Richard imagined the portal as a huge circular arch, like in the Stargate holo-series. Even if the arch were compact, it would be at least a couple of meters in diameter. Or he imagined a gigantic space portal station, used by scientists to send reconnaissance probes and spaceships to other stars.
Richard was curious to see the portal and wondered where the old lady would get such a large device. But the sorceress seriously surprised the young man.
Madame Marchbanks took out a wooden pointer and removed a silver bracelet from her wrist. Placing the jewelry on the coffee table, she began waving the pointer and muttering something. It was impossible to make out what she was saying.
Having finished waving her pointer, Madam Marchbanks said:
"My boy, I've enchanted this bracelet into a portal. To use it, you'll need to hold it in your hand and say the word Portus. Remember that?"
"I already remember, madam," Richard replied, maintaining a mask of calm, though he was currently experiencing an indescribable range of emotions. "I have an excellent memory, though not eidetic. Excuse me, I noticed that when you said Portus, nothing happened. What happens if I pick up the bracelet and someone else says the keyword?"
"Absolutely nothing," the old woman replied loudly. "The portal will only activate under two conditions: first, someone touches it with bare skin; second, the person touching it pronounces the activator word out loud. By default, all portals use the word Portus as the activator. And also, Richard, call me Mentor!"
"Okay, Mentor," Richard replied. "Tell me, what if someone else, for example, picks up the portal and activates it? A servant, for example. Will it work?"
"Yes," the old woman replied. "That's the beauty of portals-they can even transport Muggles."
The Minister of Magic gave the men an apologetic smile and said:
"Excuse me, gentlemen, but we must go. Business cannot wait... I've already barely found time to visit."
"Oh, no, no!" replied the elder Rich. "We understand perfectly well. You hold an important position. It was a pleasure to meet you, Madam Minister. If you need anything, please contact me... As long as it doesn't require an expenditure equal to the budget of a small country, I am ready to help or make a 'modest' donation."
"A donation?" The Minister seemed to instantly change her mind about going anywhere. "Perhaps I can stay a little while longer," she said, smiling charmingly at the Duke. "Mr. Rich, if it's not a secret, what do you do?"
"It's no secret," Gerald replied. "I'm continuing my ancestors' investment strategy: land, real estate development, sales, and leasing."
A greedy glint appeared in Millicent's eyes. She licked her lips with the tip of her tongue and said:
"Mr. Rich, we were planning to build a magical village. A small hamlet within Great Britain. The location is unimportant, but preferably away from ordinary settlements. Could you please tell me, is it realistic to find land for such a development?"
"I'll tell you more, it's not only possible," Gerald replied, "I even have that kind of land. What's more, I can even build houses and infrastructure. How much land are we talking about?"
"We need a village of about a hundred houses, but it's preferable for each household to have about five acres of land. Hufflepuff graduates are eager to receive plots of land for building farms and farming. Building is optional; we can do it ourselves faster and cheaper."
"Will Scotland suit you?" Gerald asked the minister.
"Quite," Millicent answered excitedly.
"In that case, I am prepared, on behalf of the Richs, to lease the land to the wizards in perpetuity at a minimal price."
"Wonderful!" the Minister of Magic rejoiced. "I suggest we discuss the price and location of the lands later. I'll send a competent specialist from the Department of Magical Economy to you. If you don't mind, it would be more convenient for us to work in magical currency. Unfortunately, only your son will be able to use the wizarding bank."
"Oh! No problem," Gerald smiled broadly. "I'll register these lands in my son's name, and the tenants will pay him the rent. Will eight hundred and forty acres of picturesque countryside suit you?"
"Oh, yes!" the Minister rejoiced. "This is even more than I expected. But if that's all..."
"I won't keep you," Gerald smiled dazzlingly.
"Madam..." the Minister looked at her companion and did not have time to finish her sentence.
"Yes, yes, I'll apparate with you too, my dear," the old woman said, leaving the cozy sofa. "Richard, I'm expecting you on Saturday at nine o'clock. Don't be late."
The witches spun around and disappeared. Two faint pops echoed through the living room.
All the feigned calm the elder Rich had assumed was instantly washed away. He leaned back wearily on the sofa and asked in a hoarse voice:
- Charlie, did you see it too?
"How did two witches teleport?" asked Prince Charles.
"Yeah," Gerald confirmed with a nod.