Lucius picked up the silver goblet, gently swirling the goblin wine inside:
"Only those stupid upstarts who have no confidence whatsoever in their family's inherited ancient magic would buy something like this.
The defensive magic of our Malfoy Manor has been nurtured with blood and dark magic since our very first ancestor. How could some mass-produced trinket compare?"
Narcissa said nothing, merely topping up his tea in silence. She knew that, in public, her husband always needed to maintain that lofty, superior stance befitting a Malfoy.
Lucius rose unhurriedly and headed toward the study.
"I have some business matters to attend to," he said without looking back.
The moment the heavy oak door of the study closed behind him, all the disdain and arrogance on his face receded like the tide.
In their place came a complicated expression mingling greed, wariness, and shrewd calculation.
He walked over to an inconspicuous corner and tapped the wall lightly with his wand.
The wall slid open soundlessly, revealing a concealed two-way mirror used for secret communications.
A blurry figure soon appeared in the mirror.
"It's me," Lucius instructed the other person. "Go and use your contacts to find something out for me."
He paused, seemingly weighing his words to preserve his ridiculous dignity.
"About that... crude Muggle-style contraption in the Daily Prophet."
The figure in the mirror seemed somewhat confused, but dared not ask questions.
Lucius continued, lowering his voice further, like a snake hissing beside someone's ear:
"I have some... business associates with considerable holdings on the European continent.
You know how it is. Those places aren't as peaceful as the United Kingdom. They have some interest in this sort of... standardized defense system."
"Ask for me whether Marauders Power Company offers any... discounts for discerning customers if we're installing it in