Chapter 7: The Lily Potter Foundation
"Now, then, knowing you are rich, a lot of people will be outraged that you would dare to attack the books that every, and I do mean every, Wizarding child owns.
To combat this, to control the narrative, that is, I suggest you set up a foundation that will use the funds those scoundrels give you to provide Muggle-borns, and underprivileged Half-bloods and Pure-bloods with adequate schooling materials.
"You know," he said in a coaxing manner, "so that they don't have to use hand-me-down or broken and defective wands, so they can get books that aren't falling apart with age." He stopped, covered his mouth, and said "cough * cough * Ron and Ginny Weasley * cough * cough." He dropped his hand and cleared his throat, "Sorry about that, had a frog in my throat."
Harry was staring at him in shock.
"If it's a grant from a foundation, it's not charity, now is it? Especially if it goes to a large group of people, right?
"Anyway, you announce this right off and it immediately puts those scoundrels off their game"
Harry was blinking rapidly, Gilderoy could almost see the gears turning in his mind.
"Of course, there will be a means test in the process. We don't want rich snobs like Mr. Malfoy, who can easily afford a wand, expecting to get a free one.
"And, if there are sufficient funds — using only the interest, not the principle, of course — the Foundation will replace those aging and decrepit brooms Hogwarts uses to teach Firsties about broom-flying. That way future students can avoid accidents such as befell poor Mr. Longbottom last year.
"So, you would be doing a tremendous service to the Wizarding community, your friends, by doing this. And it would show that you are not someone they can take lightly. If they cross you, there will be consequences.
"And just to alleviate any concerns you might have on the matter, I, myself, will be on the Board of Directors of The Lily Potter Foundation to make sure the funds are used for the stated purposes and not used to line some rich Pure-blood's pockets.
Harry jerked his head up on hearing the name of the Foundation.
The smarmy professor smiled knowingly. "Yes, this would be an excellent way to honour your mother and keep her name alive in the Wizarding World. And with only a minimal amount of effort on your part. Plus, as I said, it shan't cost you a single knut. The legal firm will take their fee from the monies collected. Normally those legal fees can range anywhere from thirty-to-fifty percent, but for The Lily Potter Foundation I've talked the solicitors down to a mere twenty percent."
He pulled a parchment out of his pocket. "If you would just sign right here," he pointed to the bottom of the parchment, "They can get started on this immediately."
Harry looked at the proffered quill and looked back up at Lockhart, frowning heavily.
The Professor leaned forward and said, quietly and sincerely, "Harry, I swear to you on my magic that what the Foundation does will make you proud." He stared into the boy's eyes, projecting his sincerity.
"I, Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defence League, five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award, and your beloved Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor promise you that this is not a trick and not a scam, that The Lily Potter Foundation will do exactly as I promise. It will provide needy students with the tools they require to succeed at Hogwarts.
"The contract here even specifies that my compensation as a member of the Board of Directors will never exceed one galleon a year, and that none of the other Directors will earn more than 100 galleons." He didn't need any money, the kudos and access to other rich movers would more than pay him for his time on the board. Not to mention the fact that he was earning a finder's fee of one-percent on every galleon earned from the miscreant firms and any new licensing arrangements.
Harry hesitantly took the quill and scrawled his signature on the bottom of the parchment.
The professor took the quill and signed just below Harry's name.
"Excellent, Harry," Gilderoy practically purred in satisfaction. Next, he offered a small silver knife. "Just use this to prick you thumb and let a few drops of your blood hit your signature."
Moving slowly, watching the professor from the corners of his eyes, Harry did as asked.
The professor waved his wand and the cut on Harry's hand disappeared as if it had never existed. Harry set the knife on the desk.
Lockhart took the knife and pricked his thumb, letting his blood drip.
As the third drop hit the parchment, Gilderoy smiled widely. A copy of the contract had just magically appeared in the legal firm's office; they would begin first thing in the morning.
Lockhart sighed contentedly, beaming happily, as he rolled up the parchment. "I promise you, Harry, you will be astonished at the good will this will generate in the long term. People will be talking about The Lily Potter Foundation and what it does for generations after you and I are long gone." He tapped the scroll with his wand and handed the new duplicate to the boy. "Let your friend, Miss Granger, have a look at that contract," he said as he dropped his copy into a small Gringotts' Owling tube and sealed both ends. He tossed it into the box with the rest of the outgoing Owl mail. "I'm sure she will find it fascinating. And she will agree that I am treating you fairly. As if I," he declared dramatically, "I, would stoop so low as to attempt to stymie the promising career you have ahead of you. Why would I do that," he asked rhetorically, "when by helping you I can demonstrate to everyone what a wonderful mentor I am?" He struck a heroic pose, with one arm on his hip holding back his dress-cape and holding the index finger of the other hand up at eye level for several moments. Then he relaxed.
"By the way, just in case you change your mind, there is a ten-day cancelation clause before the contract becomes permanent. If you have any questions, feel free to come to me at any time. I will always be willing to help you achieve your life's goals." Gilderoy beamed proudly at the boy and looking forward to showing Harry how to manage his fame.
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