Chapter 169: Malfoy’s Movie Collaboration Plan

The verdict on Buckbeak, the Hippogriff, had come out, and it wasn't good news. Upon hearing it, Harry Potter, along with Ron and Hermione, went to visit Hagrid. In just a few days, Hagrid had turned completely gray from worry. Because he had to appear in front of the Wizengamot court, his hair—usually filthy and matted—was now clean. But the stark white strands left the three children at a loss for how to comfort him.

"I've been speaking up for Buckbeak these past few days. He's a tidy creature who preens his feathers and doesn't attack others without provocation. He was provoked this time. But as soon as I said that, that Malfoy jumped in, insisting Buckbeak is a dangerous beast and that his son—such a polite boy—was attacked unfairly, so Buckbeak must be severely punished."

Hagrid threw his homemade rock cakes like frisbees into the lake. Aquatic creatures in the distance gathered happily for a feast. Usually, this was one of Hagrid's favorite activities—spending time with nature and animals brought him joy. But today, his heart was heavy, knowing another large creature was about to be executed.

"Hagrid! What's the Ministry's final verdict?"

Hermione had already guessed the outcome, but the two boys hadn't, so she gently nudged Hagrid to answer.

"They decided to execute Buckbeak… in just a few days."

Hagrid tossed the last rock cake into the lake, then stood in the water, sobbing like a helpless child who'd just lost his beloved pet.

"Regulus! Why did they schedule Buckbeak's execution for a few days later? Hagrid won't even come to see me because of that verdict."

Dumbledore found an opportunity to stop Regulus Black and asked the question.

After all, Dumbledore was the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. If Hagrid was upset about the verdict, it naturally reflected on Dumbledore too.

"Headmaster, you are the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Of course, you're responsible for that verdict."

Regulus Black wasn't about to take the blame. And besides—though Dumbledore looked pitiful now, this old man was simply playing the sympathy card. For him, fixing this would be easy. A few words would be enough to lift Hagrid's spirits—he just chose not to.

Regulus cleanly deflected the matter and immediately slipped away to handle his own business.

"Regulus! What are you planning? Don't let me down!"Dumbledore quietly watched Regulus leave. Over the past three years, from their first meeting to now, Regulus Black had become increasingly inscrutable. The memory of that young man, stern and unyielding, boldly asking for the Philosopher's Stone still lingered in his mind.

Regulus left Hogwarts, traveling through secret passages and fireplaces, eventually arriving at Malfoy Manor.

Boom!

A plume of silvery flame surged from the fireplace inside Malfoy Manor.

"Oh! Regulus, welcome! Can you tell me what brand of Floo Powder you used? I really like that color."

Lucius Malfoy was reading in the drawing room—a gothic horror novel.

"Sorry to disappoint you. I didn't use Floo Powder at all."

Ever since mastering the Patronus Charm, Regulus had found ways to use it creatively—replacing Floo Powder for travel, or sending little angel-shaped messengers for communication. He'd used one of those to notify Lucius before arriving.

"Oh, that's a shame. I quite liked the silver flames."

Lucius sat back down and was about to resume reading.

Something was off about the old fox today. Normally, his aristocratic demeanor came off as natural, but today he was clearly putting on a bit of an act. A glance at his book revealed it was Sleepy Hollow, clearly chosen with a purpose.

"I just messaged you, and you agreed to meet right away. Don't tell me it's a coincidence you happened to be in the drawing room?"

Regulus glanced at Sleepy Hollow and looked up, asking pointedly.

"Yes, I was right here. You see this book? I recently acquired the rights to it."

Lucius wasn't fazed at all and jumped straight to the point, handing the book to Regulus.

"I heard you recently invested in a film. The one based on Crimson Manor, right?"

Lucius acted like he knew all about it.

"Seems you know quite a bit about the Muggle world. Why not invest in your own movie?"

Regulus flipped through Sleepy Hollow—the content was pretty much as he remembered.

But Lucius clearly had more than investment in mind. Mentioning Crimson Manor was a signal—he already knew about the real Crimson Manor, meaning he also knew the real Sleepy Hollow existed and would be used as the filming location.

"True, I have the money. But you're the top figure in the wizarding world. I'd rather work with you."

Lucius poured drinks for both of them, clearly eager about the collaboration.

"If you're only in it for profit, I can help. But I won't guarantee success—every investment carries risk."

Regulus replied in a businesslike tone and picked up his glass.

"Of course I'm in it for profit! You've reclaimed a lot of the Black family's assets in recent years, while I've lost quite a few. They weren't mine to begin with, but a loss is still a loss, right? So, investing in you became my best option. And I trust that you wouldn't let your own investment fail—so mine's safe, too."

Lucius understood the partnership well. He subtly reminded Regulus that he knew about his secrets but didn't press the issue. Instead, he framed the collaboration as a way to recover lost assets and suggested a joint investment.

"I prefer win-win outcomes. We'll each put in half. I'll have my lawyer draft the contract as soon as possible. She'll handle the legal steps and guide you through what needs to be done."

Regulus had no intention of cheating Lucius, but he also wouldn't let him act recklessly. Only a strictly defined partnership could succeed—loose alliances just lead to failure.

And so, the film collaboration with the Malfoy family was set in motion.

Lucy Piddell, following Regulus Black's instructions, registered a company for the Malfoys. The entire process followed Muggle legal procedures—wizard assistance was only used when absolutely necessary.

Soon, a movie production company named Malfoy was officially established. As a well-funded company, it had an office in a proper business tower in London and had already hired ten employees.

"So? This is your film production company. Your private office is in the far back, facing south."

Regulus brought Lucius to see the new company.

"Everyone! Meet your boss—Mr. Malfoy!"

He waved to the employees. The ten staff members looked like ordinary Muggles. Lucy Piddell, who had been in charge of recruitment, began introducing each employee by name and background.

Lucius Malfoy, though a wizarding noble, didn't behave awkwardly around Muggles. In fact, his aristocratic air impressed the employees greatly.

"I must say, Regulus! I'm quite satisfied. Having a partner like you is a blessing—thank you!"

Lucius first expressed his gratitude, then used a tiny bit of magic—a simplified version of the Legilimency charm that he had learned from Regulus.

"Well then, my dear manager. I won't be visiting here often, but I expect everything to run smoothly. Can I trust you with that?"

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