Chapter 8
Tom was cleaning one of the magic balls that were on display, and in the distance, Weasley was arguing with a customer about Quidditch teams. A completely nonsensical thing. Quidditch was a stupid sport, according to Tom. But he was a great gain. Boys and girls took and took everything related to it in the store.They had to restock because these things were disappearing so quickly. It's like everyone...muggleborn, squib, half-blood or pureblood...everyone had to have kits for this absurd sport. Well, at least the number of galleons was increasing.Tom pulled out some bills he needed to sign for their new location. Copy for the renovation team - Magic with me. Copy for a glazier to install new windows. Write-off for one supplier to import a luxury carpet from a Parisian shopping district. Several bills for furniture. He also signed a note to the Ministry, which placed an order for decorations for the Department of Magical Games and Sports.
Lady Sigyn assured that one of the stars would be at their opening of their second location in Hogsmeade. Jocunda Sykes, who was the first to fly over the Atlantic Ocean on a broom. Tom didn't know how they managed to get such a star on their opening night, but he was impressed. Everyone loved Jocunda, who turned out to be one of the greatest witches of recent times. Crowds will definitely come. Everyone would like an autograph from her. And the galleons would sail, even though he knew they would have to pay a higher rent because the store was located in such a good spot. But overall it will be worth it.
Suddenly a man entered the store. His mustache was gingery blond and his hair was thick and straw colored.He was dressed in an elegant green vest with beautiful buttons, although it was obvious that he had barely buttoned them. He looked at the goods with gentle eyes and rubbed his hands.
Suddenly he approached Tom.
''Hello young man, where I can find the extraordinary lady who is the owner'' he asked politely.
''She's gone a lot, she's an artist. I take care of everything here, I'm her personal apprentice, Tom Riddle,'' he said, introducing himself to the man.
''Apprentice,'' the man repeated and looked at Tom curiously. ''I don't know the name Riddle.'' He said it as a fact, not an insult.
''I'm a half-blood,'' replied Tom.
''Your family must be extremely proud that you have such a good job, did they arrange this for you?'' the man asked, probing for information, but Tom didn't yet understand why he was doing it.
''No, I'm an orphan,'' said Tom. He used to be furious to say it, but now it's better than saying it - my mother was a criminal who drugged my father with a love potion. She died giving birth to me, and my father never wanted to see me.
''Orphan'' the man blinked. ''So how did you get this job''
''Lady Sigyn suggested it to me,'' Tom replied proudly. She saw that he was special. He remembered that she looked at him differently and that she had proposed it to him. Of course, there was an element of her over-concern, but that was simply her natural state.
''You must be an extraordinary person to get such a prominent job at such an age,'' the man replied.
''I agree with you, Mr...'' Tom paused, trying to get the man to reveal his name and purpose.
''Oh, I got so interested in you that I forgot my manners, ah my great aunt would be furious. Horace Slughorn, Potions Master at Hogwarts,'' the man jovially shook Tom's hand.
''Nice to meet you.'' Tom smiled. Hogwarts, the possibilities are opening up.
Tom gracefully asked Minky to supervise as he invited Professor Slughorn into his elegant room and served him tea and biscuits. According to Lady Sigyn, this is the best way to talk to others and enjoy the experience. She was the one who taught him this during their quiet evenings.
''How well-mannered you are, I must admit that even some students from respectable homes do not have such fine manners.'' Horace Slughorn ate the cookies and jovially praised Tom.
''Lady Sigyn taught me this, she is not only my employer, but my mentor.'' Tom smiled politely.
''An extraordinary woman, I must admit, suddenly appears like a comet lighting up the sky and changes everything she can. I have never seen such energy and power of feminine finesse.'' Horace Slughorn dipped a cake in his tea.
''Oh, yes... we already have two stores...
''I'm not talking about them. It's obviously a great achievement, and I'm delighted with how she's taking over the market, but I'm talking about her project to help werewolves... something that's outrageous but also hopeful for many families,' Professor Slughorn said.
Tom blinked. This is something new.
''What is this project about?'' Tom asked.
''Next week the first potion that could completely cure werewolfism will be tested...'' said the professor. ''As a Potions Master, I am completely absorbed in this project, if this really works... werewolfism will cease to exist. You will simply be given medicine for it.
Tom was angry that Lady Sigyn hadn't told him about it. But then again, it was so typical of her. Always a head full of ideas that break the well-oiled machine of the Wizarding World because someone is suffering. But why she did not say about it...he must to know.
Tom didn't have an opinion about werewolves, in fact he only remembered mentioning them in one of his books. But of course Lady Sigyn would think of their suffering and find a way.
He poured some tea and smiled encouragingly.
''That's extremely interesting, Professor... Maybe you could tell me more about it.'' Tom smiled charmingly.
''Of course, it is commendable that such young minds want to learn about great experiments and achievements.'' Horace Slughorn took another cookie.
Lady Sigyn was right. Tea and cookies are great weapons.