The Greengrass manor was a striking embodiment of wealth and tradition. As Rufus Scrimgeour approached the estate, he felt the gravity of his mission. The manor’s grandeur, from the imposing columns to the meticulously manicured gardens, reflected the family's long-standing influence in the magical community.
Upon arrival, Rufus was escorted inside by a house elf, whose very presence was a reminder of the family’s high standing. The interior was just as magnificent as the exterior, with gleaming marble floors, rich tapestries, and portraits of the Greengrass ancestors gazing down with silent approval.
As Rufus was led to the study, he thought back to his own days at Hogwarts. Lord Greengrass, was older than Rufus by 4-5 years, had always carried himself with a natural authority that spoke of both confidence and experience. Their time at school had been marked by typical youthful rivalries and camaraderie, but it was clear that Lord Greengrass had inherited not just the wealth of his family but also their sharp intellect and strategic mind.
When he entered the study, he was greeted by Lord Greengrass. The man’s youthful appearance was paired with an aura of authority that spoke of both confidence and experience.
“Rufus, welcome,” Lord Greengrass said, extending a firm handshake. His voice was smooth and assured, devoid of the formality Rufus had expected. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Thank you, Lord Greengrass,” Rufus replied, accepting the handshake. “It’s been a long time since our days at Hogwarts.”
Lord Greengrass nodded, leading Rufus to a comfortable armchair. Lady Greengrass joined them, her presence dignified and poised. Their two daughters, Daphne and Astoria, were also present. Daphne, in her first year at Hogwarts, had an air of quiet confidence, while Astoria, younger and more reserved, watched with a mix of curiosity and attentiveness.
The initial conversation was filled with pleasantries, as was customary. Lord Greengrass spoke of recent events and the history of his family, his tone measured and reflective. Rufus listened with practiced patience, knowing that this small talk was not only a formality but also a test of his ability to navigate the social intricacies of the pureblood elite.
As they conversed, Rufus took the opportunity to reminisce about their Hogwarts days, acknowledging their shared experiences and the challenges they had faced. The exchange was cordial, though Rufus couldn’t shake the feeling that Lord Greengrass was carefully evaluating him, assessing his readiness for the political maneuvers ahead.
Once the pleasantries were over, the discussion turned to more substantive matters. Rufus leaned forward, ready to present his proposal.
“I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my plans with you, Lord Greengrass. My primary goal is to become Minister of Magic, and I’m here to seek your support,” Rufus began, his tone serious.
Lord Greengrass raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “And what, specifically, do you have in mind?”
Rufus outlined his strategy with precision. “One of the key components of my campaign is a plan to engage with the goblins. The goblins control substantial wealth in their vaults, inherited from pureblood families that have died out over the years. My proposal is to negotiate with them to redistribute this wealth to the living relatives of these families.”
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Lord Greengrass’s expression remained inscrutable. “And how do you plan to convince the goblins to agree to this redistribution?”
Rufus explained, “Goblins are notoriously resistant to sharing their wealth. However, my approach is to frame it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. By redistributing the wealth, the goblins can ensure that it is actively used rather than lying dormant in vaults. This will also allow them to collect outstanding debts and storage fees from the living purebloods, thus increasing their revenue.”
He continued, “This strategy has several advantages. For the pureblood families, it means an increase in wealth and status. For the goblins, it means more active management of their assets and additional revenue. Even some half-bloods who benefit from this redistribution are likely to support the initiative.”
Lord Greengrass listened thoughtfully, his gaze steady. “And what about the muggle-borns?”
Rufus was prepared for this. “To address the needs of the muggle-borns, I propose establishing a public library funded by the wealth obtained from the goblin negotiations. This library would provide access to magical knowledge and resources, helping to integrate muggle-borns into the magical community and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity.”
Lord Greengrass appeared contemplative, clearly impressed by the strategic depth of the proposal. “And what of the rumors regarding your current operation against Fenrir Greyback? How does this fit into your broader plans?”
Rufus nodded, prepared to elaborate. “The operation against Greyback is a critical part of my strategy. Greyback represents a significant threat to both the magical community and its broader reputation. His capture will not only eliminate a dangerous criminal but will also enhance my standing within the Ministry.”
He continued, “I have secured the support of Horace Slughorn, who will assist in creating effective disguises for the operation. Additionally, I have an ally who owes me a favor, which will be instrumental in the success of this plan. The details are sensitive, but I assure you that the operation will be executed with precision.”
Lord Greengrass listened intently, nodding in agreement. “Your proposal is compelling. I see the potential benefits for all parties involved. However, you must understand that I require discretion. I prefer to remain behind the scenes and avoid active participation.”
Rufus met his gaze steadily. “I assure you, Lord Greengrass, that while I seek your support, I will not be anyone’s puppet. My goals are my own, and I intend to maintain my independence. It is important to me that I am not seen as a mere extension of any particular family’s agenda.”
Lord Greengrass studied him for a moment, his expression contemplative. “I understand your concerns. My support can be significant, but I must be assured that you will act with autonomy and integrity. It is crucial for me to avoid being perceived as a puppet master by other prominent figures, such as Dumbledore or the Longbottoms, as this could impact our relations with them.”
Rufus acknowledged this with a nod. “I appreciate your candor. My aim is to build a coalition that respects my independence while advancing a platform that benefits all parties involved.”
After a long discussion, Lord Greengrass seemed satisfied with Rufus’s assurances and the details of the proposal. “Very well, Rufus. I will lend my support, but I expect you to deliver on your promises and act with integrity. This alliance will be beneficial if we both stay true to our respective goals.”
The conversation continued, delving deeper into the logistics of the proposed reforms and the intricacies of negotiating with the goblins. Lord Greengrass offered valuable insights and advice, drawing on his own experiences and understanding of the political landscape.
As the meeting concluded, Rufus felt a sense of accomplishment. Securing the support of the Greengrass family was a significant step forward in his campaign. He knew the path ahead would be challenging, but with this alliance, he was better positioned to achieve his goals.
Before leaving the manor, Rufus took a moment to reflect on the progress made. He was confident that with the backing of influential families like the Greengrasses and a clear, well-structured plan, he could navigate the complexities of the magical world and lay the groundwork for a successful campaign.