Karmit smiled at Draco.
Draco followed Narcissa to prepare the drinks, while Karmit sat down across from Lucius Malfoy.
He knew Lucius must have something to say.
As expected, once Narcissa and Draco left, Lucius spoke directly—no circling, no hesitation.
"The incident in Knockturn Alley. That was you, wasn't it?"
Karmit didn't hide it.
He simply nodded.
Lucius worshipped pure-blood values and put personal gain above all else, but he and Karmit were essentially bound together by shared interests.
Ever since Narcissa helped Karmit reclaim a portion of the Black inheritance, the two families had become an alliance—whether they admitted it or not.
"You were too ruthless," Lucius said, frowning. "And too quick. You'll make that old vulture Yaxley panic."
Karmit replied calmly, "Even if I did nothing, he wouldn't let me go.
I've stepped on the Yaxley Family's profits. Actually, I've touched the profits of several families. They were never going to tolerate me."
"If you know that," Lucius said sharply, "then why rush into the wizarding world's business circles?
Your clothing shops and dessert shops already bring in plenty of gold.
If you just developed slowly and waited for the right moment, you could reclaim the Black Family fortune the Ministry stole.
And when Sirius and Bellatrix die in Azkaban, their inheritance will go to you—the only surviving Black heir. So why are you in such a hurry?"
Karmit shook his head.
"It's not the same. The Blacks are a pure-blood family. Some businesses originally belonged to the Blacks—I'm merely taking them back.
As for the other families, no matter what I do, the result won't change. From the moment I was born, I touched too many interests.
Too many people want to tear down the Black Family because they once feasted on it."
Lucius narrowed his eyes. "So you intend to start a war?"
Karmit waved a hand dismissively. "War is too dramatic, Uncle. It's more like collecting debts."
Lucius leaned back on the sofa. "You can't do it, Karmit. Pure-blood families' strength isn't just wealth or power.
The reason families like the Malfoys dominate wizarding society is because we have both—and because many wizards willingly serve us.
They are the true strength of pure-blood families.
And you—yes, you're the Black heir, but you're too young. The Black Family is already in decline. Rebuilding it will take time. You're moving too fast."
"I don't have that much time," Karmit replied. "And I don't believe the current pure-blood families require that much time to handle.
I have many things to accomplish. The pure-blood families are nothing more than obstacles in my way.
Others move their obstacles aside. I grind mine into powder so they never stand in my path again."
Lucius stared at him.
A flicker of brilliance flashed across his eyes.
"You're even more arrogant than I thought."
"Perhaps," Karmit said.
"The Yaxley Family will disappear—and soon. The old man is aging. Better that I 'protect' his assets than let the Ministry and other scavengers tear them apart."
Lucius was silent for a moment. "And if one day, the Malfoy Family stands in your way?"
Karmit smiled faintly.
"That's an interesting question, Uncle. Draco is my cousin. You are my uncle.
Would you stand in my way?"
Karmit stared directly at Lucius. His expression was calm, unreadable.
Lucius stared back. For more than a minute, neither looked away.
Then Lucius smiled. "Of course not. We are family—always.
The Malfoys will be the Black Family's steadfast allies. Eventually, everything will pass into Draco's hands, and he has experienced too little.
Too naïve. He'll need you to teach him many things."
Karmit's smile matched his. "Of course. Draco is my cousin, after all."
They both smiled warmly.
No one wondered what would have happened if Lucius had given a different answer.
Their conversation moved away from heavy topics, drifting into lighter, casual talk. The atmosphere warmed noticeably.
Soon, Narcissa and Draco returned.
Draco carried a tray with two cups of coffee and two cups of hot chocolate.
Narcissa glanced between the two men.
Seeing their relaxed expressions, she sighed in relief. "It seems you two got along just fine."
Karmit stood and took the tray, setting it on the table.
"Of course. Uncle Lucius is extremely knowledgeable. Every conversation with him teaches me something new."
Lucius lifted a coffee cup, inhaled its aroma, then took a sip.
"Karmit, you always know how to speak. But sincerely, though I am much older and your elder, even I am often impressed by your talent.
If Draco could learn more from you, I would rest much easier."
Draco scratched his head. "Father, I am learning from Cousin. But you said he was always busy and I shouldn't bother him… so I haven't seen him in over a month."
Narcissa stroked Draco's hair.
"Hogwarts will start soon. You'll attend together—in Slytherin. You'll have plenty of time to learn from him."
Draco's eyes instantly brightened. "Cousin, you're amazing—are you going to Hogwarts too?"
Karmit nodded. "Yes. I've already received my acceptance letter."
Draco jumped excitedly. "Then Cousin, let's go shopping in Diagon Alley tomorrow! Father said we're going tomorrow—I've been waiting forever!"
Karmit glanced at Lucius.
Lucius said, "We do plan to go tomorrow. If you still need supplies, join us."
"Alright," Karmit said. "We'll meet in Diagon Alley tomorrow."
Draco cheered loudly.
Lucius tapped the table. "Draco, mind your manners."