"Five hundred?" Richard raised an eyebrows in surprise. "No, my personal bodyguards will earn seven hundred Galleons. However, half of their salary will be paid in pounds sterling. You'll also need to undergo training at an elite bodyguard academy. Does that suit you?"
A delighted smile lit up Hector's face. He nodded several times and answered enthusiastically:
"Yes, sir! I'm ready. That's more than I was expecting."
"Hector, are you married?" Richard continued. "Any children?"
"No, sir." Proudfoot shook his head. "I haven't really thought about starting a family yet."
"Well then, I'm satisfied with your candidacy," Richard concluded before shifting his gaze to the nervous Nymphadora, whose hair had turned a bright lime-green colour. "Miss Tonks..."
"Sir," Nymphadora said nervously, "I'm eighteen years old. I graduated from Hogwarts a year ago. I was in Hufflepuff House."
"Ah, noble Hufflepuff!" The corners of Richard's lips rose involuntarily. "I'm a Hufflepuff myself. Miss, would you mind explaining what's happening with your hair?"
"Mr Grosvenor, I'm a Metamorphmagus," Nymphadora replied. "I can alter my appearance and take on the likeness of other people."
The young witch immediately demonstrated her abilities.
Her hair turned black, her eyes became brown, her nose lengthened into a large hooked shape with a prominent bump, and her eyes narrowed. In this form, she resembled a witch well into middle age.
Richie was astonished by such a magical gift. He had never heard of Metamorphmagi and found the demonstration genuinely impressive.
"Remarkable!" he said with sincere admiration. "Can anyone learn to do that?"
"I don't know, sir." Nymphadora shook her head. "People say you have to be born with the gift. Both of my parents are wizards. My father is Muggle-born, and my mother was born a Black. She ran away from home because she didn't share her family's racist views. They were opposed to any association with Muggle-borns."
"Black..." Richard said thoughtfully, sorting through his memories. "I know of a few Blacks. Narcissa Malfoy was a Black before she married. Bellatrix Lestrange had that surname before marriage as well—one of the closest followers of the terrorist Riddle, currently in Azkaban. And Sirius Black is also a supporter of Riddle and is serving time in prison."
"Embarrassing as it is to admit, they really are my relatives on my mother's side," Nymphadora replied. Her hair faded to an ash-grey colour as she restored her original nose and eye shape. "Our family doesn't share their views in the slightest."
"Very well, Miss." Richard saw no sign that Tonks was lying. "What about your personal life? I wouldn't want significant resources spent on your training only for you to suddenly get married, go on maternity leave, and then spend years out of action."
"No, Mr Grosvenor." Nymphadora shook her head, this time sporting bright pink hair. "I don't intend to start a family anytime soon. I want to build a career first. But if I were to..." Her hair suddenly turned crimson, matching her cheeks. "If I were to become pregnant, I'd do my best to return to work as quickly as possible after the baby was born!"
"Good." Richie rubbed his chin thoughtfully without taking his eyes off her hair. "Miss Tonks, can you control your ability? I appear in public rather frequently. It would be rather awkward if my bodyguard suddenly changed her hair colour in front of television cameras during a press conference."
"Sir, I can control it," Nymphadora replied, though a note of uncertainty crept into her voice. "Well... or I could wear a hat."
"Excellent," Richard said. "You're both hired, subject to a probationary period."
Nymphadora positively beamed with happiness. Her eyes turned a vivid green, while her hair shifted to bright pink.
Proudfoot let out a sigh of relief. He had already been told that he was accepted, but Hector had not quite been able to believe it until now.
Nymphadora could not resist asking a question.
"Sir, forgive me, but what exactly will the probationary period involve?"
"You'll take turns accompanying me throughout the summer," Richard began to explain. "Miss Tonks one day, Mr Proudfoot the next. Naturally, in the role of bodyguards. I'll have the opportunity to evaluate you, and you'll have the opportunity to evaluate me and the work of a personal bodyguard in general.
"During that time, you'll receive your full salary. If, by the end of the summer, everyone is satisfied, you'll attend a bodyguard academy and complete the finest six-month course available. In addition, you'll need to learn how to drive a car and pilot a light aircraft. Alongside that, you'll continue maintaining your physical condition through hand-to-hand combat and magical training.
"During your studies, you'll receive a stipend equal to half your salary. Once your training is complete, you'll begin work on full pay. While I'm studying at Hogwarts, you'll be assigned to protect my father, the Duke of Westminster. Does that arrangement suit you?"
"Yes!" Proudfoot replied enthusiastically. "Sir, I'd be delighted to improve my qualifications. To be honest, I originally thought I'd have to live off my savings during the training period. This is an excellent offer, sir!"
"The Duke?" Nymphadora blinked in astonishment. "I'm sorry, are you actually an Earl?"
A quiet laugh escaped Richard.
"Yes, Miss Tonks," he replied. "Earl Grosvenor."
"Merlin!" Nymphadora exclaimed. "I thought that was some sort of joke. I'd heard of Grosvenor Workshop and assumed you were the owner's son."
"No, Miss Tonks," Richard replied, shaking his head. "It is my company. My father is an ordinary man—if that's an appropriate description for a duke, billionaire, and member of the royal family's social circle. Well then, it was a pleasure meeting both of you. Please come tomorrow at ten o'clock in the morning to Number 69 Grosvenor Street. It's in London, not far from here. I'll arrange for a magical notary to attend, and we'll sign magical contracts."
"Good day, sir," Proudfoot said, rising from the bench.
"Goodbye, Earl," Nymphadora said in farewell.
"Scott, it's time for us to go as well," Richard said.
"Right..." Detective Potter, who had remained silent throughout the entire conversation, set aside his nearly empty mug of beer and stood up with an indifferent expression. "Come on, lad. I've never liked this place, but it's useful when you need to meet wizards."
(End of Chapter)
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