A day at Hogwarts.

Chapter 556 Customization
The Gringotts Vault Challenge event was reignited by the return of Farbatton Castle staff from their vacation, and everyone hosted a grand banquet at the castle.

Soon after, the upgraded magic cash register finally passed Seamus's inspection, stopped exploding, and began to be tested in Diagon Alley.

Work was also quietly underway at Farbatton Castle, with home security systems being used in the Auror household and nanny dolls being put into trial use.

Charles anticipated that some clients would make special requests for modifications to the nanny doll, perhaps a specific appearance, a change of voice, or the addition of some strange extra functions. It wasn't impossible, but it would cost extra.

But he didn't expect it to come so quickly.

“Your request is not technically impossible.” Charles carefully chose his words, his eyes constantly scanning the parchment that carried such heavy expectations.

The delicate yet sharp handwriting on the parchment made each request seem reasonable, but together they created a headache.

“But!” Charles looked up, meeting his client’s sharp gaze with sincere sincerity. “I strongly suggest that you discuss this further with your entire family before making a final decision.”

He increased the volume of "all".

From a technical standpoint, the custom-made doll wasn't the problem, but from a family perspective, it was a significant issue. It could sow the seeds of a rift in family relationships, and he didn't even want to think about the serious consequences.

Mrs. Longbottom stood tall with her chin slightly raised, and the iconic vulture specimen on her hat seemed to exude an even more chilling aura.

She looked Charles straight in the eye, as seriously as when she was reprimanding Neville, who had once again gotten into trouble, to always remember "Longbottom's dignity," and said without any room for doubt, "I have discussed it with Frank and Alice, and they all agree."

As if to completely block any possible excuses from Charles, Mrs. Longbottom's thin but strong hand forcefully tapped the parchment with her wand, and the parchment moved forward firmly a few inches, almost sliding off the edge of the table.

Her gaze, like the hollow yet sharp glass eye of the vulture specimen on the hat, was fixed on Charles, conveying an undeniable will.

Charles's gaze fell once again on the parchment, which listed the doll's customization requirements:
1. Appearance: Must be a young girl, with a face resembling Neville Longbottom, but with a gentle and quiet temperament.

Second, wisdom: Her wisdom in handling household affairs does not need to be outstanding, but her wisdom in daily behavior and dealing with things must be at least two or three tenths of that of Miss Hermione Granger. It would be even better if she could answer questions about magic.

Third, Functions: In addition to regular housework, she must be skilled in gardening and be able to stand quietly while I am reading, serving tea and fanning me when appropriate.

IV. Additional fees are available.

Charles didn't know what expression to make.

Why is Madam Longbottom so fixated on a "young version of Neville," even specifying that he should match Hermione in temperament and intelligence? Could it be because Neville's clumsiness and "failure" as a child left her with such deep regret?
Therefore, she needs a perfect "Navi" who will never cause trouble and who fits her image of a grandchild to fill a psychological void and soothe some unfulfilled expectations.
But doesn't that seem like the wrong thing to do?

A person who looks so much like me, yet is considered to better fit the elders' standards, appears in my home...

Charles, having been the "model child" of Little Huiglin for many years, knew very well the impact this situation would have on teenagers. He could almost imagine the confusion, hurt, self-doubt, and negative thoughts that might flash in Neville's eyes when he faced this doll, such as feeling like he was a useless person and that's why his family had found a substitute.

This silent denial can be devastating for a sensitive teenager searching for self-identity.

So Charles said seriously, "Mrs. Longbottom, I would like you to consider Neville's feelings."

“Neville is going through puberty, a sensitive and delicate age. I’m worried that such a doll will have a negative impact on his development and on his family.”

Mrs. Longbottom had also been young once, and had heard and seen many stories and incidents, so she began to seriously consider Charles's words.

"Don't worry," the old lady said, "we will treat her as Neville's sister and will not repeat the tragedy of someone falling madly in love with the fat lady."

Charles's brain was working frantically, feeling like it was about to burst into flames, but he still couldn't fully understand the second half of the sentence.

He decided to stop thinking and just smile.

Mrs. Longbottom then said, "You wouldn't marry a steel doll, would you?"

……

"Smith?"

……

"Say something!"

Charles's silence greatly shocked Mrs. Longbottom, and the vulture on her hat seemed to be peeking out a question mark.

“That’s not what I meant,” Charles said. “I’m worried that Neville might feel neglected at home because of this doll, that he’s not good enough, or even that he’s useless…”

His voice grew softer and softer as he spoke.

Madam Longbottom's expression at that moment was terrifying. Even if Voldemort led all the Death Eaters to dance Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" in unison in front of her, it probably wouldn't have made her show such an exaggerated expression, a mixture of absurdity, anger, and deep offense.

Her eyes were wide open, her lips were pressed into a stern line, and the veins on the back of her hand holding the wand bulged.

“Charles Smith!” The old lady stood up abruptly, her voice trembling slightly with extreme anger. She slammed her wand heavily on the desk, making a dull thud. “What do you take me, Augusta Longbottom, for?!”

"What do you take the Longbottom family for?!"

“We, the Longbottom family, are bound by blood, sharing both glory and hardship! Frank and Alice’s son is my important grandson!”

"How could we possibly look down on him or think he's useless?!"

"This doll was commissioned because of a family need, to... to add some convenience and... warmth!"

She seemed to be avoiding the topic, but the accusation of "disrespecting Neville" clearly touched a nerve. Even if Voldemort were to stick a double-ended socket in his nostril, he probably wouldn't be this angry.

Charles shrank back in fright at the sudden outburst of anger, having no doubt that if she were to cast the Avada Kedavra curse on him right now, he would die ten times over.

"I am so sorry, Mrs. Longbottom! I misspoke! I absolutely did not mean to question your affection for Neville or the honor of the Longbottom family! Please forgive my rudeness!"

He quickly bowed and apologized.

Since the client is not worried at all about the psychological impact on Neville, and even regards it as a supplement to "family warmth", then as a businessman, it would seem tactless and meddlesome for him to insist any further.

Next came the face sculpting. Farbatton Castle had special tools for this. Charles first sculpted Neville's face, then used his memory of Neville's mother's appearance as a reference for modifications, while the old lady of Longbottom kept giving her opinions.

"No!" Charles rejected the old lady's suggestion. "You can't pinch Hermione's cheeks like that!"

Mrs. Longbottom muttered, "How stingy."

I barely managed to meet the client's demands, and tonight's overtime work only covers this one thing; other things don't seem urgent, so I'll leave them for tomorrow.

When Charles saw Mrs. Longbottom off in the fireplace and returned to the Gryffindor common room, everyone else was engrossed in their homework.

Hermione's homework had been "borrowed" by someone, and as usual, she was engrossed in reading a thick book. Today's book was about Apparition.

She turned a page of the book, then suddenly looked up and saw Charles smiling at her, which sent a chill down her spine.

What mischief are you up to now?

Hermione immediately picked up her wand.

Charles said with a look of satisfaction, "You are now a lovely young lady that everyone likes."

Hermione rolled her eyes at him and said smugly, "Do you even need to tell me?"

The people around them were used to their conversation and continued doing their homework.

Without looking up, Seamus said to Charles, "Charles, my mother would like to ask if it's possible to commission a more special household doll?"

Charles said, "No problem, but you'll have to pay more."

(End of this chapter)