In Harry's eyes, Erwin was practically invincible. Befriending him felt like the greatest stroke of luck in his life. Harry didn't dare hope for true friendship with someone so exceptional, but that didn't stop him from wanting to trail in Erwin's wake.
Erwin hadn't expected to win over Harry Potter quite so effortlessly. If he'd known it would be this straightforward, he wouldn't have wasted so much effort. Slytherin's potential savior had fallen into place without a fight. With that settled, Erwin could set aside his schemes for Harry—everything else would unfold naturally, full of promise.
The launch of Cavendish Communications went off without a hitch, a smashing success from the start. The magical phone sparked immediate curiosity among wizards everywhere. Early sales were sluggish, but that changed when prominent pure-blood families like the Malfoys, Parkinsons, and Selwyns bought in first. Then the three Heads of House from Hogwarts—everyone except Snape—arrived, along with a flock of professors. The crowd buzzed with excitement.
Their visit was timed precisely, as Erwin had arranged. Beyond activating their own devices, it helped sustain the momentum. Wizards, after all, tended to follow the crowd—especially when the leaders were such influential figures. In Muggle terms, they were celebrities.
Erwin had invited one more guest to amp up the spectacle. Gilderoy Lockhart loitered at the entrance, striking poses and grinning for the cameras. Erwin smirked. Savor the spotlight while it lasts—Lockhart's stolen memories wouldn't hold out much longer.
Lockhart, ever the opportunist, scanned for more photo ops. He zeroed in on Erwin, but a chilly glance sent him scurrying. Fame was one thing; self-preservation won out. Undeterred, he latched onto his next mark: Harry Potter himself.
Harry got dragged onstage, flashing a resigned smile for the shot. Erwin ignored the whole affair. As long as Harry stayed alive, he'd upheld his promise to Dumbledore. A photo op? Hardly worth his time.
Under Erwin's steady hand, the Diagon Alley event hummed along. Sales picked up, and by afternoon, the energy surged anew. Dumbledore had arrived.
As the wizarding world's undisputed greatest wizard, his presence commanded awe. He swept in wearing his usual half-moon spectacles and a robe that looked absurdly festive, yet no one dared mock him. He nodded warmly to old acquaintances before approaching Erwin.
"Erwin, have you no pity for an old man? I was looking forward to a quiet day."
Erwin grinned. "Plenty of rest awaits you later, Headmaster. For now, honor your word."
Dumbledore chuckled, unfazed by the subtle jab. "That's why I'm here. I promised to show up when you called. So, what's the plan?"
"Simple," Erwin replied. "Stand there and accept this gift."
With a flick of his wrist, Old Tom appeared, bearing a sleek box etched with the Cavendish crest and a stylized purple lotus at its heart. Erwin opened it and offered the golden magical phone inside.
"After you, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore eyed him knowingly—Erwin's ploy was obvious, and he didn't mind. He lifted the device. "Now, how does one work this contraption?"
The century's mightiest wizard had just endorsed Cavendish Communications. Word spread like Fiendfyre. The Daily Prophet rushed out an extra edition, all about the launch. Erwin had pulled strings behind the scenes; the wizarding world rewarded results, after all.
The Selwyn family—wealthy and influential—had amassed even more sway. The paper detailed activation instructions, gushing over the Hogwarts contingent walking away with devices in hand. As beacons of the magical community, they made perfect ambassadors.
A revolution had dawned.
By six o'clock, the final eager buyer dashed out with their prize. Old Tom locked the doors, ending another triumphant day.
Erwin lounged in his top-floor office. Old Tom knocked and entered. "Master Erwin."
"Sales figures?" Erwin asked.
"Nearly sold out—only a handful of gold models remain. The price might be steep; even the pure-bloods bought them mostly for show."
Erwin shook his head. "No adjustments needed. Keep producing. Buyers will flock soon enough."
Old Tom's eyes sharpened. "You mean... overseas?"
"Exactly." Erwin leaned back. "Muggle mobiles are everywhere now. Wizards might scorn them, but curiosity will win. Without cell towers, our network's secure—no easy copies. It'll spread to every corner of the magical world."
Old Tom nodded, marveling yet again at his master's foresight. Erwin's business instincts were razor-sharp, the driving force behind the Selwyn family's resurgence. Of course, Erwin built on the foundations laid by those who'd come before.
...
WANT 15 BONUS CHAPTERS?
Enjoy the read, and let's get started on the next goal immediately!
Power Stones: [47]/200
5 Star Reviews: [7]/10
— MrGrim