Golden Goose

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Charing Cross Road

The moonlight illuminated the street, casting its glow on the bustling pedestrians moving to and fro, forming a crowd. On this twilight evening, a tall woman cloaked in a traditional black witch robe and a pointy hat that concealed her eyes, only revealing her lips and chin, walked along the sidewalk. Only a cascade of long purple hair was visible.

She cast her gaze upon the sign that read "Leaky Cauldron."

'...I can see it.'

Tears welled up in her eyes as if her innermost dreams had finally manifested. However, her eyes held no sentiment of fondness; rather, it was a bittersweet feeling, like the return of shattered hopes.

"Miss, are you all right? Allow me to assist you if you're facing any trouble. It's a gentleman's duty to aid a lady in distress."

A wizard dressed in a resplendent robe inquired, noticing the tearful witch by the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron. The witch immediately recognized the figure before her, her mind calculating as the golden opportunity presented itself.

"It's nothing, really. I became emotional upon seeing the Leaky Cauldron after such a long time,"

The witch replied, raising her hat to reveal her face. Her royal purple eyes captivated the wizard's attention. Despite her imposing height, it was the young, beautiful woman who looked familiar but he dismissed the thought.

"Oh, you look quite youthful. Is it nostalgia? Ah, the days of youth, they remind me of my adventures across the world when my energy knew no bounds," The wizard's words bore a peculiar undertone.

Shock widened the witch's eyes as she pointed at the wizard, her voice a mixture of panic, admiration, and disbelief.

"Y-You are Gilderoy Lockhart!"

"That took longer than I anticipated. You are correct, young lady. I am indeed Gilderoy Lockhart in the flesh."

Gilderoy executed a gentlemanly bow, accompanied by a broad smile.

"S-Sir! I'm actually here to purchase your latest published book! I feel so fortunate! Oh my goodness, I'm absolutely overwhelmed!"

The witch's hands fumbled within her robe as if searching for something.

"Where is it? Did I lose it? No!! My bag!!!!" She lamented.

"Calm yourself, young lady. What seems to be the matter?"

"S-Sir! I've misplaced my bag. It contains all my valuables, including one of your older editions, my Galleons, Sickles, and even my wand! I can't even summon it, it has anti-summoning protection!"

Her distressed exclamation drew the attention of those nearby. Realizing that she was drawing unwanted attention, Gilderoy responded, "There, there. It's alright, young lady. I shall help you."

"T-Thank you, Sir," the witch replied, her agitation easing at his comforting words.

"Why don't we continue this conversation inside the pub?"

Gilderoy led her into the Leaky Cauldron without awaiting her response. They settled at a table, and their conversation flowed as Gilderoy ordered Firewhisky for both of them.

"Um, Sir, I'm embarrassed to ask this, but could I borrow 100 Galleons from you? Of course, I'm not asking for it free of charge. I possess a Muggle printing press. I can print a thousand, no, ten thousand copies of your books in exchange for this favor. No, this is an honor for me! Please, I implore you."

"Oh, hahaha! Well, of course, it's only 100 Galleons, but why so many books? Are my books truly that remarkable?"

Gilderoy inquired with amusement. He might be a con artist, but he wasn't naive. He can't just give his money to a person he just met.

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