Valerius sat in the back corner of the Slytherin common room one evening, his gaze fixed thoughtfully on the crackling fire. The flames illuminated his sharp features, but his mind was elsewhere. A letter had come earlier from his contact in Diagon Alley, a place Valerius kept a close eye on for its economic opportunities and connections to the heart of magical commerce. Today, however, the letter wasn't the usual correspondence—this one was from James Hiddleson, a Brazilian wizard with an interesting history and an ambitious goal.
The son of a former Grindelwald ally, James had inherited not only his father's admiration for the Grindelwald legacy but also a fierce drive for success. His father had once served as a spy under Gellert Grindelwald in America, and according to rumor, had even aided in Grindelwald's escape from one of the prison confinements. James had grown up hearing stories of his father's work, and he respected Grindelwald's vision of strength and power in the wizarding world. However, his talents lay in a different realm: wizarding economics.
James had taken a significant risk by moving to Britain, determined to establish a presence in the world's most lucrative magical marketplace: Diagon Alley. But with his family's wealth drained to buy even a modest space there, he was now at a standstill, unable to expand or draw in the clientele he needed. He had reached out to Valerius as a last resort, hoping that the young Grindelwald's influence could be the spark he needed to bring his ambitions to life.
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The next day, Valerius arranged a meeting with James at a quiet café tucked away in the winding alleyways near Diagon Alley. As James entered, Valerius noted his appearance—a tall, thin wizard with a serious expression, his eyes sharp with both eagerness and a hint of desperation. He took a seat across from Valerius, offering a respectful nod.
"Mr. Grindelwald," James began, his tone low, "thank you for meeting with me. I know you have… considerable demands on your time."
Valerius inclined his head, his expression unreadable. "You're correct, James. But your letter piqued my interest. Tell me, what exactly are you looking to accomplish here in Diagon Alley?"
James leaned forward, a spark igniting in his gaze. "My goal, Valerius, is to make my mark on the wizarding market. Diagon Alley is the heart of magical commerce, and I know I have the mind for business to succeed here. But I need backing—a foothold to draw in the right clientele."
Valerius studied him, his gaze calculating. "And what makes you think I'd be interested in helping you achieve that?"
James took a deep breath. "Your family's legacy isn't just about power; it's about change, about shaping the wizarding world to match your ideals. My father believed in that vision, and so do I. I'm not asking for charity—I'm asking for an alliance. If you back my shop, I can expand, and together, we can create something that will bring a new level of influence to both of us."
Valerius tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the table, his mind already considering the possibilities. "So, you want my name to endorse you. But tell me, what do you bring to the table, James? What are your skills?"
James nodded, his expression resolute. "I have a deep understanding of wizarding markets—my focus is economics, and I know the magical goods market like the back of my hand. Potions, enchanted artifacts, rare ingredients… I can source and sell them with precision. And I know how to appeal to both high-end and emerging markets."
Valerius's eyes glinted. "Impressive. But Diagon Alley's not an easy market to break into. It's dominated by old money and established families. If we're to make a dent, it will take more than a well-stocked shop. We'll need influence."
James's face lit up as he leaned closer. "I was hoping you'd say that. I heard you have connections within the Ministry."
"Connections, yes," Valerius replied smoothly. "And I know someone who could be useful here. Mia Kedward, the undersecretary of Magical Britain. She's not only influential but also well-versed in wizarding economics."
"So… you think she'd consider helping a newcomer like me?" James asked, hope coloring his voice.
Valerius smiled slightly, already forming the plan in his mind. "With my endorsement and a few well-placed words, she will. But that comes with conditions. You'll work under my advisement. I'll set up the groundwork to get your shop into a prominent position, and in return, you'll follow my guidance on matters of management and influence."
James's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "Understood. I'll prove my loyalty and worth to you."
Valerius stood, signaling the end of their meeting. "Good. I'll arrange a formal meeting with Mia. She'll handle the paperwork and, if all goes well, ensure your status as a registered Diagon Alley merchant with Ministry backing. In the meantime, make preparations on your end. This will be the beginning of your rise—and remember, loyalty is paramount."
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The meeting with Mia Kedward took place the following week in one of the Ministry's elegant conference rooms. Mia, sharp-eyed and impeccably dressed, greeted Valerius and James with a knowing smile.
"So," she began, looking between them, "Valerius tells me you have ambitious plans for Diagon Alley, Mr. Hiddleson. Tell me, what sets you apart from the other merchants?"
James straightened, summoning his confidence. "Mrs. Kedward, I intend to bring fresh ideas and a high standard to the market here. My experience in Brazilian wizarding markets has taught me how to manage diverse clientele, and I aim to offer a range of rare goods and potions with both quality and exclusivity in mind."
Mia listened intently, her gaze appraising. "I respect ambition, Mr. Hiddleson. But Diagon Alley is no place for simple ideas. It demands precision, innovation, and adaptability. Can you deliver that?"
"With Valerius's guidance, I believe I can," James replied steadily. "And in return, I'll use my knowledge and connections to support this venture."
Mia turned to Valerius, who nodded, conveying his confidence in James with an unspoken assurance. Finally, Mia nodded, her decision made.
"Very well," she said, extending her hand. "I'll help secure your place in Diagon Alley, and with Valerius's endorsement, I'll arrange for you to be formally recognized by the Ministry. Use this opportunity wisely, Mr. Hiddleson. It's not one we offer lightly."
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The weeks that followed were a whirlwind of activity. Under Valerius's guidance and Mia's influence, James's shop gained prominence, slowly but surely. The small shop transformed, attracting clients and investors, and within a month, it was already a known name in Diagon Alley.
As James's business grew, his loyalty to Valerius solidified, and he became a respected ally with eyes and ears on the market. Thanks to Mia's connections and Valerius's strategic thinking, he was soon granted a minor role within the Ministry, allowing him greater insight into the workings of wizarding Britain's economy.
Standing before his now-thriving shop, James turned to Valerius with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Valerius. I won't forget this. You've helped me build more than a shop—you've helped me build a future."
After a few months, James's shop, aptly named "The Magical Shop," had begun to thrive. With rare, high-quality goods and carefully sourced potions ingredients, it quickly gained a reputation among customers. Valerius had played a subtle but powerful role in this success, carefully guiding James's business decisions and securing his reputation in Diagon Alley.
One of Valerius's most strategic moves involved Professor Snape. During Potions class one day, Valerius approached him with an observation.
"Professor," he began, choosing his words carefully, "I've noticed that some of the potion ingredients being supplied to Hogwarts are… subpar. Particularly the wormwood and monkshood. I think you'd find a better stock at a place I know."
Snape's eyebrow arched as he regarded Valerius, a slight frown marring his features. "And where, Mr. Grindelwald, might I find these 'superior' ingredients?"
Valerius smirked slightly. "The Magical Shop, run by a trusted associate of mine, James Hiddleson. His quality is unmatched."
Intrigued by the recommendation, Snape visited the shop and soon saw the difference for himself. Convinced, he arranged for Hogwarts to contract The Magical Shop as its primary potion supplier. This was a major breakthrough for James, who quickly amassed significant wealth and invested it back into his business.
With the increased revenue, James bought the adjacent shops, expanding into a larger, more elegant space. The Magical Shop now boasted ample room and a refined ambiance that attracted an even broader clientele. The expanded premises and quality products solidified its reputation as a prominent business in Diagon Alley.
Six months later, with Mia Kedward's support and Valerius's mentorship, James took a step few merchants achieved. He officially registered with the Ministry as part of the esteemed merchant association, joining the ranks of Ollivanders, Borgin and Burkes, and Greengrass Ventures. This recognition marked The Magical Shop as a fixture in wizarding commerce and cemented James's status as a respected merchant within the magical community.
As James signed the final paperwork, Mia Kedward turned to Valerius with a satisfied nod. "You've set quite the foundation for him, Valerius. His success is a reflection of your influence."
Valerius inclined his head, his expression calm yet confident. "James understood what was at stake, and he followed through. With our combined backing, The Magical Shop will only grow stronger."
James approached them, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you both. I couldn't have done this without your guidance."
Valerius merely nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Remember, James, loyalty and diligence will carry you far. This is only the beginning of what we can accomplish."