Plans for the Alchemy Shop

With a little thought, it became clear that Nagini had originally been meant to serve as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for the coming school year.

The sudden replacement could only have been because of Sirius Black.

Vincent blinked his wide eyes. "Professor Dumbledore, just who exactly is this Remus John Lupin?"

School board members had the authority to review the résumés of incoming professors, but they did not know as much as the headmaster who had personally interviewed them.

Dumbledore pointed behind him. "Are you sure you want to keep staying here?"

Fudge had arrived with Lestrange and Devin.

They were chatting and laughing, most likely about the deed to Knockturn Alley.

"Vincent, I never imagined you would have such an idea."

"It's mainly because that place is especially sensitive." Vincent rose to his feet with an act of nervousness.

"I don't think any wizard would dare take it over, so the price must be quite favorable."

Knockturn Alley had always been synonymous with chaos, while its far end was a breeding ground for crime.

First, the partners had expressed their intention to buy, then they had conducted repeated on-site inspections.

Fudge had gotten the idea back then. Delaying until now had merely been a way to do them a favor.

Dumbledore and Newt simultaneously switched into spectator mode.

The more eager Vincent and the others appeared, the more troubled Fudge looked.

"Public security really is a problem."

Devin patted his chest and guaranteed that they would not trouble the Ministry of Magic, while Lestrange also said they would hire the most professional security team.

"If that's the case..." Fudge nodded helplessly.

"I agree solely in my personal capacity. I only hope that what I least wish to see does not happen."

Going by what he said, patrols in Knockturn Alley would likely be reduced, or perhaps replaced with less professional personnel.

Vincent was naturally overwhelmed with gratitude, just short of crying aloud.

After ending that hypocritical performance, they had finally secured the deed for the future Alchemy Factory and shop.

Fudge worked efficiently. By the time the banquet was nearing its end, he had already prepared the contract.

The name on it was Vincent's, but since he was still underage, Lestrange and Devin would temporarily hold it on his behalf.

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne still had matters at the Bugatti factory to attend to, and putting the names of the Greengrass and Rosier Families on it would serve as an excellent deterrent.

Once the conflict with the International Alchemical Association was resolved, it would be time to expand overseas.

Vincent made no attempt to hide any of this from Dumbledore and Newt, as though he were hinting at something.

His teacher had faked his death and traveled around the world with his wife, while these two also held great international prestige.

Dumbledore helplessly spread his hands at Newt again. "We really are old. Young people can scheme against us so casually now."

"Albus, I thought you refused to admit that you were old." Newt smiled and nodded at Vincent, thereby agreeing to the matter.

Having reached their positions, they no longer cared much about fame or what others thought.

Though they had not cared about such things when they were young either.

If Alchemical Items could become widespread, they would undoubtedly spark a transformation in the Wizarding World.

Benefiting the majority of wizards was undoubtedly a good thing. Lowering the overall status of Alchemists might not necessarily be a bad thing either... By six in the evening, the banquet had already reached its end.

Vincent bid farewell to each of the guests who had yet to leave, then entered the elevator with his family.

Perhaps it was fate. They happened to run into Graves and Department Head Ashiya, who were slightly tipsy.

Judging by their condition, they must have had a pleasant exchange.

After all, Viktor had changed his appearance completely, even changing his name.

It would have been truly unfair if he were exposed.

By the time they returned home, it was already night, and they decided to set off the next morning.

Vincent packed a few simple belongings, then left with his suitcase for Fallen Paradise's temporary headquarters at 144 Oxford Street.

The old house looked completely ordinary from the outside, but countless defensive spells had been arranged within.

The front door opened automatically. They must have learned of his arrival in advance.

If one ignored the nine Fallen Angels sitting upright in various styles of dress, this place was simply an ordinary Muggle home.

"Hello, Boss!" They all rose to their feet in unison and greeted him with great vigor.

Vincent's mouth twitched slightly.

They needed to pay more attention to corporate culture.

"Two matters." He gestured for everyone to sit back down on the sofas, then spread out the magical contract that had just been signed.

"I've settled the storefront in Knockturn Alley. During the renovations, security will be your responsibility."

Lucifer, the former leader, nodded solemnly. "Please rest assured."

"As long as we're here, any wizard who dares come in and cause trouble won't live to see tomorrow's sun."

His mouth twitched again.

This was just business, not the mafia or anything.

"I hope you can keep a lower profile." Vincent sat down and placed the suitcase on the coffee table.

"I run a legitimate business. You need to get used to that as soon as possible."

He opened the suitcase and took out Alchemical Items that were already ready for mass production.

They were all daily necessities, with quite a few decorative items as well.

Lucifer and the other four gradually relaxed.

They had heard Cheshire talk about him many times before, and their first impression of him was quite good.

Compared to Brando the vampire, he was practically a saint.

But anyone who could hire such ruthless people back could not possibly be a simple man.

Vincent did not explain their uses one by one. Instead, he took out a thick instruction manual at the end.

"Make note of their strengths and weaknesses. I plan to open for business this Christmas."

The shop's renovations could be finished in a few days, but the factory's automated alchemy equipment needed to be made by hand.

Not to mention installation and calibration—even a minor design flaw could cause enormous losses.

Even though magic could save many steps, actual products still had to be continuously improved to achieve a pass rate suitable for mass production.

He estimated it would take three months to build the production line, then another month to stock up.

"Greengrass and the Rosier Family are among the shareholders. If you run into any trouble you can't handle, go to them."

Several mercenary-style wizard organizations in Knockturn Alley were Voldemort's former loyal followers, along with those pure-blood lords who had never stopped thinking about him.

When these people were mentioned, Vincent noticed that their expressions were not very pleasant.

Some were angry, while others were afraid.

It could only be because of the oppression exerted by the top of the pyramid upon those at the bottom.

He probably would not get anything out of asking.

In their eyes, he too belonged at the top of the pyramid, one of the same "kind" as those lords, with no fundamental difference.

The only difference was probably that he was younger and would not exploit them too harshly.

With a complicated look in his eyes, Vincent took out nine Alchemical Pistols.

They were slightly larger than ordinary firearms, with no sharp edges, and their power had been reduced to a certain extent.

He had originally intended to issue them only after gaining a certain level of trust, but now they could be used in advance to win people over.

"They haven't been registered with the Ministry of Magic yet, but they'll be more useful than wands in an emergency."