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Chapter 106- The Lockhart Gala!
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I was on the balcony, leaning against it with my arms as I looked over the edge and down at the grounds as the guests for the evening arrived at the new luxury resort, their eyes wide in amazement at the beauty before them. The air buzzed with excitement as they explored the enchanting grounds, and laughter filled the courtyard. "Did you see the maze? Apparently, it changes every time, and there is even a scoreboard. Gilderoy Lockhart holds first place with a time of ten minutes." I could hear the rabble chattering away, already astounded by the sights before them. The maze was something I enjoyed; I spent days trying to get that high score, and it's very challenging as you can't use magic.
The festivities on the grounds were filled with enchanting music, delicious food, and captivating performances, all weaving together to create an unforgettable experience. And this was just the outside, servants serving wine and snacks as they walked, performances going on all around the place, music and more physical acts that would continue as the night unfolded. Looking down at it, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. Once a relic of the past, Cliffside Manor had been born anew as a luxury resort—a haven for those seeking escape and enchantment, and tonight was the grand debut. Standing proudly on the balcony, I took it all in. I was ready to start this new chapter of my legacy, confident that this was only the beginning of a new era for this manor that would become part of magical British history.
Feeling that enough people had arrived by now, it was time to make my own grand entrance. I quickly moved inside and made my way downstairs, heading towards the great hall. That's right, I have a great hall, and it's way better than Hogwarts shitty hall. Making sure I was ready and I looked good, I opened the doors. As I stood at the grand entrance of the Great Hall, the atmosphere buzzed with opulence and charm, perfectly suited for the Enchanted Soirée I was hosting. The hall was adorned with lavish decorations, each detail painstakingly crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and delight. The air was rich with laughter and the melodic strains of wizarding orchestras, making it the ideal setting for the upper crust of the wizarding world to gather—purebloods all ready to mingle and manoeuvre their way through the intricate dance of business and social prowess.
Dressed in my finest robes—a striking shade of emerald embellished with gold thread—I felt every ounce the celebrated figure I intended to be. Slytherin colours, because I knew those were the types I would be dealing with tonight, and just a simple colour scheme could prove to be appealing to them. Even so, no one else had quite the same aura of charm and distinction that I exuded; I was the very definition of a modern wizarding icon. As I entered, everybody glanced my way, taking my excellence in and finding themselves lacking because I am just that good. A bit narcissistic, but I've been riding a high since leaving Hogwarts.
As I surveyed the elegantly attired guests, I caught sight of several prominent pureblood families huddled in corners, deep in discussion. I knew they were discussing the latest ventures and alliances, perhaps even plotting the next great enterprise that would elevate their status further. Or maybe they were making plans to go and terrorise some muggles and other sordid deeds. Death Eaters are definitely in attendance, it's an unfortunate fact that most of magical Britain's high society is made up of pieces of shit, but these are just the cards we are dealt. Sometimes, you have to make the most of it and put on a brave face. With a flick of my wrist, I adjusted my collar and strode confidently toward a group gathered around a low table laden with delicacies.
"Good evening, esteemed friends!" I declared, my voice smooth as silk. "I trust that the evening finds you well? I couldn't help but overhear whispers of exciting new prospects. I hope you wouldn't mind including me in your conversation." I say, a smile on my face and a jaunt in my step, even though on the inside, I would want nothing more than to kick the shit out of these people, the males at least. There is just something about cruel, haughty aristocratic women that gets me going, and the thought of getting one up on them and putting them in their place is one I can't forget. I quickly try to shake those thoughts from my mind, not willing to let such things cloud my mind when I am supposed to be playing the game.
The chatter stilled momentarily, and a few heads turned—a sign that my presence had caused the desired stir. Lord Avery, a notable figure with a reputation for financial acumen (and being a cunt), regarded me with keen interest. "Ah, Gilderoy! Your name never fails to grace our conversations. We were just discussing the upcoming investments in the new magical properties market. A lot of possible areas for the development of new homes and towns. Our numbers are replenishing now after the war, and new places need to be built. Quite lucrative, I must say." He said, a smug look on his face.
"Indeed! The potential for profit is remarkable; I believe the saying is, buy low, sell high." I replied, flashing a smile that had enchanted many before. "But tell me, how might one like myself get involved in such ventures? My skills in publicity could elevate your initiatives to new heights. Imagine the enchantment of a well-placed article in Witch Weekly or a grand publication bearing my name. I'm a trusted name, and my reach is far." Truthfully, I wouldn't join just for what I am saying. I just need a foot in the door. Once that is achieved, Andromeda can start widening it and take it over. The woman is a shark, whilst these people are amoebas that think they are predators.
The group leaned in, intrigued. I could see the flicker of possibilities dancing in their eyes, all of them hooked. Lady Cressida, known for her sharp wit and unwavering ambition, chimed in, "If we worked on this together, we could dominate the market completely. A well-timed reveal of a new property could be just the spectacle we need—especially with your star power, Lockhart." After an entire year at Hogwarts, it's weird to hear my last name without the word professor before it. Even then, it rankles me to hear it said by itself while they call each other lord and lady. I deserve at least a mister, but in the future, I can make it so they have to use something even better,
"Precisely. I am a trusted name, and everybody knows my face." I exclaimed, savouring the delicious mix of cunning and opportunity, all of it a build-up to betrayal. "With the development and property being handled by your trustworthy hands, and with my publicity and maybe even a bit of investment, we can't go wrong." I might have to drop some money, maybe even a lot, just to get them to follow the lure, and then I can snape them up whole. It will be difficult, though; these guys know all about the magical contracts since they use them themselves.
As they nodded enthusiastically, I felt a surge of triumph. This was the magic of the night, the very essence of what made gatherings like this so alluring. These entitled and self-absorbed pricks came here and thought they would be the ones robbing clueless saps, only to realise too late that I am the biggest and most self-absorbed prick that is going to devour them whole. Our conversation seamlessly shifted from idle chatter to the nuances of market strategies and partnerships, a thrilling game of chess amidst the glamour of the ball. I'm not too knowledgeable about it, but a smile and a nod of agreement always works with people that like the smell of their own shit.
With every word I uttered, I reinforced my stature as a vital player in this field who could connect the threads of social prestige and business acumen. The whispers of alliances, investments, and ventures buzzed around us, and I was at the epicentre, an irresistible force steering the conversation. A viper in the nest, slowly slithering in the grass alongside them, just waiting for them to trip and fall flat on their face, which is when I'll go for their jugular.
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Later in the evening, I somehow found myself in the private dining room of my glorious estate, the luxurious decor surrounding me a testament to my current overwhelming wealth. I was at one side of the table, and Lucius Malfoy sat across on the other side of the table, displaying his usual confident demeanour, while Narcissa stood nearby, radiating frustration. For some reason, she refused to sit down next to him or take a seat at all, but she also refused to leave the room. I got the feeling she did not trust him to conduct business by himself. There was definitely some strain between the couple, and I wondered if I could somehow play off of that to my benefit.
Lucius Malfoy is an elegant and aristocratic man with an air of superiority. He has long, platinum-blond hair that is impeccably styled, flowing smoothly past his shoulders. His pale, sharp features and piercing grey eyes give him a cold, calculating expression. His skin is fair, almost ghostly, which adds to his overall refined yet intimidating appearance.
Lucius's clothing reflects his high status in the wizarding world, wearing richly tailored robes in dark, luxurious fabrics in deep green, with silver and snake motifs. His attire is pristine and immaculate, further emphasising his vanity and his overall demeanour, combined with his striking features and expensive clothing, gives him a regal and imposing presence.
Then there is Narcissa Malfoy. Lucius's wife is a tall, slender, and elegant woman with striking beauty. She has long, straight, platinum-blonde hair that mirrors her husband's in both length and colour, though hers is styled in a more delicate, refined way. Her features are sharp and aristocratic, with pale, flawless skin that enhances her ethereal appearance. Narcissa's eyes are striking, icy blue, cold and calculating, and full of pride. She has a somewhat haughty nature, her nose upturned, reminding me a bit of Boa Hancock. Her expression is one of composed elegance, but there is a slight vexation tonight. She carries herself with an air of refinement and superiority, typical of someone from a prestigious, pure-blood family.
Narcissa is wearing expensive, luxurious robes in shades of silver and blue, which complement her pale complexion and striking features. Her clothing is perfectly tailored around her curves, and she is presenting herself with grace and dignity. Overall, her appearance exudes a sense of high social standing; she is a woman who is a masterpiece, and she knows it. Truly, it is taking my all to keep my eyes off of her, but they can't help but drift back over occasionally.
As I took a sip of my tea, a house elf had brought us some at my command, I couldn't help but admire how effortlessly Lucius commanded the room, and by that, I meant how he was effortlessly acting like he was the greatest thing since sliced pie. It reminded me kind of myself, and that pissed me off. Still, we had been sitting here for a few minutes drinking tea with no one saying anything, and I was getting bored with this shit. I understood power moves and all that, but at this point, I was bored.
"Lucius, "I began, my signature smile in place. I could see calling him by his first name made his smile twitch minutely, but he didn't say anything, so clearly, he wanted something from me. "I must say, your investments in the magical creature market are quite impressive. Have you considered expanding further? There's a growing demand for rare beasts." That is actually an industry my company is not involved in. They mainly deal in animal parts for potion ingredients and food, but they also rear mounts and animals to pull trailers, like Hippogriffs and Thestrals. I am actually sure that the Thestrals leading the carriages at Hogwarts were bought from the Malfoy, the man himself no doubt doing the deal as a board member of the school.
"Indeed, Gileroy," Lucius replied, leaning back in his chair with his characteristic nonchalance. "The market is ripe for expansion. My contacts in the Ministry assure me we can corner the market on Thestrals. They've become quite the fashionable item among the elite. They seem to enjoy the masses looking at them arriving in seemingly self-automated carriages, though not for the more experienced of us, Right, Gilderoy." The man finishes, alluding to the fact that those who have witnessed death can see the Thestrals, so I just nod my head, not wanting to expand on the topic of death.
I looked behind the man and noticed Narcissa's expression shift, her irritation simmering just below the surface. It seemed something the man was saying was getting on her nerves, and she couldn't help but let out a little of that frustration.
"Experienced, Lucius?" She interrupted, her voice sharp. "You definitely are when it comes to making a profit. Nothing has too high of a cost as long as you can benefit, a true businessman." She sniffs, and then her face scrunches up tightly as if she smelt something terrible; I guess even though she phrased it as a compliment, that was a jab. Even so, she looks beautiful. No wonder Lucius brought her along; her being here is distracting me from the topic of conversation.
I fumbled for something to say, not sure how to direct the conversation back, aware that I might be treading into turbulent waters. "Ah, Narcissa, yes, Lucius is quite the businessman." But she was in no mood to listen, clearly more concerned with being angry with her husband. "yes, a brilliant businessman, Gilderoy," she continued. "Business is no place for feelings; my husband has no problem not letting them affect him. Unfortunately, being so good at what he does, he doesn't have much time to care for our son." She finishes, and I get the feeling Draco is the point of contention.
Lucius waved her off, utterly uncaring. "Draco is perfectly fine, Narcissa. He's at Hogwarts most of the time, where he's meant to be. And right now, he is at home, enjoying our immeasurable wealth. Meanwhile, I have a reputation to uphold and wealth to accumulate." I took a breath, attempting to steer the conversation back to solid ground, but also maybe curry favour with the woman since she was very breathtaking. "Perhaps involving the boy in your business could be prudent? Having taught Draco for a year, I can tell you the boy is quite bright. He just needs to learn to apply himself." I give my honest opinion on Draco. The kid is too taken by his narcissism, but he does have some talent.
Narcissa scoffed, crossing her arms tighter as if to protect herself from the conversation. "I think I'd rather Draco focus on enjoying his summer holiday before going back to Hogwarts and studying. He is still a boy and should be enjoying himself, though appreciate your opinion, Gilderoy." Narcissa puts an end to that topic there, and we move on to other things.
"Gilderoy," Lucius began. "I am glad to hear that Draco is doing well in school, a proper Malfoy. However, I think we should get back to business; let's discuss the specifics of your potential involvement with my Thestral deals." I couldn't help but muffle a chuckle at the words. It seemed that although we got derailed, we got back to it in the end, my foot in the door with Lucius Malfoy, and from there, my opportunity to drain him dry. I saw Narcissa roll her eyes as we began our talks; even that was mesmerising.
As our conversation shifted back to business, I leaned back, feeling the lure of ambition. Still, I hoped Lucius wouldn't eventually see what truly mattered. After all, even I, Gilderoy Lockhart, knew that there was more at stake than mere wealth. His marriage was on the line, and it seemed unhappy, so I wouldn't mind interjecting myself in there with Narcissa. Lucius is a dirty Death Eater anyway, so I wouldn't mind getting to know his wife more.
As the evening unfolded, I realised that this enchanted ball was more than just a celebration; it was a platform for forging connections, daring ambitions, and securing my place among the wizarding elite. With the stars twinkling overhead and shimmering robes swirling about, I was determined to not only dazzle them with my presence but to ensure that Gilderoy Lockhart became synonymous with success in every sense. The night was young, and I was ready to seize every opportunity it offered.
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I promised to get another one out on Wednesday, and I did. Technically, I did, since I woke up on Wednesday, and I hadn't gone to sleep until I did this. I count it, okay. Anyway, I hope this proves to you guys that we are back on schedule, because we are. Believe it, Dattebayo!
Upcoming Chapters:
Hero: Chapter 107- Brushing Shoulders With The Upper Class.
Super: Chapter 109- An Unexpected Friendship.
Legendary: Chapter 111- The Old Country, Italy.
Galactic: Chapter 115- Horrible History.
Mythic: Chapter 116- Voracious Vampires
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That is all for now. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I will see you in the next one!
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