Chapter 44 - Otto (I am back)

With the burgeoning magical population, the proprietors of potion shops, material emporiums, clothing stores, and more found newfound interest in a new trading street built by Asmodeus and his company. Upon returning to Hogwarts, Asmodeus unwound, while Grindelwald and Asmodeus subordinates diligently negotiated leases and construction permits.

Asmodeus personally granted construction permits, as the land on which the trading street stood was now registered under the Morningstar family name. Gradually, the "Omnis'' trading street, translating to "Everything" in Latin, came to life.

Some wizards even sought permission to build houses on the outskirts, prompting construction crews to create new branches, expanding this nascent village. Currently, Hogsmeade's population stands at around 500, while around the trading street, no fewer than 2000 have settled – nearly half of the English magical world, before Squib Magification, of course.

Recognizing the village's potential and future development, Asmodeus decided to give it an official name. Thus, the world witnessed the emergence of the largest magical village – "Adastra" or "Leading to the Stars."

By the way, until the Academy's construction is complete, Asmodeus opted to maintain bewilderment spells and concealment charms at the construction site. He believed it better to gift the magical world with more surprises. Therefore, for now, those living in Adastra remain unaware that they will soon reside near the world's largest magic academy.

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Otto Nelson, a 25-year-old young man, is simply one of the Squibs living in the Muggle world, unaware or, more accurately, not comprehending that he is a Squib. His father is a wizard from the USA, and his mother, a Muggle, pursued the American dream and moved to USA with his father. When it was revealed that he was a Squib, his father distanced himself from Otto and his mother. To avoid starvation, Otto's mother took him and left the USA, heading to Germany, her parents' homeland.

His mother returned to her elderly parents, unable to work due to their care needs. Formerly a caregiver, she took on the responsibility herself to avoid spending money on one. At 14, Otto found a job as a janitor in the Muggle world. Life gradually improved, and after a couple of years, Otto became a waiter and assistant manager at the cafe. He saved up, but recently had to spend on his grandfather's funeral, who had become a surrogate father after Otto's own abandoned them. Unfortunately, his grandfather was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, opting not to endure the treatment for a few extra months of life.

Several more years passed, Otto, now 22, managed the cafe and developed a relationship with the owner's daughter, possibly heading towards marriage. Otto wasn't ambitious; he genuinely liked Anna and wanted to marry her with her father's blessing. Young love evolved into a strong relationship, leading to marriage a year later.

At 24, managing his wife's cafe, Otto enjoyed financial stability. His thoughts turned to the past, questioning why his father abandoned them and what being a Squib meant.

Amid such reflections, Otto, now 25, happily married to Anna, contemplated a bright future.

It's just a pity that the brighter the light at the end of the tunnel, the darker the darkness behind him. Lately Otto had been thinking more and more about his childhood.

One day, while strolling through Europa Park in the town of Rust, Otto and Anna encountered a man holding a sign - "Squibs, only you can see this, come to me if you want to become wizards!" Seeing the sign, Otto was plunged back into memories from a decade ago.

"Darling, what's wrong? Why were you angry with little Otto?"

"Step aside, Maria! He's not worthy of your protection! He's a Squib!"

"What Squib!? You've lost your mind, Mark! He's your son!"

"I don't have a Squib for a son! Shouldn't have gotten involved with a Muggle... parents were right, your blood is dirty, and I should have married a witch."

This dialogue was etched into Otto's memory, not that he wanted to remember it; it just imprinted itself on him. Lost in these reflections, he didn't notice the man with the poster approaching.

"Good morning, sir!" said the man in German with intermittent breaths as he ran towards them.

"Uh, good morning?" Otto replied in confusion, holding his wife's hand.

"Oh, my goodness, how did you do that?" Anna exclaimed after touching Otto's hand.

"What's wrong, dear?"

"This man, he just had a sign with directions to buy tickets for rides, but as soon as you took my hand, the poster changed."

"Huh? Really? I thought it always said something about Squibs..."

"No, I'm sure!"

Their conversation was interrupted by the man with the poster.

"Um, may I explain?"

Otto and Anna turned to him with questioning expressions.

"Mr., you're a Squib! I used to be one too, but now I'm a wizard!"

Otto: "Darling, let's go, don't interfere with this lunatic."

Saying that, he turned and started walking away from the man with the poster.

Service for Squib Identification Employee: "Do I sense disdain?"

"Wait, sir, please, it's true. I don't know why you're unaware of wizards, but I think you should hear me out! It could change your life!"

Otto didn't stop, but suddenly he felt Anna pulling his hand.

"Dear, let's hear him out... I think you heard the word 'Squib' a year ago, in a dream... you mumbled something, and 'Squib' was one of the words..."

Otto was perplexed. He didn't want to remember his childhood and thought that after that incident a couple of years ago, he wouldn't recall it again. But subconsciously, he said something in his sleep...

"Fine, we'll hear him out."

"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs....."

"Nelsons."

"Mr. and Mrs. Nelson. Please follow me.

There's a cafe nearby. They brew excellent coffee, don't worry, it's on the house. Actually, it's one of our spots in Germany."

"Alright, let's go."

In a couple of minutes, this newly formed group reached the cafe. But Otto found the cafe very strange...

Half of the cafe was no different from similar ones in the amusement park, and there was even a small queue. But Mr. Faustino, as he introduced himself on the way, didn't stop at the line. He walked past the main entrance and turned the corner, leading them to a quieter street. He tapped the cafe wall with a wand about 30 centimeters long, and a door appeared in the wall.

Anna and Otto, after this, already believed a little in his story about being a wizard, but not enough to be fully convinced.

Passing through the door, the Nelson couple saw a huge hall where many people sat in strange cloaks, talking about something.

The roof was dome-shaped, and the room had the shape of a hexagram. There were different stalls and cafes around, seemingly surrounding huge gates from floor to ceiling standing right in the middle of the hall. Inside the gates, from bottom to top, a green fire burned, from a distance it looked as if the gates were covered with a green swirling film. It looked mysterious and magical. On the sides of the gates were scoreboards displaying the time and names of cities.

"12:40 - London, "Hogs Head Inn"

"13:10 - Paris, "Lunar Vampire"

"13:50 - Madrid, "Night of Dance"

"14:15 - Rome, "Gladiator"

"14:50 - Athens, "Thoughts of Aristotle"

"15:10 - London, "Ministry of Magic"

"15:40 - Berlin, "Ministry of Magic"

And so on.

There were hundreds of cities and some strange names...

"Oh, Mr. Nelson, are you interested in Floo Network gates? Yes, yes, Mr. Morningstar came up with a brilliant idea. Enlarge the fireplace and make it in the form of gates. At a certain time, the gates lead to the place indicated on the scoreboard, and when it's time for another destination, it changes. Just don't try to jump in at the last minute

No one is sure where you'll end up... believe me, I had to spend half a day in Athens just to wait for a new flight... and I needed to be in England!!"

Otto and Anna listened, not understanding what he was talking about.

"?"

"Oh, sorry, I forgot that you're not wizards... Well, not yet."

"Okay, I'm getting tired of this. Explain to me where we are and what this place is," Otto said a little impatiently.

"Yes, yes, yes... oh, come, there's a spot in the corner."

They sat at a table in a cafe named "Tea Joe," and from this spot, they could survey the entire hall.

"Well?" Otto impatiently asked.

"Allow me to introduce myself once again. My name is Rey Faustino, and I am a wizard," proudly stated the man.

"Mr. Nelson, what do you know about your parents?"

"My mother is a simple woman, and my father is a piece of trash who abandoned us."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know. But I think I know the reason. Have you heard the word 'Squib' before?"

"Yes... in my childhood. It was because of that word that my mother and father had a falling out. Finally, explain to me what it means!" Otto said, displeased. He didn't want to recall the past, and this man kept asking about it.

"Calm down, dear," Anna gently said. She knew Otto didn't want to remember his father leaving, but seeing this place, she thought that what Mr. Faustino would tell might help her husband finally let go of past grievances.

"Thank you, Mrs. Nelson. Mr. Nelson, as you can see, we're not in an ordinary place right now. But instead of explaining, I think it's better to show you practically."

Saying this, the man pulled out a wand and tapped it on his coffee cup.

With expressions of shock on Otto and Anna's faces, they saw the cup transform into an owl that perched on the man's shoulder.

"You, is this...? How is this possible?"

"This is magic, Mrs. Nelson! And your husband can master it too!" said the man proudly.

You know, just a year ago, he was the same... a Squib living in the wizarding world, seeing magic but unable to use it. But people from the Squib Support Society found him and brought him to Mr. Morningstar, who gave him a second chance at life.

"Alright, Now I believe in magic. But what is a Squib?"

"A Squib is a child or descendant of a wizard who cannot use magic. You are such a person. Honestly, we would have come to you earlier, but the Squib detector can only find those Squibs whose magical chain is damaged by no more than half. Your magical chain seems to be severely damaged, making it difficult for the radar to detect you."

The Squib detector operates based on a magic density meter developed by Asmodeus. Squibs cannot use magic, but their bodies still contain some magic in their magical chains, making them easy to find. The more damaged a Squib's magical chain, the harder it is to locate them.

"So you're saying my father abandoned me and my mother just because I can't use magic?" Otto said with extreme bitterness.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Nelson, but that's the case. You were born during a time when the purity theory was at its peak, and Squibs were considered lower beings in the wizarding world, even below house-elves. Of course, that was before the invention of magical rings by our savior, Mr. Morningstar. Now, Squibs are equal to wizards, and there's no difference between us."

"But this is cruel," Anna said sadly, looking at her husband who was holding back tears.

"I know, Mrs. Nelson, but unfortunately, the magical world was like that before."

"Okay, let's forget about it. What did you mean when you said you could make me a wizard, and why are Squibs equal to wizards now?"

"In short, a year ago, Mr. Asmodeus Noren Morningstar created a method through which Squibs can restore damage to their magical chain and become wizards. It's the greatest invention in the history of magic!"

"Alright, but what do I need to pay for this?" Otto asked somewhat suspiciously. After five years in a managerial position, he knew that there's no such thing as a free lunch.

"Nothing! You just need to sign a magical contract in which you agree not to interfere with the further actions of the Morningstar family!"

"And that's it? Or does your Morningstar family plan to destroy the world? Why only one condition, and such an unclear one?"

"Haha, you're joking amusingly. Actually, every Squib asks this question, but Mr. Morningstar said it's to facilitate his further research and the promotion of products from his future studies. Besides, what can one family do?"

"You're probably right..."

"What do you think, Anna?" Otto asked his wife. He wanted to know her decision on this matter. He didn't want to make such an important decision without her; she gave him the love he had been missing.

"What's there to think about? Of course, agree, and with magic, you'll be able to help me in the kitchen at home! Am I right, Mr. Faustino?"

"Hahaha, yes, indeed! At home, you can do whatever you want. The new laws allow displaying magic to your relatives. Besides, there are separate books on home magic and cooking magic. I think you'll be thrilled if your husband can tidy up the house with a wave of his wand."

Upon hearing this, Anna's eyes sparkled. After all, who wouldn't want someone to handle household chores?

"Otto, agree immediately, and tonight, a surprise awaits you."

Otto nodded without hesitation and said, "Mr. Faustino, where do I sign?"

"Here's the contract. Read it. I'll answer any questions you may have," he said, handing the crumpled A4 sheet to the Nelson family.

So, after five minutes, Anna and Otto thoroughly scrutinized the contract from A to Z, not skipping a single letter. The surname Morningstar... But they found nothing that could raise suspicion. In fact, there were only five points in the contract, all of which essentially meant one thing: not to oppose the Morningstar family. And that was it, no more conditions.

After signing the contract, a vague symbol sparkled on Otto's hand, and he quickly disappeared. It was a sign of a successful, unbreakable vow.

"Well? When will I become a wizard?" Otto asked impatiently. He wanted to return home with Anna as soon as possible; you know how German women can surprise you.

"Just a second," Faustino said, taking out his wand and aiming it at the contract. "Contractúm Fierium antum!"

The contract lit up and vanished, replaced by a pouch of golden Galleons. What did you expect? He had to earn a living somehow, and he received 200 Galleons for each Squib he returned to the magical world. These were the funds Asmodeus paid his subordinates. Money meant nothing to him, but attracting new people to the magical world played into his hands. Therefore, the profession of "Squib Detective" became one of the highest-paying in the magical world.

Until all Muggles become wizards, this method of increasing the population is extremely effective. Moreover, it creates job opportunities for newcomers in the magical world, allowing them to earn a living. Everyone benefits.

"Here, take this," Faustino said, pulling out a brochure with the methodology for building magical rings and a pouch of money. These funds, financed by magic ministries in different countries, are given to new Squibs. There are 100 Galleons in there, which will allow a Squib to buy everything they need for the first time. In any case, they will quickly recover their money, as 80 Galleons equate to the average monthly salary in the Ministry of Magic. And new residents in the magical world mean more consumption, more consumption means more production, and so on.

"In this brochure, it says what you need to do. If you want, I can help you form magical rings right now. Don't worry; it's free. I've already been paid for my work."

Before Otto could say anything, Anna said, "Yes, right now! Make him a wizard!"

Otto smiled wryly and nodded to Faustino.

After 10 minutes of continuous magical ring construction, Otto finally restored his magical chain.

"Merlin's gray beard! Your magical chain was damaged by 80%. No wonder the radar couldn't detect you, but now it doesn't matter. The main thing is that you're a wizard now."

"First, you should buy a wand. You can get one here in Germany from Gregorovitch or go to England to Ollivander. Since you're American, you can also go to the USA, but I don't recommend it. I can proudly say that wand makers in Europe are recognized as the best in the world. Ollivander in England is silently considered the best in Europe since the most powerful wizard in the world bought his wand from him."

"To get to England, do I have to use this thing?"

Otto asked, pointing to the gate.

"Yes, it's the Morningstar family's teleportation network. They signed a contract with the family that manufactures Floo Networks, and now it looks like this. Much more convenient than a fireplace. Also, since it's the European transportation system, if you don't plan to stay in another country for more than a week, you don't need to register with the local Ministry of Magic. If Aurors stop you, just show them the ticket. It costs one Galleon one way. Don't think it's cheap;

it's cheap only because the Morningstar family covers 90% of the cost to encourage tourism in the magical world. Otherwise, the ticket would cost no less than 10 Galleons. In the pouch I gave you, there are 100 Galleons. Besides, let me tell you a secret: you can exchange money for gold in the Muggle world and then exchange gold for Galleons in the wizarding bank. It's much more profitable than exchanging directly. So, have you decided to buy a wand here or in England?"

"In England, since you say they're the best in Europe, and I don't want to return to the US ever again."

"Then, you can check the board to see when the gateway to England will open tomorrow.

Look for the destination 'Diagon Alley' or the shopping street 'Omnis.' There are branches of Ollivander's shop in both places. In the store on Omnis trading street, you can find a guide; give him a couple of Sickles, and he'll guide you. Honestly, it's grown so much lately that it's hard not to get lost."

"Why tomorrow? Can't it be today?" Anna asked, eager for her husband to learn cleaning magic quickly.

"Haha, it's already 7:18 PM, and the last gate to England closes at 7:20 PM. Remember what I told you?"

"Don't try to jump in at the last minute?"

"Yes! Look, there's a fool running there who wants to take a risk. I bet he'll end up not in England but in... Denmark," Faustino said, pointing to a person running towards the gate and then to the board, which changed right after he jumped into the flames. The destination 'Diagon Alley' changed to 'Copenhagen, Ministry of Magic.'

"See? Some wizard scientists already think that the board is behind the portal because even if you manage to jump in within a minute, you'll still end up somewhere else."

"Um, why not fix this problem or, I don't know, stop people who want to jump in at the last moment?" Anna asked, bewildered.

"Hey, why? It's fun! Later, in the bar, everyone listens to someone wandering around the country looking for something to do until the returning gate."

"I see..." Anna said, not understanding the humor of wizards.

"Okay, let's go home today, and tomorrow we'll come back here. Look, see there? Tomorrow at 12:40, the gate to Omnis trading street will open. We'll stroll there and then return on the last flight," Otto said, hoping that Anna wouldn't decide to go to Berlin. Right now, he wants to return home and... well, you understand.

"Alright, let's go home," Anna said flirtatiously.

So, bidding farewell to Faustino, Otto returned to the parking lot and drove home with Anna. She promised to do things the way he likes when they return, so the unfortunate three-liter diesel engine felt unprecedented loads on the autobahn. Fortunately, on most German highways, there are no speed limits…