The Prisoners of Hogwarts

Chapter 282 The Creature of Power and Intrigue

Chapter 282 Cunning Creatures (5.6K) (2/2)

Time flies like water; in the blink of an eye, dusk completely swallowed the countryside surrounding Malfoy Manor.

Only the manor itself, like a giant, self-igniting lighthouse, shone brightly in the deepening night. Countless magical flames danced inside the windows, reflecting a dazzling light through the stained glass, while on either side of the long driveway leading to the main house, suspended magical lanterns, like strings of lustrous pearls, guided the guests' carriages.

Lucius Malfoy stood inside the magnificent wrought-iron gates of Malfoy Manor, where a powerful insulating spell and windproof barrier had been temporarily cast to ensure that the cold winds would not disturb the distinguished guest.

He changed into a dark green velvet robe, the collar and cuffs embroidered with intricate silver thread floral patterns, perfectly complementing the silver snake-head cane in his hand. His long, grey-gold hair was meticulously tied back, revealing a smooth but slightly pale forehead. A perfectly measured, composed smile, befitting the patriarch of an ancient, pure-blooded family, graced his face. The smile was like a carefully crafted mask, its curve precise, yet it didn't reach his eyes.

The air was thick with a mixture of the chill of the night, expensive perfume, and a palpable tension of anticipation.

The first group to arrive consisted of officials of slightly lower rank and family representatives.

Lucius gave them a reserved nod and said in a formulaic manner, "Welcome to Malfoy Manor." His gaze swept precisely over each face, assessing its value, but his mind was already focused on the key figures who had not yet appeared.

Soon, representatives of the pure-blood families appeared in droves. The Nott family was absent—Lucius was quite pleased with this—but the heads of the Avery, Crabbe, Goyle, and other families were all present. They were richly dressed and arrogant, but when they looked at Lucius, their eyes were filled with a mixture of awe and a near-dependence.

"Lucius, perfect venue," Avery whispered, quickly scanning the magnificent setup around him. "It seems everything is going according to plan."

"Of course," Lucius replied, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Remember, enjoy the night, but keep your men in line. What we need to show is unity and strength, not disorganization." His gaze lingered briefly on the faces of several younger, slightly restless family members, carrying a silent warning.

Everyone nodded, toned down their ostentation, and were led into the inner hall by the servants.

Immediately afterwards, the Daily Prophet's team arrived.

Editor-in-Chief Barnabas-Goufe walked at the front, his face serious and his eyes sharp as an eagle, carefully examining every detail of the manor entrance, as if assessing its news value or potential threat.

He was followed by several core editors, some of whom, when their eyes met Lucius's, revealed subtle, almost fawning smiles—the result of Lucius's earlier "private exchanges."

"Editor-in-Chief Gu Fei, welcome." Lucius extended his hand to Gu Fei, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant. "I hope the view of Malfoy Manor tonight will provide you with some inspiration different from that of the newspaper office."

"Mr. Malfoy, this is a rare occasion." Gufy shook hands firmly, his words carrying a double meaning, "It's clear you've put a lot of effort into tonight."

"It's just fulfilling my duty as a host," Lucius said casually, then turned his gaze to the editors behind Gu Fei, whose attitudes had relaxed. His smile deepened slightly. "Please enjoy yourselves. We may have the opportunity to have a more in-depth discussion later, about some possible directions for future cooperation." The editors immediately returned even warmer smiles and agreed repeatedly.

After seeing off the newspaper staff, the mid- to high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Magic began to form a procession.

Directors and deputy directors of various departments, as well as heads of important departments, came in an endless stream.

Lucius navigated the situation with ease. He exchanged a knowing glance with an official from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, made a few polite remarks to the Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation about "establishing smoother standards for cross-border trade," and inquired about the recent market situation for the sale of magical creature cubs with an official from the Department of Magical Creatures Management and Control.

He could accurately call out the name and position of everyone, and add a few appropriate greetings or compliments, demonstrating his vast and sophisticated network of connections and his accurate grasp of the dynamics within the Ministry of Magic.

At that moment, the appearance of a figure made Lucius's gaze sharpen slightly.

Barty Crouch, the Director of Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, wore an impeccably tailored robe, his expression as stern as ever. He was alone, standing out starkly from the relaxed atmosphere around him.

"Director Crouch," Lucius stepped forward, his attitude more respectful than he would with others, "thank you for taking the time to come."

Crouch stopped and scrutinized Lucius with his sharp eyes, shaking his hand briefly but firmly. "Mr. Malfoy," he said dryly, devoid of emotion, "thank you for your contributions to the Auror Office. The feedback on the new protective gear is very positive."

"I just hope to make a small contribution to the long-term peace and stability of the wizarding world." Lucius maintained a perfect smile, but in his heart he was marveling at how well the money had been spent, finally managing to get Barty Crouch, this big shot.

Crouch nodded slightly, said nothing more, and walked straight to the banquet hall, as if he had completed a task decisively.

Lucius watched his retreating figure, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

"Lucius! This is incredible!" Ludo-Bagman's booming voice rang out as he practically jumped over, slapping Lucius's arm hard.

"Director Bagman, your arrival is a great honor." Lucius's smile remained unchanged as he skillfully deflected the force from his arm. "I've specially prepared some aged flaming whisky for you, in the bar in the east wing."

"Haha! You understand me best!" Bagman laughed heartily as he was led into the inner hall.

Guests filed in, and the sounds from inside the hall, faintly emanating from the heavy doors, made the place seem even more bustling and magnificent.

The lane gradually quieted down at the end, as if everyone who was supposed to be there had already arrived.

Lucius's perfect smile remained unchanged, but a subtle hint of seriousness flashed deep in his eyes.

The most important one has yet to appear.

He stood at the doorway, like a magnificent sentinel, patiently waiting for the final, and most crucial, piece of the puzzle.

Finally, after a brief silence, a distinctive sound came from the end of the lane—the almost silent yet powerfully magical gliding sound of a magnificent carriage pulled by a Thestral, reserved for the highest-ranking officials of the Ministry of Magic.

All the guests who were still exchanging pleasantries near the entrance and preparing to enter the main hall involuntarily stopped talking and turned their eyes to the area illuminated by the magic lanterns.

Lucius's spirits lifted, and his face instantly radiated an even more sincere and passionate glow, as if he had been waiting for this moment all along.

He quickly and meticulously tidied his already impeccable appearance, took a few steps forward, almost crossing the edge of the barrier, and personally greeted the carriage that had slowly come to a stop, decorated with the Ministry of Magic's emblem and intricate protective runes.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he personally and steadily opened the exquisitely carved car door with an almost humble yet ancient aristocratic demeanor.

"Connelly!" His voice, brimming with just the right amount of surprise, rang out clearly in the quiet night. "You've finally arrived! We've all been eagerly awaiting you. Tonight, without your presence, the banquet would be utterly lackluster."

Secretary Connelly-Fudge, dressed in a crimson tuxedo, wore an obvious sign of fatigue and weariness from official duties. However, under Lucius's grand and enthusiastic welcome, and with all eyes on him, his weariness also revealed a hint of satisfaction and the relaxed feeling of having power in his grasp.

He grasped Lucius's outstretched hand and used the leverage to step down from the carriage.

"Lucius, my dear friend, you're always so dramatic." Fudge's tone was a loving reproach, but he couldn't hide the smile on his face. He looked around, clearly enjoying the attention being directed at him. "Things at the department are a complete mess, Blake—sigh, it's really not easy for him to get away."

"That's precisely why you need a moment of relaxation and enjoyment." Lucius guided Fudge inside, his posture respectful and approachable. He lowered his voice, making sure his words reached only Fudge's ears, "Regarding that worrying little matter," and some ideas that might be helpful for you, Minister, to stabilize the situation, we can discuss them in detail later in a completely quiet place."

A glint of interest flashed in Fudge's cloudy eyes, and he patted Lucius's hand hard: "Good, good, you're very thoughtful. We'll talk about it later."

Lucius personally accompanied Fudge, as they walked towards the heavy door leading to the bustling crowd and the heart of power, amidst the watchful eyes of the guests who had not yet fully entered the banquet hall.

As the last guest—Minister Fudge—disappeared into the dazzling light of the banquet hall, the heavy oak doors slowly closed, completely shutting out the chill of the winter night.

Inside the hall, it was warm and cozy, filled with the rich aromas of gourmet food, fine wine, and expensive perfumes.

The enormous crystal chandelier shone brightly, reflecting off the smooth, mirror-like marble floor and the guests' magnificent robes.

Lucius Malfoy did not rush to blend in with the crowd.

He paused briefly on the slightly higher steps, his gaze sweeping over the assembled dignitaries—allies of pure-blood families, the pens of the Daily Prophet, business elites, and powerful figures in the Ministry of Magic—and a sense of satisfaction from being in control of the situation welled up within him.

He gently tapped the stemmed crystal glass in his hand, and the clear, resonant sound spread like ripples, gradually attracting the attention of everyone present.

The clamor of voices receded like the tide, and all eyes were focused on him.

A perfectly measured smile, befitting a host and a successful businessman, graced his face. His voice, amplified by magic, carried clearly and gently throughout the hall: "Distinguished guests, friends," he began, his voice warm with the festive spirit, "on this starlit, hopeful Christmas Eve, please allow me, Lucius Malfoy, on behalf of myself and the Stone Tower Merchant Guild, to extend my sincerest welcome and gratitude to all of you for your presence."

He paused briefly, letting the warmth of welcome fill the air.

Christmas is a time for family, warmth, and prayer. It reminds us that amidst the hustle and bustle, there are precious bonds of kinship and friendship, and a shared hope for a better life in the coming year.

His gaze seemed to casually sweep across the edge of the crowd, where Narcissa Malfoy, dressed in a silver-grey gown, gracefully smiled at him. Beside her, Draco Malfoy, in a well-tailored black tuxedo, his pale blond hair impeccably styled, tried to maintain a haughty demeanor, but his eyes betrayed a hint of youthful excitement and nervousness in such a grand occasion.

Lucius nodded slightly to them, a subtle gesture full of familial intimacy that earned Narcissa a knowing smile.

"Over the past year," Lucius continued, steer the conversation back on track, "we have witnessed together the changes and development of the magical world. The Stone Tower Merchant Guild, as a bridge connecting ancient traditions and emerging needs, has been fortunate to contribute its modest share. This would not have been possible without the long-term trust of everyone present."

"Support and cooperation." He raised his glass, gesturing to guests in different directions—pure-blood families, Ministry of Magic officials, and business partners.

"And the new year means new opportunities and challenges." His tone became slightly more solemn. "In order to reflect the diverse voices of our magical society more timely and comprehensively, and to promote the freer and richer flow of information, the Stone Tower Chamber of Commerce, after careful consideration and preparation, has decided to officially enter the field of news media in the near future."

Upon hearing this, a low murmur arose from the audience, a mixture of surprise, understanding, and anticipation.

Many people turned their attention to Barnabas-Goufe, the editor-in-chief of the Daily Prophet, whose face remained calm, but whose fingers tightened slightly around his wine glass.

Lucius seemed oblivious to these subtle fluctuations, his voice remaining steady and confident: "This is not about creating conflict, but about providing more choices and building a broader platform for communication."

We believe that a more open and transparent information environment will help us all see the road ahead more clearly and address challenges more effectively. Therefore, I sincerely request that all of you provide your guidance and support during the initial stages of this new endeavor.

He didn't delve into the details or press the issue; he simply presented a given fact and a mild request.

The real exchanges of benefits, threats, and inducements have long been completed in countless private meeting rooms and communications.

The announcement at this moment is more like an elegant conclusion, a public announcement made under the Christmas lights, preserving dignity for all participants.

"Finally," he raised his glass again, a perfect, festive smile on his face, "let us raise a glass together! To the upcoming Christmas season, to a brighter future for the magical world, and to the health and happiness of everyone here and your families—cheers!"

"Cheers!" The responses rose like a tide, and the clinking of crystal glasses created a crisp and melodious symphony.

As the speech concluded, melodious dance music began to play. Lucius calmly stepped off the platform and was instantly surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd.

He was like a master dancer, moving between different circles of power.

Within the pure-blood family circle, he accepted the compliments with a relaxed tone: "—It's just going with the flow, Avery. A new voice is beneficial to all of us." He patted the other person on the shoulder, everything understood without words.

He smiled warmly as he approached the editors of the Daily Prophet: "—My assistant will discuss the specifics of the page layout with you next week. I believe this will be a win-win situation." The editors nodded, their faces filled with anticipation for future benefits.

When speaking with Ministry of Magic officials, his attitude became pragmatic and constructive: "—We will strictly adhere to the Legal Enforcement Division's guidelines on information dissemination. At the same time, we hope the Ministry can understand the positive role of emerging media in promoting public understanding of the Ministry of Magic's work—" The other party nodded knowingly.

He even took the time to go over to Draco and Narcissa.

Narcissa gracefully took his arm and whispered, "The speech was brilliant, Lucius." Draco straightened his back, watching his father move among the various figures with admiration in his eyes.

"Take Draco to meet the sons of some of the directors," Lucius whispered to Narcissa, then looked at his son, "Mind your manners, Draco."

"Yes, Father," Draco replied immediately.

Lucius once again plunged into that dazzling, noisy spectacle.

He chatted and laughed, raised his glass in greeting, and with every smile and every handshake, he subtly tightened the giant net woven from interests, power, and promises.

Just as the banquet was in full swing, after finishing his conversation with an official, he excused himself and temporarily left the banquet venue.

Turning the corner of the corridor, he quietly pushed open a door, stepped into the room, and then gently closed the door, shutting out all the glitz and glamour of the outside world.

This place is completely different from the opulent banquet hall.

The room was small and furnished in a rustic style. The walls were covered with dark wood paneling, and the only light source was the flickering flame in the fireplace, casting dappled shadows on the heavy carpet. The air was filled with the scents of old books, cold stones, and a faint, strange aroma of magical spices, warm yet carrying an unsettling tranquility.

Deep inside the room, the heavy velvet curtains were not fully drawn. A gray, silent figure—Reggie—stood before the narrow gap, like a frozen statue. His "gaze" from under his hood pierced through the glass, gazing at the pitch-black winter gardens outlined by the manor lights outside the window, as if scrutinizing another world.

Lynch sat relaxed in a high-backed armchair near the fireplace.

The flickering firelight reflected in his dark eyes, casting an unfathomable shadow over his usually indifferent expression. He held no wine glass, merely crossing his legs casually, as if he had been waiting there for some time.

Lucius abandoned all his composure and majesty in the banquet hall. He strode forward, stopped a few steps away from the two of them, and bowed slightly, his posture extremely respectful.

"Mr. Reggie, Mr. Lynch," he said in a low voice, with a hint of tension, "everything is going smoothly outside. Fudge is here and seems to be in good spirits. Goughfee of the Daily Prophet and those key editors have all received the signals they needed to receive. No one from the pureblood families dares to cause trouble on this occasion."

He gave a concise report, omitting all unnecessary details and stating only the results.

He knew that in front of these two, any embellishment would be superfluous.

Lynch slowly turned his head, his gaze shifting from the leaping flames to Lucius. His gaze was calm, yet it made Lucius feel an invisible pressure.

After a moment, the corners of Lin Qi's mouth twitched slightly upwards, forming an arc that was not exactly warm, but carried a clear sense of approval.

"A truly magnificent dinner, Mr. Malfoy." Lynch's voice, though not loud, reached Lucius's ears clearly, carrying a calm, objective assessment. "The scale, the guests, the atmosphere—impeccable. Indeed, these kinds of things can only be entrusted to a professional like you with complete peace of mind."

This praise did not make Lucius feel any relief.

He was well aware of the effort behind this "beauty" and the higher expectations that this praise represented.

He maintained a slight bow and cautiously replied, "You flatter me, Mr. Lynch. It's just my job to make sure everything meets your and Mr. Reggie's expectations."

His gaze instinctively swept quickly to the silent, gray figure by the window.

Reggie made no comment, not even the slightest movement, as if he were completely immersed in his own world.

However, Lucius could feel that the invisible, cold "gaze" seemed to never leave him.

Lynch's praise might be acceptable, but for Lucius, true recognition always comes from that silent figure.

After all, Reggie was the head of the Stone Tower Merchant Guild and the Executioner's most trusted confidant.

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