At the Burke Family residence, in the manor's extraordinarily grand drawing room, Herbert Borgin sat in his wheelchair facing the fireplace, waiting to receive the Pureblood Wizards' arrival. Through the live television broadcast, he had already learned how things had unfolded. After the Pureblood Wizards who had gone to the wizarding bank collectively left Harris Bank, they would hold a new gathering here.
"Master... just now, Allen Harris..." Alfred lowered his head, but he did not dare lower his voice, for fear Herbert would not hear him clearly.
Herbert lifted his loose-skinned hand, and Alfred immediately stopped speaking. An aged voice sounded. "I saw the whole negotiation process. Just as I predicted before, I told you they would not compromise so easily... so we must begin the collective shutdown plan we previously agreed on as soon as possible. Otherwise, in the Magical World, our status and interests are bound to be infringed upon... The Burke Family is willing to set an example first and close our shops in Knockturn Alley and Hogsmeade."
The room fell silent. Some Pureblood Wizards from smaller families lowered their heads awkwardly and looked at the red-brick floor. They had thought they were merely going to threaten Harris and the Ministry of Magic by stopping business; they had not expected it would actually be carried out.
"This... Mr. Borgin, as the strongest family among us, the Burke Family taking the lead and setting an example naturally places you in the position of leader among us. It's just..." Annette Bobbin touched her turquoise gemstone ring, feeling troubled. Choosing her words carefully, she said, "Closing all the shops like this... compared with the results we can obtain, it does not seem worthwhile. Perhaps we should discuss some more effective methods? Didn't Harris provoke those Goblins today as well?