Days at Hogwarts

Chapter 810 Graduates Reunion

"Your shop is so big, but you don't seem to have many employees?"

"Yes, unlike other shops, we don't put product descriptions on the side for customers who are interested in buying to read themselves. We don't do any sales pitches."

"That's good..."

Loren nodded, indicating his agreement with the Longbottom family's business philosophy: "Hermione and I just want to be alone when we go shopping, but there are always shop assistants coming up to us to sell things."

Hearing this, Ginny glanced at Hermione, only to see her looking around the shop with an expressionless face, which made Ginny envious.

Hermione remained very calm: "Many shops in Diagon Alley cater to students, but your shop seems different. There are hardly any educational supplies on the shelves."

"This is only temporary."

Neville shook his head and explained, "Our family has also discussed this. There are owl supply stores, stationery stores, and clothing stores nearby. Each of these stores has been specializing in a particular area for many years, and our store can't sell the same things. We plan to sell some small toys and trinkets, different from Weasley's Tricks Shop toys, imported from other countries, but also cheap and affordable."

"It sounds like a Muggle gift shop, no wonder it's called a boutique."

That's right.

Neville nodded in agreement.

Simo nodded slowly, a glint in his eyes, his expression thoughtful.

He can learn from Muggle business models to open a store; he can also refer to this approach.

He's an expert at taking the best parts and making appropriate improvements.

"By the way, what activities are planned for the opening ceremony today?" Hermione asked.

"Not for now. I just invited you all over to take a look around, see if you have any opinions or suggestions for improvement, and then we'll have a meal on the second floor of the Leaky Cauldron, like a get-together," Neville explained with a smile. "The main thing is that I wanted to get together with everyone after graduation; the opening ceremony is just something I attended on the side."

Seamus and Dean were stunned by what they heard: "By Gryffindor, Neville Longbottom has really matured since graduating."

"Now I'm an adult wizard."

"A wizard is considered an adult at 17."

"I still prefer the shy and reserved Neville from before."

"hey-hey……"

Neville flashed his familiar shy smile: "I still have to help my parents greet a few guests. They're wizards who run a shop and import goods. You guys can wander around for a bit. Just tell the counter what you want to do. If you get bored in the shop, go to Diagon Alley. We'll meet at the Leaky Cauldron for lunch."

After explaining the situation to the group, he headed towards the back of the shop.

As everyone watched his composed figure, they slowly withdrew their gazes, all feeling somewhat moved.

"Neville has really grown up."

"Aren't you the same?"

"Yes, yes," Seamus nodded. "You are the youngest legendary wizard, a full-fledged employee of the Ministry of Magic, a prospective Auror for the training device, and you are about to become the assistant instructor of Charlie's Cannon Team."

Now that you mention it, it does seem to be true.

"It's more magical than magic. I still remember what you looked like in first grade, deliberately splashing mud on others when you went to herb class. Who would have thought you'd turn out like this after graduation..."

"..."

A group of people chattered and laughed, as if they were back in the Gryffindor common room, and then dispersed to wander around.

……

The lunch gathering began at noon.

The fact that the gathering was supposed to be a celebration of the opening of the Longbottom family's shop, but was held on the second floor of the Leaky Cauldron, makes it hard not to draw some conclusions.

The Leaky Cauldron has a new owner and is no longer the filthy place it used to be. Although the tables, chairs, and furnishings haven't changed much, the years of stains and grease have been removed. The largest room on the second floor has been converted into a restaurant, filled with various tableware—wooden, ceramic, metal…

It looks like it was left behind by the previous owners of Leaky Cauldron, and was found in some corner during a thorough cleaning.

Some of the tableware is more valuable than that in Blake's old house; if sold, it could probably open another Leaky Cauldron. Others are more dilapidated than the stone troughs used to feed chickens at the Burrow; if left on the street, they would only be collected as garbage.

The Abbott family has certain beliefs that allow them to run a bar with peace of mind while keeping these things.

At this moment, there was a long table in the middle of the room, which was full of food from the Leaky Cauldron. The ingredients were only fresh, and the cooking methods were rather rough. The most typical example was the fries, which were large and thick, and it might be more appropriate to call them fried potato chunks. The other dishes were similar to fries.

Harry had stayed here for a while, so he felt a special connection to the place.

But I must admit, the taste is still quite good.

The chefs at Leaky Cauldron primarily cater to drinkers, some of whom are older and have dulled palates. Therefore, the seasonings are emphasized, but not too strong, as that would drive away regular customers. This experience in controlling the dishes has shaped their unique style.

Loren avoided the potatoes and savored the lunch on the table.

Neville and Hannah sat at the head of the table, greeting the guests with slightly reserved manner, their smiles shy yet radiant.

They were all former classmates, fresh out of college. They didn't know what politeness or social etiquette meant. Everyone was cheerful, chatting about funny things that happened after graduation.

"It's a shame you're not an Auror, Neville. There are so many records left by your parents in the training ground."

"Really? Hehe..."

"But I broke all your dad's records, and now they're all under my name."

"..."

Neville was speechless, but he couldn't help but laugh. He waved his hand and turned to Ron, talking about the flying broom.

Loren, who was listening nearby, chuckled and quietly lowered his voice to Hermione beside him, saying, "Neville's personality has changed a bit, but Harry hasn't changed at all. I wonder if there are any instructors like Professor Snape in the Auror's office. That sounds really interesting."

Hermione glanced at him silently, without answering.

Just as the atmosphere at the dinner table was at its most lively, Neville's grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, suddenly knocked on the door and entered. Her gaze swept around the room, and when she saw Loren, her eyes lit up slightly. Then she winked at Neville and whispered, "Neville, Neville..."

Neville was somewhat helpless, but he still followed her out.

Then, the sound of a slight argument came from outside.

It wasn't serious; I couldn't hear the specific words or phrases clearly, and the sound quickly disappeared.

"..."

Neville quickly returned to his room, turned around and closed the door. He didn't mention what had just happened to anyone, as if nothing had occurred. His smile was a little fainter than before, but it quickly returned after Seamus coaxed him.

The students sitting around the dining table continued to raise their glasses.

……

Two o'clock in the afternoon, on the main street of Diagon Alley.

At the end of the street where Gringotts Bank stands, directly opposite Diagon Alley, the entire building is constructed from snow-white marble.

Loren walked on the right side of the street. The shops along the street all had display windows with sparkling clean glass. The prices were highlighted in red ink. As a senior alchemist, he could easily analyze the cost of those goods and calculate the profit. He would often think about how many Gallons he could earn every day if he made these things, and how much he should sell the new formula to merchants if he simplified the refining process.

Although his lazy nature prevented him from doing these things, it didn't stop him from calculating how much he could earn and deriving satisfaction from it.

Hermione and Ginny walked behind him, whispering to each other. They thought they were speaking so quietly that no one could hear them, but he still managed to catch a few of their words.

"Hermione, how did you and Loren get together...?"

"..."

"What's wrong with that? Harry's an idiot. As a Gryffindor, he doesn't even have the courage to be intimate with his girlfriend. He's a boy, but he's even more shy than me. He can only...

"..."

The courage to be intimate?

He not only has it, but it's huge.

Hermione seemed to be looking up, but Loren subtly withdrew his gaze and turned to look at the boys to his side.

The roommates were talking about something; some looked lost in thought, some had a bulging belly and a blank expression, and some were making noise and chattering, looking rather dim-witted.

"It's a bit boring."

"Let's go check out the knock-down alley next door."

"What if we encounter a dark wizard?"

"That would be perfect!"

"I recently learned a new spell."

"..."

The noisy sounds echoed through the street. As they approached, pedestrians and shopkeepers on the roadside looked on alert, and only breathed a sigh of relief after watching them leave.

Loren, seeing Neville's dazed expression, went over and patted him on the shoulder: "What are you thinking about?"

"N-nothing...it's nothing." Neville said, sounding flustered.

"Did your grandma ever tell you that you're not good at lying?"

"..." Neville's ears turned red again, just like when he first enrolled.

Loren found it amusing: "Does your grandmother have something she wants you to tell me?"

Neville nodded subconsciously, then quickly shook his head.

"Just tell me directly. I will refuse anything that is unreasonable. I am not the kind of person who would help others even if it means compromising myself."

Neville opened his mouth, hesitated for a long while, and then whispered, "That spatial teleportation device involves a huge business, my grandmother..."

"I see."

Loren nodded thoughtfully.

According to the original plan, the space teleportation device was to be manufactured and assembled by various magic academies under the coordination of the Egyptian Alchemy Research Center, and mass-produced. The raw materials were to be purchased by the International Wizarding Federation, and the funds were to be provided by the wizarding governments of various countries and various magical creature groups. Nott and Draco were responsible for purchasing and transporting the equipment, and would earn a limited profit from it.

These are all declining pure-blood families. Compared to monetary profits, they are more interested in converting their remaining connections and resources into a foundation for their families and building good relationships with the magic ministries of various countries.

Before the Longbottoms recovered and were discharged from the hospital, Neville had not yet demonstrated his current talents, and the Longbottom family was almost on the verge of collapse. Now that things have improved, it is understandable that Mrs. Longbottom still harbors anxiety...

Moreover, the Longbottom family's political resources could indeed accelerate the plan's progress.

Thinking this through, Loren smiled and agreed: "These matters are currently being handled by the Malfoy and Nott families. If you would like to participate, I will write to them to let them know."

A smile returned to Neville's face.

The clamor of the young wizards still echoed through the streets.

"Harry! Look at this! Look at this!"

"Don't shake me, I'm too full from lunch."

"It's the Fire Arrow Collector's Edition!"

"Wow!!"

(End of this chapter)