4

Chapter 4: First Meeting with Malfoy

Augustus Grindelwald picked up the Hogwarts acceptance letter and turned the envelope over. The school emblem featuring a lion, a badger, a snake, and an eagle filled him with excitement, despite having anticipated it.

The letter detailed the textbooks, supplies, and other preparations needed for starting at Hogwarts. Augustus briefly skimmed through it before handing it to Vita Rosier.

"I'll arrange for someone to gather the items listed," he said.

"No need, Aunt Vita," Augustus replied, shaking his head. "It's better for me to handle some of these things in person. Besides, it would be good to meet some of my future classmates in Diagon Alley beforehand."

"After this meeting, our time is limited. The German and Austrian Ministries of Magic will act swiftly once they learn of the situation."

"Before the news spreads, the Acolytes need to liquidate their properties as quickly as possible. If they can't be sold, discard them. Everyone must relocate to the UK tonight."

"Understood?"

"Got it! So, we—"

"Let's head out now!"

Augustus glanced back at Grindelwald with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"Old man, I'm not sure when we'll meet again after I leave..."

"Hahaha... Little one, you don't need to worry about me!"

"Don't forget, I'm Grindelwald!"

Grindelwald interrupted Augustus with a smile, rising to his full height and emanating a powerful magical aura. He momentarily resembled the Dark Lord of old. Augustus knew, however, that this was just Grindelwald's way of comforting himself.

Though they hadn't been together day and night for years, Augustus felt deeply connected to Grindelwald.

"Take care of yourself..."

"Father!"

Augustus looked at him with mixed emotions and bowed deeply before turning to leave with Vita Rosier.

Grindelwald was left alone, whispering in the vast Nurmengard.

"Dumbledore, I am no longer alone."

"Augustus... my successor, he will carry on my will... our will from back then, and continue forward!"

...

That evening, Vita Rosier brought Augustus to England.

"Aunt Vita, how much of our property has been managed?"

"About 70%. Many items have already been handled, but most people have managed to escape," Vita replied.

Augustus felt relieved. It was good that people had not been captured. The Acolytes had significantly fewer resources now, and those who had survived decades of persecution were crucial for the future.

"I can't handle everything alone. With them, many tasks will be easier."

"Augustus, I must remind you that while we have a lot of gold galleons, starting fresh in the UK will incur significant expenses. If we don't plan carefully, we'll run out of funds quickly."

"I've already thought this through," Augustus said confidently. "Through years of careful planning, I understand the financial and business dynamics of the wizarding world. It's time for the wizarding world to experience the benefits of capitalism."

"It's good you have a plan," Vita said, relieved. "I trust you on this."

"Let's go. I've shortlisted several properties in the UK. Let's see if any of them appeal to you."

As they approached a luxurious manor, two figures, one tall and one short, waited at the entrance. They heard a complaint before getting close.

"Dad, why don't you just have the house elves handle this? Why come here yourself?"

"I'm going to Diagon Alley tomorrow..."

Tomorrow? Augustus immediately picked up on the information. Coupled with the condescending tone and the gleaming golden hair visible in the night...

There was no mistaking who was at the door.

Draco Malfoy!

And his father, Lucius!

"I was just wondering how to enter the circle of British pure-blood families. How fortuitous that someone arrives to provide a lead just as I was pondering it."

Augustus smiled and walked toward them with Vita.

At that moment, Lucius was frowning at Draco. As a prominent family in the wizarding world, Lucius's ability to build alliances was unparalleled. When he learned someone wanted to purchase the manor, he decided to come in person. This manor was one of Malfoy's finest; even families among the Sacred Twenty-Eight would consider it a significant acquisition.

Such connections were valuable and must not be missed!

Unfortunately, his son was more interested in Quidditch.

"Hello, ma'am, it's a pleasure to meet you, I..."

Seeing Augustus and Vita approaching, Lucius abandoned his intention to reprimand Draco. As a pure-blood, he prided himself on his manners and greeted them immediately.

However, upon seeing her face clearly, Lucius's expression froze.

Vita Rosier!

The Black Rose of France!

Why was she here?

Lucius was stunned. He had underestimated her importance and presence.

Vita remained composed. She glanced at the golden hair on Lucius's head and the Malfoy family crest on his robe, then said, "The young man from the Malfoy family?"

"Yes... yes, Ms. Rosier," Lucius answered, wiping sweat from his brow. He addressed her with the utmost respect.

He couldn't afford to be disrespectful to Vita, who was older than him and even more so as the second-in-command of the Alliance!

Draco was taken aback by his father's humility. This was the first time he had seen his father act so deferential, even when the Minister of Magic had visited.

"Who is this person?"

Realizing Draco's curiosity, Lucius quickly corrected himself, introducing Augustus, "I am Lucius Malfoy, and this is my son Draco, who will be starting at Hogwarts soon."

"Oh? A new student at Hogwarts?" Vita asked, looking at Draco with interest before turning her attention back to Augustus. "Augustus, this is your future classmate."

Lucius and Vita noticed Augustus standing beside Vita. Before Lucius could speak further, Draco approached Augustus eagerly.

"Are you also a new student at Hogwarts?"

"Have you ever played Quidditch? Do you have a broomstick?"

"My dad said that when he goes to Diagon Alley tomorrow, he'll buy me the latest Nimbus 2000..."

"Draco!" Lucius chided in a low voice and then turned to Augustus with an apologetic expression. "I apologize for Draco's behavior. Please forgive his rudeness."

"I haven't asked yet..." Augustus said with a charming smile.

"Augustus Grindelwald," he introduced himself.