Chapter 30: Novice Crafter License
Solicitor's Office of Edward Tonks
Ronald Bilius Weasley
July 15, 1989, Saturday
"Applying for a Crafter License?" Ron asked in surprise, then added, "I have to say I'm not very familiar with this kind of license, Mr. Tonks. So, you'd have to explain it to me."
"A Crafter's License is a vocational license, just like Potion Maker, Alchemist, Wandmaker, or Quidditch Player. While some of these can be done without licenses, others cannot. But if someone wants to gain prestige in these areas and obtain the Master title, they absolutely need a vocational license," Mr. Tonks said.
"Okay, getting this license seems like it will be useful in the long run, but how will it help me now that I'm forbidden from using magic?" Ron asked.
"Because these licenses come with certain privileges. For example, the undetectable extension charm is a spell that our Ministry carefully monitors, and it's forbidden for someone to use this spell without Ministry permission. But if you can get a Crafter's License, you can use this spell in your products and in your daily life, as long as you don't break the Statute of Secrecy or violate other laws," Mr. Tonks said.
"Oh. Now, this license seems more important. And I can definitely say I want it. But you still haven't answered my previous question, and I know you're deliberately dragging this out, Mr. Tonks," said Ron.
"I plead guilty. I admit I'm dragging it out a bit to build up the excitement, but now for the good part. Some of these licenses allow underage wizards to practice magic outside of schools, and the magical item crafting license is one of them," said Mr. Tonks.
"Huh? Is it really possible for underage wizards to get such a right with a license? Why aren't many people applying then?" Ron asked in surprise.
"Because, as I said before, not every license covers this. A Quidditch Player license doesn't have such a privilege. Also, it's not easy to get this license. The Ministries of Magic and the I.C.W. don't give these licenses to everyone who applies."
"Then I assume there are some requirements or criteria that need to be met. Am I right?" said Ron.
"It's not exactly a criterion or requirement, but there is a prerequisite that the applicant is truly qualified to receive the license. But to fully understand the situation, it's helpful to know why exceptions are made regarding the granting of these licenses to minors," Mr. Tonks said.
"Please enlighten me," Ron replied.
"This special situation is accepted under pressure from established families whose names are synonymous with a profession. These families begin educating their younger generations very early. For them, it's unacceptable for their heirs not to practice their profession during holidays, since they can't use magic," Mr. Tonks said.
"Similarly, it must be unacceptable for them that their heirs could be found guilty for using magic, and consequently expelled from school and have their wands broken. I think I understand what you're referring to," Ron said.
"Yes. Exactly. That's why these established families have their heirs, who will take over their profession, obtain these licenses early, and continue their practice outside of school. But the problem we'll face here is that you don't have a family behind you whose name is synonymous with the profession, a family that can serve as a reference for you," Mr. Tonks said.
"Hmm. Do I even have a chance at all? Would they take seriously the application of a nine-year-old who hasn't even held a wand yet and doesn't come from a special family?" Ron asked.
"I must say our job is more difficult than the heirs of those families. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. We just need to attract their attention and then present them with something that will convince them that you will at least obtain a novice crafter license."
"Novice crafter? I guess there are different levels of this license," Ron said.
"Yes. There's a hierarchy from bottom to top: novice, journeyman, senior, expert, and master. But even a novice-level license includes privileges that will solve your problem," Mr. Tonks said.
"I understand. So, do you have a plan?" Ron asked.
"First of all, we absolutely must apply to the I.C.W. The Ministry of Magic probably won't even read the application after seeing your age. The I.C.W. will at least consider us if we can get their attention. On the other hand, they will be strict in their evaluations," Mr. Tonks said.
"I understand. What do we need to do to get their attention?" Ron asked.
"Actually, we need to do the same thing as other established families. Finding someone who can act as a reference for you. And I already have someone in mind," Mr. Tonks said.
"Really? Can you find someone who can vouch for me and give a recommendation for me without ever having met me?" Ron asked, surprised.
"Who said this person hasn't seen you? Actually, the person I have in mind is my wife, Andromeda Tonks. I can probably convince her to write a letter of recommendation, along with a medical report, about your early magical awakening and your abilities," Mr. Tonks said.
"A nine-year-old who's experienced a magical awakening and is a user of nonverbal and wandless magic. That would certainly pique their interest. But would it be enough?" Ron asked.
"For now, there's nothing we can do but try our luck with this. But if you can find someone who can act as a reference for you at the Ministry of Magic through your father, I'd advise you to use that. Otherwise, the biggest challenge will be proving you're qualified to obtain the license." Mr. Tonks.
"Wouldn't the three games I'm submitting be enough for that?" Ron asked.
Ron didn't want to apply for Landlord (Monopoly) yet. He wasn't going to release it immediately and didn't want others to get the idea beforehand.
"Although these products are quite impressive, they fall under the entertainment/game category, and many people will see them as toys. This could change how people perceive your talent." Mr. Tonks.
"Hmm. Actually, I have two other products I'm thinking of applying for. I even sold some today. Maybe they could be considered more functional products." Ron said.
"Other products? And you've already sold them? I'd like you to tell me about them." Mr. Tonks said.
Upon this, Ron recounted the events at Flourish and Blotts and the details of the trade between himself and Mr. Flourish.
After he finished his story, Mr. Tonks said with a stern expression, "It would have been in your best interest to consult with a solicitor before making this sale."
Then his face softened, and he said. "Now, the first thing you need to do is apply for a product ownership license for these products as soon as possible. Secondly, you need to formalize the agreement between you and Mr. Flourish. One contract for trade that has already taken place, and another for trade that might take place in the future. But before presenting these contracts to Mr. Flourish, make sure your licenses have arrived."
"Uh. I guess you're right. Could you prepare those two contracts for me? Along with the Crafter License Application Form, please," Ron said.
He knew the deal with Mr. Flourish had been rushed. But Ron couldn't do anything about it. Otherwise, he didn't even have a source to pay for this meeting.
Ron had coins in his inventory that he'd received from the system, but he couldn't use them in front of Bill because he didn't yet have an excuse to explain them.
"Sure. Reginald, please take care of it," said Mr. Tonks.
"Certainly, Mr. Tonks," said Clerk Foster and got to work.
While Mr. Foster was dealing with the paperwork, Bill suddenly interrupted and asked, "Mr. Tonks, you mentioned earlier that Gringotts charges high fees for these applications. Could you give me an estimated figure?"
"Hmm. As I said, I don't know Gringotts' precise fees, but I can tell you the Ministry and I.C.W. fees. Then I can give you a rough estimate of Gringotts' fees, but I can't guarantee it. Would you like that?" Mr. Tonks said.
"Please. But you don't need to mention the Ministry fees. Just mention the I.C.W. fees. I plan to submit my applications only to I.C.W.," Ron said.
"Well. You'll still have some business with the Ministry, but for everything else, I'll just tell you the I.C.W. fees." Mr. Tonks said, and then opened one of the lower drawers of his desk, rummaged through it, pulled out a file, placed it on his desk, and began to examine it.
"Let's see. Ah, there it is. Edict on Permission to Exercise Authority for Minors. After your guardians sign this, it needs to be sent to the ministry for registration. The registration fee is 5 galleons."
"The Approver Regent Appointment Document also needs to be sent to the ministry and registered. The fee is 5 galleons."
"The fee for applying for I.C.W. for two shop names is 25 galleons per application. A total of 50 galleons."
"The fee for applying for I.C.W. for one Product Ownership License is 10 galleons. You plan to make five applications. So, a total of 50 galleons."
"And finally, the fee for applying for I.C.W. for the Crafter License is 50 galleons."
"So, in total, if you apply to these institutions individually, it means you'll pay a fee of 160 galleons. Gringotts will likely charge a 25-30% commission when you apply through them. That's about 200-210 galleons total," Mr. Tonks said.
Bill froze in his seat when he heard this fee, while Ron, unfazed, asked, "What if we use Gringotts' express service?"
"I'm not sure, but then the commission might go up to 50% or even 100%. That means you'd have to pay around 300 galleons," Mr. Tonks said.
"Ron, maybe we should…," Bill began, but Ron's raised hand silenced him before he could finish his sentence.
"Don't worry, Bill. I'll find a solution for this," Ron said.
He could understand why Bill reacted that way. 300 galleons was equal to the total amount of money their father earned in a year. Under normal circumstances, neither Ron nor the Weasleys could afford such a sum.
"This is one of the problems almost everyone faces when trying to start a business, especially those trying to build everything from scratch. Mr. Ronald Weasley, if you don't mind, I would be happy…," said Mr. Tonks.
But before he could finish speaking, Ron interrupted him. "Thank you for your offer, Mr. Tonks, which I'm sure is kind and well-intentioned. But for a businessman, finding capital is his first test. And I have no intention of backing down from that test."
End of Chapter 30.
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Ch.31: The Most Profitable Business for Merchants
Ch.32: Visiting Bones Manor
Ch.33: Magical Power Finder (MPF)