stonecrandall Page 461
Page 461
Hermione listened attentively to Levin's explanation, gently flipping through the plan in her hand, and interjected, "In the plan, you mentioned establishing five main departments: Security, Technology Development, Market Development, Business Consolidation, and Strategic Investment."
“Yes, Hermione,” Levin nodded. “These five departments not only each have important responsibilities, but their staff can also cooperate and support each other in the process of operation. This cross-departmental collaboration will be key to our company’s efficient operation.”
Chapter 522 Full Moon Night
Hermione continued flipping through the proposal, reading aloud in a low voice: "The Security Department is the company's quasi-military department. Their main task is to build an armed force to provide comprehensive security for the company. This includes developing various advanced lethal magical items, providing military training, and being responsible for the formation and command of daily guards and special operations teams. The personnel in this department not only need to have strong magical abilities, but also need to have strict discipline and excellent adaptability."
"It seems somewhat similar to the Aurors; it's a very crucial department." Hermione looked up, curious. "So, who do you plan to put in charge of this department?"
“I’m considering Cirira for this position,” Levin thought for a moment and replied. “She has performed exceptionally well in her Auror work at the Ministry of Magic, possessing extensive combat experience and outstanding leadership skills. While she cannot relinquish her Auror duties at the Ministry, we can seek help from Tonks. Tonks can leverage her influence at the Ministry to arrange a long-term assignment for Cirira, allowing her to primarily oversee the work of the Security Department in the near future.”
Hermione completely agreed with Levin's assessment: "Cirira is indeed an excellent choice. She's been complaining lately about how boring it is to stay in the office, and this position would allow her to fully utilize her talents. As for Tonks, her position in the Ministry of Magic is too important to leave; she can only be given more responsibilities."
Group, 796.942!877?
Levin smiled slightly and continued, "The Technology Research and Development Department, as the name suggests, is the core department responsible for the research and development and production of potions. Their work is mainly based on the technology provided by Professor Snape and me. Through continuous experimentation and innovation, they research and develop various practical potions. But their goal is not only to develop new products, but more importantly, to find the most cost-effective production solutions to ensure that these potions can be mass-produced and sold to the market."
He paused, then continued, "Of course, the work of the R&D department is not limited to potion development. They also need to actively refer to Muggle genetic and breeding technologies to explore how to more rationally raise these precious magical creatures. After all, magical creatures are one of our company's important resources. By breeding varieties that are more suitable for raising, we can not only increase production, but also provide a stable supply of raw materials for other industries in the company."
"The work of the Marketing Department is equally crucial. They are responsible for promoting our Arcane Magic and Arcane Union both domestically and internationally, allowing more people to understand and recognize us and our products. At the same time, they are also responsible for developing new markets, providing broader space for the company's business development. Arcane Union TV and other publicity departments are also important components of the Marketing Department, and they will convey our company's voice and image to the outside world through various channels."
He continued, “Once the Market Development Department successfully establishes a foothold in the market, the baton of business will be passed to the Business Consolidation Department. This department is like the company’s steward; they take meticulous care of every factory, herb field, and ranch, ensuring that every production process is executed smoothly. Moreover, they will take over the fruitful results of the Technology Research and Development Department and bring these carefully developed potions and magical animal products to the market.”
He then introduced another department: "The Business Consolidation Department's responsibilities go far beyond this. They also manage the company's portal transportation network, which is like the blood vessels of our company, quickly and safely delivering products to every corner where they are needed. At the same time, they also shoulder the important responsibility of pricing the company's products and materials, as well as the mundane yet crucial work of maintaining the company's facilities. It can be said that the Business Consolidation Department is an indispensable part of the company's operations, and their work ensures that every business of the company can take root and flourish steadily."
Hermione listened with great interest, and she interjected, "So what about the Strategic Investments Department? What do they do?"
Levin smiled and replied, “The Strategic Investment Department is another monetization department of the company. However, it differs from the Business Consolidation Department, which operates the company's main industries and follows a self-manufacturing model. The Strategic Investment Department is primarily responsible for focusing on the company's non-core industries, in which they will keenly seek out potential investment targets. Through skillful investment using technology and capital, they will transform these potential stocks into tangible profits for the company. Of course, if the company decides to transform certain non-core industries into core industries, the Strategic Investment Department will work closely with the Business Consolidation Department to ensure a smooth transition of these assets, ensuring that the company's business layout is more rational and stable.”
After introducing all the departments, Levin summarized: "The division of labor among these departments is indeed very clear, but at the same time there is close connection and cooperation. They are like gears, meshing together to drive the company's operation."
“Take the Titans for example,” Levin said, “Although the Isle of Man Reserve, which is under the Department of Technology Research and Development, is currently fully responsible for the Titans’ living conditions, the Department of Security will take over this responsibility in the future. The powerful Stone Skin potion that the Titans take was carefully developed by the Department of Technology Research and Development.”
He paused, then continued, "However, due to the ever-expanding scale of demand, the Technology Research and Development Department alone can no longer meet production needs. In the future, the Business Consolidation Department will take over to ensure the smooth large-scale production of the potion. Finally, after undergoing military training and equipment deployment by the Security Department, the giants will become a powerful military force within the Arcane Alliance."
“What a remarkable plan,” Hermione exclaimed after listening. “Such a system is not only comprehensive but also highly efficient. It allows our various industries to no longer operate in isolation, but instead have a clear goal and direction, enabling them to better collaborate and jointly drive the company’s development.”
The blueprint for the industrial group's operation has been drawn up. Now, they should take action to turn this grand vision into reality.
The two left the Isle of Man, teleported back to the tower, and began writing letters to Jaina and the others, detailing their upcoming plans. They still had a lot of work to do today.
Levin put down the heavy quill pen in his hand, gently rubbed his wrist which was a little sore from writing for a long time, and looked up at the window. He saw that the sun was gradually sinking below the horizon, and the golden afterglow was scattered across the sky. In the eastern sky, a bright moon was already faintly visible.
Tonight is a full moon night.
A few hours later, in Hogsmeade Village, dark clouds covered the once bright moonlight, plunging the entire village into a gloomy atmosphere. A gentle breeze rustled the branches of the trees.
On such a dark night, a group of people hurried along the village paths.
“Ms. Umbridge,” Onyxia’s voice rang out in the darkness, tinged with a barely perceptible doubt, “Are you really sure he’s in that secret passage right now, and that he’s transformed?”
Even though she already knew everything through Levin, she still acted as if she knew nothing about Lupin's identity or Umbridge's conspiracy in front of everyone.
Umbridge's voice was still uncomfortably sweet, but now it revealed a resolute determination:
“Of course, Director Presto. After two weeks of meticulous investigation, I have completely confirmed his identity. Moreover, I personally followed him into that secret passage today.”
“Through my in-depth investigation, I have discovered a shocking fact.” She paused, as if recalling some important detail: “It was Severus Snape, the Headmaster of Slytherin, who personally concocted the wolfsbane potion for him, and this was clearly at Dumbledore’s behest. The teachers and headmaster of Hogwarts were all in the know. I cannot fight them alone, so I had to request your assistance and the colleagues in your werewolf-hunting team. I also troubled Minister Fudge to personally go to the house to hold Dumbledore back.”
Onyxia nodded slightly, even admiring Umbridge's shrewdness and decisiveness.
She noticed that Umbridge wasn't wearing her signature pungent perfume today, clearly to avoid being detected by werewolves and revealing her location—truly Fudge's right-hand woman.
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She cautioned Umbridge, “However, I must tell you that the Werewolf Capture Program was in a state of disarray before I took over, and there were many loopholes in the relevant laws and regulations. Therefore, even if Remus Lupin is indeed a werewolf who is not registered with the Department of Magical Creatures Control, as long as he takes the wolfsbane potion on time and can prove that he has no record of harming anyone, he will not be severely punished according to the existing regulations.”
Umbridge's expression shifted slightly in the darkness, but she quickly regained her composure.
“My purpose is not to punish anyone,” she said in a righteous tone, “but to protect innocent children. Headmaster Dumbledore has the authority to recruit faculty and staff, but this time he secretly hired a werewolf as a professor without the knowledge of the Board of Governors, which is a great threat to the children’s safety. I cannot stand idly by; I must stand up and take responsibility for the children’s safety.”
“Since our goal is to ensure the safety of the students at Hogwarts, it’s only right that we work a little harder to verify the information you’ve provided,” Onyxia said firmly and forcefully, adjusting her wide-brimmed hat which was being gently tilted by the night breeze.
The group quickly arrived at the Honey Duke shop, whose lights stood out brightly in the night.
Upon seeing a dozen Ministry of Magic staff members outside, Ambrose Froome, the tall, thin shop owner of Honeydukes with a shiny bald head, ran out in a panic.
"Excuse me, what happened?" he asked, his voice trembling.
However, before he could finish speaking, one of Onyxia's Ministry of Magic employees showed his identification and quickly pulled him aside to explain the reason.
Mr. Froome looked surprised and uneasy, but he still obediently cooperated with the work.
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Update [4/3], Bonus Chapter [104/115]
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Chapter 523 The Exposed Werewolf
As soon as the shopkeeper made way, Umbridge eagerly darted to the front of the shop. A seemingly innocent smile appeared on her greasy face, but it actually revealed a hint of cunning and smugness.
“Director Presto, this is it.” She pointed into the shop, her voice full of anticipation.
Onyxia gently slipped her hands into her pockets, trying to control her gaze from constantly glancing at the cash register on the shelf, which was filled with Galon, Sikor, and Nat.
Umbridge led them through the shop's shelves to the warehouse located at the back of the shop.
She deftly opened a trapdoor, revealing a dark tunnel entrance.
The faint howls of wolves echoed from deep within the tunnel, sending chills down one's spine.
“It seems the target is inside.” Onyxia gestured towards the secret passage, and the Ministry of Magic employees around her immediately understood.
"【Light Dance Technique】!"
A Ministry of Magic employee gave a low shout, and a ball of light shot out from his wand, illuminating the dark tunnel with a bright glow.
The members of the werewolf capture team were highly trained, and their equipment was all specially designed for werewolf characteristics. They had everything they needed to capture werewolves, such as nets and ropes. Like cheetahs, they nimbly stepped into the tunnel first.
Umbridge followed them inside, her greasy face gleaming with excitement; she wanted to personally confirm Lupin's arrest.
Onyxia and her assigned Auror guards remained at Honeydukes' shop, where they were responsible for guarding the entrance and exit of the secret passage to prevent the target from escaping.
With Onyxia's strength, she could easily capture a mere werewolf if she entered the tunnel herself.
But she didn't do that.
On the one hand, their statuses are different; they've all become top leaders in the entire Department of Magical Creatures Management and Control, so they need to give their subordinates opportunities to perform.
On the other hand, she didn't want to get too close to Dumbledore to avoid the white wizard discovering her dragon identity. Although the possibility was slim, it was always a good thing to avoid trouble.
After a long while, a team member came up to inform them that the werewolf had been subdued.
Judging from the torn sleeve of this crew member's robe, it's clear that Lupin lost his mind inside and engaged in a fierce battle with these crew members.
Onyxia nodded slightly, relieved that the plan had succeeded.
More than half an hour later, the tranquility of Hogwarts was completely shattered.
The bustling crowd surged toward the square outside the castle like a tide. Harry and Ron followed the flow of people, their hearts filled with curiosity and unease.
They struggled to squeeze through the crowd and finally reached the front row, where the sight before them stunned them instantly—
The werewolf stood upright on its hind legs, its long mouth opening and closing to reveal two sharp, knife-like fangs. Under the lamplight, those fangs gleamed with a chilling light, sending shivers down one's spine.
Harry's eyes widened, a wave of terror washing over him. He stood frozen, motionless, until a scream pierced the night, snapping him out of his shock.
He looked up and saw the moon slowly peeking out from behind a large cloud, its bright light cascading down like a waterfall, illuminating the square.
Stimulated by the moonlight, the werewolf raised his hairy face and let out a deafening howl at the moon.
The howl was louder than ever before; it rose abruptly and echoed through the night sky.
The young wizards who had just gathered around were terrified by the sudden, frightening sound and retreated in panic.
The entire square fell into a brief silence amidst the howling.
Then the silence was broken, and the young wizards began to whisper among themselves.
They discussed the terrifying werewolf in fear, speculating about his identity.
Just then, Harry suddenly tugged at Ron's sleeve, his voice trembling as he said, "That's Professor Lupin."
Ron opened his mouth in astonishment, his gaze sweeping across the room.
Minister of Magic Fudge and Umbridge stood in prominent positions, their faces beaming with victorious smiles, aggressively demanding an explanation from Dumbledore.
Dumbledore stood silently to the side, his deep gaze seemingly concealing endless worries.
"How is this possible?" The young wizards around him whispered among themselves, their faces filled with disbelief. "How could Professor Lupin be a werewolf?"
Umbridge's shrill voice echoed through the night, relentlessly accusing Dumbledore, whose silence forced them to believe the Pink Toad's words.
Suddenly, the werewolf let out a piercing howl that pierced the night sky and sent chills down everyone's spine.
Immediately afterwards, screams rang out, coming from the little witches of Hogwarts. They huddled together in terror, their screams echoing one after another.
The young wizards in the square turned pale with fright at the continuous screams, and some even began to tremble.
They found it hard to reconcile the manic, crazed werewolf before them with the gentle and tolerant Professor Lupin they knew.
However, the facts are undeniable, leaving them no choice but to believe them.
The next day at noon, sunlight streamed through the windows onto the dining table in the tower, where Levin and Hermione sat down to eat.
On the television, the anchor is broadcasting the midday news:
"The Ministry of Magic's Werewolf Capture Unit took action at Hogwarts last night and captured an unregistered, out-of-control werewolf," the presenter said slowly, a rare hint of shock in his voice. "And upon verification, we were surprised to discover that the werewolf's true identity was none other than Remus Lupin, Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
The scene changes, and Fu Rong, a female reporter wearing a white business suit, appears on the screen.
She stood on the Hogwarts pitch, with werewolves tightly bound by ropes in the background.
The werewolf was tall, with thick, long black fur, and its exposed fangs gleamed coldly in the sunlight. Hibiscus looked agitated; she seemed to be trying to calm herself.
“I’m at Hogwarts right now, and as you can see, this werewolf is firmly under the control of the Ministry of Magic,” Fleur said, turning her Arcane Eye toward the werewolf behind her. “We are still gathering more details about this matter.”
The screen switched again, showing Headmaster Dumbledore standing at the front of the crowd, scanning the people in the arena, and finally landing on Umbridge.
However, Dumbledore was not frightened by her. He cleared his throat, amplified his voice with magic, and said loudly, "Friends, children, please do not panic. I beg you to give this old man a moment to speak so that I may explain all this."
Dumbledore took a deep breath and continued, "That's right, the werewolf before you is Remus Lupin, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor whom I personally invited..."
Umbridge's words had previously left the young wizards somewhat skeptical, but now that Dumbledore had truly acknowledged the werewolf's identity, his words were like a bombshell, causing a huge uproar among the crowd.
However, Dumbledore didn't stop there. He continued, "Yes, that's right. I personally invited him to teach at Hogwarts. I've always been fully aware of his situation, and it's precisely because of my knowledge of Remus Lupin that I completely trust him not to harm the students. Remus takes the wolfsbane potion that Professor Snape prepared for him every month, so even on a full moon, he won't completely turn into a werewolf; he'll just be a drowsy, ordinary wolf."