Richard didn't feel the need to hide publicly known information, so he answered honestly:
"Hermione, I don't know what this information is for you, but the easiest way to circumvent antitrust laws is to create several companies and manufacture the same product under different names. Of course, you'd have to create the appearance of competition between these companies, but it's all easily accomplished. Such financial fraud schemes have long been known, and proving violations is practically impossible."
"Guru!" Fred fell to his knees.
"Teacher!" George repeated after his twin brother.
"Teach us to be great businessmen like you!" said Fred.
"Yes, teacher, we beg you to take us as students!" George bowed low.
"Clowns!" Richard said good-naturedly. "I'll see how you behave."
"We have ideas, oh greatest of Lords!" Fred drawled, like a prayer.
"Yes, yes, sir! Ideas for the future of business," George echoed. "We even have some magical developments."
To this Richard replied:
"If you have ideas, come to me and share them. If they prove worthwhile, I'd be willing to become your investor. Or, alternatively, you could work as magical engineers at my company, earning a very good salary. If your developments prove truly valuable, you'll receive a share in the business. Consider the latter option; it would be far more profitable than any business venture among wizards."
The Weasley twins began making playful attempts to kiss Rich's shoes, which brought smiles to Richard and Hermione's faces. Having barely fended off the twins, the young Earl made his way out into the vestibule and, accompanied by his friend, continued his journey back to his compartment.
Richie and Hermione returned to the last carriage in the dark, when the Hogwarts Express began to slow down.
Richard was surprised to find swelling under Ron's left eye and bruised knuckles on Harry's right fist.
"Did you get into a fight with someone?" Richard asked.
"Yes, three people came here..." Harry waved his right hand.
"Malfoy and his friends," Ron hissed angrily. "They showed up and immediately asked us, 'Have you seen Harry Potter?' Then that bastard Malfoy started insulting me."
"Yeah," Harry confirmed. "Ron Malfoy punched him in the eye. Draco's buddies pounced on him. Naturally, I didn't stand aside and gave those bastards a good beating, just like Uncle Scott taught me. Tough bastards! But they couldn't do anything against karate and judo."
"I punched Crabbe in the face too," Justin chimed in. "There's no point in going three on one! Those wizards have no sense of honor."
"Fighting is bad!" Hermione said indignantly, in the voice of a stern teacher. "How could you?!"
Ron looked like he was about to say something nasty to the girl. Richard beat the red-haired boy to it.
"Hermione, remember this for the rest of your life: fighting is completely normal for boys. Never lecture boys about fighting unless you want to turn them against you. You can support them, or you can simply remain silent, but don't tell them that self-defense and defending honor are bad. No, no, no! Defending honor and a friend is sacred."
"Fighting is bad," Hermione pouted.
"Bad," Richard agreed, "but worse is showing weakness and letting others walk all over you. Once you cave, you'll be a doormat for the rest of your life."
"Richie's right," Harry confirmed with a serious look.
"Yeah," Ron nodded.
"We couldn't just watch three guys beat up Ron!" Justin added.
"Boys!" Hermione snorted like a cat. "The train is pulling into the station," she added sternly, "it's time for you to change. And me too, so get out."
"Hermione," Richard looked at her reproachfully, "for all of us, changing clothes means throwing on robes. If you listen to you, it sounds like an erotic performance. I don't think anyone should leave over such a trivial matter."
"Pff!" Hermione said, turning up her nose.
The girl understood that Richard was right, but she did not want to admit that it was so.
"By the way, Hermione," Richard continued, "I told you Malfoy's a git. Here's a perfect example," he pointed at Ron's black eye. "He showed up, insulted our friend, and started a fight out of nowhere. And that's the end of it, I'm sure. I've seen some rich kids who think they can get away with anything. We call them black sheep."
The Hogwarts Express stopped at a station dimly lit by ancient-looking lanterns. Children crowded into the vestibule before the doors and then, in a noisy crowd, streamed out.
Soon the entire group found themselves on the platform. The bulk of the schoolchildren were hurrying toward the carriages. A three-meter-tall, bearded giant in a moleskin coat attracted much attention. He waved a huge oil lantern and boomed:
- First-year students, come here!
Harry Potter grabbed Richard's elbow and said in a frightened voice:
- It's him! Richie, this is the same forester who tore our tent.
Before Richard could answer, the big guy looked straight at the group of first-years, or rather at Potter, who tried to hide behind Richie's back.
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