The Arrival at Lionhardt Store
The Lionhardt Store in Diagon Alley was quiet that morning—too quiet.
One by one, witches arrived.
Some clutched worn satchels filled with brewing notes.
Some wore robes that had clearly been mended more than once.
All of them carried the same expression:
Fear.
They had talent.
They knew it.
But the wizarding world had taught them that talent—especially theirs—was something to be exploited.
They expected harsh interviews.
Impossible conditions.
Low pay hidden behind flowery words.
Instead, they were greeted by three women whose presence alone commanded respect.
Gamma.
Yasaka.
And seated at the center—
Nagini.
Her eyes were calm.
Sharp.
Unforgiving of lies.
Nagini's Interviews
There were no tricks.
No intimidation spells.
No humiliating tests.
Nagini asked direct questions.
"What potions can you brew without notes?"
"Which ingredients do you refuse to compromise on?"
"Have you ever improved a recipe on instinct alone?"
Some faltered.
Some answered confidently.
A few surprised even themselves.
When one witch nervously apologized for working illegally to survive, Nagini raised a hand.
"We are not here to judge desperation," she said evenly.
"We are here to judge skill."
Gamma reviewed their brewing records with frightening speed.
Yasaka observed silently, catching things others would miss—hand movements, ingredient order, confidence under pressure.
When the interviews ended, Nagini stood.
"Nearly all of you are accepted."
Gasps filled the room.
Then came the contracts.
And that was when disbelief turned into shock.
Terms That Changed Everything
The wages were higher than any apothecary in Diagon Alley.
There were guaranteed holidays, medical leave, and personal research time.
But the final clause—
That broke them.
Lionhardt Store will provide full scholarships for employees' children
if they demonstrate knowledge, discipline, and talent.
The room went silent.
One witch began to cry.
Another pressed a trembling hand over her mouth.
They had come expecting chains.
They were given a future.
Many whispered the same thing under their breath:
Professor Snape… thank you.
They bowed—not formally, but sincerely.
And when Gamma said, "Welcome to the family," they believed her.
Elsewhere: Harry Irritates Snape (Again)
Back at Hogwarts, Harry Potter had absolutely no idea what he was doing wrong.
He raised his hand in Potions.
"Professor, is it okay if I stir counterclockwise first, then clockwise? I read it in a book Lucien recommended—"
The temperature in the dungeon dropped.
Snape turned slowly.
"Mr. Potter," he said silkily, "if you follow one more instruction not explicitly written on the board, you will be cleaning cauldrons until you graduate."
Harry blinked.
"…Yes, sir."
Snape turned away, robes snapping.
Why, he thought darkly, couldn't Lucien have been the one sorted into Gryffindor?