Chapter 85: Join Us
After a moment, a wizard from the crowd suddenly spoke up:
"What are you talking about? There are so many of us here. What could you and your little group possibly do to us?"
The old wizard chuckled disdainfully without even turning his head.
"Fools like you aren't even qualified to receive an invitation to join the Pureblood Party. Your employer, on the other hand, knows better than to spout such nonsense. He understands that just because only a few of us came here today doesn't mean the Pureblood Party is small."
He turned his gaze to the bar owner, his tone icy yet persuasive.
"So, what's it going to be, barkeep? Have you thought it through? Join us—for the sake of a greater cause."
The bar owner, a man wearing a top hat, hesitated, his face full of inner conflict. After a long pause, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a key, and placed it on the bar counter. He spoke solemnly:
"This is the key to the bar. I'm willing to offer it to you."
Then, he removed his hat, bowed respectfully to the old wizard, and took a final, lingering look around the bar he had run for so many years. Without another word, he turned and began to walk away.
However, he had barely taken a few steps before the old wizard called out, "Stop. Did I say you could leave?"
The bar owner froze, his steps faltering. Gritting his teeth, he replied,
"Don't push me too far! This is Britain. The Pureblood Party doesn't hold sway here. Even at the height of your power, you never controlled this territory!"
To his surprise, the old wizard wasn't angered. Instead, he nodded thoughtfully.
"You're not wrong. As much as I hate to admit it, Dumbledore is one of the most powerful wizards of our age. Aside from the Old Master, none of us could stand against him."
He continued with a calm yet ominous tone:
"That's why, for our safety, the Old Master forbade us from overt actions in Britain. But even then, many British wizarding families sought us out, pledging their loyalty."
The old wizard cast a glance at a young man standing nearby, whom he addressed as Austen Greengrass. Then, his voice grew firm:
"Now, however, the Young Master has chosen Britain as the starting point for the Pureblood Party's resurgence. It is our duty to remove all obstacles in his path."
He turned back to the bar owner, his tone almost coaxing.
"You've managed to establish a business in Knockturn Alley, which speaks to your capabilities. For that, the Pureblood Party extends an invitation. Join us, for the sake of a greater cause."
The bar owner deliberated for a long time before finally asking,
"And what if I refuse?"
The old wizard let out a soft chuckle, seemingly unconcerned.
"You'll agree. I hear you have a daughter, quite talented, yet you declined Hogwarts' invitation and sent her to Ilvermorny in America instead."
He smirked.
"I imagine you did that out of fear—fear that your rivals might harm her. Rest assured, we've already stationed our people near her to ensure her safety. If you join the Pureblood Party, the only ones who need to worry will be your enemies."
The bar owner's face flushed red with anger. He wanted to retort but ultimately held his tongue. With a resigned sigh, he asked:
"How do you even know about my daughter? Hardly anyone is aware of her existence."
The old wizard laughed heartily, his voice dripping with implication.
"Did you really think we've been idle all these years?"
Silently, the bar owner nodded, then let out a deep sigh.
"Fine. I'll join the Pureblood Party."
A satisfied smile crept across the old wizard's face.
"Then, let's seal the deal with an Unbreakable Vow."
When the ritual was complete, the bar owner courteously asked the wizard patrons to leave, leaving only the Pureblood Party members and his own subordinates in the bar.
The old wizard strode toward a private room in the bar, speaking as he approached:
"Enjoying yourselves in there? I'll give you a chance. Come out now, tell me everything you know, and I'll ensure your deaths are swift. I'm too old to enjoy bloody scenes."
After a moment of silence, a raspy voice replied from within:
"We've done nothing to offend you. We've never even crossed paths with your Pureblood Party. If you're going to kill us, at least let us know why."
The old wizard frowned impatiently.
"So many questions. Step out, answer mine, and maybe I'll humor your curiosity before you die."
When there was no response, the old wizard shook his head and gestured to the bar owner. Now bound to the Pureblood Party by his vow, the bar owner hesitated no longer. He led his men into the private room.
Immediately, flashes of spells and sounds of explosions filled the air, accompanied by screams of pain. Outside, the old wizard remained still, unmoved by the chaos.
Auston Greengrass approached, looking eager.
"Shouldn't we help them?"
The old wizard replied coolly,
"The Pureblood Party has no use for the weak."
Moments later, the bar owner emerged, disheveled, his top hat missing. Two of his men followed, each dragging an unconscious prisoner. The old wizard stepped forward, examining the captives with satisfaction. One was bald, the other cloaked.
With a sly grin, he turned to Auston Greengrass.
"Wake one of them up."
Greengrass hurried to the bar, grabbing a bottle of alcohol to splash on the bald wizard, but the old wizard stopped him.
"This is our establishment now. Don't waste good liquor, you foolish boy! We may have money, but revolutions are expensive. Besides, you're a wizard. Use magic!"
He raised his wand and cast, "Crucio."
The bald wizard screamed in agony, his cries echoing through the bar as he was forcibly roused from unconsciousness.
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