Hydrus had to rush the patents for the improved toys and harmless pranks, but since he had already done the preliminary work with Mr. Jasper it was relatively easy. His manager was Merlin sent, she got both rooms up and running within the week. There was, however, a setback for the toys. Jesse was able to get all the toys to work, but was falling behind the deadline. The immortal and his repairman worked two days straight to get the inventory they needed. Hydrus ran an advertisement in The Times and put everything on an opening day sale.
The jokes played on the Alley went off with only a few hitches. It was funny to watch people jump when they went past the store and heard cackling. If they came in the store their hair would turn green and their skin purple. A few got upset until they realized it only lasted for twenty seconds. The workers all had joy buzzers on their hands. The mines that popped up ghosts may have been a bit much, since a few witches fainted. You would think after Hogwarts magicals wouldn't be afraid of ghosts. Hydrus made sure the ones who fainted were okay, and gave them a small gift-certificate for the store. All in all a good laugh was had by most of the customers.
The annexes opened with a lot of fanfare, Fun For All Kids, was a huge success. The educational stuff sold out that day. Thank Merlin for magic, and Jesse, or they'd never be able to keep their stock. Frostwell came to see what the fuss was about and was a bit put out that he didn't think of the teaching toys first, since they went hand in hand with his book-readers. They may have to talk about mergers or at the very least selling compatible products in each store. Sarah was talking about renting them in her tea shop so mums could bring their older children.
Fun For All Pranking got good profits as well. Young adults flocked to the annex and they had a hard time keeping the shelves supplied. The store manager knew that once Hogwarts was out for the year, they would have even more business. Hydrus was hopeful that when the Weasley twins were old enough he could form a partnership, instead of being rivals. Magical Britain didn't need three joke shops. If worst came to worst he would bow out and sell his stuff to the twins, because had it not been for George, in his timeline, he never would have done as well as he had.
Dumbledore came on the second day.
"Ah, Hydrus, my boy, I see once again you have taken the public by storm," the old man said with a delighted twinkle in his eyes as he turned from his perusal of the jokes. "I am afraid that Mr. Filch will ban these items in Hogwarts. The poor man never could understand the need for laughter." His gentle grandfather smile was on his lips as he shook his head at his caretaker's lack of humor.
"Headmaster," the immortal greeted with a nod, "it's good to see you. Are you looking for yourself?" You never know with Dumbledore.
"Alas, no, I am merely endeavoring to see what we must be on the lookout for at the school. Children can be most rambunctious. I wish to make sure that nothing detrimental is being sold," he said, looking over his half-moon glasses in mild reprimand.
"As you can see, Headmaster, nothing harmful is in this stock." Hydrus gave the man a defiant glare, since he had gone out of his way to make sure everything, when used correctly, was non-violent.
"Forgive an old man his worries. When you have been in charge of students as long as I have, you find yourself doubtful on such things as pranks," Dumbledore answered, looking at the prank in his hand.
"I suppose I can understand that," the time traveler said with a slight nod. He knew as well as anyone the simplest thing could cause havoc. "Please feel free to look around and ask anyone here if you have doubts on the integrity of our products." And he turned to walk away.
"I was hoping that I could ask you a personal question, my boy," Albus said before he could even take a step.
"As long as you know, I don't have to answer," Hydrus sighed, turning back to face the older man.
"It has come to my attention that you do not bank at Gringotts, may I ask why?" the Headmaster asked, as if Hydrus had committed a minor infraction. "The goblins seem most put out that you are banking elsewhere. They have brought their grievances to the Ministry."
"I had a bad experience with goblins when I was younger. I find them to be greedy and they think wizards are lower life forms. I don't trust them with my money," he answered with another defiant look hoping to cut off further inquiry.
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