The moment footsteps sounded from the staircase, Walburga Black stopped her shouting.
"Little Karmit, are you awake?"
"I am," Karmit replied. "And you're lecturing Kreacher again."
"That fool," Walburga snapped. "He actually prepared black shoes for you! Only white can represent your purity—your noble bloodline.
You're attending a pure-blood family gathering tonight. Naturally, you must present the very best image!"
Poor Kreacher stood by the wall, hunched and miserable, not daring to defend himself.
"I told him to prepare black shoes," Karmit said.
Walburga froze.
"Oh? Well, in that case—black is good. Yes, black suits your outfit perfectly."
Karmit ignored the portrait's sudden change of tone and turned toward Kreacher.
"Kreacher, the gift I prepared for my aunt—do you have it?"
Kreacher nodded quickly, "Ready, young master!"
Karmit took the small box and opened it briefly. Inside was a pair of delicate earrings.
"Belinda is waiting for you, young master," Kreacher said softly. "Would you like to see her now?"
Karmit nodded. "Prepare breakfast. Tell her to wait for me in the dining room."
Kreacher bowed and hurried off to arrange things.
Once he left, Karmit cast a calm glance at Walburga's portrait. "Grandmother, I would prefer not to hear your endless nagging and cursing every morning. Please restrain yourself."
Walburga fell silent.
Karmit didn't bother saying more. He turned and headed to the dining room.
Inside, Belinda stood waiting. As soon as she saw him, she dropped to one knee, "Good morning, my great master."
"Sit," Karmit said, waving casually.
Belinda stood, and after Karmit took his seat, she sat at his right-hand side—the position reserved for the most trusted.
Before he even asked, she began her report.
"Yesterday, our shops' revenues were stable. With Hogwarts starting soon, Diagon Alley will grow busier again. Our profits should increase."
Karmit nodded. "And the magical creature materials shop? Yaxley hasn't caused more trouble?"
Belinda shook her head. "Yesterday's event may have frightened him.
The old Yaxley hasn't done anything yet, but I suspect he may try something at tonight's gathering. Please be cautious, my lord."
Karmit wiped his mouth and tossed the silk handkerchief aside.
"That would be good news. If he's looking to die, I'll be happy to help him."
Belinda smiled coldly. "Of course. In front of you, my lord, Yaxley is nothing but a joke. If you wished, he would have died in his turtle-shell manor last night."
"Not yet," Karmit said. "He'll die eventually, but not now. He's still useful at the moment."
Belinda nodded. "Yes, my lord. I also counted the inventory last night.
Our current stock of materials is low—we cannot sustain long-term demand. Should Bilair and I gather our people and look for new supplies?"
"No need," Karmit answered. "We'll have a new supply soon, and the quality will be excellent.
Use what we have to keep our old customers satisfied for now.
What matters right now is securing two master potion-makers. They must become our regular clients. That will attract the other wizards."
Belinda said, "Most renowned potion masters already have established suppliers.
To lure them, we'd need to offer lower prices—and that would provoke the pure-blood families behind those suppliers. Only one master has no fixed source."
Karmit already knew who she meant.
"You're talking about Severus Snape?"
Belinda nodded.
"Yes. He is the only one without a stable supplier. If we can secure him, having the youngest potion master endorsing our shop would bring excellent business."
"I'll deal with him once I get to Hogwarts," Karmit said. "Severus Snape is not an easy man to speak to."
Belinda smiled. "I still must congratulate you, my lord, on being accepted into Hogwarts.
With your arrival, I believe Slytherin's long-standing pride will finally meet its true Serpent King."
....
Wiltshire — Outside Malfoy Manor.
A swirling distortion appeared, and Karmit stepped out of it.
He had visited Malfoy Manor before, so he walked in without hesitation.
His eyes immediately fell on a flash of platinum-blond hair in the courtyard. Draco Malfoy—his younger cousin.
Draco stood with a broomstick beside him, looking conflicted.
"Hesitation leads to defeat, Draco," Karmit called out. "I taught you that. If you want to try something, try it immediately."
Draco spun around, delighted. "Karmit? You're here!"
Karmit nodded.
Draco ran over with his broomstick. "You came early this time! Mother mentioned you yesterday. Come in—she'll be thrilled to see you!"
Karmit followed him into the manor.
Inside, house-elves were decorating for the evening banquet. Narcissa and Lucius were sitting together reading the newspaper.
"Mother! Father! Karmit's here!" Draco called excitedly.
Both turned toward him.
Narcissa stood at once, beaming. "Little Karmit! You're early! Come here. Have you eaten? I'll have the elves prepare something."
Karmit first bowed slightly toward Lucius. "Aunt, Uncle."
Lucius nodded in acknowledgment.
Only then did Karmit speak. "I've eaten already, Aunt. This is a gift for you—from the Black Jewelry Shop. The newest design. Made with Muggle diamonds."
Narcissa accepted it eagerly and opened the box. "Oh my, it's beautiful!"
Lucius leaned over, equally impressed despite his expression. Though he still muttered, "Muggles do love wasting time on pointless trinkets."
Karmit smiled. "You're right, Uncle. But life needs these little things, doesn't it? Enjoyment should be the main theme of living."
Lucius didn't argue, though he didn't quite agree either.
Narcissa looked between the two and then spoke warmly. "Karmit, what would you like to drink? I'll prepare it."
"If there's coffee, that would be perfect," Karmit replied.
"Children shouldn't drink too much coffee," Narcissa said firmly. "I'll bring you hot chocolate."
Karmit sighed inwardly. He shouldn't have asked.
Narcissa glanced at Draco.
"Draco, come help."
Draco looked reluctant—he clearly wanted to keep talking with his cousin.
"Then I'll trouble you, Draco," Karmit said gently.
Draco instantly brightened. "Don't worry—I'll make the best hot chocolate you've ever had!"