Vid had long thought about this question and asked calmly, "Do you also know Dark Magic?"
"...A little." Lupin hesitated for a moment, but didn't conceal it.
Vid nodded, "I've read in books that during the Wizard War, the Ministry of Magic allowed Aurors to use Unforgivable Curses on Death Eaters. Dark Magic intended to harm can also be used to protect others, which shows that the nature of magic is secondary; the key is the person using it."
"The reason Dark Magic is evil is because it silently erodes the user's mind," Lupin hurriedly explained, fearing he might mislead a minor, "Moreover, Dark Magic has immense danger and unpredictability. Once it goes out of control, it can cause severe damage to others and oneself—so Hogwarts prohibits students from learning and using Dark Magic."
"Understood," Vid said, "If I accept employment, then you'll be my teacher. If you think I shouldn't learn Dark Magic, then you certainly don't have to teach it."
Lupin relaxed slightly and smiled.
He had originally thought that a young famous person would be quite arrogant, but the young man in front of him was unexpectedly rational and open to accepting others' opinions.
This indeed was a very good beginning.
At this moment, Professor Morry pushed the door open and entered. He scanned the pub but didn't deliberately look at Vid and Lupin. Instead, he sat at a nearby table and ordered a glass of honey wine.
"So if I accept this job, what do I need to do now?" Lupin asked, "When you're at school, how should we conduct the magic lessons?"
"We'll discuss those later." Vid took a roll of parchment from his pocket and placed it on the table, saying, "First, take a look at this contract. If you can accept the terms above, sign your name, and that will formally establish the agreement."
Lupin's expression became serious as he unfolded the parchment and read through each clause.
The contents of the contract were simple, and the commissioned matters were consistent with what had just been discussed. Additionally, it stipulated that the agent (Lupin) was obligated to protect, keep secrets for, and not harm the client (Vid), help procure alchemy materials and magic items, and as a home tutor, teach knowledge, develop a suitable teaching plan, and do his best to ensure the student's safety in magical studies, etc.
Lupin nodded silently to himself—these were all quite reasonable.
As he continued reading, he couldn't help but halt at the agent fees, suspecting whether there was an error.
"Basic salary of 30 Galleons per week?" he said in surprise, "That's three times the amount in the job advertisement."
"Yes," Vid nodded, "10 Galleons per week for the agent, 20 Galleons for the home tutor, that's the base salary. Additionally, you can earn a certain commission from any transactions you handle."
Upon hearing this, Lupin was even more taken aback. He continued to unfold the parchment and saw the detailed stipulations regarding this aspect at the back.
Of course, the end of the contract also stated that if he couldn't fulfill his duties and caused additional loss to the client, Vid had the right to unilaterally terminate the contract.
Vid was aware that given Lupin's situation, even a low salary would be acceptable, as not many people were willing to hire a dangerous Werewolf. But Lupin's higher moral standards wouldn't allow him to gain benefits through illicit means.
However, a low salary combined with a contract and morals would only ensure Lupin's diligence, not his wholehearted commitment. Vid needed Lupin for a role—not a worker overwhelmed and exhausted, but a teacher who can impart everything, a comrade who stands with him against danger, and a partner whom he can rely on.
Without a high sense of responsibility and recognition, these won't be achievable.
If Galleons could buy the loyalty of such a Wizard, Vid wouldn't hesitate to empty his vault. But the truth is, if he offered too high a salary, Lupin might suspect ulterior motives.
Lupin repeatedly examined the contract, hesitatingly saying, "This... this is quite high."
Originally, he simply wanted a job with a weekly salary of 10 Galleons, barely enough to maintain a living, and the unexpectedly high salary now made him somewhat uneasy.
"I expect corresponding returns from you," Vid thought for a while and added, "If not, I'll let you go next month!"
This sounded like a threat, but the somewhat childish words unexpectedly relaxed Lupin's tense nerves. He smiled and replied gently, "Looks like I have to show two hundred percent effort to satisfy my little boss."
—Or perhaps, once his Werewolf identity is exposed, he'll be immediately fired?
With this thought in mind, Lupin lowered his head and earnestly signed his name on the contract.
Vid also signed, and thus, the contract was concluded.
Vid took out the new Friendship Book and Soft Light Badge from his bag, saying, "Now let me tell you about my new creation. Mr. Machioni, the owner of Aslan Magic Workshop, will arrive at the Three Broomsticks in about half an hour. I think you should prepare before then."
Lupin looked at the items in confusion, "The agent's work... it starts now?"
"Of course." Vid raised an eyebrow and tapped the Friendship Book with his finger, "—I always seize every second."
...
Soon after, Machioni arrived.
As soon as he opened the door, he noticed Professor Morry and Vid sitting at two separate tables, and in a glance, he understood the current situation. Thus, he pretended not to see Professor Morry and warmly greeted Vid in the corner.
Subsequently, Machioni learned Lupin was Vid's agent. He completely ignored Lupin's shabby robe and dejected appearance and seamlessly transitioned into work, praising the Soft Light Badge heavily, even valuing it more than the Friendship Book.
"You finally understand the true meaning of making money, Vid."
With Professor Morry behind him, Machioni winked and whispered excitedly, "Next time you have such a product, be sure to reach out to me! I promise the price I offer will be the highest! No one can beat me—they're too foolish to understand the greatness of such creations!"
The brown-haired Wizard came and went as swiftly as a whirlwind, leaving without having even touched the Butter Beer he ordered.
"So... it's over?" Lupin's face still showed a trace of confusion.
"Yes, you'll have to get used to it. I told you—" Vid said in high spirits, "We seize every moment."
Lupin paused for a moment and asked, "What do we do now?"
"Don't rush, take your time."
Vid handed Lupin the Friendship Book for communication, and then gave him a bag of Galleons.
"This is the first week's salary. I think you can... uh... take care of yourself first?"
...
Professor Morry slowly sipped his honey wine, narrowing his eyes at his student.
The young man was smiling while speaking with the Wizards opposite him. Rarely did he reveal such a spirited look—confident, determined, composed, radiant like the rising sun.
So outstanding.
Time... it takes some people away, changes others... decades, even centuries pass, yet ultimately it seems... nothing really changes...