Harry Potter and the Candy Factory

“Lian! ! !”

Under the lead of Charlie and Peng Peng, Lian and the others got out of the car, braving the snowflakes that seemed to be falling even harder in the night sky. As soon as they pushed open the factory door, they heard a familiar voice, mixed with excitement and joy, screaming his name.

As he subconsciously looked in the direction of the sound, a genuine smile appeared on his plain face in the next second.

[Seriously, I've been using Wild Fruit Reading to read books and follow updates recently. It supports source switching, multiple reading voices, and is available on both Android and Apple].

“Good evening, Russell.”

Among the busy little elves, Russell, with his signature smile, stopped in his tracks.

Holding a plate full of candy, he trotted towards the three people at the entrance.

“Oh my god, Lian, you're here so early!”

Upon reaching Charlie and Lian, Russell seemed particularly enthusiastic, as if seeing an old friend he hadn't met for a long time, his cheeks flushed.

Seeing Russell running over, Peng Peng was particularly perceptive at this moment. He stepped forward and took the large silver plate from his arms without explanation.

Then, after easily lifting it with a quick toss, he casually said,

“Russell, you guys chat first, I'll go move the stuff over.”

With that, his short and sturdy legs took big strides, and he quickly left with the other little elves, leaving the space for Charlie and the others to talk.

“Your master's car is very fast.”

Continuing from Russell's words, Lian responded with a chuckle.

Before the two could continue chatting about anything else, Charlie got straight to the point.

“How did the matter I entrusted to you go, Russell?”

Upon hearing Charlie's question, Russell, who had been all smiles, immediately entered work mode.

Ignoring Lian in front of him, he turned his head and took out the notebook he carried with him, puffed out his chest, and reported to Charlie with pride,

“Reporting, Master, the food for the banquet is ready! Chaff Chaff personally cooked the turkey and creamy mushroom soup…”

As he spoke, his hands continued to skillfully flip through the contents of the notebook.

“According to your instructions, I have prepared eggnog, red currant rum, and brandy for the guests. As for the gift… I have already asked Lala and Toby to wrap it with colored paper and ribbons.”

When he mentioned the so-called “gift,” his voice had a rare, slight pause. Although it quickly returned to its previous state, Lian, who was keenly aware, noticed a hint of unusual stiffness in Russell's expression during this brief moment.

Although this subtle change was only fleeting, the things that could be seen from it were very real.

Lian didn't speak, raised his eyebrows, and the smile on his lips became more subtle. At the same time, he became even more curious about the upcoming “guests.”

… … …

After patiently listening to Russell's report, Charlie didn't respond immediately, but instead raised his head and looked at the mechanical clock hanging above, on the steel dome composed of dense structures and conveying pipelines.

This clock was originally specially built for the little elves to coordinate their working hours. Through a precise mechanical system, it was connected to every factory building. As long as the pointer reached the corresponding time, it would transmit a deep and loud chime to every corner of the factory.

But now, even it was carefully tied with a huge bow made of red, green, and white ribbons by the meticulous little elves. In this strong festive atmosphere, it lost its original seriousness and coldness, and instead gained a bit of softness and playfulness.

After simply glancing at the hour and minute hands slowly moving on the clock face, Charlie asked,

“Have our guests arrived yet?”

“Not yet.”

Russell shook his head and said,

“The invitation letter you asked me to give to the guests said it was on the hour…”

As he spoke, he also tried to look up and glanced at the time on the clock, then continued,

“But it looks like they should be here soon.”

Hearing this, Charlie's smile revealed a bit of slyness and anticipation. He glanced at Lian, who was silently listening to their conversation, and nodded.

“That's good… Then let's go greet the guests in person.”

With that, Charlie turned his head, looked at Lian beside him, and asked with a smile,

“How about it, want to go with me?”

Lian didn't speak, but shrugged his shoulders indifferently, indicating his “I don't care” attitude.

… … … … …

After saying goodbye to Russell, the two walked along the passages, which had been decorated with festive colors, towards the location of the factory's transit fireplace.

From time to time, they could see one or two little elves dressed in Santa's helper costumes and turned-up wooden shoes, running and chasing each other with their respective gifts, fully enjoying the joy brought by the festival.

Seeing this heartwarming scene, not to mention Charlie, even Lian couldn't help but show a gentle smile, and couldn't help but sigh,

“When I was at home before, I never knew that the little elves could be so energetic, so… lively.”

Hearing this, Charlie couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

“If I remember correctly, your home has always been taken care of by Kreacher.”

“Yes.” Lian nodded.

“No wonder.”

… … … … … …

Soon, along the way, the two finally stopped in front of a fireplace in the corner of the factory that had not been used for a long time.

The fireplace was still hanging with some spider webs that were incomplete but still tough. Whether it was the thick layer of dust accumulated on the surface or the fact that there was not a trace of blackening from the flames on the inner wall, Lian couldn't help but wonder if this fireplace had never been used since it was built…

Seeming to see the suspicion in Lian's eyes, Charlie shrugged helplessly and explained in a lighthearted manner,

“After all, you also know that my factory never has any guests, and most of the guests will come in through the main entrance…”

As he spoke, seemingly feeling that it was indeed inappropriate to be so dirty, Charlie raised his hand.

His fingertips moved slightly, and magic immediately condensed and spread, turning into a visible light out of thin air, gently tapping the dilapidated fireplace, quickly cleaning it from the inside out.

“Do I know the guest you invited this time?”

Suddenly, looking at the dark fireplace opening in front of him, Lian suddenly asked.

“Yes.”