บท 46: People Gathering
...
The next day in Diagon Alley
It was more full of life than ever. Dozens of stores were holding grand opening ceremonies at the same time, drawing large crowds of curious wizards. Aurors were stationed around the event, adding to the excitement and sense of importance.
Backstage, Dyroth casually blew on the hot tea in his hand as Vinda Rosier tidied up the teapot beside him.
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," Dyroth said, acknowledging Lucius with a polite nod. "Without your help, acquiring these stores in Diagon Alley would have been much harder."
Lucius Malfoy, wiping the sweat from his brow, responded nervously, "You're too kind, Mr. Grindelwald. We are partners, after all. Helping each other is only natural."
Despite his confident words, Lucius felt uneasy. He had seen Dyroth in action countless times before Hogwarts started—his sharp decisions and meticulous strategies left even him, the leader of one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families, in awe.
What unnerved Lucius more was the presence of Vinda Rosier, the infamous Black Rose of France, serving tea to Dyroth . A figure who far surpasses him in terms of age and status!, and seeing her treating Dyroth with such deference only added to Lucius's discomfort.
"Mr. Malfoy," Dyroth interrupted Lucius's thoughts. "The opening ceremony is about to begin. Shall we take a look together?"
Relieved by the invitation to move, Lucius quickly stood and followed. However, as they neared Vinda, he instinctively slowed down, letting her pass first. He wasn't about to test his luck by walking ahead of her.
---
At the Ceremony
The host worked the crowd, promoting various products with humor and flair, drawing laughter from the gathered wizards.
"Mr. Grindelwald," Lucius began cautiously, "today's ceremony has attracted many members of the pure-blood families. If you like, I can introduce you to a few of them."
"The Malfoy family still has some say in this regard." Lucius looked proud saying this.
Dyroth smiled and didn't refuse, "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. That would be kind."
They had barely walked a few steps when a voice called out, "Dyroth , over here!"
Lucius, surprised as he watched Dyroth who stepped forward to greet the man.
"Mr. Crouch! It's been a while."
"You're the star of the day, Dyroth," he said with a chuckle, "and you're late!"
Turning to Lucius, Dyroth made introductions. "This is Mr. Ian Crouch of the Crouch family, one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. Ian, this is Mr. Lucius Malfoy, head of the Malfoy family."
Ian grinned, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Malfoy. You know, I spend most of my time studying magical creatures."
Lucius forced a smile, "Very nice to meet you as well."
Before they could continue, two more men approached.
"Mr. Grindelwald! We've been looking for you!" A bearded man slapped Dyroth on the back, while a thin man chimed in, "We still need to finish that discussion on the new Nimbus broomstick model!"
Lucius, bewildered by this new interruption, asked Dyroth, "Who are these gentlemen?"
"Ah, these are Mr. Bayliss and Mr. Dave, researchers with Nimbus. The Nimbus 2000 model was their idea__," Dyroth explained.
Before Dyroth could finish speaking, several phantom figures began to materialize around him.
"Mr. Grindelwald, are we late?" a voice called out, followed by laughter.
"It doesn't seem so! Haha..." another added, as a group of figures dressed in opulent robes joined the gathering.
"Mr. Ross will be here soon," one of them said. "He's been eager to meet you!"
The crowd that entered the ceremony exuded power and wealth, their excited chatter filling the room. Dyroth maintained his polite smile as he greeted them.
"Professor Travers, you look as vigorous as ever," Dyroth said warmly.
Travers, however, wore a stern expression. "What's this nonsense you're doing? Durmstrang is practically in your backyard. Why travel all the way to England just to attend Hogwarts?"
Dyroth gave a helpless smile. "I'll explain that to you later."
"No," Travers interrupted, his tone firm. "You're going to give me an answer today. Otherwise, I'll go straight to Dumbledore and ask him myself!"
Dyroth had no choice but to placate him for the time being. "After the ceremony, I promise you'll get a proper explanation."
With a gesture, Dyroth shifted the conversation. "Let me introduce you to Mr. Malfoy. This is Professor Travers of Durmstrang."
Lucius Malfoy, who had been standing nearby, couldn't hide his surprise. "Professor Travers! Your book The Origin of Dark Magic was my first guide into the study of dark arts. I never thought would meet you in person!"
Travers gave a curt nod. "Ah, the young Malfoy. I've heard of you. You've managed your family's affairs well over the years—kept their name intact."
Just as that group moved away, another wave of people arrived, eager to meet Dyroth.
...
Lucius could barely catch his breath. Exhaustion weighed on him like a curse. Only Two months, he thought bitterly, Dyroth has only been in the UK for two months!
How does he already know more people than I do?
Lucius had initially planned to introduce Dyroth to a few influential British families, but to his dismay, it was Dyroth who was doing all the introducing. A parade of unfamiliar faces, each more prestigious than the last, approached Lucius, leaving him overwhelmed.
Dyroth chuckled inwardly. "Did anyone really think I would come to the UK without any preparation?"
Though many of Grindelwald's old supporters, the Saints, had lost much of their former power, they remained well-connected. The people they introduced to Dyroth weren't necessarily pure-blood elites, but they held high ranks in various industries.
As they say, in the 21st century, what's most valuable? Talent.
These individuals represented the pinnacle of talent in their fields. Forming alliances with them would undoubtedly be advantageous in the future.
Lucius wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Mr. Grindelwald," he began, trying to maintain composure, "have all your guests arrived? Perhaps we can—"
"Just a few more," Dyroth interrupted smoothly. "They'll be here soon."
Lucius felt his legs wobble beneath him. "More?" he gasped, barely managing to keep his balance.
Dyroth offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Lucius. These last few are acquaintances of yours. There won't be any need for introductions."
Hearing that, Lucius allowed himself a moment of relief. If they were people he already knew, at least he wouldn't feel completely out of place.
Just as he exhaled, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders, a dark figure emerged in the distance, walking toward them with purpose.
Before Lucius could make out who it was, a familiar voice echoed through the hall.
"Mr. Grindelwald, we finally meet! Hahaha..."
The figure drew closer, and Lucius' eyes widened in shock.
"My Aurors caused you trouble last time. Please, don't hold it against me!" the voice continued.
Lucius' breath hitched. He knew that voice.
Dyroth, however, maintained his calm demeanor and stepped forward to greet the approaching figure.
"You're joking," Dyroth said with a faint smile. "Minister Fudge, Welcome."
.
.
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