"You heard it right, it's Liquid Luck Potion. Look at this attractive light golden liquid, and see the mark on the potion."
"According to the appraisal of Blackstone Auction, this bottle of potion was refined by the top potion master, Horace Slughorn."
"With just one drop, you can touch the soft little hands of the goddess of luck, and you can..."
As the goblin's seductive introduction continued, Lockhart turned to Snape. "Snape, are you sure this was made by Professor Slughorn?"
Snape nodded. "The potion is genuine, and the mark is Professor Slughorn's. I know the appraiser at Blackstone Auction; he's reliable."
Snape then added, with a hint of doubt, "But why would Professor Slughorn sell this? He shouldn't be short of money. If he needed money, he'd sell other potions. Liquid Luck Potion is too rare and valuable for that."
Being deeply involved in the potion business, Snape understood which potions made the fastest money. Those explicitly prohibited by the Ministry of Magic were always in demand. Quick to make potions, like the Dream Soul Potion, provided immediate benefits, while those easy to refine ensured a steady income. Liquid Luck Potion, however, was difficult and time-consuming to make, with a high risk of failure. It was best used to build relationships rather than generate quick profits.
Seeing the Liquid Luck Potion, Lockhart didn't hesitate and pressed the button to participate in the auction. The price had already risen to 360 gold Galleons. He had previously acquired a bottle of Liquid Luck Potion from Professor Slughorn and given it to Thor. Attempts to procure another through the same channels had failed, leaving him to seek other means.
As the bidding climbed to 560 gold Galleons, the pace slowed. Lockhart gritted his teeth and continued bidding.
Snape watched but said nothing. Lockhart had once sought his help to refine a bottle of Liquid Luck Potion, offering many benefits. However, upon learning the process would take at least four months, Lockhart hesitated. Snape understood why Lockhart was eager to buy a ready-made potion now.
The price eventually reached 700 gold Galleons, with Lockhart still pressing the button. No other wizards raised the bid, and the goblin auctioneer tried to incite further bidding.
"730 gold Galleons. Does anyone want to increase the price?" the goblin coaxed. "Just one drop, and you'll understand the thoughts of the girl you love, solve any difficult problem."
The other wizards, seeing Lockhart's determination, did not bid further. The auctioneer's hammer fell, and the Liquid Luck Potion was Lockhart's.
The next auction item was a magic item from Kamar-Taj, the Boots of Hermes, which allowed wizards to walk in the air and increase their speed. Flying was usually limited to broomsticks, and flying spells were rare, generally kept within pure-blood families. The Boots of Hermes addressed a significant need and sold for 710 gold Galleons, pleasing Lockhart.
Several high-quality items followed, but Lockhart wasn't interested in most of them. Snape bought a rare potion ingredient for 520 gold Galleons. Lockhart admired the variety and quality of items at the auction.
Soon, a new item caught Lockhart's attention. On the high platform stood a house elf, wearing clean but ragged clothes.
"Dear wizards, pay attention. This auction item is quite rare and can serve as the foundation of a wizard family—a house elf!"
The goblin's exaggerated claims about the house elf's value were mostly hyperbole, but Lockhart knew the truth. House elves were indeed loyal and hardworking, making them invaluable to wizard families. Having one could ensure a high quality of life for generations, even safeguarding the family during hard times.
The appearance of the house elf excited many wizards, especially pure-blood families without one. For them, having a house elf was a status symbol.
Lockhart joined the bidding, watching prices soar. After considering his plans, he decided to press the button repeatedly, determined to win the auction. Finally, at 1,200 gold Galleons, Lockhart secured the house elf.
Although the price was high, Lockhart felt it was worth it. As his strength and influence grew, acquiring more house elves would become easier and less costly.
The auction continued with several more items before officially ending. Lockhart left the auction satisfied, having secured the Liquid Luck Potion and the house elf, both valuable additions to his plans.
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