Chapter 169: Confrontation
"I just told you, didn't I?"
Russell's tone carried a trace of impatience.
He had assumed that Cyrian Rosier and Flora Rosier being ignorant was one thing—
but he hadn't expected even Knight Rosier to know so little about the Addams Family.
If Knight truly understood what kind of family the Addams were—
his first move wouldn't have been going to the Malfoy Manor to find Lucius Malfoy.
He would have done everything possible to track down the Addams' address—
and personally go there to apologize.
"The reason I stepped in…"
Russell shook his head slightly, almost regretful.
"…was to save your family."
"And yet here you are—repaying kindness with hostility."
"Fine."
Knight inhaled deeply, emotions swirling beneath his composed exterior.
"Let's assume what you're saying is true."
"Then tell me this—"
His gaze locked onto Russell.
"What exactly… is the Addams family?"
For the first time—
hesitation crept into his voice.
Because deep down—
he was beginning to believe Russell.
After all—
if it weren't for something like this—
how could a Muggle-born wizard act with such confidence?
There had to be something backing him.
And now, it was becoming clear.
That "something"—
was the Addams family.
Knight had lost part of his family's legacy due to his father's early death—
but he was no fool.
He understood how to weigh risks and avoid disaster.
If the Addams Family truly possessed overwhelming power—
he would never smash an egg against a stone.
The reason he dared come to pressure Albus Dumbledore
was partly due to Lucius Malfoy's assurances—
and partly to preserve his family's reputation.
But when it came to reputation vs survival—
he knew exactly which mattered more.
"I think," Russell said lightly,
"before I explain anything… you should take some action first."
"Just like Professor Dumbledore suggested."
He idly twirled his wand between his fingers—
in no hurry to continue.
"…I understand."
Knight closed his eyes briefly, steadying himself.
Then—
lowered his head.
"I apologize."
"I deeply regret what I said earlier."
"…You actually apologized to a—"
Flora Rosier stared in disbelief—
but was cut off immediately.
"Enough."
"I accept your apology, Mr. Rosier," Russell said with a nod.
He wasn't someone who enjoyed driving others into a corner.
Leave room for others—leave room for yourself.
"Let me give you an example," he continued.
"You'll understand everything from this alone."
"Before school started, I went shopping in Diagon Alley with Wednesday."
"Malfoy provoked me—"
"And was promptly knocked down by her."
"Old Malfoy," Russell went on with a faint smile,
"insulted her as a Mudblood… and even tried to make a move."
"But the moment he learned her identity—"
"He fled."
"With his son."
Russell clicked his tongue.
"Honestly, every time I think about that scene…"
"…it's almost comical."
"I understand."
Knight's face turned dark.
But this time—
his "thank you" carried real sincerity.
Lucius Malfoy…
So that was the game.
Using him as a probe was one thing—
but withholding crucial information?
Fortunately—
he hadn't gone too far.
Otherwise…
A shadow crossed his eyes.
For the first time in a long while—
he found himself wishing his father were still alive.
At least then—
he wouldn't be stumbling blindly into traps.
"Flora, return home first," he said.
"I'm going to see Lucius."
"Alone?" she asked, worried.
"It's fine."
"Lucius can't stop me."
Despite the Rosier family's decline—
Knight still had one thing he was proud of:
his magic.
Especially in dueling—
he was confident he wouldn't lose to most Hogwarts professors.
(At least those on the level of the Heads of Houses…)
Aftermath at Hogwarts
"Professor, may I leave now?"
Russell turned to Dumbledore.
"Russell," Dumbledore said with mild surprise,
"I didn't expect you to truly persuade him."
"Professor," Russell replied casually,
"don't you think it's obvious?"
"The way Rosier rushed here—and rushed away—"
"someone must be pulling the strings behind him."
"And more importantly…"
"They didn't tell him about the Addams family."
He paused.
A knowing smile formed.
"My guess?"
"Malfoy."
"They're the type who love playing these little games."
"And besides…"
"They have a grudge against me."
From Knight's reactions alone—
Russell had already pieced together most of the truth.
"This crisis is over," he continued,
"but I'm worried Malfoy will try something else."
"I heard his family sits on the Board of Governors?"
For the first time—
a hint of concern surfaced.
Even with the Addams' backing—
this was still Hogwarts.
And the Board held real authority.
Worst case… I transfer schools.
Durmstrang wasn't bad.
And that new American magic school had been rising fast lately…
"Russell," Dumbledore said, eyes narrowing slightly,
"why do I feel like you're thinking something… rather impolite?"
"Nothing at all, Headmaster."
Russell shook his head immediately.
(That was definitely not something Dumbledore should hear.)
"Don't worry," Dumbledore said with a faint smile.
"It won't be so easy for the Board to act against you."
With that—
he dismissed Russell.
"Mysterious old man…" Russell muttered as he left.
"Always speaking in riddles."
On his way out, he casually patted the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance.
The sensation surprised him.
Not entirely hard like stone—
there was a faint warmth…
even a slight elasticity.
Definitely a high-end model, he concluded.
At Malfoy Manor
"Lucius."
Knight's voice was cold.
"Explain yourself."
Lucius Malfoy was clearly surprised by his return—
but remained composed.
His hand subtly moved toward his wand.
"Please, sit," Lucius said smoothly.
"What seems to be the problem?"
"You never told me about the Addams family."
Knight's voice was tight with restrained anger.
"…Ah."
Lucius visibly relaxed.
"You misunderstand me."
"That wasn't intentional."
"As one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight…"
He smiled faintly.
"How could you not know about the Addams family?"
"…I…"
Knight opened his mouth—
but had no answer.
In the end, he said simply:
"I will go and apologize to the Addams family."
"As for pressuring Dumbledore…"
"I can no longer assist."
With that—
he turned and left.
He had already offended one terrifying force.
He would not make an enemy of the Malfoys as well.
Not now.
Not when his family stood on such fragile ground.
After he left—
Lucius sighed softly.
A trace of regret crossed his face.
"Not a complete fool, after all…"
He tapped his cane lightly.
Eyes cold.
"It seems…"
"I'll have to use my position on the Board of Governors—"
"to remove Fythorne from Hogwarts myself."