Harry Potter and the Candy Factory

“This… … … ”

Clearly, Lucius had not expected Charlie to extend such an invitation, and he was momentarily stunned.

But soon, after a moment of thought and hesitation, he nodded and said,

“That’s a good idea… … but after I get home, I need to ask Narcissa first. If she's also willing, then I will be honored to accept your invitation.”

After speaking, the two smiled in tacit understanding, picked up the glasses on the table, and, like the other guests around them, clinked their glasses together with a 'clink'.

… … … … … … … … … … … …

It must be said that mead seemed to possess some kind of special magic, or perhaps it was the occasion that made people more and more intoxicated.

The two drank more and more heartily, and gradually, drinks were brought to the table one after another. Lucius's state was no longer as reserved and haughty as before.

He took off the robe he was wearing and casually hung it on the back of the chair, and then, under the influence of alcohol, he laughed and began a passionate drinking bout with Charlie.

Perhaps no one would have thought that in this small bar, two wealthy men standing at the top of the British wizarding world would become no different from ordinary people, recklessly wasting their precious time.

Finally, when the wooden table was filled with empty wine glasses and Lucius was already showing signs of drunkenness, even his eyelids drooping, Charlie stood up,扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶扶着 Lucius, intending to end the gathering… …

Subsequently, the two declined Madam Rosmerta's warm invitation. After handing over a gold Galleon, they walked straight out of the bar, slightly staggering.

“This is the first time I've drunk so much outside… … ”

After they left the Three Broomsticks Pub, a slow, cool evening breeze blew in their faces, which made Lucius a lot more sober than before.

Supporting himself with his cane, he could barely walk side by side with Charlie without relying on his help.

The two walked on the wide road of Hogsmeade Village, looking at the half-round sun that was slowly setting on the endless horizon in the distance. For a moment, they couldn't help but feel emotional in their hearts.

“How do you plan to get back?”

Looking at the setting sun, Charlie suddenly turned his head and looked at Lucius beside him.

“Uh… … ”

Lucius pondered for a moment with some slowness, closed his eyes, and pinched his temples with his hands, hoping to feel better.

Then he continued, “I arrived at Hogwarts by Apparition. But now, it's probably not realistic to rely on Apparition to go back… … Maybe I can find a fireplace.”

“No… … ”

Charlie laughed, shaking his head, and reached out to caress the ring on his finger. ░ ▒ ▓ █ ► ─ ═ ═ ─ ◄ █ ▓ ▒ ░

“Maybe I should send you home… just like what often happens in Muggle society.”

At the same time, in front of Hogwarts Castle, the black car parked in the open space started instantly.

The headlights came on, flashing twice as if it had life, and then it turned a corner on its own, driving along the somewhat rugged path towards where Charlie was… … …

Without letting the two wait too long, in just about half a minute, the car's lights pierced the hazy, dimming night, shining directly on them.

Finally, when it was two meters away from Charlie and Lucius, it stopped with a 'screech' and automatically opened the doors on both sides, waiting for the two to get in.

Lucius was a little unable to open his eyes because of the sudden light. He subconsciously raised his hand to block it in front of his face, and then turned his head to look at Charlie on the side in disbelief.

“You don’t mean to tell me you want me to sit in this Muggle-produced means of transportation?”

Charlie raised his eyebrows and nodded without hesitation, saying casually with considerable pride.

“Of course! Leather seats, air conditioning system, plus I specially added magic that can automatically navigate. I'm sure that compared to my baby car, all the other modified cars in the British wizarding world are rubbish!”

But this statement did not change Lucius's thoughts.

He took two steps back, closed his eyes, and refused righteously.

“No, I will never ride in such a lowly Muggle tool… … You must know that as a member of the sacred Twenty-Eight Pure-Blood families, I should uphold the traditions that pure-blood families should have! Like this… … ”

However, before he could finish speaking, Charlie waved his hand to interrupt him. He curled his lips in disdain. Perhaps he was completely relaxed, and the current Charlie seemed much more genuine than before.

“Alright, the sacred Twenty-Eight Pure-Blood families, aren’t they all the same… … ”

After saying that, he ignored Lucius's unwilling and resistant face, put his arm around the other's shoulder, and walked towards the car door.

After all, although they had both drunk about the same amount of wine, how could Lucius, who had always drunk with his wife, be compared to Charlie Black, who had been hanging around Slytherin with Firewhisky since he was a child? After a burst of pushing and shoving, he was finally no match and was forcibly stuffed into the car by Charlie.

“Buckle up! The happy train to Malfoy Manor is about to set sail.”

After getting into the driver's seat and patting the steering wheel, Charlie looked at Lucius, who was holding his cane with a disgruntled face, and smiled brightly.

In the next second, after activating the magic for automatic driving, the black car took off directly from the small road in Hogsmeade Village and flew into the air.

“You can take a nap first.”

Charlie took his hands off the steering wheel and skillfully took out two candies from the car. He put one in his mouth and handed one to Lucius.

“… … … ”

Lucius glanced at the other party, hesitated for a moment, perhaps because his muddled head urgently needed something to wake him up, and he finally chose to take the candy from Charlie's hand and put it in his mouth.

Chewing in his mouth, he glanced at the leather seat behind him. Although he was still a little dissatisfied, he still changed to a comfortable position without showing any emotion, so that his waist and neck could all be supported.

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

“Actually… … this feeling is not bad.”

Flying in the night sky, the black car shuttled through the mountains and forests. Looking out the window casually, where there were no lights flashing, there was a stunningly beautiful view.

Just as Charlie opened the window as usual to admire the scenery outside, a voice suddenly came in from the side.

“What are you talking about, the candy, or my baby car?”

“… … … Both are good.”

Lucius placed his cane diagonally on his lap and turned his head to admire the scene he had never seen before through the window on his side.

“It's good that you like it… … … By the way, I also have something I hope I can ask you for a favor.”

Listening to his words, Charlie just smiled, then put his hand back on the steering wheel, seemingly stretching casually, and suddenly said.

"Of course."

Lucius turned his head, a look of surprise appearing on his face. He seemed not to have expected that Charlie Black would actually ask him for help. So, without hesitation, he nodded readily.

At the same time, his mind began to subconsciously think about what kind of matter it could be… Was it about the Black family's ancestral home? Or a problem within the Ministry of Magic, or perhaps Draco…

Just as Lucius began to speculate, Charlie stated his request.

"Regarding the school board, if possible, please don't mention anything about Albus Dumbledore…"

As soon as these words came out, the original warmth in the car instantly disappeared, and a trace of unfathomable coldness began to emerge in the silence.

Lucius's expression began to change. After a long while, as if he had sobered up, he finally returned to his previous seriousness and vigilance.

He stared at Charlie intently for a while, and finally, he slowly opened his mouth and asked.

"Did… Albus Dumbledore ask you to come and beg me?"

Charlie didn't look at him, but instead faced forward, canceled the autopilot, and switched back to manual driving.

The originally speeding car gradually slowed down. At the same time, he also shook his head and replied.

"No, Dumbledore didn't say anything to me, but from your expression when you came out then, I guessed a lot… Headmaster Dumbledore helped me keep a secret, so I hope I can do him a small favor."

Listening to Charlie's words, Lucius's eyes gradually became incredulous. He gripped his cane tightly, his lips trembling slightly, as if he wanted to swear, but ultimately restrained himself, changing to a more rational way of expression.

"Your nephew! Because of that old man's negligence, he almost died at school! And yet, you, as his uncle, are here, advising his father to give up pursuing Albus Dumbledore's mistake… Don't you find it laughable?"

"…" Charlie was silent. After about half a minute, he said in a deep voice.

"This isn't Dumbledore's fault. You should understand that if a viper is hiding in the shadows, staring intently at a target it wants to hunt, then even if you try your best to defend, it will still find an opportunity to strike in the gaps."

Charlie's words seemed nonsensical, but to Lucius, a clever man, they were not…

"What did you say!? Someone at Hogwarts wants to kill Draco!?"

He was stunned for a moment, and then immediately reacted, his eyes widened as if he had received some kind of shock.

If they weren't in this car, Charlie had no doubt that he would probably grab his collar in desperation and force him to reveal the person's name.

Although Lucius usually seemed not very friendly to his son, even harsh, Charlie knew that in that heart bound by the foolish arrogance of a pure-blood aristocrat, there was actually a father's deep love hidden.

"Who… Tell me!"

The hand that was originally clutching the cane gripped even harder, and faintly, the blue veins on his pale skin could be seen bulging.

If, when he was talking to Charlie just now, his attitude could be described as indifferent, then now, it was complete hostility.

It's just that this hostility wasn't directed at Charlie…

"This matter is very complicated… It's not something you should understand."

Charlie still looked ahead, slowly shaking his head, refusing Lucius's request.

"However, I can assure you that although I can't kill the viper all at once, I will break off its fangs and send them to you.

At least, to prevent it from having the opportunity to attack Draco again in the short term."

"No."

Lucius took a deep breath. Now, his alcohol seemed to have completely worn off due to his conversation with Charlie just now.

Due to anger, the muscles in his cheeks and the corners of his eyes were trembling slightly. As if they would twist at any moment…

"I want to destroy him with my own hands… No one can use underhanded methods against the Malfoy family, especially not against my son!"

Finally, Charlie turned his head. He carefully scrutinized Lucius for a while, then raised his eyebrows.

In the silence, he slowly opened his mouth and questioned.

"Then what if I told you that the viper I'm talking about is Voldemort?"

As soon as these words came out, Lucius's pupils suddenly shrank to the size of pinholes. The expression on his face changed from anger to horror, and then from horror to bewilderment, finally solidifying into a complex paleness.

"Gulp…"

Lucius's Adam's apple moved, and he swallowed a mouthful of saliva. His eyes stared straight at Charlie, as if trying to see from Charlie's eyes that this was just a bad joke.

However, reality disappointed Lucius, because in Charlie's eyes, there was only his own rather flustered and ridiculous face…

"Vol… The Dark Lord… Isn't the Dark Lord already dead?"

Lucius's voice weakened, filled with helplessness, as he asked Charlie.

"If he could really die so easily, then he wouldn't be Voldemort."

Charlie took out another candy, and while sighing, he stuffed it into his mouth.

But his words were not over yet. He continued to say to Lucius beside him.

"It's unbelievable, isn't it… Someone who has been dead for more than ten years in your memory, but today, you suddenly learn from someone else's mouth that he is still alive. If it were me, I would also be surprised…"

"But… even if he is still alive… Why would he want to kill Draco?"

Lucius painfully closed his eyes, subconsciously placing his right hand on his left forearm, which was branded with the Dark Mark. As if feeling a kind of inexplicable stinging pain and torment, spreading throughout his body through that mark.

"Does he need a reason to kill people?"

Charlie laughed, his smile bright, as if he was talking about a trivial matter.

The silence in the car was unknown how long it lasted.

Anyway, since Charlie said those words, Lucius had been like a dead man, staring blankly down, without saying a word.

Finally, the car slowly stopped in front of Malfoy Manor.

"Lucius… If, one day in the future, I have a final battle with Tom, I want to know, whose friend will you ultimately be?"

.