Chapter 192: “Working at Honeydukes”


    Matthews summer vacation had just begun.


    He currently found himself in a cramped cer, surrounded by crates and wooden boxes.


    Matthew, struggling, heaved arge crate up andboriously ascended the cer stairs.


    Bring up a box of buttery peanut candies, Wickfield, were almost sold out! a womans voice echoed from the cer.


    Coming! Matthew shouted, then made his way up the stairs with the crate.


    Thank you! the store owner eximed gratefully when he handed over the box of butternut peanuts to Mrs. Flume.


    However, she quickly shifted her attention back to the customers.


    Matthew leaned against a wall, panting heavily; he hadnt rested in a while.


    Matthew, fetch another box of Bee Candy, Flume, busy at the other counter, called out.


    One moment! Matthew quickly mustered his strength and headed back into the cer.


    This summer, Matthew had chosen to work a temporary job at Honey Duke Candy Store.


    The store was owned by Mr. Ambrosio Flume, a broad, bald man, and his wife, Mrs. Flume, who was a slightly plump woman.


    Both husband and wife were very easygoing and amodating.


    When they learned that Matthew, a student, was seeking summer employment in Hogsmeade, they enthusiastically weed him and offered him the position.


    The pay was quite generous, twelve Galleons per week, significantly higher than the average summer temp job.


    Plus, Matthews living quarters were in the attic of Honey Duke, a rtively quiet and tidy little room.


    The only downside was the strenuous workload!


    It could even be described as quite demanding


    Most of the time, Honey Duke was bustling with customers of all kinds.


    Although they all came 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, shimmering pink coconut ice, hundreds of neatly arranged chocte varieties, arge bin of assorted vored 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 customers.


    Matthews task was to retrieve another box from the cer before the shelves werepletely emptied.


    The Flumes never failed to remind him


    Considering Honey Dukes candys poprity, he had about five minutes until the next trip to the cer.


    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 mention the asional peculiar creatures mixed in with the wizards, such as vampires and werewolves who enjoyed licorice lollipops.


    Mrs. Flume was somewhat apprehensive of them, but Mr. Flume was equally hospitable


    Hogsmeade was indeed the most popr 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 meters 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 summer 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 contemting and making judgments


    As the sun slowly set, the number of pedestrians in Hogsmeade dwindled.


    Even the Honey Duke customers gradually thinned until thest one left the candy shop


    Closed! Mr. Flume dered, hanging the Closed sign on the door.


    Its been another satisfying day! his wife eximed as she tidied up the scattered candies on the shelves.


    Matthew, bent over, took a few deep breaths.


    Get yourself some butternuts, Wickfield! She tossed arge butterscotch candy to Matthew. Refuel while I get dinner ready!


    Thank you, madam! Matthew replied, although truthfully, unlike his peers, he wasnt particrly 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. Flume 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 ced it on the table.


    Grabbing his wand, which was secured at his waist, he left Honey Duke Candy Shop.


    In the summer, the sun setster than usual.


    Nevertheless, although the sky had not yetpletely darkened, there were few pedestrians on the streets.


    Despite the absence of an official curfew in Hogsmeade, the recent Azkaban prison break and the residual effects of dementors had discouraged nighttime outings for most residents, even though the dementors had since been withdrawn.


    Matthew wandered aimlessly down the central avenue of Hogsmeade.


    Up close, one could see that the boys face was etched with contemtion.


    As he approached the post office on Central Avenue, he nced 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, disying a decapitated pigs head with bloodstains seeping through the white fabric that covered it.