Chapter 113 "Danger Approaching Malfoy"

"Saved a life?" The expression on Matthew's face appeared slightly confused, but for someone who knew him well, it was apparent that his confusion was feigned.

However, Minister Bagnold couldn't be certain.

With a serious tone, Minister Bagnold explained, "Dangerous Magical Objects smuggled into England are extremely dangerous. The danger cannot be eliminated even if the owner adds protective magic or props."

"For wizards in charge of transport, especially those who don't comprehend the dangers, such risks are terrifying!" As she spoke, she took a pocket-sized photo from her jacket pocket.

"This wizard is called Juan. He briefly worked at Flourish & Blotts Bookstore in August last year," Minister Bagnold introduced.

Matthew recognized the person in the photo.

He recalled encountering the same wizard a year ago when he ventured into Flourish & Blotts Bookstore to inquire about things.

The rude clerk who kicked him out was none other than the wizard in the photo!

"In early September, he was expelled from Flourish & Blotts Bookstore for a reason," Minister Bagnold continued.

"Then, in mid-October, he contracted a strange disease and was admitted to Saint Mungo's Magic Hospital. Within three days, he passed away. It's said that his death was extremely horrifying, and he kept crying and itching all over his body before he died, leaving almost no normal flesh."

"St. Mungo's therapists couldn't explain the cause of his death. Some Aurors proficient in extreme magic deduced that he died due to the influence of mysterious extreme magic. However, no evidence related to extreme magic was found in Mr. Coos' residence."

"At that time, I was already somewhat suspicious of Flourish & Blotts Bookstore, but I couldn't find any evidence. When I received your letter this morning, I immediately linked the smuggling incident to Juan's death. I must thank you, Mr. Wickfield!"

Minister Bagnold spoke politely.

"That is my duty, Minister!" Matthew responded quickly, his emotions not fluctuating much.

He knew something was amiss with the smuggling process when Mr. Shafiq found him in the morning.

Matthew was well aware of the price he would have to pay.

Lucius Malfoy was willing to pay 3,000 to 5,000 galleons for the "goods shipment," indicating they were hazardous items.

Only Mr. Shafiq knew how to purchase them; the transportation process involved grave risks.

Mr. Shafiq had his own reasons for involving an underage wizard-like Matthew in the process.

So Matthew knew that if he were foolish enough to follow Mr. Shafiq in shipping the goods, he would be taking on severe risks.

That's why Matthew decided to write to Minister Bagnold and report the incident.

Mr. Shafiq was involved in smuggling, and Matthew wanted nothing to do with it.

Unfortunately, the Minister herself didn't know who "Tom Gaunt" was, making it challenging to trace the box's contents.

In other words, a promising lead turned into a dead end.

"Minister," Matthew stood up and inquired, "I feel my body has almost recovered. Can I leave the Ministry now, or is there a process I must follow?"

"No need, Mr. Wickfield," Minister Bagnold generously shook her head.

"You have done well enough, and we will take care of the rest. The Aurors have sealed Flourish & Blotts Bookstore. If you wish to retrieve your belongings, I can provide you with my business card." The Minister patted Matthew on the shoulder.

"Thank you very much!" Matthew replied excitedly.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at Malfoy Manor was tense and somber.

It was late at night, and Lucius Malfoy looked like an ant on a hot pot, pacing relentlessly by the manor's fountain.

Mr. Malfoy was extremely anxious as the House-elf he sent hadn't returned yet.

Under normal circumstances, it should have been back a quarter of an hour ago.

"Could it be that idiot Dobby messed up again?" Mr. Malfoy thought, but he quickly dismissed the idea.

Despite his disdain for house elves, he must admit that Dobby had never failed him.

Was there a problem with the plan itself?

At that moment, Mr. Malfoy became even more restless.

Suddenly, a crisp explosion filled the air, and a short, ugly creature resembling a bat spirit appeared before Mr. Malfoy.

Its protruding, tennis-sized eyes peered timidly at its owner.

"What's the situation?" Mr. Malfoy couldn't wait and bent down to ask.

"The Master ordered Dobby to go to Flourish & Blotts Bookstore, and Dobby did his best," the House-elf stammered, frantically knocking on the floor.

"Enough!" He frowned in disgust. "What happened next?"

"Dobby couldn't find the wooden box at Flourish & Blotts Bookstore. He thought it hadn't arrived yet, so he waited. After half an hour, he heard a strange sound. Dobby thought it was Mr. Shafiq returning from Flourish & Blotts Bookstore and was happy. However, it was actually Aurors who broke in, and Dobby was terrified. He fled back immediately."

The house elf spoke incoherently while punishing himself.

Mr. Malfoy's face suddenly changed at this revelation.

"Aurors went to Flourish & Blotts Bookstore. Shafiq's actions must have been exposed, and he might confess at any moment!"

Mr. Malfoy quickly helped up the house-elf, who was kneeling on the ground. "Dobby, I order you to stop punishing yourself. In the smallest room in the basement, there's a box with a snake painted on it. Go now and take the box to Bellatrix's house."

"Next, find the man and inform him that the situation has changed, and the Ministry of Magic seized the goods."

Before Mr. Malfoy could finish speaking, a loud "BANG" echoed from the manor's gate.

Someone was attempting to break into Malfoy Manor.