At that moment, the black cat inside the cage lifted its head and looked directly at Karmit.
Their eyes met.
Karmit felt something stir inside him—an inexplicable sense of connection.
This cat… suited him.
Almost as if he had always been meant to have a black cat by his side.
The cat meowed softly and lifted a paw to scratch at the cage.
Narcissa brightened. "Oh! Karmit, look—she seems to like you. When I bought her, she slept the entire time. This is the first reaction she's had. Only when she saw you."
"Thank you, Aunt," Karmit said, smiling. "I really like her. Truly."
"I'm glad," Narcissa said warmly.
She opened the cage. The black cat hopped out immediately and went straight toward Karmit.
He extended his hand. The cat didn't hesitate—it leaped into his arms, curled up lazily against his chest, and nuzzled his arm with a soft purring hum.
Karmit stroked her. Her fur felt like satin beneath his fingers—smooth, soft, and addictive to touch.
"She doesn't have a name yet," Narcissa said. "Give her one."
Karmit looked down at the black cat in his arms.
"How about Vannie?" he said. "Vannie Black. From now on, you're part of the Black family."
The black cat meowed once—clearly pleased.
"What a lovely name," Narcissa said. "Congratulations, Karmit. You have a new companion. And congratulations to you too, Vannie—you have a new name and a new home."
Vannie pushed her head lightly against Karmit's chest, then nestled back in comfortably.
Just then Draco hurried over. "Oh! What a cute cat!"
He reached out to touch Vannie— But Vannie hissed, jumped onto Karmit's shoulder, and glared fiercely at Draco.
Narcissa laughed. "It seems Vannie doesn't like little Draco."
"Hmph," Draco snorted. "I don't want to pet her anyway."
"Alright, Draco," Karmit said, "did you find out who your new friend is?"
Draco lit up instantly. "I did! Cousin, you'll never guess who he is!"
"Oh?" Karmit said. "Who?"
"Harry. Harry Potter!"
The moment Draco spoke, both Lucius and Narcissa's expressions changed dramatically.
Karmit, who had been watching Lucius closely, couldn't help the slight smile tugging at his lips.
Poor Lucius.
He must be terrified right now.
Draco said proudly, "I know where he lives now! I'm going to visit him. Harry Potter—Harry Potter—is my friend!"
Lucius panicked instantly. "Absolutely not!"
"Why, Father?" Draco asked, confused.
Lucius struggled for an explanation and was about to shut it down outright—
But Karmit suddenly stepped in.
"Draco," he said, "your father means that you can't go empty-handed. You should bring gifts. It's proper etiquette for visiting someone."
Lucius gave Karmit a confused look.
Karmit turned to Narcissa. "Aunt, why don't you take Draco to pick out a proper gift for his new friend? Uncle and I will wait here."
Narcissa nodded and led Draco away.
The instant they left, Lucius leaned forward urgently. "Karmit, I need an explanation!"
"Of course," Karmit said calmly. "But let's talk in a private room."
Lucius glanced around. Several customers were staring after his earlier outburst. Flushing with embarrassment, he followed Karmit to a VIP room.
The moment the door closed, Lucius spoke sharply. "Karmit, you know who Harry Potter is!"
"Of course I do," Karmit said. "A very famous name."
"Then why would you encourage Draco to get close to him? You and I both know the Dark Lord isn't dead. If he returns, he'll go after Harry Potter.
If Draco is near him, Draco will be in danger!"
"Uncle," Karmit said, "I'm not guessing. I'm certain the Dark Lord isn't dead. But he hasn't returned yet, has he?"
Lucius paused.
Karmit continued, "Tell me, Uncle—if the Dark Lord returns, how much chance does he have?"
Lucius's panic slowly faded, replaced by reluctant clarity. He thought for a moment, then shook his head.
"None. As much as I dislike Dumbledore… I must admit, as long as he stands, the Dark Lord has no chance. He fears Dumbledore. He knows he can't win."
"Exactly," Karmit said. "Dumbledore toppled Voldemort once using nothing but an ancient protection and a mother's sacrifice. If Voldemort returns now, he's doomed."
Lucius hesitated. "Your meaning is…?"
"Lily Potter," Karmit said. "A Muggle-born witch. No ancient bloodline. No heritage. The Potter family has wealth but no deep magical foundations.
You really believe such a rare, ancient magic—the kind that rebounds the Killing Curse—came from them? Not even the Blacks or Malfoys have that spell."
Lucius frowned deeply.
"So," Karmit continued, "Dumbledore must have prepared something. Voldemort may not even realize he's already walking into Dumbledore's plan."
Lucius swallowed. "Do you have proof?"
"No," Karmit admitted. "But proof doesn't matter. What matters is having a fallback."
"A fallback?" Lucius asked, slowly catching up.
Karmit leaned forward.
"Uncle, I understand you. You would die for Aunt Narcissa and Draco. So ask yourself: if the Dark Lord returns and summons you, would you truly want to serve him again?
He's weak, desperate, and cornered. You would only follow for the sake of survival."
"So why not prepare an escape route? If Draco befriends Harry Potter, then if the Dark Lord wins, you can protect your family.
If the Dark Lord loses—and he will—Draco, as Harry's friend, will also be safe.
Two safeguards.
One path, two outcomes. The safest choice you can make."
Lucius stared at him.
Then, slowly, nodded.
"Tomorrow," he said firmly, "I will personally take Draco to visit his new friend."
__________
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