Under the table, a wand moved silently, and an invisible barrier instantly enveloped the space around the table, sealing off all sound.
At that moment, Marwood, who had taken the form of a witch using Polyjuice Potion, could no longer hold back and leaned forward slightly, speaking to Sean in a lowered voice.
"Master, it's a relief to finally see you again."
Sean didn't return the sentiment. His voice was calm. "Why did you choose this place?"
"This is one of Knockturn Alley's core zones," Marwood replied respectfully. "You can find more powerful and ambitious wizards here—those who are willing to serve the master's cause and contribute to your future rise."
Sean's expression didn't change. "And what have you accomplished?"
"I've identified two promising candidates—strong, determined individuals—and I've already taken measures to bring them under your control."
So, he'd found two strong dark wizards and cast the Imperius Curse on them. That's what he meant by "taking control."
Sean gave a small nod of approval. "Not bad. With you included, that brings our number here to seven. We can begin preparations for the plan I outlined earlier."
He paused, then asked, "And what about the matter I asked you to investigate?"
At this, Marwood lowered his head slightly, a flicker of guilt in his eyes. "Forgive me, Master. We haven't managed to uncover everything yet. The opposing faction is heavily guarded. There's even someone stationed at the central location who appears to be an Auror. We haven't found a safe way to get closer."
An Auror?
Sean's brow furrowed.
It made sense. A smuggling leader entrenched in Knockturn Alley, connected to many legitimate storefronts, wouldn't have lasted this long without some protection from within the Ministry. The presence of an Auror didn't just signal a strong personal guard—it hinted at someone with influence, someone high up, pulling strings.
The more Sean thought about it, the deeper the silence grew.
This was not a simple target. Not someone who could be moved against recklessly.
In the magical world, favors and connections often mattered as much as power. And in Britain, Aurors represented the most formidable class of combat-trained witches and wizards. If one was openly protecting the smuggling network, then the person behind it was someone not to be underestimated.
Sean didn't speak for a long moment. He stared at the tabletop, deep in thought.
Marwood waited in silence, not daring to interrupt.
After a long period of thought, Sean finally exhaled slowly.
In this world, personal power was paramount. So long as one's strength reached a certain level, even Aurors would cease to be intimidating. But before that—before that—caution must take precedence.
He looked across the table at Marwood."This matter will continue, but with an Auror involved, you'll need to slow things down. Prioritize safety above all else. Understood?"
Marwood immediately nodded. "Yes, Master. Right now, your energy should be focused on recovery and planning against the greater enemy. Stirring up unnecessary trouble would only hinder your rise. I'll be careful."
Although Marwood believed anyone brought into his master's presence must be trustworthy, he still spoke cautiously, avoiding the mention of certain sensitive names.
Sean reached into his cloak and pulled out a pouch, handing it over. "Take these potions. I'll give you another batch next time. Don't be too frugal—there are only so many people worth using them on. For the rest, ordinary potions are more than enough."
Marwood accepted the pouch reverently. "Thank you, my lord. I understand."
Sean nodded slightly. "Good. I won't linger."
With that, he turned and left the Black Hat Pub with Aldridge close behind.
This time, as they exited into the alley, none of the lurking dark wizards even looked their way. It was as if anyone who emerged from the Black Hat no longer warranted attention—either out of respect or fear.
Sean glanced sideways and muttered, "Those dark wizards seem like they're guarding the Black Hat."
Aldridge gave a slight smile. "Your observation remains sharp as ever, Master."
He offered no reaction to the content of Sean's earlier conversation with Marwood—despite the fact that it revealed much. His expression was steady, his demeanor unchanged, as though he hadn't heard a word.
Sean took note of this, and silently nodded in approval.
He was very satisfied.
-------------------------
When the two returned to Diagon Alley, it didn't take long for them to return to their original appearances. They bought a few potion ingredients from several shops, then exited through the Leaky Cauldron, found Old John waiting outside, and took the car back home.
After getting home, Sean cleaned up, changed into comfortable clothes, and sat down beside Caesar's cradle. He gently rocked it with a soft smile on his face, occasionally reaching out to tease the baby. Every time Sean extended a finger, Caesar would stretch out his tiny hand to grab it, giggling softly.
No matter how many times they did this, neither brother seemed to get tired of it.
Standing nearby, Margaret watched her two children with a smile that wouldn't leave her face. To her, there was nothing more comforting or joyful than seeing her sons getting along so well.
Ever since the visit to Knockturn Alley, Sean had been living a peaceful life.
That peace lasted—until Saturday morning arrived.
Sean stood in front of his window, looking at the gloomy skies overhead. He exhaled slowly, adjusting his frame of mind. He had made up his mind the moment he woke up: he would visit Bulstrode Manor today. As long as they didn't cross his bottom line, he would try to endure—try not to let the situation get out of hand—for his father's sake.
After washing up and getting dressed, Sean double-checked everything. Meticulous as always.
Then, with Aldridge by his side and his parents holding Caesar, they all got into Old John's car and departed for Bulstrode Manor.
Yes, Bulstrode Manor was located right in the city of London, hidden away by powerful enchantments. Muggles couldn't find it, couldn't approach it, and even if they wandered in by accident, the enchantments would trigger a Memory Charm, causing them to forget everything and gently guiding them back to the mundane world.
However, the protective enchantments outside the manor did not ward off Squibs—so they posed no obstacle to Old John, nor to Adrian and Martha. Clearly, the manor's guards had been notified of their arrival. When the car approached the boundary of the estate, not only was there no attempt to stop them, but someone even released a messenger crow to guide them the rest of the way in.
The manor grounds were vast. Along the expansive lawns and scattered groves, flocks of birds and herds of deer strolled freely. Occasionally, someone would scatter feed into the fields, immediately drawing a crowd of animals and birds.
The car pulled up to a cleared stone courtyard, and everyone got out.
No sooner had Old John stepped out than a wrinkled old house-elf appeared. The elf gave a deep bow to Sean first, then to Adrian, and finally turned to Old John and said, a bit curtly, "Old Squib, come with me. I'll take you to rest."
Old John, familiar with the ways of pure-blood wizarding families, didn't react at all to the name. Even when addressed bluntly as "Old Squib," he simply chuckled and followed the elf with no complaint.
Sean, however, furrowed his brow slightly. He didn't say anything—but from just that brief interaction, he already had a sense.
This visit to Bulstrode Manor might not be entirely pleasant.