Chapter 246: On the Train
Chapter 246: On the Train
The day after the Hogwarts Express left the station, Liam was intercepted by Percy before he could reach his compartment. This time, Percy had passed the highest-level N.E.W.T.s, and according to Ron, he was about to start working in the Ministry of Magic's Accident Reversal Squad.
Percy had come to thank Liam for helping him make a good impression on Madam Bones, which led to his successful entry into the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"Madam Bones thinks I'm a diligent and hardworking young man, very suitable for this position. Honestly, as an important line of defense for the safety of the magical world, the work in the Accident Reversal Squad is crucial. Although the job involves a lot of fieldwork, the compensation is quite high. In short, I'm very happy to have secured this position."
During their chat, Liam learned that Percy had also received an offer from the Department of International Magical Cooperation. However, his father, Mr. Arthur, told him that the same person who had orchestrated the wrongful conviction of Sirius Black, Mr. Barty Crouch, was now the head of that department. After Mr. Crouch publicly apologized for the incident at the Ministry of Magic, Percy immediately decided to politely decline the offer from the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
Finally managing to escape from the overly enthusiastic Percy, Liam made his way to the last carriage. He had agreed to meet his Study Group friends there.
As soon as he reached the compartment door, he could hear the lively chatter inside. Opening the door, he found that all the members of the Study Group were gathered, discussing something.
"Hey, what took you so long? We were about to come looking for you if Hermione hadn't just seen you talking to Percy", Fred said with a slight complaint when he heard the door slide open and saw Liam.
"Percy was a bit too enthusiastic", Liam shrugged.
"I know, Percy has been going on about thanking you ever since he got the job", Fred leaned in and whispered. Then, stepping back, he announced, "But we all want to thank you, especially for helping us achieve satisfactory results in our O.W.L.s. So, from now on, everyone can get a 20% discount on Weasley's Wizard Wheezes products."
The Weasley Twins were actually quite clever, and with the intensive training over the past half-semester, they managed to pass their O.W.L.s exams, earning several E's, and even an O in Transfiguration.
"We've discovered that studying these subjects in depth can greatly assist us in making our joke products, so reading more books is always beneficial", Fred began to share their insights with the group.
After greeting everyone, Liam asked the Weasley Twins, "Do you need any help with the mail-order shop?"
"The shop isn't up and running yet because we don't have enough space or materials to produce the products. We originally planned to start selling items this semester, but the second half was hectic. You found issues with the products that needed improvement, and we had to prepare for our O.W.L.s. All this has left us with only a few samples. So, we were thinking of advertising on the train and opening the shop during the summer vacation."
"I have a solution for the production space. This time, I managed to secure a shop in Diagon Alley while I was in Brazil. The second floor has been empty, and it can be used by you. Additionally, the shop has earned 110 Galleons by renting out space as a warehouse. I won't be using it anytime soon, so you can use it", Liam said after hearing the Weasley Twins describe their difficulties.
The Weasley Twins exchanged a glance, and then Fred said, "By the way, you mentioned before that you were willing to invest in our business. Was that serious?"
"Of course, I'm willing, because I think your business has a lot of potential. I just assumed you didn't need my investment anymore."
"Why would you think that?" George said. "After all, you've helped us so much. We just felt that what we had were only half-finished products, and it wouldn't be right to have you invest in something so immature."
The Weasley Twins weren't the type to have many ulterior motives. It was clear that they hadn't informed Liam earlier not because they intended to go it alone, but because they were worried their immature skills might cause him, as an investor, to lose a lot of money.
Now that the misunderstanding was cleared up, everything else fell into place. After a discussion, they signed a Contract. Liam invested with property and some funds, as well as his technical expertise, and in return, he received a one-third share in the future Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.
At the moment the Contract was signed, Liam's face lit up with a happy smile. He was the only one in the room who knew just how profitable this joke shop would become.
After signing the Contract, the Weasley Twins sprang into action. They pulled out a stack of parchment from their bags and headed out the door. It seemed they had already prepared their advertisements and were eagerly waiting for the summer vacation to start.
At this point, Liam realized that everyone was enthusiastically discussing the Quidditch World Cup to be held in Britain during the summer vacation. However, this had little relevance to Liam, a Muggle-born wizard, as he didn't even know where to buy tickets.
As they continued to discuss plans for the next year's Study Group and how they would stay in touch during the summer vacation, the rest of the time passed in casual conversation. The only downside to the Hogwarts Express was that it didn't provide lunch. Everyone had to snack on sweets to tide them over until midday.
The main difference between snacks and a proper meal was that while snacks made you feel full while eating them, they didn't provide lasting sustenance. So, Liam was overjoyed as the train approached King's Cross Station. He knew that his parents would have a big meal waiting for him at home.
Just as they were nearing London, the Weasley Twins returned from outside, holding several pieces of parchment.
"We've got some big orders right from the start. Several people have asked us to make fake wands and Puking Pastilles. And a few more are interested in our experimental animal biscuits", Fred said, waving the parchment happily.
"I thought the safety tests for the animal biscuits were already completed", Liam said after a moment of thought.
"The safety tests were fine, but there are still issues with the variety of animals they can transform into. So, we're offering them as trial gifts. But we've found that many people are intrigued by the failed versions that temporarily turn people into horse heads or cat heads", George explained.
"So, I think we should put those on the shelves. After all, whether people turn into a full animal or just a part of one, it still serves the purpose of a prank", Liam suggested.
After a few more exchanges, Fred suddenly said, "Would you like to spend a few days at our place this summer and go to the Quidditch World Cup? My dad always manages to get a few tickets in situations like this."
"Of course, I'd love to. I've never been to a wizard's home before. Your parents are great people, so I'm sure your home is magical and warm. And I'd really like to see a big event like the Quidditch World Cup", Liam said with a smile.
"Great, we'll send you an Owl in advance to let you know the exact time. Oh, and could you ask Hermione about this later? Ginny asked us to check if Hermione wants to go", Fred said, noticing that Hermione was temporarily out of the compartment as they were about to say goodbye to some friends at the front of the train.
After they left, Hermione returned from the restroom. She was also interested in the idea and decided to go with Liam.
At that moment, a whistle sounded from the front of the train, signaling that they had arrived at King's Cross Station.
(End of Chapter)
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