The next day, Diagon Alley.
Compared to the past, Diagon Alley was much more lively today.
Dozens of shops were holding opening ceremonies simultaneously.
The grand event attracted a large number of wizards to stop and watch.
Surprisingly, Aurors were stationed at the ceremony.
Backstage at the ceremony, Argus blew on the hot tea in his hand, and Vinda Rosier next to him casually put the teapot away.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Malfoy. Without your help, these Diagon Alley shops would not have been so easy to acquire."
"You're too kind, Mr. Grindelwald. We are partners, so naturally we should help each other."
Lucius kept wiping the sweat from his forehead, fidgeting nervously next to Argus.
He had witnessed the boy's methods countless times before Hogwarts even opened.
The handling was skillful, the decision-making was decisive, and the thinking was meticulous.
Even he, the patriarch of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, felt inferior to them.
If that's all, it's not so bad.
But the person standing to the side pouring tea was Vinda Rosier, the Black Rose of France!
A person whose age and social status far surpassed his!
They were standing while serving tea, and you dared to sit down?
They probably didn't even know how to spell the word "death"!
"Mr. Malfoy, the opening ceremony is about to officially begin. Shall we go take a look?"
Argus took a sip of his hot tea, noticed Lucius's unease, and spoke up to defuse the situation.
Lucius quickly stood up and followed behind Argus.
Upon seeing Vinda's figure, Lucius unconsciously paused for a moment and fell behind again.
...
At the ceremony.
The host was enthusiastically promoting all sorts of products.
His humorous language, combined with his comical actions, made the onlookers laugh heartily.
"Mr. Grindelwald, there should be quite a few important members of pure-blood families attending today's opening ceremony."
"If you don't mind, I can introduce you to someone."
"The Malfoy family still has some dignity in this regard."
When this topic came up, Lucius finally gained some confidence.
The Malfoy family was known for its opportunism... no, its reputation as socialites was well-deserved.
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy." Argus smiled and did not refuse.
They had only taken a few steps when they heard someone inside greeting them.
"Argus, over here!"
Lucius paused for a moment.
Argus smiled and stepped forward to respond.
"Mr. Carlo, it's been a long time!"
Carlo quickened his pace and came to Argus.
"You're the star of today's ceremony, you're way too late!"
"And this is...?"
Argus introduced the two: "This is Mr. Lucius Malfoy, the patriarch of House Malfoy, one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight."
Turning around, he looked at Lucius: "This is Mr. Ian Caro of the Caro family. He is also one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, but he doesn't usually come out."
Ian Caro feigned displeasure: "What do you mean I can't come out and move around? I'm studying magical creatures, okay!"
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Lucius stammered, "It's...it's a pleasure to meet you."
Soon, two more people arrived.
"Mr. Grindelwald, I've been looking for you for so long!"
A burly, bearded man walked over and patted Argus on the shoulder.
Another thin man was also very happy: "Mr. Grindelwald, you've finally arrived. We haven't finished talking about the new mode development of the flying broom last time. When can we continue our discussion?"
Lucius was stunned: "Who are these two...?"
"These two are Mr. Bellis and Mr. Dave, researchers at Nimbus Corporation, who came up with the idea for the latest Nimbus 2000."
Before Argus could finish speaking, several figures appeared as if by Apparition.
"Mr. Grindelwald, are we not too late?"
"Looks like there isn't, haha..."
"Ross is coming right away; he's been wanting to see you for a long time!"
A large group of people dressed in luxurious clothes rushed into the ceremony.
Argus maintained his polite smile: "Professor Travers, you're still in such good health!"
Travers said sternly, "You still have the nerve to say that! Durmstrang is so close to you, why do you have to come to England to go to Hogwarts!"
Argus smiled helplessly: "I'll explain this to you later."
"No, you must give me an answer today! Otherwise, I'll go and ask Dumbledore myself!"
Travers played tough.
Argus could only try to appease him for now: "I will make sure you are satisfied after the ceremony."
"Let me introduce you, this is Mr. Malfoy."
"This is Professor Travers of Durmstrang."
Lucius exclaimed, "Professor Travers! Your book on Dark Arts, 'The Origins of Dark Arts,' was my introduction to Dark Arts! I never expected to see you here today!"
Travers nodded: "Malfoy lad, I've heard of you. You've managed the Malfoy family quite well these past years, and you haven't disgraced your father."
As soon as one group left, another group arrived.
There wasn't even time for Lucius to catch his breath.
Lucius was so exhausted he almost vomited blood!
He thought: You're telling me you've only been in the UK for two months?
How come there are more people than I know!
Which one of us is the social butterfly?!
He had initially been trying to maintain a certain air of superiority, intending to introduce some British families to Argus.
That's great, because Argus had introduced him to a whole bunch of people instead!
Argus chuckled to himself.
Did you really think I dared to come to England without any preparation?
Those old devils among the acolytes might not have much strength left, but they knew more people than anyone else!
The people they introduced to Argus might not have been as all-powerful as the pure-blood families, but they were all leaders in their respective fields!
As the saying goes, what is the most important thing in the wizarding world?
Talent!
These people represented the pinnacle of talent!
Make good friends with them; they'll definitely come in very handy in the future!
Lucius wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Mr. Grindelwald, are all your friends here? How about we…"
"Wait a minute, there are still a few who haven't arrived yet."
"There's more!" Lucius's legs went weak and he almost lost his balance.
Argus offered words of comfort: "There are only a few left, they should be here soon."
"You should be very familiar with these, so I don't need to introduce them."
Lucius relaxed slightly.
It's easy to talk to people I know.
It couldn't be like before, where I didn't recognize anyone.
When acquaintances meet, they can at least exchange a few words!
He had just breathed a sigh of relief when he suddenly saw a dark mass of figures appear in the distance.
They were heading in their direction!
Before Lucius could even see anyone, he heard a familiar voice.
"Mr. Grindelwald, we've finally met! Hahaha…"
"Please don't hold a grudge against the Aurors under my command who caused you trouble last time!"
That was the voice!
Lucius's pupils contracted sharply.
Argus smiled faintly and went to meet him.
"You're joking."
"Minister Fudge!"
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