Harry Potter: I Get Stronger by Taking Loans - 178

Chapter 178: Shrinking Satchel, Gilderoy the Ladies’ Man

Diagon Alley.

“Leonardo, thanks for sending me that pest control potion,” Hagrid said, grinning as he adjusted the massive bag slung over his shoulder. “Without it, those nasty carnivorous slugs would’ve eaten all my cabbages at school!”

Leonardo waved a hand dismissively.

“No need to thank me. As long as it worked.”

Hagrid rummaged in his bag and pulled out two enormous oranges, handing one each to Leonardo and Harry.

“Try it, try it. I reckon it’s delicious. I even bought some seeds to plant in my garden. When they fruit, you lot must come round for a taste.”

Leonardo stared at the orange, nearly half the size of his own head. He wasn’t sure he could eat it all in one sitting. Was this even an orange anymore?

Magic, he supposed. Always full of surprises.

But for Hagrid, the size was just right. Half-giants weren’t exactly known for their modest appetites.

Hagrid and Leonardo exchanged brief farewells. Hagrid still had to check for other plant seeds.

Leonardo shoved the giant orange into his pocket. Harry, still clutching his own orange with a look of suspicion, was handed a small pouch.

“You can put it in there for now.”

Harry took the palm-sized bag and tried to shove the orange into it. To his surprise, the fruit slid in smoothly, and the bag only bulged slightly.

“Leonardo, is this like your pocket? I remember you taught me about the Undetectable Extension Charm?”

“Sort of. It’s a Shrinking Satchel, a little device I made myself.”

The Shrinking Satchel looked similar to an Undetectable Extension Charm, but it was actually an ancient magic. It shrank the items stored inside rather than expanding the container. That meant it could never hold living things.

Leonardo had learned this from his teacher, Nicolas. The old alchemist’s library was truly vast, filled with obscure and wondrous spells that always left Leonardo with something new to study.

As for why he didn’t just use the more familiar Undetectable Extension Charm, well, those containers were strictly regulated by the Ministry of Magic. Using one privately was fine, but selling them publicly would invite Ministry scrutiny and possibly an invitation to their headquarters for tea.

Besides, the market for Undetectable Extension Charms was already saturated, and the prices were sky-high.

So Leonardo used only himself and Nicolas’ ancient technique. It was harder for competitors to crack and easier to produce.

Harry examined the small black bag curiously. It felt smooth to the touch, embroidered with simple silver patterns. It was elegant, yet practical.

He noticed a small insignia in one corner: an open book, its pages fluttering like the wings of an eagle in flight. On the cover were two crisp capital letters:

L.G.

Harry thought for a moment. That was probably Leonardo Grafton’s initials.

He pointed at the design.

“Leonardo, what’s this?”

“A logo. Or a trademark.”

Harry blinked. A trademark?

“So this is a product you made?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Harry’s mind raced. He remembered seeing Leonardo stuff all kinds of things into his pockets last year and had always been envious of the convenience. Textbooks, cauldrons, Quidditch gear—it would all be so easy to carry.

When he learned it was an application of the Undetectable Extension Charm, he resolved to learn it. But after a brief attempt, he’d found it headache-inducingly complex.

He admired Leonardo even more for mastering it so young. He’d decided then that he wanted to learn from him, hoping one day to make his own enchanted bag or backpack.

Now that he had a ready-made item, Harry was intrigued. Why not try it?

And if Leonardo said it was a product, complete with a special logo, it must be for sale.

“Er, Leonardo,” Harry asked, his interest obvious, “how much does this bag cost?”

Leonardo’s lips curved into a subtle smile. His famous brand ambassador had just walked into his shop.

The Boy Who Lived. Who didn’t know him?

Having someone famous promote his products was a win.

“This one’s the practical version,” Leonardo said. “It’s about the size of a wardrobe. It costs twenty Galleons and lasts six months.”

“If you’re interested, I’ll give you the cost price. But you’ll have to help me promote it, especially among the Gryffindors.”

Harry nodded without hesitation. He wasn’t short on money, and he’d be helping Leonardo.

“There are other versions, too. Different sizes, different durations, different prices.”

Leonardo handed Harry a list. It includes detailed trial, practical, advanced, and VIP editions. Harry’s eyes widened as he read.

The cheapest version was only five Sickles, the pocket money of most young witches and wizards for a week or two. It was about the size of a school bag, good for books, but it only lasted two months.

Harry thought for a moment. Spending a week or two’s allowance for two months of convenience was a fair trade.

And after stuffing the giant orange inside, the bag only felt a little heavier—definitely a load off his shoulders.

Harry looked at the VIP edition. It was the largest, longest-lasting, and most expensive. But what really caught his attention was a line highlighted in red:

VIP edition includes a customisation service: the customer’s name, family crest, or preferred design can be embroidered onto the satchel.

“Leonardo, why is that line so emphasised?” Harry asked, not quite understanding. “It feels like…”

He didn’t say it, but he felt the size and duration of the VIP edition didn’t quite justify the price. Was it only for the customisation?

Leonardo’s smile grew a little more knowing.

“Some people value that service.”

For example, certain witches and wizards who prized honour and reputation above all else.

Harry nodded, still a bit puzzled. But that didn’t stop him from counting out enough coins and handing them to Leonardo.

…

Flourish and Blotts.

“Ladies, please, don’t crowd. Mind the books!”

A tired wizard shouted, trying to calm the mob of middle-aged witches. But Gilderoy Lockhart’s popularity had driven them into a frenzy.

He was baffled. What did that Lockhart fellow have that was so magical? Sure, he was handsome, his smile was charming, and his adventures were colourful…

But really, was there anything worth raving about?

Inside the shop, a handsome man in a blue robe, the same shade as forget-me-nots, stood centre stage. His blue eyes sparkled with warmth, and his golden hair, covered by a pointed wizard’s hat, added a playful touch to his mature elegance.

At his appearance, the queue of witches erupted into cheers.

“Gilderoy Lockhart!”

“Lockhart!”

“I’ve bought your entire collection!”

“…”

Lockhart waved at his fans, flashing his trademark smile—eight teeth perfectly visible.

The witches shrieked again.

Leonardo watched from the crowd. The man’s appearance was polished, clearly tailored for middle-aged women.

For a moment, Leonardo was reminded of a certain internet celebrity from his past life.

But the wizard’s magic circuits were shockingly weak, barely stronger than some underage wizards.

So he really was just a fraud, like in the original story. Still, his magic was precise enough, which was probably why he excelled at Memory Charms.

But the Memory Charm was all he had.

Unlike Quirrell last year, Lupin next year, or Barty Crouch Jr. posing as Moody later on, who had genuine skill and knowledge to offer, Lockhart had nothing to teach.

If he really did spend a year as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, it would be a terrible waste.

Leonardo was pondering how strong Voldemort’s curse on the position really was, and whether he should help it along, when a loud voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Out of the way! Out of the way!”

A short man shouted, brandishing a bulky black camera. He jumped around Lockhart, trying to capture every angle of the “Most Charming Smile Award” winner.

He didn’t care about the crowd, darting around until he nearly collided with Penelope.

Penelope was studying Lockhart’s pose and hadn’t noticed the photographer.

Leonardo saw the danger, but didn’t move.

Just as the man drew within half a metre of Penelope and showed no sign of slowing, a faint red light flashed from the ring on her finger.

The man slipped, crashing face-first to the ground, stars exploding before his eyes.

Leonardo didn’t even glance at the NPC. He was already assessing the effectiveness of the alchemical ring he’d given his aunt.

The magic triggered quickly, and the force of the counterattack was just right—strong enough to stop a threat, but not so strong as to draw attention.

Combined with other alchemical jewellery, her safety was well covered.

He’d also set up an alert spell. Any danger, and he’d know instantly.

Over the next year, whether selling alchemical items and potions or publishing magical papers, Leonardo knew his reputation in the wizarding world would rise.

If any malicious competitors or vengeful Dark wizards wanted to strike back, they might not dare to target him directly at Hogwarts. But they might go after his family.

The era was relatively peaceful, and fewer criminals dared to challenge the Ministry’s authority. But Leonardo didn’t like to leave things to chance.

He’d made several sets of alchemical jewellery for his aunt, each with powerful protective spells.

If danger ever triggered the alert, Aurelius could Apparate him back in an instant. The attackers would be best hoping the jewellery’s magic had already dealt with them. Otherwise…

As the photographer crashed, his camera flew from his hands and landed at Lockhart’s feet, instantly becoming a battle-damaged wreck. Lockhart’s smile froze for a second, and a flicker of embarrassment and annoyance passed through his eyes.

He looked down at the reporter sprawled on the floor, his gaze briefly disdainful before he plastered on his trademark smile again.

At that moment, Lockhart felt a pair of eyes on him. Deep green eyes.

He spotted their owner at once—a handsome youth with dark gold hair, standing beside a beautiful woman.

Both were looking at him, but their eyes held only calm scrutiny, not the usual adoration or envy.

It made Lockhart uncomfortable. He instinctively turned away.

Wait. Those glasses, that messy black hair, that face…

Lockhart’s eyes widened.

Harry Potter!

“The Boy Who Lived! Isn’t that Harry Potter?”

Lockhart shouted, jumping up with excitement.

This was a celebrity of the wizarding world, a boy whose fame and reputation were beyond compare.

Lockhart had worked so hard, stolen so many stories, written so many books, just to reach his current status.

But compared to Harry Potter, his popularity was like a firefly next to the moon.

Lockhart hurried to the front, deliberately avoiding the handsome youth. He didn’t like his gaze, nor did he like unknown young wizards.

Lockhart knew that good looks could get you far, but not for long. Only a rich history and lasting popularity could guarantee a lifetime of comfort.

Grabbing Harry’s arm, Lockhart felt his own fame surge.

He was thrilled he’d held this signing event today, meeting the legendary saviour. This was a chance to ride Harry’s coattails!

Harry, caught in the spotlight, felt his face flush.

He glanced at Leonardo, who gave him an encouraging look.

Remembering Leonardo’s warning that Lockhart might try to exploit his fame, Harry was both impressed by Leonardo’s foresight and nervous about what came next.

As Lockhart dragged Harry to the front, the reporter on the floor suddenly snapped out of his daze. His camera was miraculously intact in front of him.

“Reporter, please help me record this.”

The reporter, no longer confused, grabbed his camera and got to work.

Leonardo quietly tucked his wand back into his sleeve. Such a rare publicity opportunity was not to be wasted.