Sitting at the oval table and looking at the serious faces of the aristocrats, I wanted to sigh sadly: intrigue again. I'd guessed about Narcissa Malfoy's test back then, or rather, I'd guessed about the possibility. But now, looking at the three heads of the family, supported by their wives and the incomprehensible presence of the younger generation, I realize that I'm not ready for what they want to talk to me about. I don't even have an idea. No, if it were different, I mean without the Malfoys or without Bulstrode, I have options, but this is not what I had imagined.
Especially since Malfoy is an active politician, but the other two are more in the business world. What brought them together? I haven't had time to figure out all the traditional and not-so-traditional interests of these families, so I have no idea what they stand to gain. It's like walking on the ice of a swift river at night in spring — there's a chance of getting through, but it's purely a matter of luck.
You can't talk about initiative here, at least not on your own, or I know the type: they fuck you and you owe them.
As I entered the living room, I noticed Narcissa and Suellen sitting at the same table, peacefully drinking tea. The woman smiled faintly at my glance, as did her apparent friend. Spitting venom? Hysterical? Well, what can you do when women are cunning creatures in their own right, and then there's Aristo. Let them play, as long as it doesn't hurt me.
— Gentlemen, if you don't mind, I'll speak first. — Lucius Malfoy spoke and the other two just shook their heads. — Since we don't have as much time as we'd like, we'll speak without circumlocution. The interests of the Malfoy family have intersected with your actions, Mr. Hoshino. You may have read in the newspapers that there have been some changes in the Ministry of Magic, but the reorganization has not stopped. Without going into too much detail, I can tell you that in just one month, thanks to the discovery of the embezzlement of earmarked funds, we have been able to increase our influence and initiate several parallel reform processes.
The Prophet even wrote about increasing the staff of the Auror by thirty men. The other processes are not for the general public to know about, so I'll keep them to myself. However, I must admit that this opportunity would not have come about without your intervention. So, in gratitude to you, the initiative group of bureaucrats who raised the question of appointing a guardian for you, as well as Andrew Scrunch himself, will be forced to do their immediate work and will not inconvenience you for the next month. — The lord pauses for a sip of tea, then continues. — But that is the most that can be done by legal means at this time.
The Wizengamot, I can tell you in confidence, have no intention of reconsidering their decision — Albus Dumbledore was clear about that — so your lawyer's work won't make any difference at this stage. — I don't sense any lies or deceit in Malfoy's words, though I'm sure there are nuances, but you can't unearth them. — Aside from his well-known stubbornness in making decisions, Dumbledore will lose some of his authority if he agrees to a review of the case. — Pause again.
— What about the laws of magic? Why are they being ignored? — I couldn't help but ask that question.
— Because they are silly pureblood traditions that have outlived their usefulness and have no place in a progressive society. — It was impossible not to recognize the tone.
— Interesting attitude. — I'm smiling because I just figured out how to get back at the old man. — My lawyer said that a guardianship contract is standard procedure at Hogwarts, especially since it is in accordance with the laws of magic. It's a law that the headmaster actively and shamelessly uses. — Is it just me, or did these people not know this? No, I don't think so. Then how come they don't catch mice at all? — On the other hand, Dumbledore denies the same laws. Gentlemen, how do you propose to shake the public's faith in the wizard's halo of light?
— Without proof, it won't work. We need hard evidence. — Lucius' expression didn't change, but he couldn't hide the greedy fire in his eyes.
— Let's say I can provide some, at the right time. — I said slowly, as if thinking, seeing two of the wolves' eyes on me, one interested. The others stare at my back. — I think that if I put it in the right light and prepare thoroughly, Dumbledore won't be able to hold on to the Chief Justice's chair. The only question is, what's in it for me? You must admit, gentlemen, even a janitor sweeps for a fee.
— What do you want? — Lord Greengrass asks tense and impetuous. I had not expected him to be so intemperate.
— Participation in your nice conspiracy, gentlemen. — and a foxy smile.
For a second, there was silence in the salon, the heads of the families looked at me with undisguised surprise, and then there was the laughter of one woman, echoed by another. I even turned slightly to see the two ladies laughing naturally. Even Daphne and Draco looked at their mothers with startled expressions, and the women didn't want to stop. They even had tears streaming down their faces. Eventually, the men smiled as well and looked over at each other. After about a minute, the women calmed down.
— It's beautiful! Narsi, honey, you were right! Ha-ha! But what an impertinent man! — Suellen Marion Greengrass laughed a little more, then pulled herself together. — Young man, come here.