The next day, Count Dantes attended the wedding of Donna Avery and Gilderoy Lockhart at Avery Manor. His arrival caused quite a stir.
"Count! Is there really no more land in the New City?"
"Count! Could you spare some for our family? We'll pay double!"
The Count waved his hand. "Everyone, today is Miss Avery and Mr. Lockhart's big day. Please don't be like this. Let's offer our blessings to the newlyweds. As for the New City, please bear with me—it's only the first phase. Second and third phases are coming. If you're interested, stay tuned. Thank you!"
With his reassuring words, the guests gradually calmed down, waiting for the couple to appear.
The Count watched Lockhart walk out, his expression stiff. It was clear he had just left St. Mungo's and hadn't fully recovered from the effects of his treatment. The Count smiled, focusing on the entrance.
When Donna Avery appeared, walking in with her father, the Count nearly laughed. It was her wedding day, and yet she looked terrified rather than joyful. He nodded to himself—she must have received his warning. Inside the box he'd sent was the head of assassin Aki and one of John Flint's hands. The ring on the hand was unmistakable. Terror, while despicable, is effective.
For someone like Donna Avery, a taste of fear could offer a measure of peace—just long enough for Lockhart to land himself in Azkaban. Hogwarts might be safe, but he still traveled for matches. The last thing he needed was to worry about a surprise curse.
He glanced at Lockhart: eyes filled with resentment as he looked at Donna. "This won't do," the Count thought. Once the ceremony ended, he would have a chat with Mr. Lockhart about how "a little impatience spoils even the best-laid plans." What was a fleeting grievance? His goal should be the Avery family fortune. He needed Lockhart to smile at Donna—just like when he won the "Most Charming Smile" award.
Later, Dana avoided joining Mrs. Weasley and her group. He didn't want to go into Diagon Alley with Harry and the others. Instead, he quietly walked through Diagon Alley alone, purchasing what he needed for his second year.
"Dana!" Hannah Abbott called out from the pet shop entrance.
Dana turned. "What a coincidence, Hannah."
"Yes. A coincidence." She came forward with a smile. "I came to buy cat-owl food for my uncle—your silver hair is easy to spot. I noticed you from far away."
Hannah greeted him warmly—unlike the rest of the school, which had almost entirely shunned him last year. But Hannah always smiled and nodded when she saw him.
"Hannah, why didn't you write to me over the summer?"
"You didn't write either!" She giggled. "But I know you were busy—you're the youngest MVP in history! I wanted to write, but I thought… you have so many fans. My letter might just become another burden."
She was genuinely thoughtful. She offered warmth when he was down and gave him space when he soared.
"Hannah, with Wizard New City so popular, hasn't your uncle considered opening a Leaky Cauldron branch there?"
Dana teased.
Hannah laughed. "Dana, you're joking! Land in Wizard New City is as precious as gold. My uncle couldn't afford a large plot—even if he sold everything, he might barely cover a bar counter!"
Meanwhile, after disembarking the Hogwarts Express, Draco Malfoy boasted, "Our family bought dozens of acres in the New City. My dad is building a grand house there!"
Crabbe and Goyle looked bored. Draco had been bragging about it since boarding.
"Wow," they mumbled. "How did he manage that?"
Draco smirked. He glanced at his two disciples. "My father and Count Dantes are best friends! I even call him 'Uncle!' With those connections, it's no surprise we secured so much land."
"Wow…"
"Wow…"
But then Draco spotted Dana walking alone toward the Thestral-drawn carriage.
"Hey! Azkaban escapee!" Draco shouted. "You played well this summer. My father is trying to buy the Tutshill Tornadoes. Why not come play for his team? It's way better than those rotten Chudley Cannons!"
Dana glanced at him and kept walking.
Draco was furious. "Damn it! He's just a stinking ball player—why is he so arrogant? No matter how well you play, can you afford an apartment in the New City?"
Dana sighed inwardly. Was this who Draco thought he was?
Then he stopped, turned, and said coldly, "Malfoy, the Chudley Cannons—the team I play for—is owned by your Uncle Dantes. Are you sure you want to poach from your own family's team?"
Draco's mouth dropped open. A few seconds later, he slapped a hand over it.
Dana stepped onto the compartment platform and sat down in the innermost seat. The compartment door opened repeatedly. Little wizards peeked in, then smiled or nodded. Despite his fame—and even though the Ministry had cleared him—"Azkaban" still made them uneasy.
"Yo, Dana!" Fred Weasley suddenly appeared, bounding in. George followed.
"Lee! Hurry, there's a spot!" George called.
Lee Jordan climbed through the door. "Ah! Dana! Long time no see… well, I've seen you play, anyway! No one watches you and doesn't like you. So, could you sign an autograph? Custom would be great! You'll be a world-class superstar soon. With your autograph, I might even trade it for a small apartment in New City!"
Fred and George exchanged exasperated looks.
"What's so great about that New City? It's all dust and construction every day—our chickens are terrified!"
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