Chapter 338: Branch Store
Chapter 338: Branch Store
The next morning, Felix brought the listless Niffler into the pyramid. He needed to re-examine the interior of the hidden chamber based on the residual magical traces. With him was the goblin Gnork. Felix was relieved that Gnork hadn’t mentioned the stolen gemstones and patted the Niffler perched on his shoulder, named Varen.
It seemed his education had been effective; Niffler hadn’t kept any gemstones for itself. However, Felix couldn’t let his guard down. Whether it was the Quidditch World Cup, the Magic Lantern Exhibition, or the visit to Beauxbatons, and even returning to Hogwarts, these were all risky places.
Clemi took Hermione to explore Cairo City. "I’ll take you to the Pharaoh's Museum; there are many things created by wizards inside, though the locals don’t know it."
Hermione was very interested. "I’ve read about this museum in books. There should be an obelisk nearby, right?"
"What’s that?"
"It’s a tall, pointed column, a monument the ancient Egyptians built to worship the sun god. I’ve seen them in France and London, but Egypt is the origin of obelisks, so they should be different."
Clemi thought for a moment. "I’m not very familiar with them, but I can ask for you."
They had a great time for two days. During the day, they visited various attractions. Clemi knew the magical spots in Cairo well, and Hermione had read a lot about them in books. They took turns choosing places to visit, enjoying themselves thoroughly.
In the evening, Hermione joined Felix to learn Golden Flame Magic. Felix told her, "You have enough self-control to practice arranging Runic Script sequences privately, but formal casting must wait until school starts."
On the third day, they returned to London's Diagon Alley, and Clemi Vara followed. Her reason was that she didn’t want to be alone with the greedy Gnork, so she decided to take a break and watch the World Cup. However, as soon as they reached Diagon Alley, she disappeared into the headquarters of Future World Company.
Future World Company had recently become quite busy because it had finally opened a branch store in Diagon Alley, starting to sell products to the public. Lupin had paid a hefty rent to secure the shop’s usage for the next two years, located not far from Ollivander's Wand Shop.
The store currently sold only one type of product—magic lanterns, in various designs. When Sirius and Harry arrived in Diagon Alley to buy books, they were immediately drawn to the two majestic fire dragon magic lanterns at the entrance of the store. They approached, and the standing posters at the entrance showcased other styles of magic lanterns, which were very eye-catching.
A young blonde shop assistant maintained order at the entrance. Harry and Sirius entered the store, where rows of shelves displayed various magic lanterns in translucent boxes. Additionally, the lanterns featured on the posters floated in the air, within reach.
A young boy reached for a fire dragon lantern above his head but couldn’t touch it. His father lifted him up, and the boy struggled, shouting in frustration, "I’m starting school this year!"
"Denis—” his father began, but the fire dragon lantern suddenly sprayed a fan-shaped beam of light, startling them.
Harry also spotted Luna. She was facing away from them, wearing a bright yellow robe that stood out. She was examining an elaborate box containing twelve miniature magic lantern dolls, which looked cuter and more like the style he had seen in cartoons.
"Luna", he greeted her.
"Oh, Harry", Luna turned around, looking surprised, holding a small eagle with tiny wings. "Are you also doing some last-minute shopping before the World Cup? I figured I’d run into some familiar faces today."
Harry looked her over, feeling something was off. "Where are your radish earrings?"
"Left at home", Luna said regretfully, turning to the middle-aged wizard who was staring intently at the purple-patterned wizard robe on the shelf. "Daddy—"
The middle-aged wizard, Luna's father Xenophilius Lovegood, turned around. The silver pendant hanging from his neck swung in front of his chest. "What is it, dear?"
"Can we take it home?" She held up the palm-sized young eagle in her hand.
"Oh, I don't think that's a good idea", Xenophilius frowned, his gaze shifting between the young eagle and the box. His cotton-candy-like white hair was fluffed out on his shoulders. "I don't think it's a good idea... separating them would break some mysterious connection between them."
Harry watched as Luna happily hugged the box containing twelve miniature magic lantern dolls and headed to the counter to pay.
"See you at the World Cup, Harry."
Luna waved at him, and Harry waved back. As the father and daughter passed Sirius, Xenophilius stopped and stared at his face. Sirius looked a bit impatient but didn't say much. There were too many people looking at him strangely along the way.
But Xenophilius stared at him for too long, and Luna switched the box to her other hand, taking the opportunity to chat with Harry. She asked seriously, "Have you seen Hermione? I need to talk to her."
"No", Harry replied hastily, glancing at Sirius. The atmosphere was getting a bit tense.
Xenophilius leaned in, his slightly crossed, pale silver eyes scrutinizing Sirius's face. He bared his teeth and asked mysteriously, "Are you Bodman?"
"Bod—what?" Sirius's eyes widened.
"The lead singer of the Puckish Pixies, Fatty Bodman, very famous over a decade ago." Xenophilius whispered, "Sirius must be your alias, right?"
Sirius stared at him blankly. "No", he said hoarsely. Xenophilius looked disappointed and walked away, as if he had been hit by something.
Harry chuckled, almost crying from laughter, "Fatty—Bodman, he was talking about you?"
Sirius lightly tapped the back of his head and said thoughtfully, "A family of Ravenclaws? I always thought that house was full of oddballs when I was in school."
"They're just a bit unusual, but they're special", Harry said, defending Luna.
Sirius grumbled, "You were just asking that little girl where her carrot-shaped earring went."
...
Future World Company headquarters.
"What's this?" Lupin held a golden rod with a dog-head-shaped handle.
"The Pharaoh's Scepter", Felix said, flipping through various forms.
"What's it for?" Lupin asked curiously. Could it be a new product that suddenly jumps up to hit someone's head? He shook his head, trying to clear that thought. Spending too much time with the Weasley Twins was affecting him.
"A souvenir from Egypt. If you like it, I can give it to you", Felix said casually.
"Thanks, but maybe Sirius would like it, or perhaps Valen..." Lupin handed the scepter to Niffler, who was eagerly watching from the desk. He then asked about Crema Vera, "What's the deal with that girl? You're also planning to cultivate her like the Weasley Twins?"
Felix thought for a moment, "They're different. Vera is likely to stay. This is more of a pre-onboarding evaluation to see if she's determined enough."
Lupin understood, "I'll make it convenient for her."
Felix added, "Vera is very interested in Ancient Runes. If given more time, she will achieve a lot."
Lupin smiled, "So you're planning to find a long-term recruit."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
