Chapter 146

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From the bank, I went at once to "Twilfitt and Tatting's," a good atelier. It was time to update my closet, and a more expensive atelier than Madame Malkin's robes store would be perfect for this purpose. The reason for choosing an atelier is simple - a greater variety of different models and a variety of fabrics. As I've learned in the time I've spent in the magical world, there are two kinds of magical fabrics. Those made from wool or some other "products of life" of magical animals, and materials obtained from ordinary animals and plants, which grew up among magic and in magical backgrounds for several generations. This does not make the latter exactly magical animals. Still, because of the natural adaptation to the environment, such fabrics, though somewhat worse to hold magic and enchantments, are much better than those that are not magical at all. In general, Madame Malkin either has outright consumer goods or too high class of fabrics with extremely limited models due to pre-cut blanks.

Atelier "Twilfitt and Tatting's" was not much different from an ordinary clothing store - a bright room, mannequins in various outfits, closets and racks with fabric samples, and various clothing accessories could be found in the windows. I was greeted by a smiling girl in a strict dress and robe, and after a nice but short chat, we decided on my order and took measurements. I agreed to pick up later, having paid half in advance and received a receipt with a magical signature. Now, almost with a clear conscience and a sense of fulfilled duty, I went back to Grimmauld Place. I can think fast, and I'm clever in some places, but I'm not very good at planning.

<No need to say.>

When I returned to Grimmauld, I disturbed Kreacher, who was busy repairing the stairs - he was restoring the steps to look like new and not creaky.

"You're back already?" Walburga hastened to note my appearance.

"Yes, lady, but not for long again. Kreacher!"

"Old Kreacher is listening intently..." the house-elf was torn between the need to approach me while at the same time holding the dismantled step in the middle of the stairs.

"You don't have to come up. I need twenty-eight thousand five hundred and seventy-two Galleons, and at the end of August, that amount will rise appreciably."

Walburga looked at me silently, studying me. Kreacher, on the other hand, had managed to restore the step back to its original form, and at least it had taken its place. Almost rolling down the stairs, Kreacher straightened his pillowcase and came closer, shuddering a little.

"Can old Kreacher... dissuade st... respected head from doing id... rash things?"

"I don't think so."

"I can see that," came from the portrait. "If you are confident in your decision and in case of failure you are ready to accept the loss of a rather significant amount, then your will, Max. You are Lord Black, after all. Except that money doesn't come out of thin air."

"Tell that to the goblins who profit from the interest. But I'm pretty sure I can make that money grow, not lose it. Kreacher!" I held out my wallet to the house-elf.

"You need a bigger purse..." the house-elf squeaked and disappeared with a clap.

Just a couple of seconds later, the house-elf reappeared, holding a slightly larger pouch.

"Exactly twenty-eight thousand five hundred and seventy-two Galleons, respected Head."

Taking the pouch, I thanked the house-elf.

"The treasury is emptying..." the house-elf muttered quietly, turning back to fixing the stairs.

To this, I could only chuckle, so I did so, leaving the house.

Once again, the shuttle bus takes me around the city to the Leaky Cauldron, so unloved by me. Once again, I nodded to the bartender Tom, and made my way to the back of the pub, opening a passageway to the Diagon Alley with my wand. Once again, the thought of my lack of planning skills visited me because did I know I was going to bet? I did. What prevented me from knowing all this on my first visit to the Alley? Well, nothing. The main thing is to draw conclusions and make a better plan of action. Although, in my particular case, the emphasis should not be on the word "better" but on the word "make."

When I got to the bank, I went up to the same goblin and told him I wanted to bet my money on the Quidditch World Cup finals. Of course, the goblin gladly agreed to accept the bet, and after hearing the amount, walked me through the corridors of the bank to a separate office, where we made a contract for the bank's betting services. There was not a single alarming or suspicious clause. By the way, I found out that the rates are a little bit lower because of the interest in the winnings that the bank takes. But, on the other hand, goblins are very scrupulous about money. Also, if you don't see something in the contract, it's entirely your fault. I, in turn, have checked everything and made sure that the deal is safe - Rowena has analyzed it.