Silence.
Only the silent flames in the fireplace cast shifting light and shadow across their faces.
"And that's not all."
The head of the Parkinson family finally spoke, his voice filled with a merchant's practical irritation.
"Ever since the Auror Office equipped itself with those damned new gadgets from the Marauders Power Company, their patrol efficiency has risen by at least thirty percent!
"Last month, I had a shipment of banned books and Dark Magic materials coming down from the north. I even specifically chose a Muggle black market, and they still caught us red-handed!"
He pounded the armrest in anguish.
"A direct loss of five thousand Galleons! Five thousand! This never happened in the past! Our business is suffering unprecedented blows because of this so-called security!"
His words were like a key, unlocking everyone's tongues.
"Exactly! Several of my family's properties in Knockturn Alley have also been getting special attention from the Aurors lately. We've lost several steady sources of customers!"
"We have to do something!"
"We can't let them keep acting so arrogantly!"
Lucius watched the agitated crowd before him, a cold smile curling his lips as his plan succeeded.
He raised his wineglass and declared:
"Gentlemen, our enemy is not that system, but the trend it represents. So our counterattack must also begin at the root."
"I propose that we unite. We will mobilize all our resources, launch a press campaign in the Daily Prophet, and introduce motions in the Wizengamot. Through politics and public opinion, we will launch a comprehensive boycott of the Marauders Power Company!"
"We must make the entire wizarding world understand-those who buy that system are not buying security. They are selling their freedom!"
"For the glory of pure blood!" Old Nott was the first to raise his cane.
"For our interests!" The