Fearing that the Hogwarts professors would discover his Apparition registration, Argus chose to simply take the Hogwarts Express to Platform 9¾.
He then found a secluded corner and used Apparition to return to Acolytes' Manor.
"Aunt Vinda!"
When Argus entered, he saw Vinda sitting at his desk, looking at a thick stack of documents.
She called out softly.
Vinda's eyes lit up with relief when she saw Argus approaching.
"You've come back just in time. These documents are some reports from the acolytes from a while ago."
"It's up to you to handle!"
"Okay, leave it to me." Argus knew he would have to face these things sooner or later.
Rather than waiting until later and having to bite the bullet, it's better to get familiar with things as soon as possible while Aunt Vinda is there to oversee things.
It's better to be scolded a few times now than to suffer a great loss in the future.
Argus took the report from Vinda and carefully read every word.
Vinda then comfortably picked up a cup of black tea.
Sitting on the sofa, she watched with great interest as Argus diligently reviewed the papers.
Suddenly, a piece of news in the report caught Argus's attention.
"Aunt Vinda, could you tell me the specifics of this?"
"This..."
Vinda glanced at it and shook her head with a hint of regret: "After you brought Arthur Weasley's research notes on Muggle items, I had some trustworthy people start studying them."
"They have too much to learn about the Muggle world, and they can't replicate the flying car in a short time."
"However, Arthur Weasley's notes gave them new inspiration. Combining their experience in making some Dark Arts items with their knowledge of alchemy, they were able to develop magical items that could retain a certain spell."
"For example, a wand that can cast Expelliarmus, or a necklace with Protego, etc."
"But why..." This is where Argus's confusion lies.
There are many magical items in the wizarding world now, but most of these magical items only utilize the passive effects of materials or are attached with some simple spells.
The most common example is the high-end waterproof and fireproof wizard robe from Madam Malkin's shop.
There are items that can actively release spells, but without exception, they all require the guidance of incantations or demanding and complex release conditions.
In comparison, the magical items developed by the acolytes were much lighter and more portable.
They can be cast silently and without a wand with just a simple magical channeling.
But these are magical items that could change the way wizards fight, so why not continue to increase research and development efforts?
If research and development continues, it will surely become a secret weapon that can make a decisive difference in the future!
Vinda was quite helpless about this.
"You think I don't know the importance of this research?"
"You don't appreciate the household expenses until you're managing things yourself."
"Keep looking at the cost of their magical items and the research and development costs, and you'll understand why."
"What enabled the acolytes to take root in England so quickly? It was Galleons!"
Argus turned to another page and was immediately stunned by a series of zeros!
"Just two or three of them, and they cost over 20,000 Galleons?"
"This is burning through money!"
"I've personally witnessed their research. Not only do they conduct experiments, but the failure rate in producing finished products is also very high," Vinda sighed slightly.
"Even if it is successfully made, the magic power contained inside will not be great, not even as good as that of an ordinary adult wizard."
"It's useless!"
"If we keep investing in it, nobody knows how much it will take to make any progress."
"That makes sense." Argus also knew that this research would be very useful in the future.
But the future is built on the present!
If you can't even grasp what's in front of you, then this research is just doing someone else's work for free!
Thinking of this, Argus fell into deep thought.
This research must not stop; even a small step forward will be of great use in the future!
However, Galleons are indeed consumed rather quickly...
How about finding someone to collaborate with? No way!
The idea was immediately rejected by Argus as soon as it came to mind.
Putting everything else aside, finding a partner is difficult!
Moreover, he doesn't trust anyone else!
Besides this, what other methods are there...?
A blond, flamboyant figure slowly appeared in Argus's mind.
Gilderoy Lockhart!
He's not short of money!
He's been jumping around at Hogwarts lately, trying to salvage his image for a long time!
Moreover, and most importantly, according to the original story, he would be harmed by his own Obliviate when he ambushed Harry.
In the end, he became a fool who spent his entire life in St. Mungo's.
More importantly, someone like him, who would do anything for fame, would never reveal his secret weapon!
"Aunt Vinda, I have an idea!"
"What method?"
Vinda immediately became interested upon hearing this.
She had always been confident in Argus' earning power.
Without Argus's mind, the acolytes could not have developed to their present state.
Argus smiled mysteriously: "You'll understand in a while."
"First, have those researchers bring over the samples they've made, and it would be best if they put a spell on the samples."
"The sample will be automatically destroyed if anyone tries to disassemble or understand its core."
"Okay, I'll take care of it right away!"
Vinda dared not delay in dealing with such an important matter and immediately set off.
Just as Argus was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he looked down and saw a huge pile of documents on the table.
"Sigh, it's not easy to take a vacation!"
"I still have to work overtime when I get back..."
...
The next day, Diagon Alley.
During Christmas, Christmas trees and all sorts of strange and magical items are hung everywhere.
This drew screams and cheers from countless young wizards.
A witch with disheveled hair was holding her parents' hands and walking excitedly inside.
The group of people occasionally let out gasps of amazement.
"Mom and Dad, am I right? Christmas in the wizarding world is completely different from ours!"
Hermione was beaming with pride, her face beaming with smugness.
Mr. Granger smiled indulgently.
"That's right, that's right!"
"There are indeed too many things in the magical world that I cannot understand, hahaha..."
Ever since he stepped into the Leaky Cauldron, Mr. Granger's shock has never ceased.
He was considered highly educated in the Muggle world, but everything here was simply inexplicable by scientific means.
The scene before him was like a dream.
"I'll take you to meet one of my... friends later."
"He's here too. If he hadn't reminded me, I wouldn't have thought of bringing you all here to experience Christmas in the magical world!"
"Is it Mr. Grindelwald?"
Mrs. Granger saw right through her daughter's thoughts and teased with a smile, "You've mentioned him quite a bit at home. This time, we'll have to take a good look!"
"Mom!" Hermione exclaimed, both angry and embarrassed.
Originally intending to take the two to the Acolytes' shop, she suddenly hesitated, unsure whether to continue.
"Okay, okay, Mom was just joking. Let's go, don't keep your friend waiting."
The three of them arrived at Acolytes' Bookstore, where Argus was already waiting at the door.
When Hermione saw Argus, she immediately let go of her parents' hands and cheerfully greeted him.
Argus smiled and waved, just about to speak.
A strange chill ran through him…