Kapitel 48: The Shops opening

...

Dumbledore thought that Dyroth would open a few shops, perhaps five or six, based on the current resources at the Saints' disposal. After all, shops in Diagon Alley are expensive, and obtaining supplies for store operations takes time.

But the parchment in front of him, densely packed with locations, indicated "more than thirty" properties, many of which were the type of stores monopolized by pure-blood families—like potion ingredients and magical creature supplies.

This was like raiding the pure-blood families' vaults!

Dumbledore realized quickly that Dyroth wasn't asking him to *help* with any potential issues. He was forcing these families into a corner, practically begging for retaliation. Dumbledore's eyes flickered with unease as he scanned the list.

Even with all his power and reputation, he couldn't help but feel the headache brewing. While he was the strongest wizard alive, this kind of action against entrenched, ancient families wouldn't be easily dealt with, even by him.

Dyroth, observing the way Dumbledore's face paled, smirked with satisfaction.

"Headmaster," Dyroth teased, his voice low and pointed. "You aren't going to back out, are you? You're known as the greatest white wizard of this century—you wouldn't lie to a mere schoolboy like me, would you?"

Dumbledore opened his mouth, as though to retort, but no words came out. He sighed heavily, grabbed the parchment, and vanished from sight.

---

Back at the bustling ceremony, Arthur Weasley and Molly Weasley, accompanied by their daughter Ginny, wandered through the crowds.

"All these shops, opened at once—how could anyone afford this?" Arthur marveled as he surveyed the scene.

"Look, that's Amelia Bones, Director of the Magical Law Enforcement Department!"

"this is Dolores Umbridge!"

"And that..."

"Even Fudge is here too!"

Mrs. Weasley glanced around, less impressed. "Come on, Arthur, it's not like we can afford anything here. Let's go and look at clothes for Ginny. She'll be going to Hogwarts soon, after all."

Arthur trailed after his wife, his awe subdued by her practicality. The trio soon found themselves at a clothing store, packed with witches eyeing fine robes and other garments.

Ginny's eyes lit up as she touched a soft robe. "Mum, this feels amazing!" she exclaimed.

A young sales witch overheard and smiled kindly at Ginny. "Oh, you've got great taste, sweetheart! This robe is one of our bestsellers. It's perfect for Hogwarts, not only stylish but also charmed to keep you warm in the coldest winters."

Ginny gazed at it, enchanted by the robe's beauty.

"You... are you the manager of this store? Did you design these clothes?" Ginny asked curiously.

The young witch smiled but shook her head. "I wish I could say yes, sweetie. But no, I'm just a sales assistant here. There are plenty of us around. But you were right about one thing—the designs? They're amazing, They're all our boss's work."

"Merlin's beard, these designs are brilliant! I'd love to meet the person behind them if I ever get the chance," she continued, eyes wide with admiration.

"You haven't met the boss yet?" Arthur cut in, sounding surprised.

"Not just me," the young witch replied, "no one here has met them. But since today is the grand opening, we're all hoping he'll make an appearance."

Mrs. Weasley, seeing her daughter's excitement, bent down to whisper, "Should we get it, dear?"

Ginny hesitated, knowing her family's financial struggles. Although she loved the robe, it felt wrong to ask for something so costly.

Before she could decline, a calm, familiar voice came from behind them. "Please wrap this up for her, thank you."

Ginny spun around and saw Dyroth Grindelwald standing there, his blue eyes gentle.

Arthur's reaction was quick. "No, Mr. Grindelwald, that's too much!"

Dyroth smiled and waved off Arthur's concerns. "Please, call me Dyroth. Your sons Fred and George have been good friends to me at school, and Percy has been a big help as well. Ginny is practically like family to me. Consider this a small gift."

Arthur wanted to protest further, but one glance at Ginny's hopeful face made him stop. Mrs. Weasley, though she said nothing, silently resolved to knit a special sweater for Dyroth as thanks.

Ginny blushed and said shyly, "Thank you, Dyroth."

Dyroth smiled back and reached to pat her head, but stopped halfway, realizing she was only a year younger than him. To his surprise, Ginny stepped forward and gently rubbed her head against his hand before darting back to her mother's side, too shy to look up.

With the new robe in hand, the Weasleys and Dyroth left the shop, strolling toward the ceremony stage, talking casually about the bustling event.

---

As the ceremony continued, Cornelius Fudge, along with other high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Magic, took their places on stage. The excitement among the crowd was palpable.

"By the way, Dyroth, isn't it true that first-year students at Hogwarts aren't allowed to leave the school except during holidays?" Arthur asked, finally voicing the question that had been on his mind.

Mrs. Weasley, who had also been wondering about this, gave Dyroth a curious look, waiting for an explanation.

"I had something important to take care of today," Dyroth replied smoothly. "So I requested special permission from Headmaster Dumbledore in advance."

It was a small lie, but Dyroth delivered it convincingly.

Neither Arthur nor Mrs. Weasley had any reason to doubt him. In their eyes, Dyroth was an exemplary young man—top of his class, always respectful, and possessing the dignified manners of someone from a noble lineage, but without the typical arrogance.

Sometimes, Mrs. Weasley even thought to herself, If I had another child, I would love for them to grow up like Dyroth.

Arthur Weasley eyed the stage, curious about who the mysterious shop owner might be. "I wonder who it could be. Must be someone important to afford all of this," he mused.

"Not necessarily," Dyroth replied, smiling mysteriously. "Maybe they're just having a good time with friends."

Arthur chuckled at the lighthearted comment, assuming it was just a joke. But then, the announcer's voice echoed through the crowd, leaving Arthur dumbfounded.

"Thank you all for attending today! And now, a warm round of applause for our esteemed shop owner, Mr. Dyroth Grindelwald!"

Arthur's jaw dropped. He stared at Dyroth, who flashed him a little grin before stepping onto the stage.