Chapter 646: Departure
Chapter 646: Departure
"Wait, didn't the Dark Lord re-establish Hogwarts in the south?" Liam suddenly thought of a question. "In that case, how can we possibly represent Hogwarts at the ceremony in Beauxbatons?"
"You don't need to worry about that, because the invitation was sent directly to Hogsmeade", Dorje explained. "The school and the Ministry of Magic are different. The French Ministry of Magic fears the Dark Lord, but Beauxbatons is different. Besides, even the Dark Lord wouldn't dare to underestimate Hogwarts with Dumbledore in charge. So, internationally, Hogwarts is only recognized as the one we know. The inferior imitation the Dark Lord created isn't acknowledged by anyone."
"Alright, I get it", Liam nodded. "So when are we leaving?"
"The day after tomorrow", Dorje glanced at the time on the invitation. "We need to be in Hogsmeade by ten o'clock in the morning, and we'll depart from there. Headmaster Dumbledore will provide the necessary transportation."
"Got it. We'll be there on time", Ryan and the others confirmed their tasks and said goodbye to Dorje. They collected their and Hermione's credentials downstairs and then left the Ministry of Magic.
At 9:30 AM the next day, Ryan and the others, dressed in their dress robes, arrived at the entrance to Hogsmeade as required. However, after looking around, they realized that they were the only ones there.
"Where's the actual negotiator?" Hermione asked, looking around curiously. "Didn't they say a Ministry of Magic official would be traveling with us to France?"
"I'm not sure", Liam also found it strange. "The person should have arrived by now. But it doesn't matter; we just need to complete our mission as planned."
"Look, what's that?" Half an hour later, as Liam began to feel a bit bored, Hermione suddenly pointed towards the sky in the direction of Hogwarts and whispered in surprise.
"That's a Carriage", Liam recognized the flying object. "But it's quite extravagant."
Since only three people were traveling to France and the distance wasn't too far, using the Hogwarts Express was clearly impractical. So, the school sent a Carriage as their mode of transportation.
Unlike the enormous pale blue Carriage that the Beauxbatons students and faculty had used during their fourth year, the Carriage now approaching was the same size as the one that had transported them from Hogsmeade Station to the school. However, instead of the usual black, the carriage was a luxurious gold, matching the main color of the Hogwarts crest.
When the Carriage landed in front of them, Liam noticed that the colorful creatures pulling it were not strange magical beasts, but ordinary Thestrals. Unlike the Thestrals they had seen before, these eight Thestrals were each draped in a cloak and armor, each in the colors of one of the Hogwarts houses, with the house crest embroidered on them.
"Feels a bit strange", Hermione commented, staring at the Thestrals. "Why are these Thestrals so heavily wrapped?"
"There's no choice. Thestrals symbolize death. Although it's just superstition, still—" Liam shrugged. "We're attending an official celebration, not a state funeral. It's not appropriate to ride in a carriage pulled by them. But under these circumstances, there's nothing else that can pull the carriage, so wrapping them up is understandable."
After opening the door, Liam found that the interior of the carriage was much larger than it appeared from the outside, like a small living room. However, the person sitting on the sofa, sipping tea, surprised him.
"How is the Ministry of Magic's special envoy you, Mr. Malfoy?" Liam asked, surprised, as the carriage took off. "This is quite unexpected."
The middle-aged man sitting across from him was Lucius Malfoy. Despite his impeccable attire and the gleaming platinum blond hair that had been meticulously styled with countless applications of hair wax, a hint of unshakable weariness still lingered in his eyes.
"Why can't it be me, Mr. Liang?" Lucius Malfoy's tone was unexpectedly gentle, lacking the arrogance Liam had expected from a pureblood wizard toward a Muggle-born. "I volunteered for this mission to Dumbledore. I believe that through the connections of my clan in Europe, we can find more allies to fight against the Dark Lord, and it will also serve as a form of atonement for my past actions—"
"Let's skip the formalities." Hermione rudely interrupted Lucius Malfoy's explanation. "Your clan is a typical Slytherin. Self-sacrifice and altruism are not in your nature. For you, a Death Eater's top traitor, to risk your life and leave your safe hiding place, this must be very beneficial to you. Mr. Malfoy, I hope you can be honest about your true intentions. Otherwise, I don't think we can allow someone with unclear motives to join us."
"Truly, you are the most intelligent student at Hogwarts in recent years." Lucius straightened his posture, the gentle expression on his face vanishing. "What I told you about my clan's nominal connections in Europe is not a lie, but the real purpose is to protect the Malfoy Clan."
Lucius glanced at Ryan and the others, noting that they did not display the disdain typical of Gryffindors like Sirius Black or Harry. He continued, "Since the incident at the end of last semester, our clan has been ostracized by other pureblood families, and all our wealth has been divided among them."
"In this situation, if the Malfoy Clan wants to avoid the same fate as the Weasley Clan—nothing but a name to their name—then I must take some risks to prove my worth. To be honest, Dumbledore and the Dark Lord are entirely different people. If I die this time, I believe you will help the Malfoy Clan continue their legacy."
"Besides, we are not inherently prejudiced against Muggles. There are no fundamental conflicts between us." Lucius looked at Ryan and the others earnestly. "I'm not saying this to curry favor. Frankly, the Malfoy Clan will side with whoever benefits us. Previously, it was the pureblood families and the old Ministry of Magic. Now, it is you."
With that, Lucius leaned back on the sofa. "Whether you believe me or not, these are my honest words. What you choose to do is up to you."
Liam and Hermione exchanged a glance. Then Hermione asked through the Phoenix Mark, "Liam, do you think Lucius is telling the truth?"
"Mostly true", Liam replied. "The Death Eaters have already divided most of the Malfoy family's wealth. Even if there are hidden assets, they won't be significant. As for the family's knowledge, that depends on the individual. The Weasley Clan also holds their legacy, but they lived hand to mouth before the Weasley Twins started their business."
"So, for the Malfoy Clan to maintain their pride, they must make sufficient contributions in this war against the Dark Lord. This will ensure they receive adequate rewards after the victory. I know they are not good people, but as pure creatures of interest, they are reliable when our interests align."
"Does that mean we can work with him this time?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, but we need to be cautious." After his final words through the Phoenix Mark, Liam extended his hand to Lucius Malfoy. "Let's hope this cooperation goes well."
"Agreed." Lucius extended his hand to shake Liam's, a relieved smile spreading across his face.
(End of Chapter)
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