Lupin's expression did not change.
It was as though Marcus's barbed questioning was nothing more than a breeze brushing over a hill.
Of course he understood that these fellow werewolves, accustomed to struggling in the gutter, would instinctively squint at any glimmer of light, scrutinizing it with suspicion first.
Douglas had anticipated all these reactions long ago, and had even thrown in several response plans as a friendly bonus.
He could also tell that Marcus was already mostly convinced the potion was genuine. What truly worried him was the Ministry of Magic's convoluted ulterior motives.
Still unhurried, Lupin said slowly:
"I know! I know what you're all worried about."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the figures in the corner who had grown tense again at his words.
"So this time, Mr. Holmes intends to bypass the Ministry of Magic and sell the potion to everyone through another channel."
At the mention of Mr. Holmes, an almost imperceptible gleam flashed in Marcus's cloudy eyes, like a candle guttering in the wind, wavering but not going out.
Lupin noticed Marcus's expression and continued:
"But we really can't bypass the Ministry of Magic entirely and do this privately. After all, they also need to do some work to gain the public's approval.
"If any of our fellows truly can't trust us, or have other considerations, they can actually register with the Ministry of Magic to apply for it.
"It's just that... the situation over there, and all the chain reactions that might follow, will probably be beyond our control."
He spoke frankly, concealing nothing.
As Marcus listened to Lupin, his rough fingers unconsciously rubbed along the greasy edge of the bar, making a faint rasping sound.
He finally spoke, his voice still hoarse, but less irritable than before:
"Holmes... the main reason