5
Chapter 5: Lucius's Surprise! Journey to Diagon Alley
When Augustus Grindelwald revealed his name, Lucius Malfoy's pupils visibly dilated in shock.
Lucius had never anticipated that the buyer of his manor would turn out to be none other than Grindelwald's heir!
Having been a former Death Eater, Lucius understood the formidable power of the Dark Lord. The idea of Grindelwald being confined in Nurmengard was preposterous—he was a living Dark Lord! If Grindelwald desired it, no one in the world could capture him, let alone imprison him.
Despite the diminished influence of the Acolytes, with Gellert Grindelwald still at large, they could regain their power at any moment.
"So, it is Mr. Grindelwald. A pleasure to meet you!"
"Likewise, Mr. Malfoy. Please guide us through the manor," Augustus replied.
Lucius's demeanor became increasingly deferential as they proceeded, while Augustus remained focused and direct.
Draco, thrilled to meet someone his age, eagerly conversed with Augustus on various topics. At eleven years old, Draco was accustomed to admiration, and meeting someone of Augustus's stature excited him greatly.
"Mr. Grindelwald, how do you find the manor?"
Lucius's attitude toward Augustus had shifted drastically. Initially expecting a mere child, whose decisions would be guided by Vita Rosier, Lucius was now impressed by Augustus's calm and insightful approach. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment when comparing Augustus to his own son, who seemed only interested in Quidditch.
"It's satisfactory. And you, Aunt Vita?" Augustus inquired.
Augustus found the manor quite suitable. Though not intended as a operational base, it was well-appointed and spacious enough for magical practice.
"If you are satisfied, we can proceed. I have brought the gold galleons, and we can finalize the contract now."
Vita promptly signed the magical contract with Lucius.
"It's getting late, so we won't keep Mr. Grindelwald any longer."
"Let's go, Draco!"
"Mr. Malfoy, could you wait a moment?" Augustus interrupted, noticing Draco's reluctance. A faint smile played on his lips.
He halted their departure. "I heard Draco mention a visit to Diagon Alley tomorrow. If you don't mind, perhaps he could stay with us tonight? We can go together."
"Dad!" Draco's eyes sparkled as he pulled at Lucius's arm, eager and hopeful.
Lucius hesitated but, swayed by his son's enthusiasm, eventually relented.
"Very well. Draco, remember to return early and not cause any trouble for Ms. Vita."
"Yes, Dad!"
With Lucius leaving, Draco's suppressed excitement burst forth. He bombarded Augustus with questions and chatter late into the night, much to Vita's amusement.
"This is the first time I've seen you spend so much time with someone your own age," she remarked.
"Why? Do you find young Malfoy rather charming?" Augustus smirked.
"I am not particularly interested. I keep him close to help us integrate into British pure-blood society."
"Despite their tarnished reputation, the Malfoy family holds significant sway among pure-bloods. Having them as allies is advantageous."
"Lucius is astute; manipulating him won't be easy. Draco, however, is still naive and inexperienced. He might not realize if he's being used."
...
After discussing their plans for Diagon Alley the next day with Vita, Augustus bid her goodnight and retired to his room.
Late at night, the manor was quiet save for the gentle whistling of the wind. Augustus lay in bed and accessed the system lottery interface.
"Now is not the time to hoard resources. With my talent fully developed, I must focus on enhancing my combat prowess."
"System, draw a lottery."
At his command, a multitude of card packs appeared, swirling around Augustus.
"It reminds me of Hearthstone."
He randomly selected five. With a burst of golden light, Augustus felt as though he was hearing prompts from a game in his previous life.
"Wow, a golden legendary!"
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Reducto (Level 3)]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Serpensortia (Level 2)]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Incendio (Level 2)]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining: The Leg-Locker Curse (Locomotor Mortis) (Level 1)]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the golden reward: Brain Occlumency (Level 7)]
[Current remaining achievement points: 200]
[It has been detected that the host has mastered some spells. Would you like to merge them?]
"Merge!"
Instantly, a surge of spell knowledge flooded into Augustus's mind, overwhelming his senses.
[The host has exceptional talent and superior magical comprehension.]
[Serpensortia (Level 3), Incendio (Level 3), The Leg-Locker Curse (Level 3)]
"High talent indeed brings great benefits! It seems focusing on my talent before the lottery was a wise decision."
Augustus realized that merging spells wasn't just about leveling up; it was about gaining experience.
For example, instead of simply upgrading Incendio from Level 2 to Level 5, the system infused him with the experience of the Level 2 spell, which he could then comprehend and enhance.
"If the system judged based on spell power rather than levels, upgrading would be too simple."
"I'm fortunate this time. If I had drawn something less useful, like Tarantella Dance, I would have been disappointed."
Augustus was particularly pleased with the Brain Occlumency reward. Though it didn't directly enhance combat capabilities, it was crucial for resisting opponents skilled in soul reading, such as Dumbledore or Voldemort.
In future magical battles, the ability to shield against mind reading and discern opponents' intentions would prove invaluable. For Augustus, efficiently converting his talent into combat power was paramount.
...
The next morning.
"Augustus, I've received news that last night, the German and Austrian Ministries of Magic coordinated an operation to catch us off guard. Fortunately, we responded quickly and evacuated in advance."
"Today's Daily Prophet extensively reports your actions from last night, claiming you brutally murdered numerous Aurors."
Augustus, just waking up, yawned and chuckled at Vita's news.
"There's no evidence. Let them say what they will. The British Ministry of Magic can't arrest me and throw me in Azkaban based on mere rumors."
"And besides, I'm only eleven. Who would believe that I defeated over a dozen Aurors?"
Augustus had anticipated such reactions from the Ministry of Magic, which is why he had already ordered the relocation to the UK. Moreover, the UK was under Dumbledore's influence. Given Dumbledore's character, as long as Augustus wasn't captured by others, even if brought to trial, he would likely be acquitted.
While many criticized Dumbledore's rigidity and moralistic tendencies, Augustus saw these traits as advantageous. If Dumbledore were as ruthless as Voldemort, dealing with him would be far more challenging.
Just then, Draco descended the stairs, rubbing sleep from his eyes, interrupting their conversation. Augustus greeted him with a smile.
"Get ready. We're going to Diagon Alley!"