Chapter 4: The first meeting with Malfoy
Argus picked up the Hogwarts acceptance letter and turned the envelope over.
Seeing the crest composed of the lion, badger, snake, and eagle, even though he was prepared, he couldn't help but feel excited.
The letter listed the textbooks, items, and other important information needed for the start of term at Hogwarts.
Argus only glanced at it briefly before handing it to Vinda Rosier.
"I'll send someone to prepare the items listed."
"No need, Aunt Vinda." Argus shook his head slightly, rejecting Vinda Rosier's offer.
"Some things are more appropriate for me to handle personally. Besides, getting a head start in Diagon Alley to meet my future classmates wouldn't hurt."
"After this meeting, we don't have much time left. The German and Austrian Ministries of Magic will soon take action once they hear the news."
"While the information hasn't spread yet, have the Alliance members quickly sell off their assets. If they can't sell them, abandon them. In short, everyone must transfer to England tonight."
"Understood?"
"Understood! So we..."
"Depart immediately!"
Argus turned to look at Grindelwald, his eyes showing a hint of sadness.
"Old man, after I leave this time, who knows when we'll meet again..."
"Hahaha... this Kid, haah~ when have I ever needed you to worry about me!"
"Don't forget, I am Grindelwald!"
Grindelwald laughed, interrupting Argus, and stood up, releasing a powerful burst of magic. There was a faint trace of his old Dark Lord demeanor.
But Argus knew this was just Grindelwald putting on a brave face to comfort him.
Years as father and son, though they hadn't spent every day together, had made Argus a significant part of Grindelwald's life.
"You... take care of yourself..."
"Father!"
Argus looked at him with complex emotions and bowed deeply.
Then he turned and left with Vinda.
Only Grindelwald remained, murmuring softly in the vast confines of Nurmengard.
"Dumbledore, my old friend... I am no longer alone."
"Argus... my successor, he will carry on my will... our will from those days, and continue forward!"
...
That night, Vinda Rosier brought Argus to England.
"Aunt Vinda, how much of our assets have we managed to handle?"
"About seventy percent. A lot of things were prepared in advance, but most of the people have made it out."
Vinda's words allowed Argus to breathe a sigh of relief.
It's good that the people weren't captured!
The Alliance members were now far fewer than before. Those who had survived decades of suppression were the future pillars of their group.
In the coming actions, it wouldn't be possible for Argus to handle everything personally. With these people around, many things would be much easier.
"Argus, I need to remind you, our Galleons may seem plentiful now, but here in England, we have to start many things from scratch, and the expenses will surely increase."
"If we don't come up with a plan, we'll soon run out of resources."
"Don't worry Aunt Vinda, I've already thought of that!" Argus replied with a confident smile.
Through years of hiding and preparation, he had already figured out the commercial and financial tricks of the wizarding world.
Because of the small population and the use of magic, the wizarding world is still in a traditional economic era.
Pure-blood families control a large number of Galleons and magical texts, oppressing ordinary wizards just like ancient landlords!
Now, it's time for the wizarding world to experience the charm of capitalism.
"It's good that you have a plan."
Regarding this matter, Vinda had confidence in Argus.
She knew he wouldn't joke about such things.
"Let's go. I've picked a few residences in England. See if you like any of them."
As they spoke, the two arrived at the gate of a luxurious manor.
Two figures, one large and one small, were waiting at the door.
Before they got close, they heard a complaint.
"Dad, couldn't the house-elves handle this? Why do we have to come personally?"
"I need to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow..."
Going to Diagon Alley tomorrow?
Argus keenly noticed the information in the other person's words.
Combining the person's haughty tone and the gleaming blond hair visible even at night...
There was no doubt about who was at the door!
Draco Malfoy!
And his father, Lucius!
'Just when I was wondering how to enter the circle of British pure-blood families, here comes a perfect opportunity,' Argus smiled as he walked toward them with Vinda.
At this moment, Lucius was frowning at his son.
As a member of a long-standing wizarding family, his ability to navigate the wizarding world was unparalleled.
Upon learning that someone wanted to buy this luxurious manor, he decided to come personally.
This was one of the best manors of the Malfoy family. Even some families among the Sacred Twenty-Eight would have to think twice before purchasing it.
This suggested that the buyer's identity was extraordinary!
At least a pure-blood family with a heritage comparable to the Sacred Twenty-Eight!
Such connections could be highly useful in the future and shouldn't be missed!
Unfortunately, his son couldn't see this.
His mind was filled with Quidditch!
"Hello, madam, pleased to meet you. I…"
Seeing Argus and Vinda approach, Lucius temporarily set aside his intention to reprimand Draco.
As a pure-blood wizard, he couldn't allow himself to act rudely and immediately stepped forward.
But the moment he saw their faces, his expression froze!
Vinda Rosier!
The Black Rose of France!
Why is it her?
What is she doing in England?
Lucius couldn't believe his eyes. He had thought he had given this matter enough importance, but he still underestimated the situation!
Vinda, however, showed no reaction. She glanced briefly at Lucius's platinum blonde hair and the family crest on his robes, and said, "A Malfoy?"
"Yes... yes, Madam Rosier."
Lucius wiped the sweat from his forehead and answered cautiously.
He didn't dare show any displeasure at Vinda's address.
Her age was enough to make her his grandmother, and even his father wouldn't dare make a sound in her presence.
Moreover, she was the second-in-command of the Alliance!
That made it even more imperative not to offend her!
Draco, seeing his father in this state, was equally shocked.
It was the first time he had seen his father so humble!
In the past, not even when the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, visited had he shown such an expression.
Who exactly is this person?
Sensing Draco's gaze, Lucius realized his own loss of composure.
He quickly bowed to Argus and Vinda, introducing himself, "Lucius Malfoy. This is my son, Draco, who is about to start at Hogwarts."
"Oh? A new student at Hogwarts?" Vinda looked at Draco with interest, then turned to Argus.
"Argus, your future classmate."
Only then did Lucius and Draco notice the young boy beside Vinda. Before Lucius could speak, Draco excitedly approached.
"Are you a new student at Hogwarts too?"
"Have you played Quidditch? Do you have a broomstick?"
"My dad said he'd buy me the latest Nimbus 2000 when we go to Diagon Alley tomorrow…"
"Draco!" Lucius scolded in a low voice, then looked apologetically at Argus.
"I'm sorry, sir. Please forgive Draco's rudeness."
"Might I know your name?"
With a smile on his lips and elegant manners, Argus replied,
"Argus."
"Argus Grindelwald."
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