Chapter 269

Malfoy Manor at night.

A huge crystal lamp floated above the dining room, its bright light scattering around and adding a touch of luxury to the room.

On the long dining table, an array of sumptuous foods—beef, seafood, and more—was spread out.

Lucius Malfoy, seated at the main table, looked elegantly at the pureblood family representatives and Rita Skeeter, who were seated on either side of the table.

Then—

"Everyone, let us toast with Ms. Skeeter," Lucius Malfoy raised his wine glass and said, "Our Ms. Skeeter not only brought us the meditation materials but also gained the practice of meditation."

"I believe we will soon have more information on meditation."

"At that time, the glory of the pure-blood family will return."

"To the honor of the pure-blood family."

The pure-blood family representatives below also had smiles on their faces. They raised their glasses and said, "To you, Ms. Skeeter."

"To the honor of the pure-blood family."

Previously, to obtain the meditation method, they had tried to put pressure on Dumbledore and Hogwarts. At the same time, they used their family power to suppress Lockhart through public opinion.

As a result, all their efforts had failed.

Unexpectedly, what they wanted could be obtained so easily through a mixed-blood wizard.

Moreover, it was expected that if done properly, they could gain more secrets about meditation in the future.

Lucius' eyes gleamed with enthusiasm as he looked at Rita Skeeter in front of him.

Though she was a mixed-blood wizard, interests came first, and it was worth their effort to win her over.

"Come on, Ms. Skeeter," Kain Parkinson stood up, raising his glass to Rita Skeeter and said, "We will need more cooperation in the future."

"The Parkinson family will never disappoint its friends."

Hearing this, Rita smiled and quickly raised her glass, saying, "It is an honor for me to cooperate with the Parkinson family."

At the same time, other family members toasted one after another, expressing their support for Rita Skeeter.

Rita's unique animagus form alone was worthy of admiration.

But now, she was the core figure in the entire meditation method theft plan. Anyone not winning her over was a fool.

As for Lucius, who watched the pure-blood families below wooing the person he had brought, a shadow of gloom crossed his eyes but quickly turned to calm.

After a while—

Cough!

Lucius Malfoy cleared his throat, and everyone's eyes turned to him.

Seeing this, Lucius slowly said, "Everyone, thanks to Ms. Rita Skeeter, we have achieved some results."

"But don't forget that Lockhart and Dumbledore have joined forces, and ordinary methods will hardly work against them."

At this point, Lucius paused, his voice taking on a gloomy tone.

"Don't forget, just the day before yesterday, Dumbledore forcefully approved Lockhart as an honorary school board member at the school board meeting."

Everyone fell silent, aware of what Dumbledore had done.

They had instinctively opposed the proposal but had no choice. The principal's reasons were compelling, and his attitude was firm.

In the end, the proposal was adopted.

Lockhart's status as an honorary school board member made it difficult for them to exert pressure through Hogwarts.

Seeing their expressions, Lucius continued, "However, I have a very good plan."

"I wonder if everyone is interested in hearing it."

Everyone nodded and said, "Lucius, please share."

"Yes, if appropriate, I absolutely support it."

Seeing their reactions, Lucius nodded slightly and said, "Given the current situation, with Dumbledore here, it is impossible for us to attack Lockhart through Hogwarts."

"However, don't forget that Professor Lockhart submitted a paper on meditation to a European magic journal."

As Lucius continued to explain his plan, everyone looked at him with varying degrees of admiration.

He was indeed a Malfoy—ruthless and shrewd.

After Rita Skeeter heard this, an enigmatic look flashed in her eyes.

After a moment—

"What do you think of my method?" Lucius asked with a smile, "If possible, we need to work together, and we can even recruit some families."

Regarding Lucius's plan, everyone was silent for a moment, weighing the trade-offs in their interests.

The plan sounded promising, but it required significant resources. If mishandled, the backlash could be severe.

Seeing their hesitation, Lucius said enticingly, "If you don't risk, you won't trap the wolf."

"When we monopolize this meditation method, pure-blood families will rise to the top again."

"And"

"Pure-bloods will remain pure-bloods forever!"

Lucius's persuasive words tipped the balance in their hearts.

"Okay, Lucius, I support you," Kain Parkinson said.

Soon, other pure-blood families agreed as well.

Seeing this, Lucius smiled. He seized the opportunity, and the Malfoy family would soon reach new heights under his leadership.

As the atmosphere calmed, Lucius smiled at Rita Skeeter and said, "Similarly, to ensure the plan goes smoothly."

"I think Ms. Rita Skeeter is perfect for the position of Deputy Editor of the Daily Prophet."

"What do you think?"

After a brief silence, everyone said, "That's right. Of course, Ms. Skeeter is very suitable for this position."

"Yes, Ms. Skeeter's expertise is perfect for it."

Hearing their reaction, Rita's face lit up with joy. She quickly thanked, "Thank you, Lord Lucius, and everyone for your recognition."

"I will not disappoint your expectations."

Everyone looked at Rita Skeeter with approval.

But they didn't realize what Lucius was thinking.

This was simply Lucius using their power to reward Rita Skeeter.

Rita Skeeter had made a significant contribution—how could they refuse?

They all had shares in the Daily Prophet and could push for the deputy editor position without being the editor-in-chief.

It was clear that Rita Skeeter was indeed in Lucius's favor.

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