Chapter 430: Secret Negotiations at Malfoy Manor

There were only a few days left before the start of the Hogwarts term, and Lucius was already on edge. He remembered clearly that Old Barty had promised him that someone would come to discuss the relevant matters of the registration before September 9. However, now that the term was approaching, the other party had not yet shown up. Was the other party just teasing him?

On that night, when Lucius was still anxious, Dobby, the house elf, suddenly came to report that Ms. Dolores Umbridge and Mr. Ludo Bagman were outside the manor asking for an audience. These two names shocked Mr. Malfoy. Not long ago, they were both loyal followers of Cornelius Fudge, but ended up sadly for different reasons... But why did they come to him? Which side did they represent?

Although he was full of doubts, Lucius, with a frown on his face, did not forget his basic manners as an old fox. After a brief greeting, he led the two into the secret room without hesitation...

"You two, we are old acquaintances, so we'd better speak frankly." In the quiet secret room, Lucius lightly removed his disguise.

"Mr. Malfoy, are you kidding?" Umbridge's sweet voice was filled with endless sarcasm: "Aren't you waiting for this negotiation? If this is your attitude, then we won't accompany you for now."

"Don't..." Lucius was startled and hurriedly spoke out to stop them. His words were undoubtedly a test. No matter what, he didn't believe that these two capable men of Fudge would become the negotiating representatives of old Barty. But the reality slapped him in the face. The two seemed to have changed their allegiance and gained the trust of old Barty in such a short time.

Thinking of this, he anxiously comforted them: "You two, what I did just now was also a disguised way of protecting you. I believe you know what I am worried about. So, please forgive me for being so cautious." As he spoke, Lucius stood up and personally served them tea and snacks.

The two of them obviously didn't want to pursue the matter too much. Umbridge said gently, "Well, I also know that Mr. Malfoy is in a difficult situation now, so let's get straight to the point... First of all, I can say responsibly that we are indeed capable of agreeing to your request... Moreover, we are capable of doing better than you think... Not only can we report it for you, but we can also completely remove you from the entire incident when you are accused and investigated by the outside world; we can protect the lives of you and your family, no matter which organization the enemy comes from... But the question is, what can you give us?"

Lucius looked at the two of them with suspicion, but he didn't understand where their confidence came from: "Ms. Umbridge, your proposal does sound tempting, but I need to know what price I will pay for it. After all, there is no free lunch in the world, right?"

"Haha, isn't this obvious?" Umbridge sneered, "In exchange for everything I just promised, of course, is your life, your following, and your loyalty."

Lucius was in a dilemma again, but only for a moment, he asked again: "I don't know why you are so confident, but isn't it a bit too unrealistic to expect me to completely surrender with just a few words from you?"

Umbridge looked at Lucius deeply and sighed, "In fact, sometimes, it is better not to be so calculating. Are you sure you want to give up such a good opportunity?"

"I didn't give up the opportunity." Lucius swallowed hard, his face terribly gloomy. "I just can't believe your words for the time being. In order to show your sincerity, shouldn't you come up with more convincing evidence?"

Hearing this, Umbridge suddenly burst into a hearty laugh. After a long while, she said as if she didn't care, "That's why I said that being too calculating is not a good thing. Haven't you ever thought that letting Ludo and I come together is the most convincing evidence? We both worked for Fudge and were ruined by failure; but now, we are all fine and willing to work for the new forces. If they can't convince us, will we do this? You don't think the two of us are really stupid, do you?"

At this moment, Lucius fell into deep thought again. He knew Ludo and Dolores very well. If Ludo's brain was a little bit dull, then Dolores was definitely a shrewd and strong woman. Moreover, regardless of whether they were smart or not, just looking at their selfish personalities, they would never be easily conquered. Even if they were really conquered, they would probably have ulterior motives and their own little calculations, right? Instead of coming to the door in person and telling their stories like they are doing now. After all, while persuading them to surrender, they were also exposing their secrets to outsiders. There was no need for any substantial evidence. As long as some rumors spread, Fudge would never let them go.

Lucius was silent for a moment, but he still struggled to ask, "Then you should at least tell me who I will be loyal to? Aren't you being too cautious by dodging like you are now?"

"Haha, that's not being cautious." Umbridge said disdainfully, "It's just that you are not worthy of it now... Well, stop talking nonsense and give me an answer." Her eyes were cold and her tone was unquestionable.

Lucius's face was pale. He clenched his fists nervously and said slowly: "One last question. If I give up all the benefits obtained by Albania, can it be exchanged for old Batty's reporting of my previous affairs? As for the rest of the things, we will talk about it later? Of course, I just hope to see more clearly in the days to come and provide protection for myself and my family." His words were almost pleading, but it could hardly conceal his wavering style of doing things.

"Haha, that's not impossible." Umbridge looked at Lucius with cold eyes: "Of course, the report is limited to what you told old Mr. Crouch last time. As for what you did afterwards, it is not included in this report."

Hearing Umbridge's words, Lucius' heart was shocked. Could it be that the other party already knew about the matter of helping Tusin to arrange food and accommodation a few days ago? But thinking carefully about the situation at that time, he forced this absurd thought down. After all, that matter was done very secretly, and no one should find out...