LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 33: Chapter 33: From Today On, You Need to Step Up
"Underwear is not necessary, just give me your coat."
Charlie had just transformed back from his Animagus form and was still stark naked.
His innate Animagus transformation was different from ordinary ones, it wasn't a weaker form of Transfiguration.
Every transformation reconstructed his body, bones, and strength from the ground up.
As a result, unlike regular Transfiguration, his clothes never remained intact.
Hansen didn't hesitate for a second.
He took off his coat and handed it over to Charlie.
"Continue."
Charlie draped the coat over himself and signaled Hansen to proceed.
"Master, what else would you like to know? I can tell you everything."
"What is your position in the Ministry of Magic?"
"It's fairly decent, I have some minor authority."
Charlie nodded.
This Hansen might be useful in the future.
With some grooming, he could even be planted as an informant within the Ministry.
That way, Charlie would have firsthand knowledge of the Ministry's actions and could respond accordingly.
If things went well, he could even infiltrate and manipulate the Ministry's power structure.
Even more interestingly
Hansen had a double identity.
He was both an Auror and a Death Eater.
If Charlie played his cards right, he could leverage influence on both sides.
"Anything else worth mentioning?"
Charlie continued questioning him.
"Uh… nothing specific comes to mind. Oh, right! I own a small bar in Knockturn Alley, I can offer it to you."
Knockturn Alley?
Charlie paused in thought.
From his memory,
Knockturn Alley was adjacent to Diagon Alley, a hub for dark magic dealings.
A place where Dark Wizards frequently operated.
"Alright, from now on, send me a letter every month with all the information you gather."
"I'll contact you when I need a meeting."
Charlie made his decision.
Without further delay, he left the dense forest alone.
As for Hansen, he found himself in an awkward predicament.
Now left in just his underwear, he had to check if there were too many people around before leaving.
Days passed.
After returning to the Ministry of Magic, Hansen sent Charlie a letter.
It contained updates on his recent work and schedule.
All trivial matters.
Charlie read through the letter and shook his head.
Hansen…
This won't do.
You need to step up your game!
You need a promotion, do you understand?
Otherwise, when will you ever have real influence in the Ministry?
Charlie picked up a quill and immediately penned a response.
"Hansen,"
"I have read your letter. To be honest, I am a little disappointed in you."
"As my servant, I expected you to hold an important position in the Ministry. At the very least, I thought you were a rising star."
"But instead, you spend your days handling trivial, insignificant matters."
"From now on, I have some suggestions for your work, please reflect on them carefully."
"You need to develop systematic thinking. What is the value of what you're doing? Does it create barriers to entry? Do you possess a core competitive advantage?"
"How do you differentiate yourself from other Aurors? Have you developed a methodology? Can it be replicated?"
"I want to see your thought process."
"…"
Charlie wrote it all in one go.
These kinds of persuasive tactics came to him effortlessly.
A joke, really.
Classic manipulation techniques from his previous life.
Even the fiercest warrior would feel compelled to work harder after hearing them.
He casually sent the letter off.
Charlie didn't pay it much attention afterward.
However, before long, at the Ministry of Magic
Hansen received Charlie's response.
As If Struck by Lightning.
This...
This is my master's insight?
Why do these words sound so profound?
Systematic thinking.
Methodology.
Differentiation.
Core competitive advantage.
Hiss
Why have I never thought about these things before?
I've just been mindlessly working,
wasting effort on meaningless tasks.
Hansen took a deep breath,
carefully digesting Charlie's words.
He was utterly convinced.
As expected of his master.
He even copied down these words, framed them,
and hung them above his desk.
From that day on, the Ministry of Magic
saw the rise of a new workaholic, Hansen.
After that letter,
Hansen's replies became noticeably longer.
Every letter was filled with reports
on how he fought for tasks,
the recognition he received,
how he practically lived in the office,
or was always out on a mission.
A promotion was within reach.
Charlie didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
For now, that matter was settled.
But the upcoming days were important.
Snape had previously promised Charlie
that he would take him to Diagon Alley early,
to hand over the reward for his work
on Magical Research.
Of course, Snape knew
Charlie wasn't just going there for the money.
The real attractions of Diagon Alley
were what Charlie truly wanted to see.
Naturally,
Charlie also understood that on this trip,
Snape had no authority
to grant him access to his parents' inheritance.
That responsibility fell on Dumbledore and Hagrid.
As expected,
one early morning,
Snape appeared in front of Charlie.
"Good morning, Uncle Snape."
"Charlie, I have time today.
As promised, I'll take you to collect your payment."
"But I hope you won't get too curious
it's fine to familiarize yourself with the place,
but don't go overboard."
"If something catches your eye,
it's not a problem to take a closer look."
"But you must promise me
do not cause trouble."
Snape said a lot all at once.
He had a feeling that Charlie
wasn't the type to stay out of trouble.
"Understood, Uncle Snape.
I'll follow your lead."
"Let's go."
Snape nodded.
"Oh, and one more thing you must remember."
"The place I'm taking you to
borders another street."
"You are absolutely forbidden
from setting foot there."
Snape warned him again.
Charlie nodded in agreement.
Knockturn Alley, huh?
I may not go this time…
But next time? No guarantees.