After young Ginny threw herself into Alan's arms, she hugged his neck tightly, shouting, "Remember, remember!" Her enthusiasm made everyone laugh.
Alan took the opportunity to let Ginny sit on his arm, picking her up. Looking at the young girl who was so close to him, his eyes were filled with joy and doting affection.
"It seems Ginny likes you even more than I imagined. Your presence is more effective than mine. It really worked out, making you Ginny's godfather," Arthur said, leaning toward Ginny and pinching her small hand. "Call him godfather. This is your godfather, do you still remember?"
"God... godfather..." Ginny obediently called out. She simply felt that the handsome man in front of her was very kind, not yet grasping the full meaning of the title.
Alan responded happily to the name, then carried Ginny back to the living room to sit down. Ginny was quite clingy, and as she sat on Alan's arm, her courage grew. She stared intently at him before playfully messing with his hair. Alan wasn't bothered by her mischief; instead, he tilted his head closer to make it easier for her.
Seeing how well they got along, Arthur laughed. "Ginny likes you so much, why don't you let her stay with you for a couple of days? I'll come pick her up later in the week."
"Stay with me?" Alan asked, gently bouncing the girl on his knee. "Ginny, would you like that? Want to play with your godfather in Diagon Alley for a few days?"
"Mm-hmm!" Ginny didn't fully understand the logistics, but she instinctively nodded.
When Hog, who was curled up nearby, heard this, he shivered in terror. *What? This demoness is staying here?* He stretched out a paw from afar in silent protest, only to be completely ignored by Alan.
"Alright, alright, stop displaying your father-daughter affection," Moody said, pouting slightly at their harmonious appearance. "Let's talk about serious matters. You mentioned in your letter that you had something important to discuss."
"Indeed," Alan nodded, carefully placing Ginny on the sofa beside him. She sat there obediently, gnawing on a lollipop Alan had provided. Alan leaned forward, took two documents from his coat, and pushed them toward Arthur and Moody. "Take a look at these."
Moody and Arthur exchanged a bewildered glance before picking up the papers.
"Oh? You're already prepared to open your alchemy company?" Moody had known about Alan's plan for a long time, but he looked at him with some surprise. "But what does the five percent share mentioned here mean?"
Arthur finished reading and nodded as well. "Silver Lightning Alchemy Company? Is that the name you've chosen? It's a good thing you're starting a business, but why transfer shares to us?"
The documents were investment agreements for the new company. Alan knew that doing business with the Ministry of Magic required internal connections. Minister Bagnold was too upright to approach in this manner, and others lacked sufficient trustworthiness.
He had chosen Moody and Arthur for specific reasons. As a heavyweight figure in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Moody had immense influence. Having him speak on the company's behalf would yield results that gold alone couldn't buy. If a five percent share could secure Moody and his network, it was a bargain.
As for Arthur, while his office was small, his authority over the legislation of magical items was significant. Alan planned to enter the civilian market later, which would involve modifying Muggle items. Having a shareholder who influenced those specific laws was essentially like having a protective umbrella over the entire operation. He had even prepared a similar contract for Hagrid, as he intended to source materials from the Forbidden Forest.
He was integrating resources and securing the loyalty of those he trusted. He believed that if there was money to be made, it should be made together with friends and family. However, he had to frame it properly.
"It's like this," Alan said with a smile. "I'm planning to launch my company soon, but it will primarily deal with tactical equipment. Most of the products won't be for the average wizard. Since you both work at the Ministry, your colleagues will be my main clients."
"I'd like to invite you both to be consultants. You can help me understand client needs and provide feedback. As for the shares—my liquid funds are a bit tight right now, so these will serve as your compensation."
Alan looked specifically at Moody. "For example, you've often mentioned the difficulties Aurors face on duty. That gave me a lot of inspiration for development. I'm very sincere about wanting you both to join Silver Lightning."
Arthur still looked confused. "But even if you need consultants, wouldn't Moody be enough? I rarely participate in frontline combat."
"For frontline tools, Moody is plenty. But I also want to enter the civilian market. I know you have your own research there, especially regarding the modification of Muggle items," Alan said, pouring Arthur another drink and smiling.
Arthur nodded as if enlightened; he and Alan had discussed those possibilities at length. Moody, however, was sharper. His magical eye darted back and forth before he grinned at Alan.
"Haha, Alan, you've beaten around the bush quite a bit, but you're actually trying to bribe us with these shares so we'll help you secure orders within the Ministry," Moody said. Having seen a lifetime of political maneuvering, he saw through Alan's scheme instantly.