Chapter 16: Malfoy Manor, Greasy Snape

In Wiltshire, England, outside Malfoy Manor, several horse-drawn carriages appeared on the road. What caught one's attention was the sight of a house-elf, barely reaching thigh height, driving one of the carriages.

A black carriage suddenly emerged not far away, drawn by two English draft horses.

Standing proudly on the carriage, Kreacher's face beamed with a sense of importance. It had been a while since he had felt this dignified.

Recalling the glory days of the Black family, Kreacher couldn't help but tremble with excitement.

In circles where pure-blood families gathered, dignity was paramount, and arriving in carriages driven by house-elves was a matter of prestige. Indeed, no pure-blood family worthy of attending such banquets would be without a house-elf.

Kreacher felt a surge of pride in being able to serve the Black family. Among elves, envy of his position was widespread.

As the carriage came to a halt, Kreacher leaped out and knelt respectfully on the ground.

"Master Cole, we have arrived," he announced.

Cole peered out from behind the curtain, observing Lucius engaged in conversation with another wizard nearby, preparing to disembark.

Unexpectedly, Kreacher eagerly bent down, his excitement palpable.

Cole was perplexed by the elf's behavior. He felt hindered by the cramped space within the carriage, unable to exit smoothly due to Kreacher's proximity.

Just as Cole was about to speak, he witnessed a wizard from a nearby carriage stepping on a house-elf while disembarking.

Cole couldn't help but sigh at the wizards' propensity for enslavement, a troubling aspect of their society.

Though uninterested, upon seeing Kreacher's earnest gaze, Cole realized that understanding the thought processes of house-elves required a different perspective.

Stepping onto Kreacher's shoulders after lifting his robes, Cole emerged from the carriage. He then turned back to assist Meera.

Unexpectedly, Meera seemed unfazed by Kreacher's behavior. It appeared that in her world of magic, the enslavement of other races was considered normal.

Cole found himself intrigued by the mage world. Even with Meera's descriptions, he could only imagine the power wielded by mages and the presence of the God of Defeat.

It became evident that his own strength paled in comparison to that world.

Cole resolved to prioritize the construction of his mage tower, relying on the Black family's wealth and whatever he could procure through his system.

Perhaps the mage tower held the potential to change the world.

Lost in his thoughts, Cole was interrupted by Lucius's approach.

"Cole, glad you could make it. And Miss Meera, you look stunning tonight."

Meera gracefully accepted Lucius's compliment.

Her dress, custom-made by Cole from Diagon Alley Clothing Shop, coupled with her aura, exuded both nobility and mystery.

"Lucius, congratulations."

"Cole, tonight calls for celebration. The wine I've reserved is brewed right here at Malfoy Manor."

Observing Lucius's genial demeanor, Cole understood the social adeptness typical of pure-blood nobles in the wizarding world.

Not all pure-blood wizard families were affluent. Just as the Weasley family struggled to make ends meet, many others faced similar challenges.

Lucius's ability to uphold the Malfoy family's stature was commendable.

While Lucius greeted arriving guests, Cole and Meera were ushered into the hall by a Malfoy family wizard.

The hall was bustling with activity, and Cole immediately spotted Narcissa engaged in conversation with other guests.

Recognizing a member of the Shacklebolt family, Cole acknowledged their prominence in the wizarding world.

Most Shacklebolt family members held positions in the Ministry of Magic, known for their diligence and dedication. Additionally, they had made significant contributions to the fight against Voldemort as members of the Order of the Phoenix.

It appeared Lucius had invited them to lend prestige to the banquet.

Turning his gaze, Cole spotted a familiar figure seated alone in a corner.

The greasy-haired man was none other than Professor Snape, known for his neglect of shampoo.

Snape maintained his aloof demeanor, paying no heed to his surroundings.

Meera took Cole's arm, and together they approached Mr. Bat, a prominent wizard.

As they neared Snape, Cole refrained from commenting on his hygiene habits, though he couldn't help but ponder the possibility of creating a new shampoo, perhaps with Snape's endorsement.

"Snape, it's been a while."

"Cole, I'd heard you were back. I've been looking forward to seeing you."

Snape's usually impassive expression softened slightly, surprising Cole.

It seemed their relationship, though not without its challenges, had endured since their school days.

"Back indeed. And this is Meera, my wife."

Snape's gaze lingered on the charming Meera, a hint of disbelief in his eyes.

Cole suppressed a chuckle. Snape, perennially single, seemed incredulous at the notion.

"Hello, Miss Meera."

Meera greeted Snape with a smile, while Cole directed her towards Narcissa, leaving Snape to his thoughts.

Meera complied, embodying the confidence expected of a noblewoman in social settings.

Observing her departure, Cole couldn't resist teasing Snape.

"Envious, are you? But then again, you've always fallen short."

Understanding Snape's temperament, Cole wasn't concerned about causing offense.

Their shared history, though fraught, had fostered a degree of camaraderie.

"What's next for you?" Cole inquired.

"I've agreed to return as a professor at Hogwarts."

Snape reverted to his usual detached demeanor.

"It must be Dumbledore's doing. He's relentless in his pursuits."

Cole refrained from further discussion, respecting Snape's privacy.

Though he suspected Dumbledore's involvement, he chose not to delve further.

After all, where else could Snape go if not Hogwarts?