Chapter 304 - 304

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"Mentor. I have a question that has tormented me since the very Tournament. Why not just leave the country? Even if Voldemort manages to really seize power, suppress pockets of resistance, start his Muggle-hating campaign, he will not immediately rush abroad."

"That's impossible," Delphine shook her head negatively. "Imagine a small town with absolutely no information or rumors from the outside world. Sooner or later, certain people and families will gain influence, concentrate resources and production in their hands. Whether they like it or not, their names will be on the lips of the commoners and other successful families. As the years and centuries go by, the town gradually grows, and the influence of these families grows in proportion. And now, if someone talks, for example, about a bakery and good bread, everyone has one family name on their lips. Famous military careerists are on everyone's lips, and everyone knows them. The best blacksmiths - any bum will tell you where their family forge is. Rumors, information, reputation. Everyone knows these people, and everyone is happy to see them. Now imagine that this little town is the Magical World of Europe and the Continental Americas, and these well-known family names are old families. We have been building our reputation and respect for hundreds of years, and our names literally open doors almost everywhere. However, with just one act, you can bring down this reputation so that even the last loser in rags and without knut behind his soul will consider it his duty to spit in your face."

We took cups of tea from the table in sync, but they were empty. Delphine levitated the teapot into the air with a gesture of her hand and poured us some more hot drink.

"You don't have to look far for examples," Delphine continued again. "The Weasley family, despite their ancient roots, have always held mostly positive views towards Muggles. However, they have always been truly pure-blooded in the best sense of the word — they have a rich history and traditions. And absolutely everyone didn't care about their interests and hobbies because the old families knew that the Weasleys were a family whose honor had been tested by time. But as soon as they publicly declared that ordinary people, their mores, hobbies, and interests are more important to them than their own magical heritage, their entire reputation collapsed. None of the influential, wealthy, or even just firmly standing on their feet families no longer wanted to have anything to do with them. It didn't take a century, and the old, respected, and wealthy family turned into what you see now. Just one act."

Taking a break for a couple of minutes, we paid attention to tea, along the way enjoying wonderful cookies with the most delicate raisins.

"It doesn't matter," Lady Greengrass continued, "who wins in the upcoming conflict. If one of the old families suddenly decides to "escape," pack up and leave, then everything that these families have achieved over the years will be destroyed. Whatever the outcome. It was the same situation in the seventies. Note that running away is a really logical and simple way out. But no one escaped. Yes, old relatives or very young children tried to take out of the country if there was an opportunity. It's much easier for Muggle-borns or wizards in the second or third generations. When you don't have a lineage of ancestors behind your soul when no one has ever heard of you, and even after Hogwarts, only a couple of people will remember you, your last name is an empty word to most, and your belongings fit in a bag over your shoulder... then yes, nothing holds you back, and there is no difference for you where to go and where to live, building your future."

"Hmm... That seems like a somewhat strange position to me, though lately, I'm beginning to understand that sort of thing."

"Beyond that, there is now another problem. For the general public, the Greengrass adhered to neutrality, but now that Henry has found himself, albeit for a short time, in the circle of Voldemort's closest supporters, and information about this is spreading among certain circles with incredible speed, the whole scheme of neutrality is collapsing. It is necessary to take new measures, prepare for various undercover games, ensure the safety of family members, and I personally have to go out, negotiate and most likely revise old agreements, adjust what is planned, and all this under the pressure of circumstances. For example, in three days, there will be a reception at the Malfoy Manor in honor of Draco's formal acceptance of the status of the Head of the House."

The conversation was interrupted again, giving us the opportunity to enjoy tea.