Since Mundungus Fletcher received a stern warning, he no longer dared to act recklessly. The sight of Johnny Silverhand's formidable magic had left him with no room for resistance. Consequently, the responsibility for managing the Little Wizard Fund was transferred from Mundungus to Tang Mi. John found this situation less than ideal, recognizing the need for someone with a keen business acumen. For the time being, however, Tang Mi would have to suffice.
The Silver Hand Johnny Specialty Store had recently introduced a new feature: the Silver Hand Angel Investment service. Tang Mi, stationed at the service window, found himself overwhelmed by a constant stream of wizards, each boasting their own "brilliant" ideas. To him, it felt as though he was nothing more than an exhibit, surrounded by curious onlookers.
One day, the Weasley twins firmly escorted John to the window, making it clear to Tang Mi that yet another wizard had arrived, harboring dreams of securing an investment. With a casual glance and a sigh, Tang Mi braced himself for what was to come. "We're here to apply for the Silver Hand Angel Investment," they announced, "Just a hundred Galleons."
The twins' request left John visibly uncomfortable, while Tang Mi was taken aback, his expression turning incredulous. "One hundred Galleons?" he echoed, struggling to comprehend their audacity. Did they underestimate his boss, or were they simply oblivious to the extent of Johnny Silverhand's wealth?
John, sensing Tang Mi's skepticism, quickly interjected, "As you can see, we're just Hogwarts students with big dreams. School is starting soon, and we plan to use owl mail for deliveries."
Understanding the urgency in John's eyes, Tang Mi regained his composure. "If that's the case, then the amount seems reasonable," he conceded. "Owl mail? John, you're a genius. This could revolutionize how we sell to schools."
The Weasley twins' faces lit up at the acknowledgment of their idea. It was a moment of validation from John Wick, known throughout their grade for his exceptional intellect and creativity.
Tang Mi, playing along, took out a form and offered it to the twins with a smile. "Let's outline a detailed business plan, including your short-term and long-term goals, main products, and target markets. We'll review it and get back to you as soon as possible."
The twins, filled with excitement, accepted the form and handed it to John, who looked at them with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. It was his form, after all, designed to vet potential investments and weed out those looking to make a quick Galleon. "This is your vision," he reminded them. "No one knows it better than you."
As the Weasley twins took the form back, carefully storing it away, they couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose. Their mother had always hoped they would follow in their father's footsteps and work at the Ministry of Magic, but they craved a different path—one filled with laughter and innovation. Opening a joke shop was their dream, and with a hundred Galleons as their starting capital, they were one step closer to making it a reality after graduation.
John, declining the twins' offer to celebrate with a new ice cream flavor, returned to the Leaky Cauldron. There, he found Tom contentedly munching on dog food, while Basil, the flat-faced cat, perched aloofly on a high shelf, half-asleep. From the room next door, the sound of a student's panicked screams echoed, likely the result of an unfortunate encounter with "The Monster Book of Monsters." It was a reminder that the Weasleys, like many others, were preparing for another year at Hogwarts, each with their own dreams and challenges ahead. John initially harbored a dislike for the Leaky Cauldron, expecting it to mirror the grimy exterior of the bar. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find the interior quite clean. Venturing downstairs for a meal, he unexpectedly ran into Mr. Weasley. "John Wick, thank you for helping Harry and the others," Mr. Weasley expressed his gratitude warmly, shaking John's hand. Beside him, Molly Weasley approached and enveloped John in a hug. The contrasting figures of Mr. Weasley, tall and lean, and Mrs. Weasley, shorter and more robust, perfectly embodied the loving yet firm parenting that kept their seven children in line.
"Are you hungry, dear? I've just baked a pie," Mrs. Weasley offered, her kindness making John feel at home, a sentiment usually reserved for Harry.
At the dining table, John observed Hermione and Ron in the midst of an argument over Hermione's new pet, Crookshanks, and its apparent vendetta against Ron's pet rat, Scabbers. Their bickering resembled that of a young couple, drawing John's attention to Crookshanks. The cat, with its squashed-face and ginger fur, looked both fierce and adorable. Without a word, John took out a dried fish and tossed it to Crookshanks, who caught it deftly, showcasing an intelligence beyond that of a normal cat.
During the meal, Percy Weasley's newfound status as student council president was the subject of both admiration and jest, especially from his brothers. Percy's pride in his badge was evident, and even Harry and Ron couldn't help but compare him to a Ministry official. "It's a pleasure to meet you here," Percy greeted John, who returned the sentiment with congratulations on his election. Their exchange hinted at a deeper connection, leaving the younger siblings curious about John's involvement.
After dinner, John retreated to his room, only to be drawn out by the sound of an argument. It was Percy, now missing his badge, accusing Ron of mischief. Harry, seeking to defuse the situation, volunteered to retrieve some lost medicine. John suspected the twins were behind the disappearance, a theory supported by their history of pranks.
Descending to retrieve a forgotten glass ball, John caught Harry eavesdropping outside a room. Teasing Harry about his unexpected behavior, John retrieved his item and found Harry hiding from the Weasleys. Arthur Weasley's awkward greeting to John hinted at the sensitive nature of their conversation.
Harry, troubled by what he overheard, was grappling with the news of Sirius Black's escape and his apparent targeting of Harry. Despite the fear surrounding Sirius, Harry resolved not to be intimidated. He also pondered the Ministry of Magic's leniency towards him, a stance clarified by Minister Fudge's personal visit, which was more about relief at Harry's well-being than punishment.
This encounter with the Weasleys and the unfolding events around Sirius Black added layers to John's understanding of the magical world, intertwining his fate with Harry's in unforeseen ways. In the dimly lit bar, Harry voiced his concerns with a hint of despondency, "John, do others really see me as that timid?" Mrs. Weasley's apprehensions about the truth frightening Harry were evident, and Mr. Weasley too harbored fears of Harry acting rashly. John, observing the emo saviors around them, was momentarily at a loss for words. However, he responded with patience, "If you're open to sharing what's been troubling you, I might be able to provide some clarity."
Harry recounted Sirius's mention of Hogwarts and the possibility of him coming after Harry. John, stroking his chin thoughtfully, considered Harry's physical condition and concluded that it was indeed uncertain whether Harry could handle an encounter with Sirius. Yet, he couldn't dismiss Mrs. Weasley's concerns as unfounded, given that Hogwarts was under Dumbledore's protection, a factor that even Voldemort would have to consider carefully.
Seeing Harry's worried expression, John reassured him, "Don't frighten yourself over this. Whether you're aware of it or not, this situation won't directly impact you." Harry found solace in John's words, realizing that with Sirius being pursued by the Ministry of Magic, Aurors, and Azkaban guards, it was highly unlikely he would make it to Hogwarts. This thought brought him some peace, and he proceeded to the private room where the Weasleys were, to fetch medicine for Scabbers.
Upon ascending the stairs, they encountered the twins playfully tormenting Percy by transforming his badge into a caricature. This was not an uncommon occurrence, prompting John to retire to his room for some rest.
The following morning dawned bright and early, signaling the day of their departure to the station. John, who would have preferred to apparate, found it impractical in the presence of others and graciously accepted Mr. Weasley's offer to travel together. It was immediately apparent to John that the driver of the car was an Auror, characterized by his competence and constant vigilance.
_________
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