Dumbledore’s reply arrived promptly.
On one hand, he expressed appropriate surprise that Lockhart had persuaded all the Muggle families, while simultaneously claiming he had always believed Lockhart could do it, stating that his expectations for Lockhart had been raised yet again – fully demonstrating just how emotionally intelligent a wise wizard could be.
Regarding the matter of bringing parents into Diagon Alley, Dumbledore believed that a large group of Muggles suddenly entering Diagon Alley en masse would inevitably cause unnecessary trouble.
Although he trusted Lockhart’s ability to handle it, considering the potential for trouble, he decided to send another teacher to assist Lockhart in guiding the parents.
That person would be Professor Severus Snape – Dumbledore thought that a pure-blood family member would show respect to the Head of Slytherin House.
It seemed Dumbledore knew exactly who the potential troublemakers might be.
As for reimbursement, Dumbledore didn’t mention it at all, presumably treating it as a joke on Lockhart’s part, even though it wasn’t.
Considering he would still be receiving a salary for the next few months, Lockhart had handed over most of his gold to his brother-in-law, leaving himself with only three or four hundred Galleons.
This amount wasn’t much, but it wasn’t little either.
It was enough for a family like the Weasleys to live frugally for half a year.
But if he wanted to buy any luxuries or take a trip, it would disappear quickly.
Still, money had to be spent when necessary.
He needed others to see his generosity, and generosity was always the surest way to make friends.
Since the Headmaster wouldn’t reimburse his gift expenses, he would have to pay out of his own pocket.
Soon, the appointed time with the Muggle families arrived.
Over the past month, aside from reviewing spells he had previously learned and preparing lessons, Lockhart had spent most of his time building better relationships with his parents and two sisters.
As a half-blood wizard, Lockhart’s advantage lay in being able to appeal to both worlds.
He had no intention of giving up this advantage easily.
Taking a purely magical path would only leave him constrained by the pure-blood families, and even if he became Minister for Magic, he would only be a puppet.
Just like the first Muggle-born Minister, Nobby Leach, who served from nineteen sixty-two to sixty-eight and was rumored to have been killed by the Malfoy family using a plague.
By the same logic, Muggle-born witches and wizards would become Lockhart’s core support base.
After they graduated and entered wizarding society, they would naturally want to attain positions commensurate with their abilities and wealth in the magical world.
And he would become their most dedicated representative.
…
“Good day, Mr.
Mason!”
Lockhart stuck his head out of the car window and greeted the Mason family waiting by the roadside.
“Hello there, Professor Lockhart.”
Mrs.
Mason smiled back at him, looking to be in excellent spirits.
Unlike the excited child and his cheerful wife, Mr.
Mason wore a deeply suspicious expression.
When Lockhart invited them into the car, he hesitated.
Seeing his hesitation, Lockhart didn’t mind.
“The other eleven children and their parents are already on board.
You’re the last family.
On the way to Diagon Alley, you can all chat for a while.
When we get close, I’ll introduce the basics of Hogwarts along the way,” he said.
Mr.
Mason’s confusion deepened.
“You mean, they’re all in the car?”
He instinctively looked around, wondering where the second vehicle might be.
“They’re all inside this car,” Lockhart corrected.
“Of course, if you prefer to drive yourselves, you may, but I’m not sure your car can keep up.
Now then, ladies first, Mrs.
Mason, please…”
Before he finished speaking, Mrs.
Mason, assisted by her son, ducked into the back door of the car, and Sam followed her in.
Mr.
Mason stared at his own ample belly and doubted the Lotus’s back seat could accommodate him.
But soon, an excited cry came from inside.
“Dad!
Hurry up and get in!
It’s enormous in here!”
Mr.
Mason had no choice but to lower his head and step into the car.
He was immediately stunned by the interior, which resembled a classroom.
Twelve noisy young witches and wizards were already sitting together, enthusiastically discussing the magical school and the courses they would study.
The women were chatting about the beauty products Lockhart had given them and about Lockhart himself.
Though the group was sizeable, everyone had their own seat, and there was still room to spare.
Soon, Mr.
Mason asked the question many Muggle men before him had asked.
“How much does this car cost, and where can I buy one?” he inquired of Lockhart.
Lockhart answered without hesitation.
“Not currently available for sale to non-magical people, unless the Department of Magical Transportation amends the law.
But once your son comes of age at seventeen, purchasing one shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“That’s soon enough,” Mr.
Mason dismissed casually.
“Though I’d prefer it to look like a Bentley.”
Lockhart smiled quietly.
“Mr.
Arthur Weasley of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office is trying to amend the relevant laws.
You should get your wish.”
The wealthy truly were different.
Their first thought upon seeing something desirable was always how to possess it.
Money was merely a symbol, available in whatever quantity needed.
Good.
He admired that spirit.
Sure enough, Mr.
Mason’s eyes brightened slightly.
“You mean we can use money to influence…
I mean, lobby the professionals who make these laws?”
“Wizards are people too,” Lockhart said meaningfully.
Mr.
Mason understood instantly.
Seeing the spark of understanding, Lockhart dropped the subject.
He knew when enough was enough.
He cleared his throat and cast a Sonorus Charm.
“Ladies and gentlemen!
It is my honor to serve as your guide and introduce the path to Hogwarts.
While I could take you all to Diagon Alley by more direct methods, considering that in the coming years, these young ladies and gentlemen may need to come purchase their supplies on their own, we will take the traditional route this time.
We’ll enter the Leaky Cauldron at number one, Diagon Alley, from Charing Cross Road, then go through to Diagon Alley via the back door.”
“Charing Cross Road?” someone objected.
“I deliver goods there often, but I’ve never seen any Leaky Cauldron pub.”
“It’s the Leaky Cauldron.
You’ll see it, I promise,” Lockhart said.
“And you’ll be amazed that you’ve passed by so many times without ever noticing it.
Please sit tight, everyone.
I’m locking the doors and starting the engine now.”
The man who had spoken looked skeptical, but the car beneath him was more convincing than any argument, so he wisely chose not to press the point.
Upon reaching Charing Cross Road, Lockhart first let the passengers out, then turned the car into a corner.
Taking advantage of the momentary solitude, he quickly used a Shrinking Charm on the car, pocketed it, and rejoined the new students.
By the time he parked, however, the young witches and wizards had already found the location.
“The Leaky Cauldron…
it’s here, Dad, right here!”
“What are you talking about, Enoch?
Isn’t this a record shop?”
“It’s right here!
Look properly, between the record shop and the bookshop!
It’s all shabby and run-down, isn’t it obvious?”
“I think you must be very tired, child.
Those two shops are right next to each other.”
“No!
It’s clearly there!
There’s even an old drunk inside pointing at us and laughing!” Enoch argued stubbornly.
Lockhart quickly hurried over.
“Please keep your voices down, everyone!
Don’t attract attention.
I forgot to cast the counter-charm on you all earlier.
My apologies!”
He reached into the side pocket of his robes and gripped his wand.
“Revealing Charm!” he muttered softly.
The Muggle parents watched in astonishment as a grimy, dilapidated little pub seemingly forced its way into existence between the two shops.
Through the windows, they could make out shadowy figures inside, and the clamor of clinking glasses and conversation was faintly audible.
Judging by the dust on the sign, this pub had clearly not just appeared there today.
How had they never noticed it before?
“The landlord here is named Tom.
He’s a good man, much better than the other Tom.
The entrance to Diagon Alley is out back.
Please follow me,” Lockhart announced.