Chapter 6: Mundungus is Getting Out of Prison
Author: I'm Just a Pigeon
Clang!
Mundungus slammed his hand on the iron table, his face filled with indignation.
What kind of life had he been living for the past month?
Frightened and on edge—every day, just as the sky began to lighten, he was startled awake by the sound of the toilet being used. If someone got up in the middle of the night, his sleep would be interrupted yet again.
Yet, not only could he not lose his temper, but after everyone had used the toilet in the morning, he had to obediently take a rag and scrub the toilet spotlessly clean. Then, after washing his hands, he had to help the Warden fold his bedding and roll the day's cigarettes while the Warden and the others ate.
Only after everyone had finished breakfast were the half-cold, oil-less, salt-less leftovers his to eat.
The other prisoners could at least share some canned food, but by the time the can got to him, it had already been rinsed out with soup, leaving not a trace of meat.
That wasn't all. Before bed, the task of giving the Warden a massage to loosen his muscles also fell to him. Only after working up a sweat could he lie down on his own dark, damp bed to sleep.
Even the lowest-ranking guy in the prison dared to mock him with a few remarks while he was sweeping. And all of this stemmed from the "special welcome" he had received when he first arrived.
The cell, originally divided into three tiers, quickly became four after his arrival. And he, Mundungus, had single-handedly promoted all the others by one level.
Therefore, after so many days of this special treatment, Mundungus felt it was only natural to take all the savings from the bastards in his cell before he left. But considering his labor, the private stashes of this bunch definitely wouldn't cover his salary.
However, what Mundungus hadn't expected was that after searching every possible hiding spot in the entire cell, relying on his years of thieving experience, his total earnings were a mere nine Sickles and fifteen Knuts!!!
Not even a single Galleon!!!
This paltry sum sent Mundungus into a complete fury.
These paupers ate and drank extravagantly all day, never running out of chocolate and cigarettes, yet this was all the money they had?
'No, I can't just leave like this. I'm going to eat all their chocolate, throw all the tobacco into the toilet, and scribble all over those pieces of paper! I'm also going to use every single one of their comforters as a lavatory!!!'
Countless vengeful thoughts flooded Mundungus's mind, especially towards that guy named William, who looked quite refined but was actually full of wicked schemes. That fellow, aside from looking human, had nothing human about him!
No sooner said than done!
Rage surged through Mundungus. He crossed to William's bed in a few quick strides and unfastened his belt.
Then, the cell door was pushed open.
Everyone from the cell was there, not a single one missing, staring at him with grins on their faces.
Big Guy was at the very front, cracking his knuckles nonstop.
"Well, if it isn't our newcomer?"
Big Guy took a few steps forward, clamped a hand on Mundungus's shoulder, and looked down at him. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Heh heh, heh heh."
Mundungus gave a foolish laugh as his brain worked furiously. An idea struck him like a bolt of lightning.
"Well, you see, this morning's story got me a bit worked up, and with so many people around, I was too embarrassed, you know?"
He forced a sheepish smile while subtly shifting his body to hide the money deeper. At that moment, he was incredibly grateful that he hadn't found more money, and even more so that he hadn't had time to act on his plans.
"Tch—"
Big Guy hissed through his teeth in response and turned to look at Nine-Fingers.
"I was wondering what all the fuss was about, calling everyone over secretly. This kid's got a long prison term ahead of him; he wouldn't dare cause any trouble. Nine-Fingers, just grab one for him and let him see for himself."
The others, also feeling it was pointless, began to disperse. After taking a few steps, Big Guy suddenly turned back to look at Mundungus.
Mundungus's heart, which had just begun to settle, started pounding again.
"Take it easy, and don't attract that bunch of Dark Guards—it's happened before. Those guys are hungry today."
"Yes, yes, of course. I'll be careful." Mundungus nodded his head like a chicken pecking at grain. He wanted to get rid of them quickly. That group of Hit-Wizards had already sent out an owl, and Mad-Eye Moody would be here today. If he got cornered by this gang before Mad-Eye arrived, he'd just have to take the beating for nothing.
He didn't doubt that Mad-Eye Moody would help him, but he really couldn't face the embarrassment.
Forget it, no revenge. Although they all think my prison term is long and I wouldn't dare cause trouble, that guy who swapped beds with me is no saint. He's probably been watching me since morning yard time. I can't afford to lose out right now.
Thinking this, he simply walked toward the cell door—he didn't want to smell the stench of Azkaban for a second longer.
"What's the rush?"
The voice of Nine-Fingers from behind stopped him, and at the same time, a piece of paper was tossed over.
"Use it carefully! If you get it dirty, I'll beat you for a whole week!"
Nine-Fingers threatened him as he walked quickly out of the cell door, adding, "I'll close the door for you. Take it easy. If you really attract a Dementor, you probably won't be wanting these papers in Azkaban anymore."
Tch!
Who cares about this crap! I'm not like you lot. I've got people on the outside, I've made contact. Tonight, I won't be staring at the moon with the sea breeze on my face. I'm going to Old Tom's Pub to drink my fill! You can all die of envy, you paupers with no cigarettes, no alcohol, and no chocolate!
Mundungus cursed viciously in his mind, but he didn't put down the piece of paper in his hand.
Rushing out would only attract the attention of his cellmates, which was not a good thing for someone about to be released. Even if Mad-Eye Moody helped him beat up that group, would his own beating be any lighter?
Might as well see the act through.
He simply lay down on his bed, unfolded the paper, and pretended to look at it for their benefit.
And just then, the cell's door opened again.
'I knew those bastards were up to no good. They wouldn't let me off so easily. Good thing I'm clever and my act was convincing.'
Mundungus forced a panicked expression onto his face and looked toward the visitor. But in that instant, the forced expression became real.
In the doorway of the cell, a face that looked almost pieced together appeared. Not a single feature on this face was whole; it was as if God had intentionally left flaws during creation. But Mundungus knew very well that every wound on such a face was caused by a top-tier dark wizard and was nearly incurable.
And the owner of this face had provided this very prison beneath his feet with a great number of its tenants.
Half of his plan to escape this prison relied on his connection with the owner of this face.
But in the current situation, this was the last face he wanted to see.
Now, the asymmetrical eyes on that face were fixed on him. The look of joy at their reunion, mixed with a pained helplessness, was completely replaced by another expression.
That large, round magical eye, like a coin, was staring intently at the piece of paper in his hand. That magical eye had many uses, including the ability to see through certain things.
"Good afternoon, Fletch. It seems... hmm, you've been having quite a good time?"
...
Far away, William suddenly received a notification:
[A magical creature has acknowledged you on a deeper level. You have obtained a treasure chest.]
(end of chapter)