Rita Skeeter was in a state of panic, pleading for mercy. She hoped the man standing before her would offer her a way out. Given his ability to cast spells without a wand and make himself visible at will, Rita was certain she stood no chance against him. Despite her bold words in print, Rita was far more cowardly in person when caught.
"Rita Skeeter, you're a clever one," John remarked, looking down at her. He opened a drawer, revealing a golden Galleon inside, leading Rita to mistakenly believe John intended to bribe her. "I need your help with something."
The expression beneath the silver mask was inscrutable, but Rita understood that refusal would result in consequences far worse than imprisonment in Azkaban.
Soon after, the "Daily Prophet" announced a new Lucky Wizard Award, generously sponsored by Johnny Silver Hand's store. Rita Skeeter, seizing the opportunity, publicized her interview in the newspaper, portraying Lord Johnny Silverhand as a kind and benevolent figure. He had established the Little Wizard Foundation to offer free assistance to young wizards afflicted by curses. This philanthropic gesture earned him widespread acclaim among the wizarding world's celebrities. Moreover, the introduction of the Lucky Wizard Award significantly boosted the popularity of the Silverhand Johnny store. The promotion was akin to a chocolate frog; purchasing a "Daily Prophet" gave readers a chance to win a prize, leading to a surge in the newspaper's sales.
The Lucky Wizard Award featured three tiers: the Gallon Award, the Sickle Award, and the Knut Award. On the day of the launch, a wizard won the Sickle Award, taking home seven hundred Sickles—a substantial sum.
The promotion was a roaring success. An owl flew towards the Burrow with a newspaper in its beak. The next morning, Arthur Weasley retrieved his subscription and noticed the Lucky Wizard Grand Prize Scratch attached to it. Casually scratching it open, he was stunned by what he saw.
The glass he was holding dropped to the table, spilling milk everywhere. Molly rushed in at the sound, ready to scold, but stopped short when she saw Arthur's blank expression. "I've won," he said, barely able to contain his laughter.
"What?" Molly was initially confused, but Arthur's laughter soon made the situation clear. Ron, startled by the commotion, tried to calm their pet, Banban, who had scampered back to bed in fear.
"Has Dad gone mad?" George wondered aloud.
"Perhaps it's just an overdose of euphoria," Fred speculated, the twins exchanging knowing glances, questioning if this was one of their pranks.
Percy, preoccupied with his campaign for student union president and his studies, paid little attention. However, when the entire family gathered, Mr. Weasley excitedly shared his good fortune. "Seven hundred Galleons, by Merlin's beard," Molly gasped, overwhelmed by the sudden windfall. She longed to embrace her husband, but restrained herself in front of their children.
"I want to use the money for a family trip to Egypt. What do you all think?" Arthur proposed, eager to travel. The Weasleys, not typically savers, unanimously supported the idea. Even Percy, buried in his studies, felt a spark of excitement.
Arthur's suggestion was motivated by a desire to give Percy a break from his rigorous academic schedule. The family's unanimous approval set the wheels in motion for planning the trip.
Rita Skeeter, tasked with delivering the award, was puzzled by the generous prize awarded to the Weasleys. The only clue was a single printed sheet lacking the Weasleys' address. However, Rita dared not question the decision, as she was under Johnny Silverhand's control and keen to avoid a lifetime in Azkaban.
Arthur Weasley, now preoccupied with his unexpected windfall, temporarily shelved his grievances with the Malfoys. The Malfoy family, always meticulous in their travels, found themselves in a rare moment of respite. It was during this time that Lucius Malfoy decided to pay a visit to Johnny Silverhand. Upon encountering the enigmatic gaze beneath the silver mask, Lucius couldn't help but ponder the true nature of the man before him.
"Lucius Malfoy, I'm very pleased to see you here," John greeted, his voice carrying an undertone of significance, especially when he added, "Even if you are a Death Eater."
Lucius felt a chill run down his spine, his usual arrogance melting away as he faced John. An uneasy smile crept onto his pale face as he attempted to deflect, "I was indeed under the control of the Imperius Curse by a mysterious figure, but that doesn't mean I'm..."
"You don't have to be afraid, Lucius," John interjected, stepping closer with a calm, measured pace that echoed softly in the room. Lucius tensed, a sheen of sweat forming on his forehead as his anxiety spiked.
As John reached for Lucius's left hand, Lucius instinctively raised his wand, only to meet John's inscrutable gaze. "I don't mind. On the contrary, I appreciate you," John said, his voice tinged with amusement. Lucius sensed a profound understanding from John, feeling as though there were no secrets he could keep.
John noticed Lucius's grip on his wand tighten and then relax. "Relax, I won't expose you. On the contrary, my ability to offer you everything comes not from the Death Eaters, nor the Ministry of Magic, but from the Malfoys themselves."
After a moment of hesitation, Lucius, visibly unnerved, asked, "What do you want?"
"Friendship," John replied simply, a concept so foreign to Lucius that it seemed almost surreal. The word was one Voldemort, whom Lucius had once followed, would never utter.
Sensing Lucius's disbelief, John handed him a copy of today's "Daily Prophet," which featured an article indicating that Arthur Weasley would not be troubling Lucius for some time. This gesture of goodwill eased Lucius's apprehensions.
"You wish for my friendship, correct?" Lucius inquired, looking into John's eyes for confirmation.
"Lucius, as a Malfoy, you should know the value of friendship. It's a bond as significant as blood. We will support each other. Just as I have assisted you today, you will aid me tomorrow," John explained, extinguishing a candle with a wave of his hand only to relight it with a turn. Offering his hand to Lucius, he smiled, "Isn't that so?"
After a brief pause, Lucius grasped John's hand, responding with a newfound respect, "You are correct, Sir Johnny Silverhand. The Malfoys are honored to be your friend."
The pure-blood families' connections often stemmed from intermarriages, creating a network of kinship akin to a vast tree with numerous branches. However, these branches had begun to wither, and the once-powerful lineage of the 28 sacred families was now in decline. Recognizing the opportunity for alliance presented by the new king of Knockturn Alley, Lucius understood this was a strategic move to regain influence, especially crucial for someone with his past as a Death Eater.
Lucius, intrigued by the prospect of preserving his status and avoiding the Ministry of Magic's scrutiny, inquired about handling black magic items. John, with a mysterious smile, hinted at a place where one could legally possess such artifacts outside the Ministry's purview.
"Are you referring to the Museum of the Dark Arts?" Lucius asked, puzzled.
John confirmed, explaining that with the right approach, even the most dangerous items could be managed legally, offering Lucius a glimpse into a world where power and alliances could redefine their standings in the magical community. John had a brilliant idea: to establish the first museum dedicated to the Dark Arts within the wizarding world. His rationale was compelling; he argued that the public needed to be educated about the dangers of dark magic artifacts. After all, one couldn't expect the average witch or wizard to recognize such items on sight. Thus, the necessity of the museum was undeniable. John cleverly pointed out, "How can people understand the dangers if they are not exposed to them?" This perspective made the museum not only an educational institution but also a preventative measure against the dark arts.
To ensure the legality of his endeavor, John applied for the necessary permits from the Ministry of Magic. He likened the process to the difference between tomb raiding and archaeology: without a license, one was a criminal, but with it, one was a scholar. The Ministry, seeing the potential benefits of such an institution, offered no resistance. Furthermore, the idea promised to be a feather in the cap of the current Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, showcasing his administration's proactive stance against the dark arts.
As for the museum's exhibits, John had a certain level of discretion. He reasoned that if an item were to go missing or be reported as destroyed, it could easily be chalked up to theft or an unfortunate accident. This flexibility in managing the museum's collection was a clever safeguard against potential mishaps or criticisms.
The wizarding newspapers quickly caught wind of the project and lauded John, affectionately dubbed "His Excellency Johnny Silverhand," as a kind and great wizard for his visionary initiative. Thus, under John's leadership, the planning for the world's first magic museum dedicated to the Dark Arts began in earnest.
This museum was not just a repository of forbidden knowledge but a bold statement against the ignorance that often surrounded the dark arts. By bringing these artifacts into the light, John aimed to demystify them and, in doing so, protect the wizarding world from their dangers. The community awaited the museum's opening with bated breath, eager to see what secrets it would unveil.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge