There was a reason why the women seemed to find this situation absurd.
Lucas had just given them a concept. He couldn't even convert it into money by himself without revealing the protean charm secret, as it required too many complicated runic procedures to hide it.
And Aurora's so-called 'fairness' was also not enough to warrant shares.
Of course, despite their surprise, none of the women actually questioned it. And the reason was pretty simple.
"So, what was the illness like? Did you… suffer a lot?"
Aurora was just kind hearted and eccentric. And she seems to have a soft spot for those suffering from serious illnesses.
"It was… not that bad. There were potions that could suppress the symptoms, but I was still always skinny, weak, and easily tired. Also, I couldn't do magic."
Lucas was very confident about this story, as the symptoms described were similar to those suffered by his old Lucas, who regularly consumed potions (lust suppression). Also, there are many other wizardfolk suffering from strange diseases, making it plausible for him to have some rare condition they hadn't heard of.
"That sounds pretty bad to me." It was Adeline who said this. Lily and Hermione were looking at him with pity.
Aurora was suddenly finding a book on her shelf very interesting, her side profile hidden by her long auburn curls. But Lucas had seen the pain in her eyes before she turned. His heartbeat sped up.
'Something is definitely there!'
Lucas felt life become more meaningful every time he saw those traces. But of course, now was not the time to celebrate.
Pity is not something he would want as the main reason for integrating into this group.
He kept an outward calm as he said, "Ladies, there really is no need for pity. Our headmaid is a skilled potioneer, which is why I was spared from the worst. And since I had no hope on practical subjects, I was able to brush up on my theory." .
"That's true. He is really good at Potions and Herbology," Hermione agreed.
"And he was able to think of the instant messaging feature," added Adeline.
"It is commendable how far you have come," said Aurora, facing him again. "But you will need to do more than that if you want to integrate here. Lily, tell him all the requirements. You two, get to work."
"Let's go. I'll show you around," said Lily, motioning him to follow.
"Don't touch anything. Anything can be dangerous. And valuable."
They moved through the aisles, with Lily showing no intention of saying anything. Lucas's eyes darted through all sorts of weird contraptions, his shock only magnifying everyone second.
"This place seems decades ahead of the current magical society."
"It is. But of course, most of the things you see are prototypes. And developing them further is certainly not feasible with our current man-power."
"Then, why not hire more people? This could change… everything."
"A good question," Lily smiled, glancing back. "There are two reasons. The first, and arguably the most significant - the wizarding world isn't ready for these changes. Do you understand what that means?"
Lucas realized that she was actually testing him.
He pondered the matter. "These inventions will hinder the interests of Purebloods, who control the majority of wizarding countries. This will only drive more of them towards the dark faction."
Lily nodded approvingly. "Exactly. And even if we share the benefits, if we introduce too many new things, their insatiable greed will still cause them to band together against us since the rewards will be worth it. Now, can you guess the other reason?"
"Is it because you already have enough money?"
Lily laughed. "That cannot be farther from the truth. Most of the money we earn is either spent on charity, given to the ministry, or used for further research. So, we could definitely use more money."
"Then… " Lucas looked around, recalling Lily's words. Most of these inventions were very valuable and very complicated.
"You haven't found competent people you trust."
"Correct. Mainly, we just aren't willing to let outsiders in. But there are too many other criterias. Which brings us back to our business - what would it take for you to join us?"
Lily began counting on her fingers. "Let's see. First - it must be a girl, due to obvious reasons."
"Second - they cannot be greedy for wealth and power. We aren't here for those things."
"Third - they must be mentally stable. Magic can easily corrupt people and take them on a wrong path."
"Fourth - They must be extraordinarily talented, and adept at all subjects. None of us can work with anyone who can't catch up.
"Fifth - They cannot be lazy. I can't stress this enough. Each of us are workaholics so slackers aren't welcome."
Sixth - Mental defence and torture resistance. And willingness to sign many restrictive contracts."
"That seems to be it. But as you know, there are many more complications which is why we don't even try."
Lucas listened to each point with full concentration.
"I can agree to the sixth condition, and I can pass almost all other conditions, but… I am not a girl, and I'm not adept at all subjects. So, since I am not fully qualified, and since recruiting me involves many unpredictable factors- then... why-?"
"Why were you still allowed in and given shares? Because you do have a few redeeming qualities. Your proposition had many marketing tactics and applications that, while being extremely detestable, were very novel and profitable.
Like your suggestion of setting message limits and selling message packs - the epitome of capitalist scamming behaviour.
It's a shame to admit it, but we do need someone with this kind of mindset.
This is why Miss Aurora has decided to give you a chance. Mind you, it's just a chance - you are not permanent here, and you will be subjected to restrictions like Hermione. And if you do not catch up and prove yourself useful soon, you will forget everything about this place. "
"I'll give it my all."
Lucas did not hesitate to agree. Anyone in his place would do the same. In the face of the benefits, the restrictions like forgetfulness wards and secrecy contracts were nothing.
But his position was even more simple. Since the party B of the contract was his mother, he had nothing to fear and everything to gain.
….
Lucas signed the contract and accepted the restrictions of wards (both of which were ineffective due to his magic absorption)
He could sense a conditional binding magic within himself if he concentrated hard enough, which could be absorbed if need be.
This meant that the current mainstream restrictive magic and contracts were ineffective on him.
But before he even had the chance to make plans which could exploit this loophole, he was plunged deep into studies under the guidance of Adeline and Hermione, who were tasked with teaching him the basics.
"This is so exhausting," said Lucas, sitting in the library with Gabrielle and the Golden Quartet. In front of him were numerous books and charts on ancient runes and runic sequences.
"I think I'll just keep you company," said Gabrielle, finally giving up on learning everything with him. This was too much for someone who was used to playing around all the time.
"I won't say I told you so, mate," said Ron, looking up from his charms essay. "But I'm curious what else were you expecting?"
"Shut up, Ron. Lucas is only exhausted because he is covering thrice the amount we actually set for him," said Hermione.
Ron shrugged, putting away his homework. "Anyways, I can't focus on anything with all the excitement. I mean, what if I get selected?"
Three days had passed since Lucas signed the contract. These three days were also the time set for the students to enter their names into the competition.
In the end, almost everyone above 4th year had entered their names with the mentality of trying their luck.
"You'll have to beat me first, mate," said Harry, who was examining his photo in the Daily Prophet. True to its name, it had prophesied the likely candidates, which included Harry Potter.
Adeline muttered something like 'living in delusions' under her breath as she began gathering her things.
"It's almost time for the feast. Let's just wait there."
They all filed into the Great Hall, which was already almost full with students. Flashes of light accompanied the sounds of shutters, making everyone aware of the presence of the reporters from multiple countries - here to record this momentous event.
"Neville, move aside - you're hiding my profile."
"Ron, can you try to be more civil? It's a recording," Hermione hissed.
Lucas simply hid Gabrielle behind him from the eyes of the drooling photographer.
As 8 o'clock rolled around, the Great Hall seemed to have become a boiling cauldron of excitement.
The teacher's table was full, even after being extended. Aside from the Professors, Aurora, and Lily, there were also the Headmasters of the other two schools and one person from their ministries.
Lucas already knew Alec Rosier's uncle, Alaric Rosier. Thanks to these two, Lucas had been sleeping in Gryffindor dormitory since he didn't want to defend himself even in his sleep.
The ministry liaison from Durmstrang side was actually a familiar person: Igor Karkaroff.
This snake has actually managed to snag a decent position for himself, even if not the Headmaster of Durmstrang.
Ariana stood up to address the crowd.
"Tonight, the names of the Champions will be announced, thus starting the tournament.
The first task will be on 28th of November. There will be 6 judges - 3 Headmasters and 3 Ministry representatives.
The Tournament will span the rest of the semester. The selected champions will be exempt from classes and all the training resources at Hogwarts will be available to them.
The Goblet will announce the names in exactly 30 minutes. Let the feast begin."
With that, Ariana left the podium, leaving the students filled with suppressed excitement.
"Exemption from classes… What will I not sacrifice for that," Ron murmured dreamily.
"It's good that I didn't participate," said Hermione, looking relieved. "Imagine not attending classes."
"I like attending classes," Harry stated, glancing at Adeline.
"I don't like classes when I get into trouble for no reason," said Adeline pointedly.
Everyone ate very fast, or did not eat at all. But still, time seemed to pass very slowly. Harry was particularly fidgety, rubbing his hands.
"What did you do?" Adeline asked, narrowing her eyes at him.
Hermione also seemed to realize something. "Harry? Are you being serious right now?"
"What?" Harry asked innocently. "I didn't do anything. At least not if there is no proof…"
"Harry! This is an international event! With international coverage," Hermione hissed, keeping her voice low.
It was already too late to stop the prank. As the time for the announcement approached, the Goblet seemed to get more and more restless, its blue flames becoming progressively more turbulent.
Everyone had already stopped eating, their eyes fixed on Goblet. Ariana left her seat and stood beside the Goblet.
Just then, it happened.
Blue Flames shot up behind the Goblet, and a name appeared in the air in bright funky magical font.
DRACO MALFOY
SALEM WITCHES' INSTITUTE
Aside from a few naive students, everyone knew that the name did not actually appear from the Goblet, but from behind it.
Harry, Fred and George Weasley burst into uproarious laughter, soon joined by the rest of the Gryffindor and other houses.
But then, the Goblet's fire erupted for real, and a piece of parchment floated into the air.
Ariana caught this one with her fair hand, her white nails gleaming in the Goblet's fire. As she read the name written in it, her eyebrows raised.
"... Lucas Castillin. From Beauxbatons."
…..
A.N.:
So, here's the Deal:
500 stones = +1 Chapter
1000 stones= +2 Chapters
1800 stones = +3 Chapters
2500 stones = +4 Chapters!
STONE ME TO DEATH
Every stone counts!