The Magical World had been in turmoil lately.
After news spread that the Dark Lord had returned and the Demon Lord was wreaking havoc, many wizards were afraid.
Could those dark days from more than ten years ago really be coming back?
Fortunately, it had all been a false alarm.
Except for Ministry of Magic employees who had lived through the "Night of Darkness," other wizards' daily lives had hardly been affected. They still ate, drank, went to work, and went to school as usual.
In fact, their quality of life had even improved somewhat.
"Heaven Street Shopping Carnival! Spend ten Galleons in store and get two Galleons off!"
"To thank our valued customers, we're offering free membership upgrades! Silver Members get upgraded to Gold Members for free, Gold Members to Platinum Members, and Platinum Members to Diamond Members!"
"Buy three, get one free! Buy ten, get five free! Everything must go!"
Venerable Lord Sauron had wiped out a hundred "Death Eaters" with a single thought, greatly enhancing the reputation of "Death Blossom"—or, well, its notoriety.
And with their role in the joint hunt for Azkaban escapees already behind them, even the Ministry of Magic had to admit that this unofficial organization was completely beyond their control.
You knew they were up to no good, but they'd never admit it.
(Avery and Caractacus: "Soren? Never heard of him. We're just an ordinary Commercial Alliance, honest taxpayers through and through.")
So here was the question: would you dare to risk mutual destruction, determined to take the other side down with you?
The Ministry of Magic, at any rate, didn't dare, not after seeing how terrifying Soren could be.
Even if "Death Blossom" really was a cup of poison, they had no choice but to hold their noses and drink it.
Avery