Malfoy did not utter a word, and the study fell into a tense silence for a while. He could feel the cold sweat on his forehead, and the grip on his wand tightened unconsciously. He knew he was facing a dangerous situation, and he had to be careful with his words and actions.
He was dealing with Golden Viper - a mysterious and notorious newcomer who had emerged in the dark underworld in the past two or three years. Golden Viper had quickly gained fame and fortune for his high completion rate of commissioned tasks and his formidable strength. He could be regarded as a powerful and influential figure in the shady circles.
Of course, what helped his reputation the most was the group of werewolves that he had clashed with several times, led by Fenrir Greyback, who was standing in front of him right now. Greyback was a savage and bloodthirsty beast, who had bitten and infected many innocent people, including children. He was also a loyal follower of Lord Voldemort, who had entrusted him with recruiting more werewolves for his cause.
Even Lucius Malfoy, who never personally set foot in that filthy place, had heard many rumors and stories from the Ministry of Magic and some secret channels. He had learned that in the many conflicts between Golden Viper and the werewolves, this group of vicious creatures had suffered heavy losses, and even Fenrir Greyback himself had almost lost his life at the hands of that cunning snake.
To be honest, when Greyback said he wanted to inquire about someone, Malfoy had a vague guess in his mind, and Greyback's answer later confirmed his suspicion.
"I think you are looking for the wrong person, Greyback."
Malfoy maintained a stiff posture and said indifferently, trying to hide his emotions. "I don't have many friends or contacts in that disgusting place. If you really want to find out about this person, I can suggest you go to Kakus Fawley of the Fawley family. He specializes in this kind of thing. He knows everything that happens there."
"Oh Kakus Fawley,"
Greyback grinned with yellow teeth and looked insane. His eyes flashed with malice and hatred.
"We are not fools, old friend. There are rumors that Kakus Fawley has a good relationship with Golden Viper. They have worked together on some occasions. If we go to him, then that despicable snake might get the news in advance and escape from our grasp!"
Hmph–
Malfoy let out a barely audible sneer of contempt. If he wasn't afraid of offending Greyback, he really wanted to remind him how half of his body became like this. He had seen the scars and wounds on Greyback's face and torso, which were left by Golden Viper's spells and blades. He knew that Greyback had barely survived that encounter, and he was still seeking revenge!?
But unfortunately, his sneer was still heard by Greyback, who had keen senses like a wolf. The werewolf glared fiercely at him, and his face twisted with rage,
"We admit that the despicable guy is very powerful, old friend, but this time it's different. We have gathered a large team of our brothers and sisters, and we have cultivated a batch of special plants that can weaken his magic. As long as we know his true identity and whereabouts, wait and see, old friend. I will hang his skeleton on the Merlin statue in the small square to remind everyone that the power of werewolves is not to be ignored!"
As Greyback's face changed, Malfoy almost drew out his wand and attacked first. But fortunately, he finally suppressed his impulse. He knew that fighting Greyback here would only bring more trouble for himself. He had to find a way to get rid of him as soon as possible.
'Should he help Greyback find Golden Viper?'
This was actually not an important question. The key to the question was what would happen next if he found him.
If Greyback and his group of lowly beasts managed to kill Golden Viper, it would not do Malfoy any bad or good. But if Golden Viper was really as powerful as the rumors said, and he killed Greyback instead, then Malfoy would be in big trouble too. He believed that such a clever and ruthless wizard could easily dig out some information from the werewolve's mouths before killing them.
Lucius Malfoy, who was already annoyed by Bryan Watson's words earlier that day, really didn't want to cause any more trouble for himself at this time.
"I'm sorry, Greyback–"
After weighing the pros and cons, Malfoy gave a negative answer, hoping to end this conversation soon.
"As I said before, apart from Fawley, I don't have much access or influence there either. My suggestion is still to go to Fawley for inquiries. He is the best source of information you can find. Of course, if you are worried that he will leak the news to Golden Viper, why not pay a visit to Kakus Fawley's family first? You have always been good at doing this, right? You can make him talk or silence him as you wish."
Refusing a gentleman's request is easy, but to Greyback like this kind of madman, you can't just say 'sorry, I can't help' and send it away with a polite smile.
"Kakus Fawley's family, you don't need to remind me, old friend. We have considered it–"
Greyback made a low and menacing whimper that only wolves would make when they felt threatened or challenged,
"But in the end we decided to give up. Fawley has a good reputation and influence there. If we really attack him or his family, then we will be unable to move or operate there. The wizarding world does not accept or tolerate werewolves. We can't lose that place either. It's our only refuge and source of income. And he himself is a very cunning and clever guy. His family is also very cautious and well-protected. I can see that. They are not easy targets."
Under Malfoy's suddenly alert and wary gaze, Greyback who obviously showed displeasure and impatience stood up abruptly from his seat,
"You don't want to help, do you? Don't want to help us poor old friends who are in a bad and desperate situation."
'In the case where Voldemort has already fallen and the future is uncertain, any sane and rational wizard would not want to have anything to do with you or your kind.'
Malfoy's face was pale and cold and he thought so. Just as he was wondering what reason or excuse to refuse, Greyback suddenly let out a mournful and eerie howl, but did not transform into his wolf form.
Just as Malfoy was stunned and confused by this strange behavior, there was a sudden sound of hurried and heavy footsteps from the floor above the study, followed by two familiar voices of horror and screams that made Lucius Malfoy's face change drastically into a look of fear and anger.
"How dare you threaten my family, Greyback!"
Malfoy drew out his hidden wand from the cane with lightning speed and pointed it at the werewolf's eye who had a triumphant smile on his face,
"If Narcissa and Draco are hurt a little bit, I swear by the honor and pride of the Malfoy family, I will make everything related to werewolves in Britain disappear completely! I will hunt you down one by one and make you suffer a thousand times more than what you did to them!" Malfoy roared angrily.
"It's not easy to refuse a werewolf's request, old friend. Do you think I would be stupid enough to break into the famous and well-guarded Malfoy Manor alone to ask for your help?"
Greyback, who had nothing to fear or lose, ignored the wand that almost touched his eyelashes and sneered contemptuously.
"What do you want to do!"
Malfoy's voice trembled slightly. His wand pointed at Greyback's eye. As long as he moved his wrist slightly and recited the spell, he could end Greyback's life completely. But he didn't dare, because he knew that if he really did it, then Narcissa and Draco's lives would probably not be saved!
Greyback did not answer the question directly, but retracted his silver hand back into his cloak and fumbled for a while. After a while, he took out a wolf claw.
This claw emitted a foul and rotten smell, was black and cracked all over, and looked like it had been burned by fire or acid.
Bang!
Under Malfoy's puzzled and frightened gaze, Greyback split his mouth wide open and showed a crazy and wicked smile,
"In the underworld, it is necessary to pay for asking someone for help. And you know, we are all poor guys who can't afford a few galleons. So I took out my most precious and valuable thing as a reward. I hope you keep it well–"
Malfoy was sure that even on the day when he learned that the Dark Lord had fallen, his face would not be as ugly and horrified as it is now. Greyback glanced greedily at the gemstone peacock picture on the wall twice, then turned and walked towards the door without looking back.
"If you don't get any news for too long, old friend, we will come again."
Clang– A chilling and metallic sound came from behind the door. Lucius Malfoy slowly put down his wand and collapsed on the soft chair.
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