Chapter 83: Talking About the Future
After all, while the students in Slytherin might not outwardly respect the "authority" of a prefect, if a prefect couldn't command respect, they would surely face subtle resistance or outright insubordination, even if nothing was said openly.
Since taking on the role of prefect in her fifth year, Gemma had become the go-to leader among Slytherin students, managing both major and minor matters. Even students from the other four houses had a good impression of her, and professors often spoke highly of her.
This alone was a testament to Gemma's abilities.
She was someone who could shine brilliantly when needed and blend seamlessly into the crowd when it suited her. Luke regarded her as a rare talent.
Thus, when his familiar, Booker, developed a good rapport with her, Luke was more than pleased to see it happen.
More importantly, he had passed all of Gemma's subtle tests.
After all, this wasn't just a one-sided choice where Luke's approval alone would suffice—it was a two-way selection process.
At that moment, Gemma was also watching Luke closely, saying nothing for a long while.
Her testing of Luke, though not extensive, had revealed some insights into his character.
As for why she had been testing him, it was naturally because she had taken a liking to him.
Anyone with some intelligence could see that Luke had a unique and unconventional political vision. The younger students might not understand or care, but the older students, especially Slytherin's seventh-years, were well aware.
Most of them had already been exposed to the upper echelons of the magical world through their families or other connections and understood where they needed to stand politically.
For children of noble families, many were destined to work in the Ministry of Magic. For seventh-year students, employment was just around the corner. After all, the magical world didn't emphasize pursuing higher education.
Graduating from the seventh year at Hogwarts was already considered the highest level of education in British wizarding society.
But for those looking to rise further… what then?
Exceptional students like Gemma had already attracted attention from many quarters: nobles, government officials, and Gringotts representatives. Each year, Hogwarts only produced about a hundred graduates, and truly outstanding individuals were few and far between. Prefects, in particular, were always in high demand.
A Slytherin prefect might not usually attract much attention, as the most outstanding Slytherin prefects were often aristocrats or members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight.
However, this year was different.
Gemma Farley, while a pureblood, did not come from an aristocratic background, which naturally drew attention. To manage Slytherin students so effectively despite this was an unusual accomplishment.
Meanwhile, the younger students had already begun to look up to Luke as a leader, though many fifth-years and above maintained a certain distance from him.
When they heard Luke's speeches, they understood whether or not they should approach him. Some were undoubtedly deterred by his ideas.
But others were drawn in by his words. Luke's identity ensured that he wouldn't remain unnoticed in the wizarding world. Whether his ideas succeeded or failed, they were worth a try.
Gemma was one of those drawn in by Luke.
"I've received quite a few invitations already," Gemma said with a faint smile, looking at Luke. "Some from noble families, some from Ministry officials, and even a few from Gringotts."
There was a teasing glint in Gemma's eyes as she asked, "Are you offering your senior a job too?"
Luke looked at her, his expression initially calm as he studied her amber eyes and light brown hair. Then, he smiled lightly and replied, "Why not?"
This answer didn't surprise Gemma, but her eyes sparkled even brighter as the words left his lips.
"You want someone suitable to take over the Lance family's business?"
She said, her tone more of a statement than a question.
At her words, Luke's mild smile shifted into something more relaxed, shedding any hint of restraint.
"Exactly. The Lance family has passed on a substantial amount of property to me. Mostly as a way to ensure I keep their family name untarnished. I agreed to their terms, and there are all sorts of other odds and ends involved too."
He glanced at Gemma and continued, "But as for the final roster, I'm not sure yet. If you're interested, you could consolidate these businesses and take charge of them."
Gemma listened carefully to his words, finding his tone to carry an air of assuredness, as though he'd already won her over. Though she had a decent grasp of Luke's character, this level of confidence was new to her.
"You haven't even finalized the shops, and you're already trying to recruit me as your manager?"
She said with a soft chuckle.
"The shops will definitely be settled by Christmas, by then, you can use the holiday break to take a look."
Luke replied nonchalantly.
After all, the Lance family approaching him wasn't exactly a secret, but discussions about their business dealings required careful investigation to uncover. Even then, it would likely take connections outside of Hogwarts to piece everything together.
So when Gemma brought up the topic of the business, Luke understood that the matter was settled.
After he spoke, Gemma continued to study him with a meaningful smile on her face, her gaze unwavering.
Luke noticed her expression but remained calm, choosing not to speak further.
"Don't you have anything else to say to me?"
Gemma finally broke the silence.
Luke sighed deeply and said, "Senior, I'm only 11. Isn't it a bit early to be talking about such things?"
Gemma was momentarily stunned by his response before lightly smacking his head, half amused and half exasperated. "You know that's not what I meant!"
But Luke didn't laugh. Instead, he shook his head. "I don't like pressuring people into decisions."
He looked at her with a serious gaze and said, "Senior, take your time. There's no need to rush. This is no small matter. You're smart enough to understand the stakes involved."
Gemma's smile faded as she took a closer look at Luke's face, locking onto his deep, lake-green eyes as if trying to peer into his soul.
After a long moment, she spoke earnestly. "Alright, I'll take another look. The position you're offering is appealing. I'll check things out during the Christmas holidays. If everything aligns, I'll accept it."
"If it's not to your liking, just say so," Luke added with a light smile. "It's no big deal to invest a little more money. If there's one thing I have plenty of, it's money."
Gemma nodded, then looked at Luke seriously and asked, "One last question—why me?"
Seeing her solemn expression, Luke smiled. "It's a gamble. I bet that you wouldn't want your first lesson in the working world to be how to bow and scrape."
"With me, there's only one boss—me. And for now, I won't be micromanaging."
"Besides… just as you're taking your time to observe me, I'm taking my time to observe you, senior."
"This is merely the first stage of trust between us."
Despite the somewhat aloof smile on Luke's face, Gemma didn't feel any sense of being distrusted.
"It's a shame those younger girls can't see this side of you," she said with a sly smile. "The Luke who has them completely captivated is nothing like this 'realist' I'm speaking with now."
Luke's smile softened, gaining a trace of sincerity. "And I didn't expect the ever-gentle Senior Gemma to be willing to take such a gamble."
Gemma's smile faded slightly as she glanced around. Noticing this, Luke quickly waved his wand, creating a soundproof barrier around them.
Raising an eyebrow at his action, Gemma said, "The magical world is like an apple infested with worms. It may look bright and shiny on the outside, but inside, it's already rotting."
"Two people have tried to change things. I never met the first, so I can't say I know much about them. The second… well, my childhood memories are enough to tell me that their attempts brought no good changes."
"But under the influence of the second, many hidden contradictions have started surfacing."
"I have my own ambitions, but the current reality makes it impossible for me to achieve them alone."
"I find your ideas intriguing, so I'm willing to see where your vision leads."
"If I find it agreeable, I'll follow you to the end. If not, we'll part ways for good."
As Gemma spoke, her face was filled with determination.
Luke saw more than just her courage and resolve—there was also deep-seated hatred in her expression.
He couldn't discern the source of this hatred, but it was clear it was a powerful driving force behind her desire for change.
"Take your time, senior. If you ever feel ready, you're always welcome."
Luke extended his hand to her.
Without hesitation, Gemma took it, her usual gentle demeanor replaced by resolute firmness.
---
In the library, Luke wandered between rows of bookshelves. However, his gaze wasn't on the books. Instead, he kept his head down, deep in thought.
When Gemma left with Booker in her arms, her expression was as calm and gentle as always. That didn't surprise Luke—after all, everyone has moments of steel behind their soft exterior.
What puzzled him was the source of Gemma's hatred.
She had never outwardly shown it, but Luke had clearly sensed it. This contradiction left him curious.
His intelligence-gathering efforts had yielded no clues, and directly asking her about it wasn't an option—not yet.
At least not until their mutual trust deepened.
For now, both of them were still probing and getting to know each other. It was far from the time to reveal everything.
Just as Luke hadn't shared his plans with Gemma, nor told her about the possibility of the Lance family aligning with him—it simply wasn't the right time yet.
Likewise, Gemma wouldn't reveal the secrets buried deep in her heart.
Both of them were in a trial phase.
As Luke pondered the events that might follow, he suddenly heard someone calling his name.
"Luke!"
Luke was jolted back to reality and felt someone tugging at his left sleeve.
On reflex, he swung his right arm, wand already gripped in hand.
However, once he processed the familiar voice, he relaxed and put the wand away.
Turning to look, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Oh, it's you, Hermione."
Hermione frowned as she looked at the dazed Luke and asked, "What's going on with you?"
"What do you mean?"
Luke was confused, but glancing around, he realized he'd unknowingly wandered close to the Restricted Section. Madam Pince was already striding toward him, her expression thunderous. It was clear she intended to stop him from going further.
Thankfully, with Hermione pulling him back, Luke halted just in time. Madam Pince gave him a sharp glare before turning and walking back to her desk.
Luke wanted to offer an apology but couldn't find the chance, so he let it go. It seemed Madam Pince's fondness for students was, at best, minimal.
"Why were you so distracted today? You need a note to enter the Restricted Section"
Hermione said, tugging at his sleeve as she led him to an empty table.
"It's nothing, really. Just a small matter. I recently came into some business interests and was looking for someone trustworthy to help manage them. I spoke with Senior Gemma today, and she agreed to take on the role," Luke explained briefly.
Hermione's expression turned a bit odd as she studied him.
"So, you're this dazed just because your senior agreed to help you?"
She glanced over Luke, then recalled Gemma in her mind.
The first thing that came to her was Gemma's tall, elegant stature, her poised demeanor, and those expressive, smiling eyes that seemed to speak on their own.
A sudden sense of inexplicable loss crept into Hermione's heart, though she couldn't pinpoint why.
Luke shook his head. "What are you imagining? I just feel there are things Senior Gemma isn't telling me, and that's what feels off."
"Never mind that—let me show you something."
He glanced around. The library was mostly empty except for them and Madam Pince, who was engrossed in a book.
So he called Doris out of his inner pocket.
At the sound of Luke's call, Doris slithered out along his hand and returned to her favorite position around his neck.
Hermione's reaction was immediate. At first, she was taken aback subconsciously, a trace of fascination even crossing her face. But that was swiftly replaced by a shudder of fear.
This second reaction was more expected. The common Muggle knowledge that "brightly colored things are often poisonous" was deeply ingrained, and Doris was undoubtedly the most vividly colored snake Luke had ever seen.
"It—it…"
Before Hermione could finish, her gaze locked with Doris's golden eyes. As their eyes met, Hermione felt her thoughts slow down, her body grow heavy as if filled with lead, and her movements became impossible.
She instinctively tried to cry for help, but even opening her mouth felt beyond her control.
However, the oppressive sensation disappeared the next moment.
*****
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