The Return to Hogwarts

Amostella slowly shook his head.

"No workshop on the market can produce Magic Corridor with the same level of complexity as our product. Although I have designed it, we do not yet have the capacity for mass production."

For now, I can only rely on myself to manually inscribe the magic runes. As for creating machines for mass production, that requires highly specialized knowledge, and I don't have that ability. So, you'll have to utilize the alchemists in the Fairy Workshop. Of course, hiring them from outside with high salaries is also an option.

"The research and development costs are staggering, Amosta—"

The group continued walking forward, and Remus said with a frown,

"Although you've reached an agreement with the fairies, we can't expect them to continuously pour gold into our investments—"

"yes--"

Amosta responded calmly.

"We can't rely on them entirely, so we need to adopt a pre-sale model. We currently have two prototypes; I've already promised Fudge to donate one to the Ministry of Magic, and I'll give you the other. You can first advertise in the *Daily Prophet* and in mainstream newspapers in various magically advanced countries. With my reputation and Hogwarts's reputation as backing, many people will definitely be interested. Then you can bring the prototype to their door to introduce it."

If anyone is interested in purchasing, a contract can be signed first, and a deposit can be collected to support research and development. The product delivery period is tentatively set at six months. If we can achieve mass production capabilities within six months, then all problems will be resolved. Even if not, I will manually manufacture some core components for production and supply.

Remus was silent for a few seconds, then nodded.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself, Remus—"

Amosta smiled and offered words of comfort.

"I certainly won't stand idly by, and neither will Dumbledore. If things really get tough, he won't stand idly by either. Just like I told you, we set up this workshop to ensure that Hogwarts won't be constrained by operating funds should a war break out in the future. Ah, we've arrived."

Before them stood a workshop roughly the size of two Quidditch pitches—a medium-sized operation even in the workshop-filled Alchemy Industrial Zone. The factory comprised four workshops and a grand, imposing office building in the Gringotts style, its exterior clad in white marble. In front of the office building, all the workshop workers were lined up, awaiting the arrival of their new boss, while Jin Ge led a group of goblins guarding the large iron gate.

"That's the little fairy Jingo I told you about, sent by the fairies to help the workshop get back on track—"

Seeing Jingo trotting over, Amosta smiled at it, but said softly,

“There’s no need to be so reserved in front of them, Remus. Remember, you are the decision-maker in this workshop; they are merely your subordinates—”

"I see."

Remus took a deep breath and said.

It was impossible for Remus not to be nervous. Although he had been in the magical world for many years and had extensive connections and knowledge, he had never had any experience in managing and operating a workshop. In particular, Amosta had made it clear that if the workshop could be successfully opened, it would be of great significance to them.

"Mr. Blaine!"

The one-armed goblin, Jin Ge, stopped panting in front of Amosta and bowed respectfully.

"Everyone in the workshop has gathered and is awaiting your instructions!"

"This is Remus Lupin. As I told you before, he will be in charge of the future production and operation of this workshop—"

Amostella made a gesture to Remus.

“Mr. Lupin is able to represent me fully, and I hope you will show him respect.”

"certainly--"

The fairy Jingo immediately turned his head away from his lowered position, aiming it at Remus.

“It is a great honor to work with you, Mr. Lupin. Everyone in the workshop will be under your management. Do you have anything to say to the workers?”

Aside from the six months he spent teaching at Hogwarts, Remus hadn't had many opportunities to earn respect over the years, especially from a group of haughty goblins. He pursed his lips and turned to look at Amostella and Sirius, both of whom were smiling at him.

“I am equally honored to work with you, Mr. Jin Ge—”

Remus clenched his fist, took a deep breath, turned his head back, and smiled at Jingo.

"Let's go, Mr. Jingge, let's go say hello to the staff together—"

Chapter 552 Return

2023-10-23

Amosta didn't follow them into the factory area, because if he appeared before the workers, Remus wouldn't steal much of the limelight. The two stood a little distance from the gate, watching Remus lead all the workers into the beautiful white building, and for a moment, they were both filled with a sense of nostalgia.

"I never thought this day would come—"

Sirius blew his nose, his voice a mixture of joy and sadness.

“You know, Amosta, of all of us back then, Remus was always the worst off. He couldn’t find work, he was homeless, he even had trouble eating, but he always refused to accept financial support from me, James, and Lily—”

Amosta turned to look at Sirius, who was wiping his reddened eyes, and a sudden wave of sympathy washed over her. Leaving Remus aside, Sirius's generation had indeed faced immense hardship.

"James and Lily would be very pleased if they could see Remus today."

“Life is not a matter of a day or two, but a long journey, and you all must learn to accept the new scenery that appears along the way,” Amosta said with a smile, then his expression became thoughtful. “Speaking of which, Tonks seems to have a bit of a crush on Remus—”

"Tonks?!" Sirius's eyes widened, turning red. "That girl and Remus!" Sirius suddenly slapped his forehead in frustration. "No wonder she always wanted to know about us when we were at Hogwarts!"

Sirius's gray eyes shone with excitement.

"So, Remus might have children?!"

“Perhaps—” Amosta shook his head with a smile, “So what are your plans, Sirius? Don’t tell me you have no plans for the rest of your life?”

Sirius Black was excited when Remus was mentioned, but his expression became complicated when the topic turned to himself. After a moment of silence, he sighed and said...

"I just want to be there for Harry as he grows up."

"In some ways, you and Severus are quite similar."

Amosta said calmly, "Both of them have a deep obsession with Harry's parents, to the point of abandoning themselves."

“Oh, that one.” Sirius looked annoyed.

The conversation about life ended there. While waiting for Remus to come out, the two chatted casually about various topics. Amosta warned Sirius that after what happened with Remus, his situation in the department might become more difficult, but Sirius didn't take it seriously.

Putting aside Amostella's connections, Sirius Black himself also has certain connections within the Ministry. Many of his classmates from Hogwarts who went on to work for the Ministry now hold important positions. More importantly, Sirius is considered "one of their own" by the Ministry because he comes from the Black family.

Even if Scrimgeour wanted to deal with him, he would have to consider this.

An hour later, Remus emerged from the office building surrounded by a large crowd. After bidding farewell to the jubilant workers, Remus jogged toward them. Amosta and Sirius could easily see the excited gleam in Remus's eyes, like a young wizard who had achieved excellent results in the OWLS exam.

"Looks like you're quite popular?"

Amosta raised an eyebrow slightly and asked with a hint of a smile.

“The workers were caught off guard by the workshop’s transformation. I told them that the workshop would resume production as soon as possible, and I also promised to give them a 10% raise!”

An adult wizard is always full of energy, but Remus's identity has left him with little to do for most of the past decade or so. Now, managing this workshop seems to have given him confidence and a sense of security for the future. He chatters on and on about his plans to Amosta and Sirius, and this energy makes the gray-haired Remus seem several years younger all of a sudden.

"Time is precious--"

Remus said,

"I'm leaving for Italy with Jin Ge this afternoon. I plan to sign all the cooperation agreements for the relevant parts within a month. The assembly workshop here will be renovated during this period to meet the production needs of the new machines!"

Production, operations, sales—this whole series of things is indeed complicated, and judging from Remus's expression, he couldn't wait to throw himself into this complex work.

"I have to go back to Hogwarts too—"

Amostella said to Sirius and Remus...

"The Durmstrang and Beauxbatons people will arrive at Hogwarts tomorrow afternoon. I need to go back early to prepare. According to the schedule, the first match will be held on November 24th. If time permits, you are welcome to come and watch—"

"Three-way Battle"

Surprisingly, Sirius didn't show much excitement; instead, he frowned and looked at Amosta.

"You and Dumbledore must be prepared. I mean, this is an opportunity; if anyone wants to harm Harry, they'll definitely try to drag him into it and create some kind of accident—"

A flicker of abyss-like light flashed in Amosta's eyes.

"Don't worry, Harry will be safe."

With Amosta's assurance, Sirius seemed less worried, but he still couldn't be completely at ease. Harry was just too much like his father; often, trouble didn't come looking for him, but rather he was creating trouble for himself.

“Oh, right—” Remus suddenly said, “there’s something—”

Remus pulled a money pouch from his pocket and handed it to Amosta.

"Here's a thousand Galleons, for Fred and George, the two little ones—"

Remus said with a hint of apology,

"Managing a workshop involves far more than I imagined, and I'm afraid I won't have time to fulfill my promise to them and open a shop with them. However, I promised Fred and George an investment, and I must give it to them. So, could you please help me pass this on? I will write to Fred and George to express my apologies—"

"These two kids have made quite a bit of money from investments recently."

Sirius Black suppressed his worry for Harry and smiled as he answered Amos Tower's request.

"During the Quidditch Cup final, Fred, George, and Ron all participated in the betting game that Bagman was running, and they all bet on the outcome correctly. I bet they got at least one or two thousand Galleons from Bagman!"

"The Bagman's Gamble?"

Amosta raised an eyebrow in surprise, then shook his head with a laugh. Ludo was truly incorrigible.

"Oh, thank goodness, you actually came back?"

Amos Stark used Fawkes to return directly to Dumbledore's office, intending to report the outcome of the Remus matter to Dumbledore. However, Professor McGonagall happened to be there as well. She was surprised by Amos Stark's sudden appearance, but after realizing what was happening, she immediately said indignantly...

"Why didn't you wait until the Triwizard Tournament was over before you came back, Amosta? You would have had nothing to do then!"

"As long as you keep paying my salary, I have no problem with it, cough cough--"

Amostah chuckled a few times, but seeing Professor McGonagall's stern gaze, he immediately turned his laughter into a cough.

“I mean, Headmaster Dumbledore is someone who can make decisions, Professor—”