astonishing how much the wizarding world loved these sweets; Matthew had seen all sorts of people here, from seven or eight-year-old wizards to old wizards
Not to ntion the occasional peculiar creatures mixed in with the wizards, such as vampires and werewolves who enjoyed licorice lollipops.
Mrs. Flu was sowhat apprehensive of them, but Mr. Flu was equally hospitable
Hogsade was indeed the most popular wizarding shop!
Matthew didnt mind the hard work.
For one, he would turn fourteen in two months.
Hed grown considerably in recent years, now standing at 1.7 ters tall and in good health.
He was no longer the small, impoverished, and helpless child hed been when he first encountered the magical world two years ago.
Furthermore, if he wanted to take it easy, he could opt for a less demanding position at the Three Broomsticks Bar
Business there was moderate during the sumr break, and the workload was significantly lighter.
He viewed it as a form of exercise.
After a long days work, his tired body sharpened his mind when contemplating and making judgnts
As the sun slowly set, the number of pedestrians in Hogsade dwindled.
Even the Honey Duke custors gradually thinned until the last one left the candy shop
Closed! Mr. Flu declared, hanging the Closed sign on the door.
Its been another satisfying day! his wife exclaid as she tidied up the scattered candies on the shelves.
Matthew, bent over, took a few deep breaths.
Get yourself so butternuts, Wickfield! She tossed a large butterscotch candy to Matthew. Refuel while I get dinner ready!
Thank you, madam! Matthew replied, although truthfully, unlike his peers, he wasnt particularly fond of these sweets.
At this point, may I go for a walk, madam? he softly inquired. Id like to unwind
Of course, its not healthy to stay cooped up in the store all day! Mrs. Flu warmly replied. Just make sure youre back before half-past nine. Well wait for you to lock up!
Thank you, madam! Matthew expressed his gratitude.
He then wrapped the butternut peanut candy in tin foil and placed it on the table.
Grabbing his wand, which was secured at his waist, he left Honey Duke Candy Shop.
In the sumr, the sun sets later than usual.
Nevertheless, although the sky had not yet completely darkened, there were few pedestrians on the streets.
Despite the absence of an official curfew in Hogsade, the recent Azkaban prison break and the residual effects of dentors had discouraged nightti outings for most residents, even though the dentors had since been withdrawn.
Matthew wandered aimlessly down the central avenue of Hogsade.
Up close, one could see that the boys face was etched with contemplation.
As he approached the post office on Central Avenue, he glanced up toward the next intersection
There, at the intersection, stood a small, worn-down pub.
A battered wooden sign hung on a rusty bracket above the door, displaying a decapitated pigs head with bloodstains seeping through the white fabric that covered it.
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