Chapter 325: Penelope
Chapter 325: Penelope
“Percy, did you see that?”
“...Yes.”
In a corner of Diagon Alley, Percy and Penelope stared at each other blankly. Percy asked her, “Do you think Professor Hup is here as a guest?”
“Don’t be silly,” Penelope said excitedly, clenching her fists. “We should have realized it earlier. The job listing gave us a lot of clues—”
“You mean the Ancient Runes and the emphasis on Muggle items?” Percy caught on. “We’re lucky we came today. The last few times we visited, it was just an empty lot.”
Percy and Penelope had come here more than once, even following the job listing to the L.C.A Building. The staff of the newly revived comic strip company directed them to a House-elf, who was dressed more formally than they were. The House-elf had a private office and didn’t reveal much information, only insisting that the interview location was unchanged and that they should come on time, “You won’t regret it.”
Percy was about to start his job at the Ministry of Magic in a few days. Today was their last visit, and they happened to witness this scene.
...
Felix and Snape entered the Future World Building. Felix’s fingertips caressed a Bronze Knut. “Dobby,” he called softly.
“Pfft!”
A slight sound, and a House-elf dressed in a fancy butler’s uniform appeared, bowing deeply. “Mr. Heap, Dobby is here to serve you.” He looked around. “Is this our new company? It looks a bit dark…”
“Of course, it’s just lacking lighting.” Felix said, pointing his finger forward. Runic Inscriptions gathered and formed a palm-sized milky white light orb. It spiraled upward and landed in the massive, ice-like fractal chandelier at the top of the building, illuminating the entire structure.
“It can last for a while. I’ll create a more stable Runic Inscription item in a few days,” he mused. “This could be our company’s first product.”
“A Magic Lamp?” Snape pondered. “Not a bad idea.”
Felix clapped his hands. “The interview starts at nine o'clock. We have about two hours to make some adjustments—”
He stopped mid-sentence as a young couple pushed open the door. “Professor?” Penelope said nervously.
Felix nodded at her. “You’re earlier than I expected. Hmm... I’ve seen your grades, but we’ll still go through the motions.”
He turned to Dobby. “If anyone arrives early for the interview, please take them to the room on the second floor.” He pointed to a spacious room on the second floor with a large, double-door made of chestnut wood, intricately carved with hollow patterns.
“Certainly, Mr. Heap,” Dobby said cheerfully.
The group walked up the wide, sweeping spiral staircase. Percy took the opportunity to examine the frescoes on the ceiling. They depicted various scenes, featuring Wizards holding wands, as well as people in Muggle attire. Some held various glass tubes, others pondered complex mechanical structures, and a few held a brass balance.
Percy found it hard to understand why these people were grouped together. They seemed to come from various fields. He focused on the images of the Wizards, recognizing a few. They all shared a common trait—fame for discovering or inventing significant Spells.
For example, he saw Sumobi, who invented the Joy Spell; Flavius Belby, who discovered the Bat Repelling Method; and Glover Hipworth, who invented the Elixir of Refreshment. Percy speculated that the Muggles he didn’t recognize were likely similar figures—those who had discovered or invented something significant?
"Felicia, note this down. We can make the stairs move", Felix said, walking ahead.
"What? Oh, right." Penelope said, rummaging through her pockets. Percy considerately handed her a small notebook and a quill. "I prepared this in advance..."
"Thank you, Percy." She quickly jotted it down.
Felix added a few more suggestions: "We need some decorations... but that's not urgent. The employees can decorate according to their preferences. However, we should prepare some desks, chairs, paper, ink, and plants. Make a list and discuss it with Dobby."
He glanced at Penelope: "I'm sorry, but we're short on staff, so you'll need to handle some miscellaneous tasks for now..."
"That's fine, Professor. I can get familiar with things quickly." Penelope said, noting down the requirements. "Is Dobby the House-elf we met earlier?"
"Yes, and it's important to note that he is an employee of the company, not someone's servant."
"He's a free elf?" Penelope said, surprised.
"He likes to call himself a free Dobby", Felix replied with a smile.
They arrived at a large room on the second floor. If not for the lack of furniture and carpets, it would be hard to imagine that everything here had just appeared. Percy ran his fingers over the intricate carvings on the windowsill, which seemed to depict a Niffler...
Felix transfigured some long, Hogwarts-style tables and chairs. He and Snape sat on one side, while Penelope and Percy sat on the other. However, the interview quickly turned into a discussion about the company's business scope, management system, and daily operations.
Percy strongly advocated for the Ministry of Magic's management methods, suggesting they be adopted wholesale. This met with strong opposition from his girlfriend.
"Percy, the Ministry's management style is too cold and rigid. For a long time, our numbers won't be large..." She glanced at Felix for confirmation, and he nodded gently. She continued, "See, with only a dozen or so people, a friendly atmosphere is more important."
"Because we are few, some rules should be established early on. It's for everyone's benefit", Percy insisted.
"Rules are necessary, but they don't have to be so rigid", Penelope said patiently. "The Future World is primarily focused on research and development. It's very different from the Ministry of Magic..."
Felix and Snape sat quietly on the side, watching them argue. Both had a stubborn streak, but they were also rational and willing to listen. After about half an hour, Percy was convinced.
At this point, Felix smiled and said, "It looks like you've reached an agreement."
"Let me share my thoughts. As Miss Clearwater said, the Future World's mission is to provide convenience for all Wizards, making their lives better. In other words, our mindset must be ahead of the entire Wizarding World. We are the future."
"A relaxed environment is essential. I won't impose too many restrictions, but some practices from the Ministry of Magic are worth adopting. For example, Percy's suggestion to use paper airplanes for messages. I found it quite interesting the first time I saw it."
"Knock, knock!"
Dobby appeared at the door, "Mr. Heap, there's an interviewee. He says his name is Remus Lupin."
Snape stood up quickly, "I'll bring him in." Without waiting for Felix's response, he hurried out of the room.
Felix shook his head and hurried after him. These two had fought before, and their relationship was complicated. However, another fight wouldn't be too serious; he just needed to keep Percy and Penelope out of it.
He turned to the two of them: "You're hired, Miss Clearwater. Enjoy your holiday and come in tomorrow..."
(End of Chapter)
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