After looking at the men and finding nothing wrong with their faces, I get up and walk over to the women's table. Literally two steps away from their table, a third chair appears and I sit down.
— Dear Gentlemen, — the woman nods at the man at the table. — We have a lot of interesting, important and beneficial things planned for all of you gathered here. You are invited to participate, to the best of your ability, of course. But business matters can be discussed at another time. What is important now is what you have proposed. You must realize, Sora, that such words must not be thrown around if they are to be taken seriously. So, what can you offer that will make the upper aristocracy see you not as a boastful child, but as an equal? — The woman looked very serious. The joke break is over, isn't it?
— I still have the contract that Headmaster Dumbledore offered me to sign — I saw the change in the woman's expression and couldn't help but smile. — I also have two recordings of our conversations. The first one urges me to sign the contract and then move my business to the lands around Hogwarts. — The woman's pupils dilated slightly and her eyelids fluttered. — In the second interview, when I was introduced to my 'official guardian', he demanded that I hand over all documents concerning musical artifacts to certain representatives of the Ministry, and that I cease my own production. The director supported the position of this sorcerer and insisted on my conscientiousness and obedience to the laws, according to which I must obey and transfer all my property to the management of this man. Is that enough?
— Kha-kha! — I turn to see a stunned Malfoy and a coughing Lord Greengrass. Bulstrode is sitting with a blackened face and clenched fists.
— I see — Narcissa Malfoy said. — The recording was made on known crystals of your manufacture?
— Almost. — I took the recorder from my pocket and placed it on the table in front of me, noticing the stares of those present. — This artifact has only two functions: recording and playback. It's currently off. To turn it on. — I touch the center curl and a bead of white light inside the crystal illuminates. — Ten hours of sound recording.
You can only find it if you know what you're looking for, because in working mode, the artifact just glows. — I touch another lock of hair and everyone hears my last words. — I can give them the record to get used to it, and just in case, you can use the memories — show them to selected journalists with the help of the "Cup of Memories". — I stopped talking and waited a moment. — Is that enough for you?
— More than enough, Mr. Hoshino. — Lord Malfoy spoke. — With material like this, presented in the right light, Albus Dumbledore's authority will not stand a chance.
— Very well, in that case, I will give you the crystal with the recordings. Tomorrow, my man will deliver the recordings... and where?
— Here. — Greengrass says. — And I will deliver the crystal to Lord Malfoy myself.
— Good. — I nod as I watch the recorder being examined by the two ladies. — I only have a few more conditions — additions to the case.
— We're listening. — Malfoy. By the way, he's taking a very dominant, domineering attitude at this meeting.
— I have the original folio — a complete compendium of the laws of magic...
— How?! — Lady Greengrass interrupts. — It's incredibly rare! There were rumors that only the blacks had the complete book. Where did you get it?
— I got it in Russia. — I shrug. — The folio itself is quite large, so my husband divided it into four smaller parts, which my other husband had printed by a Muggle publisher. Right now I have five thousand sets of the four books. I know that's not enough for everyone, but it's enough for the very best, and then I can print more. Now, before we meet with the press, we should distribute these books.
— We will do that. — Lord Greengrass nodded. — What is the price of the set?
— At cost, it was quite cheap, so I suggest you set the price.
— Very well. Second condition?
— I want to meet the Lestrange family.
A hush fell over the living room. The people present looked at each other in silence, but all of them had thoughtful frown lines on their faces.
— I think we can discuss this at another time. — Malfoy spoke. — As well as many other things, including matters reserved for the Malfoy family. The purpose of this meeting...
— The first part of it. — Lord Greengrass corrected him.
— Yes. You are correct, the purpose of the first part was to determine what level of cooperation with you, Mr. Hoshino, would be acceptable. I have learned all I need to know, so I will consider this meeting concluded if no one objects. No? In that case, we'll leave you now.
Ceremonial bowing, bowing, and the Malfoys departed. Only the Greengrasses and Bulstrode remained, and they also rose from the table.
— Our families, the Greengrasses and Bulstrode, have long been allies, so my family's interest will be represented by Henry. My presence here is no longer necessary...