"On average, one book costs around five Galleons."
"His books are all categorized by adventure stories, and they are a bit more expensive."
Vinda had already asked when she picked up the book.
Hogwarts textbooks are a significant source of revenue for the bookstore and require extra attention.
Five Galleons...that's not cheap!
Argus was fairly familiar with the prices of Hogwarts textbooks. A normal textbook would cost two to three Galleons, while cheaper ones, such as the "Elementary Transformation Guide," would only cost one.
Most of these books can be used for a long time, and some can even be passed down to one's younger siblings.
This is also a Weasley tradition.
In comparison, Lockhart's books were clearly too expensive, costing five Galleons each, and there were eight books in total. Forty Galleons was almost equivalent to half a month's salary for an ordinary wizard.
What is our profit margin?
"After deducting Gilderoy Lockhart's share and various costs, the profit per book is approximately two Galleons and five Silver Sickles."
"A 50/50 split?"
"That's right, we're in charge of book production and sales, and Lockhart is in charge of marketing."
Good heavens, after all this time, he'd turned out to be the swindler himself!
Without considering profit sharing, the cost was only two or three silver coins.
He immediately sold five Galleons!
And Lockhart, no wonder he was able to live so comfortably at St. Mungo's Hospital after losing his memory.
Selling books over the past few years, plus the Hogwarts textbook, had been enough to make him a fortune.
"Aunt Vinda, starting today, all of Lockhart's books will be discounted."
"Single book purchase: four Galleons per book; eight books together: twenty-five Galleons; Lockhart complete series: thirty Galleons."
"Finish processing Lockhart's books as quickly as possible!"
In the original book, even if Lockhart lost his memory in the future, it was never revealed that he used the Amnesia Charm to possess the experiences of other wizards.
But that didn't mean his books would be alright.
His year teaching at Hogwarts was enough for many wizards to see his true worth.
Why stubbornly persist when losses could be avoided in advance?
Vinda didn't ask why, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.
"In that case, Lockhart probably won't agree."
"Don't worry about him. His share will remain at the original five Galleons. We'll just earn a little less."
"Okay, I'll arrange for them to do it right now."
Acolytes Bookstore issued a related announcement that day.
It caused a sensation in Diagon Alley once again!
Wealthy people are always a minority in the wizarding world; most Hogwarts students come from ordinary families.
A set of Lockhart's textbooks was really not cheap.
They were already prepared to cut back on spending, but Acolytes Bookstore undoubtedly gave them a second option.
"Mr. Grindelwald truly deserves to be called a pure-blood wizard! He will surely become a great figure like Dumbledore in the future! You should learn from Mr. Grindelwald!"
"Thank goodness for Mr. Grindelwald, otherwise my child would probably have had to buy second-hand textbooks this time."
"If only all shops could be as ethical as the Acolytes!"
"Pah! They dare to compare themselves to Mr. Grindelwald! Look at those vampires in other bookstores—the moment they see the Hogwarts announcement, they raise their prices! They're afraid they won't be able to make a killing!"
"That's right! Support Mr. Grindelwald! Support the Acolytes!"
"..."
Countless wizards were deeply grateful to the Acolytes. Some wizards, despite being short of money, gritted their teeth and bought a brand new Lockhart textbook for their children because of Argus's discount.
In just a few days, Acolytes Bookstore sold out most of Lockhart's textbooks.
Furthermore, it had earned a great reputation among British wizards.
...
The Burrow.
Harry, who had just been rescued by Ron and the Weasley twins, quietly followed the group into the house.
An automatically washing spatula, a clock made of Weasley family portraits, and a peculiar house structure.
Everything was so amazing to him.
Ron casually picked up a piece of bread and put it in his mouth.
"It's a bit simple, but at least it's a home."
Harry's eyes lit up with excitement: "I think this place is amazing!"
Knock knock knock knock!
A series of hurried footsteps came from the stairs!
Mrs. Weasley looked furious and slammed her hands heavily on the table!
"You!"
"Die!"
Where did they go?!
The moment she saw Harry, the anger in her eyes instantly transformed into the gentlest smile in the world.
"Oh, Harry, it's so good to see you, darling!"
Turning her head and seeing the three Weasleys, her expression turned serious again.
"The bed is empty, and you didn't even say a word!"
"They even drove the car away!"
"You might die, or be seen!"
As if realizing that her tone was not quite right, she turned to Harry and adopted a loving motherly demeanor.
"Of course, I'm not blaming you, dear Harry!"
The Weasley twins were dumbfounded.
Whose biological mother are you?
That's such a quick change of expression!
Ron's mouth was stuffed up like a hamster's, and he explained pitifully, "They want to starve him, Mom, and they even sealed the windows."
"Watch out, or I'll seal your windows, Ron Weasley!"
"Come on, Harry, it's time for breakfast!"
Led by Mrs. Weasley, the group went to the dining table.
A short while later, Arthur Weasley arrived at the dining table dressed in a suit.
He kissed Mrs. Weasley on the cheek and sat down at the head of the table.
In the original story, Harry and Arthur had never met before, but now, because Ron caused a big mess last school year, the Weasleys had been summoned to Hogwarts.
Arthur had already met with Harry beforehand, and after briefly inquiring about the reason, he didn't dwell on it any further.
An owl's call came from outside the window.
Mrs. Weasley put down her kitchen utensils.
"It must be Errol who sent the message."
Bang!
No sooner had the words left her mouth than a huge owl crashed straight into the window.
Percy took the letter.
"It's a letter from Hogwarts; they sent Harry's letter too."
"Dumbledore must know you're here; he's omnipotent." As a member of the Order of the Phoenix, Arthur had an unconditional adoration for Dumbledore.
Percy opened the letter, glanced at it, and handed it to the Weasley twins.
His brows furrowed involuntarily.
"No way, these things aren't cheap!"
"Yes, spellbooks alone are very expensive."
For the Weasleys, whose entire family was supported by Arthur's salary alone, a book worth dozens of Galleons was indeed too expensive.
Moreover, they needed more than just that!
Ginny was about to start school, and she would need to buy her wand, wizard robes, and other items.
Mrs. Weasley took the letter, sighed slightly, but still smiled and comforted the children.
"Don't worry, children."
"Perhaps we should go to Diagon Alley today!"