Tonight was a private gathering organized by representatives of several prominent families. The last time they had convened, the meeting had ended in chaos: they seized both the defense rights of Merlin City and the development rights for Merlin City Phase II from the Earl, resulting in a complete mess.
Bran had initially not wanted to attend. Yet, the presence of so many old friends made it impossible to refuse; skipping the event risked social ostracization. Even if his real estate investment in Merlin City Phase II had yielded a massive profit, he still had to operate within this elite circle—where connections often outweighed wealth.
"Gentlemen, ladies," began Okafor Tray, representing the Tray family from the United States, "Merlin City Phase II is nearly completed, but current housing prices are insufficient to cover our previous losses."
A murmur of agreement spread through the room.
"So," Tray continued, "I've called everyone here tonight to see if we can use these final moments to push housing prices even higher!"
His words were met with nods and murmurs of approval.
"That's right. Prices must rise another fifty percent if we hope to recover our losses."
These losses were not just limited to failed investments—they also included the hefty interest on bonds.
"I agree," one participant said.
"We can internally transfer houses, marking up transaction prices," another added.
"Spread the word that Merlin City Phase II is the last expansion. No further housing will be available afterward," suggested someone else.
"Promote Merlin City as the center of the Wizarding World to raise its value!"
"All of us must speak with one voice: housing prices will only rise, never fall!"
Despite having limited exposure to Muggle commercial practices, these families were highly educated and flexible thinkers. Within moments, they had devised multiple schemes to inflate housing prices.
Lucius Malfoy's heart finally eased. As long as the schemes didn't target the Earl, he had no objections. Another offense against the Earl would be far more difficult to resolve. Secretly coordinating to raise housing prices was beneficial for Malfoy and posed no risk—a fortunate situation.
"Rip!"
Dobby, the house-elf, appeared beside Malfoy.
"Master, is Mistress Narcissa looking for you?" he asked.
"What is it?" Lucius responded.
"I don't know the details, but she insists you return to the manor immediately."
Narcissa had always been sensible, especially concerning family matters. If she sent Dobby with such urgency, something serious had happened.
Lucius stood. "Gentlemen, I will remain in spirit with you all, but a pressing matter requires my attention. I must leave immediately."
He departed at once.
At home, Narcissa had been pacing anxiously. When Lucius entered, she rushed forward, weeping.
"Draco is in trouble!" she cried.
Lucius froze. "What happened?"
"Severus informed me," Narcissa said, her voice trembling. "We must go to Hogwarts immediately. He didn't provide details, but it's serious."
Without hesitation, Lucius grabbed Narcissa. "Dobby, take us to Hogsmeade!"
While house-elves could move freely within Hogwarts, they could not transport non-elf visitors. The couple would need to travel via Hogsmeade first. Fortunately, a Thestral carriage was available for rent at the station.
When they arrived at Hogwarts, the scene that greeted them was grim. Draco lay in the infirmary, his upper body wrapped in white bandages, eyes closed. Narcissa cried out, "Draco! My darling!"
Madam Pomfrey quickly restrained her. Without her intervention, Narcissa might have rushed onto the bed.
Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout were already present.
Lucius approached Dumbledore. "Explain this to me," he demanded.
Dumbledore shook his head. "I am no longer the Principal. Minerva is."
Lucius blinked. His focus had been on Merlin City Phase II, and he hadn't noticed the leadership change at Hogwarts—likely because he was no longer on the school board.
Before Lucius could speak, McGonagall interjected.
"Draco was out at night in the Castle and was attacked by a werewolf."
"A werewolf?" Narcissa's eyes rolled back, and she fainted. Madam Pomfrey caught her, leading her to a nearby bed.
Lucius's anger flared. "A werewolf in Hogwarts? How is this possible?"
Dumbledore smiled wryly, while Snape explained.
"Previously, Remus Lupin was hired as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Lupin is a werewolf, but he takes Wolfsbane Potion every full moon to keep his mind clear. Everything has been fine—until tonight."
Snape continued, his tone carefully neutral. "Draco happened to be near the Dark Arts office when Lupin did not take his potion. If Professor McGonagall hadn't arrived in time, Draco would be dead."
Lucius's fury simmered. "Are there no capable wizards in the Wizarding World? You actually let a werewolf teach students! Their safety means nothing to you?"
Dumbledore raised his hands. "I am no longer in charge, Lucius. Assigning blame now accomplishes nothing. Draco's life was saved, but he has been cursed by a werewolf bite."
Narcissa, regaining consciousness, fainted again at the thought of her son carrying a werewolf curse.
Snape added, "Had Lupin taken the proper potion, the curse might not have taken hold. But today, the potion Draco received was not Wolfsbane. I allowed him to retrieve it himself. I had been distracted…"
In truth, Snape's negligence stemmed from thoughts of Lily. While preparing the potion, he made a critical error—but he would never admit it. Instead, he intended to let Lupin shoulder the blame.
Lucius finally calmed, taking a deep breath. "Severus, we will focus on Draco. Is there a way to remove this curse?"
Snape shook his head. "Werewolf curses are among the hardest to cure. I will, however, take responsibility for Draco's Wolfsbane Potion from now on."
Lucius closed his eyes in despair. His only heir, Draco Malfoy, a werewolf—who would want to marry into such a family?
Dumbledore, sensing Lucius's anguish, spoke. "Perhaps you should seek Earl Dantes. His magic now surpasses even mine. He may have a solution."
Lucius and Snape exchanged shocked glances. Earl Dantes, already considered formidable, now possibly exceeded the greatest wizards of the Wizarding World. Could Dumbledore truly be suggesting turning to him for help?
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