The Magical Food God of Hogwarts

Chapter 44 You Can No Longer Set Up a Stall

"What's going on?" Old Tom suddenly became serious. "I vouched for Lucas's stall."

The staff member seemed a little nervous: "Mr. Abbott, please understand, we certainly noticed your letter of introduction, which is why we issued Mr. McGregor a booth number."

According to Article 3 of Chapter 6 of the Diagon Alley Mobile Stalls Management Ordinance, operators must have full legal capacity and risk management capabilities to ensure that they do not endanger public safety.

"Article 19 of Chapter 7 states that the management office has the right, under specific circumstances, to take measures against operators, including but not limited to suspending their licenses, adjusting their operating locations or hours, or even revoking their licenses, based on comprehensive considerations such as maintaining public order, protecting the personal safety of operators and customers, and preventing potential risks."

"Mr. McGregor was unfortunately caught up in the bloody robbery that occurred at Gringotts this afternoon. We realize that allowing Mr. McGregor, who hasn't officially enrolled and has no magical abilities, to continue running the stall is clearly extremely irresponsible..."

Hannah was very anxious. Lucas's stall had just opened and was already closing? What would happen to his school fees? I had just called my friends to patronize his business.

She said urgently, "This isn't fair! Lucas is an innocent victim! He was attacked, and instead of catching the bad guys, you're punishing him? He can just set up his stall somewhere else tomorrow!"

But the staff simply explained to Tom, "Of course, the suspension is temporary. Once the Gringotts incident is investigated, the security assessment is passed, and Mr. McGregor's situation... well, better meets the operational requirements, we will reassess whether to reinstate the license."

Lucas accepted the formal letter filled with official documents, and the staff member immediately breathed a sigh of relief, bowed slightly to Tom, and quickly left the Leaky Cauldron.

Lucas silently took out the "77" booth number he had gone through so much trouble to obtain; the flashing light on the number plate had now disappeared.

"Uncle, please help Lucas!" Hannah tugged at Tom's arm, but Tom could only manage a wry smile.

"The rules that staff member cited were vague and general, and no one would usually pay attention to them. But once they're taken seriously, there's no way to refute or argue against them. It can only be said that Lucas was extremely unlucky; he only set up his stall on the first day, and then Gringotts had an incident."

Lucas sighed and put the booth sign back in his pocket.

But how did the Business Administration Department find out so quickly that I was involved in the Gringotts heist? Their information network is too efficient.

He took out his money bag, smiled at Tom, and said, "Never mind. This is today's earnings. According to the contract, I'll give you forty percent."

He neatly arranged the pile of Nat, Sikor, and Galon on the counter.

Tom stared at him in surprise, dropping the rag he had just picked up. Hannah gasped and turned to glare at Tom.

But Lucas had already counted out the money.

"Today's total income was twenty Gallons and ten Sickles. Your 40% will be eight Gallons and four Sickles..."

Lucas handed over a stack of gold and silver coins, his face showing no sign of frustration or dissatisfaction.

"Lucas, aren't you sad?" Tom said slowly. "Such good business only lasted one day, and I couldn't even help you keep your stall... Aren't you short of money?"

Lucas laughed. "I may be short of money, but I've proven I can make it. What does temporary hardship matter?"

"According to the contract, you have fulfilled your promise, and of course I should also keep my promise."

Tom gazed intently at him, looking into his calm, hazel eyes.

Is this child really only eleven years old? Such a mindset is astonishing!

"Lucas, you're destined for great things," Tom exclaimed sincerely.

Lucas then took ten Galleons from his twelve Galleons and six Sickles and returned them to Hannah. Hannah blushed. "No, Lucas, you need these more than I do!"

She looked at Lucas with eyes full of worry.

Poor Lucas! He's lived in poverty with his grandfather since he was little. He finally managed to open his stall, and after only half a day, he got caught up in that dangerous incident—his cart was destroyed, and his stall permit was suspended...

Merlin, Lucas is so amazing and handsome, why is it so unfair to him?

"Here you go, Hannah. I don't have the habit of not paying back money I owe my friends." But Lucas insisted with a smile, "If you borrow and pay back, it's easy to borrow again. I'll borrow from you again next time I need it."

Hannah could only nod. "Okay, Lucas. I'll try to save more money."

Tom chuckled and said, "I think Lucas won't need to borrow money from you anymore. He really has a knack for making money; he earned so much in just one day."

"Actually, there were two Galleons among them, well, consider it a tip," Lucas said, mentioning the Galleons left behind by Malfoy and Big Beard. Tom's hand, which was wiping his wine glass, suddenly stopped.

"Did Malfoy retract his criticism and even invite you to his estate?"

"Is there a problem?" Lucas asked.

"I'm not sure... but the Malfoys are one of the most obsessed families with bloodlines among all pure-bloods." Tom's voice grew heavy. "You left Mrs. Malfoy speechless and forced her to back down, which undoubtedly offended the Malfoys' reputation in their eyes."

"Especially since they see your background as problematic, they won't be kind to you. Unless they have ulterior motives and have already planned how to retaliate against you."

Lucas suddenly realized: "You mean, my stall permit was suddenly suspended, possibly by Malfoy?"

Tom put down the cleaned glass. "It's just a possibility, it could be a coincidence. Well, Lucas, I forgot you're only eleven. I shouldn't have told you too much."

Lucas understood what he meant, and simply smiled: "Don't worry, sir, I'm not an impulsive person, I'll figure it out."

Just then, a voice rang out in the bar.

"Oh my god, Lucas, you're here too. I'm finally back! Tom, can you bring me something to eat? I'm starving."

Looking back, Tonks's violet hair was shimmering with an eerie light in the dimly lit bar.

Tom chuckled in agreement, then Tonks called out again, "Please, no sausages, potatoes, and stew, can we have something new?"

Tom shook his head helplessly: "Tonks, this is a bar, not a restaurant. We only have those three things left today."

Tonks walked to the bar with a bitter face and plopped down next to Lucas.

"Ugh, all the other restaurants are closed at this hour. Why am I so unlucky?"

Lucas had a sudden thought and stood up.

"Want something different? Mr. Abbott, may I use your kitchen?"