Behind the bar, Aberforth idly polished a glass, but Amosta knew he had been eavesdropping on their conversation all along and would later tell Albus Dumbledore what he had heard. That was also why Amosta had chosen The Hog's Head Inn.
Some things could not be said outright to someone's face, or they would only provoke fierce conflict.
"So, you wanted to see me today because you wanted to know which side the Foley family would stand on, Mr. Breen?"
Cacus seemed to have prepared himself mentally. He took a deep breath, let it out heavily, and spoke.
"I told you, Cacus, what I care about isn't the Foley family—"
Amosta shook his head.
"How are things in the underground world these days?"
It was an expected question, and Cacus was not particularly surprised.
"It's become even more 'prosperous' than before," Cacus said. "You know, a great many foreigners have entered the country recently. They're all rather unsavory characters, especially fond of dirty, shadowy places. They steal everywhere, rob homes and travelers, then bring their loot into the underground world to sell.
"Oh, there are more conflicts than before, too, because these people generally don't follow the rules."
Amosta nodded slightly. After a brief silence, he pondered for a while.
"If war breaks out, what do you think these people will do?"
This question was expected as well. Cacus had clearly considered it long ago.
"You know, Mr. Breen, the wizards who have spent years in the underground world are a mixed lot—"
Cacus said calmly.
"A considerable number of them are wizards from the old era, who worship that tradition of keeping magical inheritances secret. They are even more stubbornly conservative than the ancient wizarding families. To them, whether it is you and Dumbledore or Voldemort, you are all