These words sent a jolt through the shop owners.
They also follow all kinds of news.
Draco Malfoy's reputation in the Wizarding World has quietly turned around. He is no longer the arrogant young master who only relies on his family; instead, he frequently does things that make people look at him with new eyes.
For example, he improved relations with the Weasley family, with whom he had always been at odds, and even became a couple with Hermione Granger, Muggle-born.
She has top grades at school, remains calm in the face of adversity, and can even calmly cast the Patronus Charm when facing Dementor.
Anyone with eyes can see that this Malfoy has unlimited potential.
Forging a good relationship with him now is less about attaching yourself to the Malfoy family and more about investing in a young man who will one day stand at the top of the Wizarding World.
Anyone can do the math.
Seeing that they still couldn't make a decision, Draco pulled out his ultimate weapon.
"After setting up the barrier, I'll give you one year. Within that year, if you feel it's inappropriate and want to back out..."
" The Malfoy family won't charge a single penny; the barrier fee, labor costs, and procedures will all be covered free of charge, and they won't cause any trouble."
Draco's tone was reassuring; it represented not just business, but confidence and sincerity.
He dares to give first, dares to let everyone benefit first, and dares to take all the risks on his own shoulders.
After these words were spoken, no one hesitated anymore.
The shop owners, who had been full of concerns just moments before, all showed genuine emotion on their faces.
" Young Master Malfoy... you've gone to such lengths, we believe you!"
"We agree! We'll do it your way!"
"We'll do anything you say to restore Hogsmeade to its original state!"
One voice after another rang out.
"That's true... but Young Master Malfoy, this isn't a long-term solution," Timothy, the shopkeeper of the Magic Neep, raised a question.
" Hogsmeade has a protective barrier that prevents Dementor from getting in, but customers outside are also afraid to come in. We still have no business, and we can't sustain this situation for long."
Draco smiled faintly, "I already thought of that. I will send people to patrol the entire route from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade, eliminating Dementor they encounter on the spot to ensure the safety of our guests."
"In fact, the Dementor won't stay here for more than a year. Once they've left, you can then consider whether or not to accept their investment."
The shop owners were completely relieved.
" Young Master Malfoy has considered everything so thoroughly, what do we have to worry about! We'll do whatever you say!"
"Alright," Draco said, "Then it's settled."
He turned and walked out of the Hog's Head, calling out to the students waiting outside, their faces full of anticipation:
"Come in and squeeze in, wait a moment in the bar. I'll go get reinforcements and have the family set up a protective barrier. Once the barrier is in place, Hogsmeade will be completely safe, and you can shop and do whatever you want."
The students immediately burst into cheers:
"Long live Draco!"
" The Malfoy family is too powerful!"
"Now we can finally have some fun!"
After giving Hermione a few instructions, Draco vanished in a flash, using Apparition leave.
The students were used to it; none of them were even surprised.
Someone who's so skilled with the Patronus Charm wouldn't be surprising if they could Apparition.
Everyone rushed into Hog's Head, laughing and joking.
Even the older students were somewhat excited about it.
This place is usually dark and suspicious, and they rarely step inside. Today is the first time they've openly gathered here to drink and chat.
The shop owners also became enthusiastic, chatting with the students about the recent situation in the village, the new goods that had arrived in the shops, and what fun things they hadn't had time to display yet.
Hermione was the last to enter the bar. She glanced back in the direction Draco had disappeared before following him inside.
Meanwhile, at the Malfoy Manor, Lucius was out, and only Narcissa was at home.
As soon as Draco returned, he quickly and concisely recounted what had happened at Hogsmeade, the terms he had agreed upon with the shopkeepers, and the Patronus Barrier.
Narcissa was quite surprised, but then a look of pride spread across her face. She patted her son's shoulder and said:
"You did the right thing, Draco."
"You helped innocent people while upholding Malfoy's dignity and principles. You've grown up."
Draco didn't delay. He said, "Mother, I need manpower, not necessarily those who actually know the Patronus Charm."
"I'll set up the formation; you just need to help me cover our tracks. Father has transferred most of the forces away, so you just need to gather ten men for me."
"I'll arrange it right away," Narcissa said.
Draco turned and went back to his room, taking out a stack of Patronus Rune Stone that he had prepared beforehand from the system.
These runes were personally carved by him using the power of the Patronus Charm. Even ordinary wizards who do not know the Patronus Charm can repel Dementor simply by wearing them.
He returned to Hogsmeade with ten people from the manor.
He publicly claimed that the guards were sent by Malfoy, but in reality, he was the only one who actually set up the formation.
Draco calmly dispersed the eight men to patrol the road, distributing a runestone to each of them to clear away Dementor and clear the way for passersby.
The remaining two stayed at the village entrance to keep watch.
Alone, taking advantage of the others' inattention, he silently buried runestones at eight key locations in Hogsmeade, using his wand as a guide and silently reciting ancient enchantment incantations.
A protective barrier, with the Big Dipper as its focal point, slowly spread out over the entire village.
The silver light was gentle yet firm, completely shutting out all the coldness, despair, and decay.
Hogsmeade is finally about to see the light of day again.
Before long, a soft silver light swept across the sky above the village, like an invisible veil gently enveloping the entire Hogsmeade.
The air suddenly warmed up.
The feeling of coldness, suffocation, and despair vanished instantly.
The owners of the Hog's Head, who were chatting inside, rushed to the door in surprise. "It's done! The barrier is really working! The Dementor ' presence... we can't sense it at all!"
"Open the door! Open for business now!"
One by one, the previously closed shops opened, wooden planks were removed, windows were opened, lights were turned on, and a sweet, lively, and magical atmosphere poured out.
The aroma of Honeydukes wafted throughout the street, the trinkets outside Zonko's Joke Shop jingled, and the warmth of Butterbeer wafted from Three Broomsticks.
The entire Hogsmeade came to life! Upon seeing this, the students cheered and rushed out of the Hog's Head.
"The doors are open! All the doors are open!"
" Draco is amazing!"
Hermione had just stepped out of the bar when she saw a flash of silver light in the distance. Draco had returned, looking as calm as if he had just gone for a walk.
"It's all set," Draco said to Hermione.