Chapter 86: Contract, Galleons
Chapter 86: Contract, Galleons
Vader had thought about this question a long time ago and asked calmly, "Do you also practice Dark Magic?"
"Yes...a bit." Lupin hesitated for a moment before answering honestly.
Vader nodded. "I read in a book that during the Wizarding War, the Ministry of Magic authorized the Aurors to use Unforgivable Curses against Death Eaters. Dark magic intended to cause harm can also be used to protect others. It shows that the nature of magic is secondary; what matters most is the person who wields it."
"Dark magic is evil because it silently erodes the user's heart," Lupin quickly explained, not wanting to mislead a minor. "It also carries great risks and uncertainties. Once it spirals out of control, it can cause severe harm to both others and oneself. That's why Hogwarts prohibits students from learning and using dark magic."
"I understand," Vader said. "If you accept this employment, you will be my teacher. If you think I shouldn't learn dark magic, then, by all means, don't teach me."
Lupin relaxed a little and smiled.
He had expected a young celebrity like Vader to be arrogant, but the boy before him was surprisingly rational and open to others' opinions.
This was indeed a good start.
At that moment, Professor Mori pushed open the door and entered the pub. He scanned the room but didn't deliberately look at Vader and Lupin. Instead, he sat at a nearby table and ordered a glass of mead.
"Now, if I accept this job, what do I need to do first?" Lupin asked. "How should we conduct our magic lessons when school is in session?"
"We'll discuss those details later," Vader said as he pulled out a roll of parchment from his pocket and placed it on the table. "First, take a look at this contract. If you can agree to the terms, sign your name, and we will have officially entered into an agreement."
Lupin's expression turned serious as he unfurled the parchment and read through the clauses.
The content of the contract was simple and straightforward. The scope of the commission was consistent with what they had just discussed. Additionally, it stipulated the agent's (Lupin's) obligations, including safeguarding the client's (Vader's) interests, maintaining confidentiality, and refraining from causing any harm to the client. It also outlined the agent's responsibilities in procuring alchemy materials and magical items for the client and the duties as a private tutor, such as imparting knowledge, creating suitable lesson plans, and ensuring the student's safety during magic lessons.
Lupin nodded inwardly—these were all reasonable and expected.
As he continued reading, he reached the part about the agent's remuneration and was taken aback, wondering if there was a mistake.
"The base salary is 30 Galleons per week?" he said in surprise. "That's three times the amount stated in the job advertisement."
"Yes," Vader nodded. "The base wage is 10 Galleons per week for the agent and 20 Galleons for the private tutor. Additionally, you will receive a commission from transactions handled under your responsibility."
Lupin was even more astonished by this revelation and continued to read the parchment, only to find detailed provisions regarding this aspect.
Of course, the contract also stated that if Lupin failed to fulfill his duties and caused any losses to the client, Vader had the right to terminate the contract unilaterally.
Vader was aware that given Lupin's circumstances, he would agree to a much lower salary. After all, not many people would be willing to hire a potentially dangerous werewolf. Moreover, Lupin's strong moral compass would prevent him from resorting to dishonest means to gain benefits.
However, a low salary, coupled with a contract and moral obligations, would only ensure Lupin's diligence but not his wholehearted dedication. What Vader needed from Lupin was not just a hardworking employee but a teacher who would impart all his knowledge, a comrade who would face dangers with him, and a partner he could trust with his back.
And for that, a heightened sense of responsibility and identification is indispensable.
If Voldemort could buy such wizarding loyalty, Vader would not hesitate to empty his vault. But the reality was that if he offered a higher salary, Lupin might suspect he had ulterior motives.
Lupin looked back and forth at the contract, hesitating, "This... this is too much."
He had only wanted to find a job that paid 10 Galleons a week to get by, and the salary far beyond his expectations made him a little apprehensive.
"I expect you to deliver me corresponding returns," Vader thought for a moment and added, "If not, I'll fire you next month!"
This sounded like a threat but with a childish ring to it, which instead relaxed Lupin, and he smiled gently, "Looks like I'll have to give my best to satisfy my little boss."
- Or perhaps he would be fired immediately once his werewolf identity was exposed?
Lupin thought to himself as he lowered his head and signed the contract seriously.
Vader also signed his name, and thus, the contract was sealed.
Vader took out the new version of the friend's book and the Soft Glow badge from his bag and said, "Now, let me tell you about my new product. Mr. Marioni, the owner of the Aslan Magic Workshop, will arrive at the Leaky Cauldron in about half an hour, and I think you should be prepared before that."
Lupin looked at those things blankly, "The agent's work... starts now?"
"Of course." Vader raised his eyebrows and tapped his fingers on the friend's book, "—I always make the most of my time."
...
Soon after, Marioni arrived.
As soon as he pushed open the door, he saw Professor Mori and Vader sitting at two tables, and with a quick glance, he understood the situation. So he pretended not to see Professor Mori and greeted Vader enthusiastically in the corner.
Subsequently, when Marioni learned that Lupin was Vader's agent, he completely ignored the werewolf's tattered robe and disheveled appearance, seamlessly entering a state of work collaboration, and couldn't stop praising the Soft Glow badge, even feeling it was more important than the friend's book.
"You've finally understood the essence of making money, Vader."
Given that Professor Mori was right behind him, Marioni winked and said in a very soft voice, eagerly assuring, "Next time there's such a product, come to me! I guarantee I'll offer the highest price! No one can outbid me - because those foolish guys can't comprehend the greatness of this creation!"
The brown-haired wizard came and left in a hurry, like a gust of wind, without even touching the butter beer he had ordered.
"So... that's it?" Lupin still had a bewildered look on his face.
"Yes, you'll get used to it. I told you -" Vader said in a good mood, "We make the most of our time."
Lupin paused for a moment and asked, "What do we do now?"
"There's no rush."
Vader gave Lupin a friend's book for communication and handed him a bag of Galleons.
"This is your first week's salary. I think you can... er... take care of yourself first?"
...
Professor Mori slowly sipped his mead, squinting at his student.
The young man smiled as he spoke to the wizard across from him, a rare display of such vigor - confident, determined, and composed, shining like the rising sun.
So remarkable.
Time... it took away some people, changed some people... decades, even centuries passed, and in the end, it seemed like... nothing had changed...
(End of Chapter)
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