Harry Potter and the Candy Factory

“Dobby?” A hint of surprise flickered across Charlie's face. He raised an eyebrow, repeating the familiar name with a touch of doubt. ♚ ♞ ♦ ♦

Clearly, Dursley's request was unexpected. In his original expectations, the newly established "Publicity Department" would likely be a group entirely composed of Muggles or Squibs. After all, within Charlie's Chocolate Factory, now predominantly run by house-elves, people would naturally choose to band together for mutual benefit and coordination. This was something Charlie had anticipated when he decided to expand the factory's production scale and recruit Muggles and Squibs.

Moreover, compared to the simplicity and honesty of house-elves, Muggles, having lived in Muggle society for a good portion of their lives, should be better suited for work requiring innovation and ideas, such as publicity. This was only natural.

However, he never imagined that Dursley, the newly appointed head of the Publicity Department, would ask for a house-elf, and Dobby no less, as his first subordinate on his first day…

For a moment, even the shrewd Charlie couldn't help but feel uncertain, unsure of what chemical reactions this unusual combination would produce.

Sensing Charlie's thoughts, Dursley, with his extensive work experience before joining the factory, wouldn't simply stand there foolishly awaiting his boss's response.

“Yes… well, it's like this,”

He first raised his thick hand, wiping sweat haphazardly from his face, then softly began to explain the situation.

“Actually, I knew this house-elf before I even came to work at the factory.”

Dursley paused, looked up, and quickly assessed Charlie's expression with a seemingly simple yet cunning gaze. Seeing that the other party was neither displeased nor angry, but rather listening with interest, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief and continued.

“It's through my nephew… You know, Harry.”

Hearing Dursley utter Harry's name so gently and openly acknowledge his nephew's identity in front of him, Charlie's eyes gleamed with even more curiosity. He raised the corner of his mouth slightly but said nothing, simply waiting in silence, as if to see what Dursley wanted to say to him.

Dursley's hands fidgeted nervously in front of his massive belly, and he continued haltingly.

“The events of the past few months have probably been the most incredible story I've ever experienced in my life. From an ordinary person, coming into contact with magic, constantly changing my mindset, coupled with various twists and turns, and finally, suddenly, the skies cleared and I successfully welcomed a new life… Even now, I can't fully digest the feelings in my heart.”

Charlie nodded slightly to show his agreement. From the fleeting complexity in his eyes, Charlie could tell that Dursley was genuinely moved by these words, not feigning it.

“Perhaps only after experiencing major changes can a person finally learn to grow…”

He said, his emotions running deep, unconsciously exhaling a breath of stale air, and then continued to sigh.

“Harry is a sensible child, even after enduring my previous extreme harshness, he didn't think of revenge…”

Dursley remembered the scene of Harry using "magical" means to fling him away that night, yet then running back to the cupboard in a fluster.

“At the time, I placed too much of my dissatisfaction with external factors on him, forgetting that he himself was not at fault. Harry himself was no different from Dudley, just a child.”

“And I, like a bastard, vented everything he shouldn't have had to bear on him, seeking my own satisfaction…”

“Later…” Dursley subconsciously glanced at his boss in front of him. “When my situation reached the same vulnerability as his… I suddenly realized how cruel my previous actions were to a child of only eleven years old.”

Speaking of this, he seemed to suddenly think of something, and a bitter smile unconsciously rose to the corner of his mouth.

“However, I rely on his relationship, relying on my identity as his uncle, to gain the respect of the wizards, to get this job at Charlie Black's Chocolate Factory. It's ironic to think about it.”

“So, what does this have to do with you bringing Dobby into your department?”

Dursley quickly replied.

“Dobby is Harry's friend. I hope that through him, I can ease my relationship with Harry as much as possible. Although I can't expect his forgiveness, I also hope to make up for the pain in his heart over the years as much as possible.”

“Is that all?” Charlie raised his eyebrows and asked.

“Moreover, I do think… Dobby is a different house-elf. At least, among the house-elves I've seen, he's the most special one. I have a premonition that bringing him into the Publicity Department will definitely be the right choice.”

Charlie finally smiled, seemingly seeing "sincerity" in Dursley's eyes. He finally relented, nodded, and agreed. “Alright, then let's do as you say.”

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

In the afternoon, after Charlie returned to the office from his leisurely stroll, Russell walked in with the things specially prepared for him to take to France.

“Master Charlie, do you know? After you agreed to Dursley's request, he immediately appointed Dobby as the deputy director of the Publicity Department!”

Russell reported to Charlie as if he were talking about something particularly new.

Hearing these words, Charlie seemed to instantly understand something and couldn't help but laugh.

“Indeed, entrusting the new department to Dursley was the right choice. He is indeed… a clever man.”

“What did he do?” Russell couldn't help but raise his head curiously and look at Charlie, asking softly.

However, Charlie did not answer him but instead asked, “Do you know why he made Dobby the deputy director?”

“Because he wants to repair his relationship with Harry…” Russell replied without thinking, but his words stopped abruptly halfway through.

After a moment, his expression changed, as if he had discovered another layer of meaning. After hesitating for a moment, he tentatively said to Charlie.

“He… is he hinting at something…?”

Charlie leaned back comfortably against the backrest, holding Fifi in his arms, stroking its full fur while closing his eyes.

“He is expressing his attitude to the other directors and me. Although the Publicity Department is a human-dominated department, he does not intend to band together. Instead, by setting up Dobby as the deputy director, he is expressing his ambiguous and friendly attitude towards the house-elves.”

“Then why does it have to be Dobby?”

“Because he is special… He is both a house-elf and an outsider. His past life experiences have destined him not to be a leader who can disperse Dursley's power, so making him the deputy director is the most suitable choice.”

Speaking of this, Charlie couldn't help but open his eyes.

“I am now really starting to look forward to what the Publicity Department will be like under his leadership.”