Chapter 4
February passed without any surprises. A new set with a miniature Quidich pitch was the latest sensation. Many boys, and some girls, took this set and the flying player figures. Tom kept counting the money, it was a real goldmine. The galleons felt almost normal to the touch. After a whole month, it turned out that they had earned 8,000 galleons... And the sales charts kept rising. Currently, the entire amount was in the magic safe in Tom's room. He felt strange that Lady Sigyn trusted him so much with such wealth. She said that in March they will use this property, because the store needs to be expanded, maybe another branch should be purchased, some of it will be invested in the magic stock exchange, and of course, he must receive a commission as the store manager. He was a bit surprised why the money wasn't in the bank, but Lady Sigyn said the current situation required it. In a way, he understood - Lady Sigyn believed in independence, he even had a suspicion that she wanted to start her own bank. This was something unheard of in the wizarding world, but she explained it to him. All it takes is the right spark, a goblin rebellion, and all the wizards' resources will be unavailable. It would even be funny that aristocrats like Abraxas Malfoy or Zevi Lestrange would suddenly become paupers.
They also had new employees - Ed Hoppkins, Carl Weasley and Robert Corbin. Hoppinks was a muggleborn, the others were purebloods. And of course, as usual, Minky was on guard, bringing them delicious rolls, honey, and milk during breaks. All three of them were older than Tom. They graduated from Hogwarts. At first they treated him like a little boy. However, one good curse he thought of and his cold tone were enough. He was the one in charge here. Lady Sigyn trusted him with the shop, not this gang.
Currently, Tom wore very fine wizarding robes made of silk from some exotic variety of silkworm. Very elegant and pleasant to the touch. He wore a gold watch on his chest to keep track of the time. He received all this from Lady Sigyn. She was very pleased with his work. Of course. He was the best and in the future all their brand stores will rule the world. Europe, America, Asia... The whole world will be full of their places. Tom liked to imagine it.
He also got some information about Hogwarts and was not impressed. This school sounded like a trap to kill children. Stairs that get tangled and do not lead to the goal. Student duels. The forest nearby is dangerous. Accidents on the pitch. As a licensed toy store manager, he felt repulsed. Currently, he decided to go to this school only for half a year. Test the teen market and then give up at Christmas.
Tom was currently looking at his gold watch and keeping track of the time. As usual, they are late. If this continues, he'll throw them out of here. It's unprofessional. Minky was cleaning one of the magic balls on the shelves and humming softly.
''It's unbelievable, we're opening in a minute and none of them are there yet.'' Tom was angry.
''Master Tom doesn't like it when they're late.'' Minky pricked her ears.
''Of course, Minky. You and I are the only ones keeping this store running properly...apart from Lady Sigyn, of course, but she's an artist...artists are always a little...unconventional'' Tom said. He knew it. He read books about Leonardo da Vinci and other Renaissance masters.
''Minky is a good elf and Lady Sigyn runs things well,'' Minky said.
''Yes I know. I just...don't like it when they show no respect,'' Tom replied.
''Master Tom is too overworked, he should be having fun like the other customers,'' said Minky.
''I can't have fun when these imbeciles are ruining our work ethic. That's five minutes late,' Tom muttered. He will learn nasty curses at Hogwarts and punish them. No tolerance for laziness.
Then Ed Hoppkins burst into the store. His freckled nose and flaxen hair were full of green goo. He blinked and could barely see.
''What happened?'' asked Tom.
''Attack, some kids were using paints from our store and throwing them at me,'' Ed winked.
''Why?'' asked Tom.
''They're complaining about the constitution and they threw it at me... they want new paints,'' he replied to Tom.
Then Tom noticed. The uniform with the store's logo was also stained. He felt cold. The fury that slowly escaped from his mouth ''How dare you let this get dirty''.
The room became cold. Minky and Ed looked at him scared.
''How dare you let Lady Sigyn's logo be in this condition...how dare they dirty it'' Tom spoke coldly. Something cracked. It was money. Cash register fell to the floor.
Tom took a few exhales, he couldn't spoil the shop. But he won't let this go unpunished. He turned his gaze to Ed. And he wanted his pain. After a moment, the man grimaced and clutched his stomach. All right. Let him feel the pain. This is an appropriate lesson. In the orphanage, such lessons served discipline well.
''Master Tom, stop'' Minky was crying and clutching her ears.
Minky was good. He didn't want to upset her. This lesson is enough. Tom released his magic.
Ed was breathing heavily.
''You must respect logo,'' Tom replied coldly and went to the cash register to fix it. Minky helped Ed up and sent him to the bathroom to remove the paint from him. Tom was furious. It was similar to the children in the orphanage. Why couldn't they be competent. Why couldn't they manage things properly. The cash register was fixed, even with the help of magic Tom added a nice touch. The logo glowed brighter.
No one will offend their logos anymore. Tom will see to it personally.