It had been a week since Larry had received the letter. All he had to do was get the signature. Larry figured it out too. He'd make clever use of a typewriter, some carbon paper, and a rubber stamp. All of which he could find around the office. In fact, he succeeded in making the counterfeit letter. But the only thing that Larry could think of that might be a problem was convincing Mr. Masten. So Larry decided to try to catch him while distracted.
When the lunch bell rang, Larry made his way to Mr. Masten's office. For once, it was beneficial that Mr. Masten did not deign to cavort with his lowly employees. This time, Larry did not wait long after knocking. He knew it was risky, but it was one he'd have to take. As he entered, he saw Mr. Masten hastily putting something away, but a cigarette smoldered in a barely covered ashtray.
"This better be good," Charles Masten growled impatiently.
Larry took a deep breath and nodded. "It is, sir. A reputable private school sent a letter. They would like your daughter to attend. Of course, it needs your signature." Larry gestured with the counterfeit letter.
Charles frowned and snatched the letter skimming it over. "Seems to be in order. What do you know of this school?"
"They're exceptionally reputable," Larry said, searching for something from his own experience to benefit this. "I know that there are alumni who've had successful business ventures after graduating. Also, they're Scottish so you know they're cheaper." Larry hoped that maybe the cost would entice the cheapness of Mr. Masten.
"I see. And when can she start?"
Larry blinked in confusion. That was unexpectedly quick. "I'm sorry?"
"Don't be. Now, I have a business to run. Having my daughter sitting here day in and day out is costly in both time and money. I have people babysitting when they should be working. So….I say again, when will she start? Please don't make me repeat myself a third time."
Larry nodded to himself. "She starts the First of September, but her supplies are costly and time consuming to find. And she'll have to be at King's Cross, as well, so there's the matter of the ticket…"
Charles Masten sighed in mild irritation and pulled a crisp, neat wad of bills out of a leather wallet. "Fine. Take a fortnight, get the supplies, get her on the train. And I expect a receipt, understood."
Larry couldn't believe his luck. It was almost as if he'd had a drop of Felix Felicia in his tea this morning. "Of course, sir."
Charles Masten nodded. "Oh. And what train will she be on."
Larry froze and spoke before he could even think of what to say. "Platform 9 3/4."
Mr. Masten scowled, narrowing his eyes in irritation before dismissing him with a grunt and a wave. "I don't have time for nonsense. Just get her where she needs to be, I have forms to finish."
Mr. Master hastily signed the forms and shooed Larry out of his office. Naturally, Larry couldn't help but feel triumphant as he went to find Shelliana Masten, heiress to Masten Megacorp and soon to be Hogwarts attendee.