You're the social butterfly? No, I am!

The next day, Diagon Alley.

Compared to days past, Diagon Alley was especially lively that day.

Dozens of shops were holding their opening ceremonies at the same time.

The grand venue drew crowds of wizards who stopped to watch.

Surprisingly, Aurors were even stationed at the ceremony.

Backstage, Argus blew on the hot tea in his hand, while Vinda Rosier put away the teapot beside him.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. Without your help, these shops in Diagon Alley wouldn't have been so easy to acquire."

"You're being far too polite, Mr. Grindelwald. We're partners. Naturally, we should help each other."

Lucius kept wiping sweat from his forehead, unable to sit or stand at ease beside Argus.

He had already witnessed the young man's methods countless times before the Hogwarts term began.

His deft handling of matters, his decisive judgment, his meticulous thinking.

Even as the head of one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, Lucius felt inferior.

If that were all, it would have been manageable.

But the person standing beside them pouring tea was the Black Rose of France-Vinda Rosier!

Someone who far surpassed him in both age and status!

She's standing there serving tea, and you've got the fucking nerve to sit?

You must have a death wish!

"Mr. Malfoy, the opening ceremony is about to officially begin. Shall we go and have a look?"

Argus took a small sip of his hot tea. Seeing Lucius's unease, he spoke to give him a way out.

Lucius hurriedly stood and followed Argus.

When he noticed Vinda, he paused involuntarily, falling behind her as well.

At the ceremony.

The host was enthusiastically promoting all kinds of products.

His witty remarks, paired with his comical gestures, had the watching wizards giggling.

"Mr. Grindelwald, quite a few important members of pure-blood families should be attending today's opening ceremony."

"If you don't mind, I could introduce you."

"The Malfoy family does carry some weight in that regard."

At this topic, Lucius finally regained some confidence.

The Malfoy family's reputation as fence-sitters... no, social butterflies, wasn't just for show.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy." Argus smiled and did not refuse.

They had barely taken a few steps when someone inside called out to them.

"Argus, over here!"

Lucius froze for a moment.

Argus smiled and stepped forward to greet him.

"Mr. Carrow, it's been a while!"

Carrow strode over to Argus.

"You're the star of today's ceremony. What took you so long?"

"And this is...?"

Argus introduced them. "This is Mr. Lucius Malfoy, head of the Malfoy family, one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight."

Turning to Lucius, he said, "This is Mr. Ian Carrow of the Carrow family, also one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. He just doesn't usually get out much."

Ian Carrow feigned displeasure. "What do you mean, I don't get out much? I'm researching fantastic beasts!"

"Hello, Mr. Malfoy. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Lucius replied blankly, "A... a pleasure to meet you."

Soon, two more people arrived.

"Mr. Grindelwald, I've been looking everywhere for you!"

A burly man with a bushy beard approached and patted Argus on the shoulder.

The other, a thin man, was also delighted. "Mr. Grindelwald, you're finally here! We never finished our last discussion about developing new broomstick models. When can we continue?"

Lucius was bewildered. "And these two are...?"

"These are Mr. Berris and Mr. Dave, broomstick researchers at the Nimbus Racing Broom Company. They came up with the idea for the latest Nimbus 2000."

Before Argus could finish, several figures appeared through Apparition.

"Mr. Grindelwald, we're not late, are we?"

"Doesn't look like it, haha..."

"Ross will be here shortly. He's wanted to meet you for ages!"

A large crowd of lavishly dressed people streamed into the ceremony.

Argus still wore a polite smile. "Professor Travers, you're as hale and hearty as ever!"

Travers scowled. "You have the nerve to say that! Durmstrang was so close to you. Why did you insist on coming to Britain to attend that Hogwarts?"

Argus smiled helplessly. "I'll explain that to you another time."

"No, you must give me an answer today! Otherwise, I'll go and ask Dumbledore myself!"

Travers was adamant.

Argus could only placate him for now. "Once the ceremony is over, I'll make sure you're satisfied."

"Allow me to introduce Mr. Malfoy."

"This is Professor Travers from Durmstrang."

Lucius exclaimed, "Professor Travers! Your book on dark magic, The Origins of Dark Magic, was my introduction to the subject! I never imagined I'd meet you here today!"

Travers nodded. "The Malfoy boy. I've heard of you. You've managed the Malfoy family well over the years. You haven't disgraced your father."

As soon as that group left, another came over.

There wasn't even time to catch a breath.

Lucius was so exhausted he nearly coughed up blood!

You're telling me you've only been in Britain for two months?

How do you know more people than I do?

Which one of us is the fucking social butterfly here?

He had initially maintained a little reserve, intending to introduce Argus to some British families.

Instead, Argus had ended up introducing a whole crowd of people to him!

Argus laughed inwardly.

Did you really think I'd dare come to Britain unprepared?

Those old codgers among the Acolytes might not have much strength left, but each knows more people than the last!

The people they introduced to Argus might not wield the overwhelming influence of the pure-blood families, but they were all leaders in their respective fields!

As the saying went, what mattered most in the twenty-first century?

Talent!

These people were the cream of the crop!

If he built good relationships with them, they would certainly prove very useful in the future!

Lucius wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Mr. Grindelwald, nearly all your friends are here now, aren't they? Why don't we..."

"Wait a moment. A few haven't arrived yet."

"There's more!" Lucius's legs went weak, and he nearly lost his footing.

Argus reassured him. "Only a few left. They should be here any moment."

"You should be very familiar with these people. You won't need me to introduce them."

Lucius relaxed a little.

People I know will be easy enough to deal with.

At least it won't be like before, when I didn't know anyone.

With familiar faces, I'll at least be able to exchange a few words!

He had only just breathed a sigh of relief when a dense mass of figures suddenly appeared in the distance.

They were heading straight toward them!

Before he could make out who they were, he heard a familiar voice.

"Mr. Grindelwald, we finally meet! Hahaha..."

"Please don't take it to heart that the Aurors under my command caused you trouble last time!"

That voice!

Lucius's pupils abruptly constricted.

Argus smiled faintly and went forward to greet them.

"You're too kind."

"Minister Fudge!"