Disclaimer: I'll keep checking, but I don't think I'm secretly JKR. Ergo, I can only lay claim to maybe a handful of characters.
A/N: This story is going to be a long-winded response to a Nov-March challenge set by the Lovers of the Potions Master facebook group. I will post the prompt at the conclusion of it so as not to give too much away. It's supposed to be 10,000+ words, which will be no worries here. I only worry that it won't be completed before March 1st. If not, then it will just be for fun.
As always, let me know your thoughts!
Chapter 1: The Plot
"My Lord."
"Lucius," Voldemort acknowledged the man who knelt briefly before him. "What news have you?"
The blonde cleared his throat as he straightened his posture. "My Lord, it appears that my dear brother-in-law is set to take control of the Prophet by month's end. His uncle's will has finally been validated by the Ministry's legal offices only a few hours ago, and official transference of ownership shall be forthcoming."
Narrowing his eyes in scrutiny, the Dark Lord stared at his follower. "It shall matter naught if you cannot bring him under control."
"Ah, I bring news on that front as well, my Lord," Malfoy nodded. "If he is anything, Driscoll Shepherd is utterly devoted to his only child – my goddaughter, Adelana. Beyond allowing her to attend school, he has scarcely allowed the girl out of his sight since my darling sister passed twelve years ago."
The tyrant rubbed his chin pensively as he claimed a seat. "And just how do you propose we go about removing her from said sight? Are you suggesting the kidnap of your own niece and goddaughter, Lucius?"
"Not entirely," he smirked while crossing his arms behind his back. "What I had considered was far subtler in its undertaking."
"A subtle kidnapping," the evil wizard repeated in amusement. "Oh, do go on."
Lucius dipped his head. "Well, as you know, there has recently been talk of an abominable Marriage Law –"
"Unless you've also devised a subtle method for removing three-fourths of the Wizengamot, it will be far more than talk."
"Quite right, my Lord," he grimaced. "As I was saying, Driscoll is quite beside himself upon learning of the accursed bill. He is adamant – and rightly so – not to allow his precious Adelana to become breeding stock for some filthy muggle."
Voldemort sighed, adjusting his position in the chair. "And you assume that I will waste the effort to have her excluded from the law as a favor to her father?"
"Of course I would not ask your Lordship for such an undertaking," the blonde assured. "I, myself, have discovered a loophole for my Draco, which I could suggest be exploited for her sake as well."
At the tyrant's gesturing, he explained further. "It seems that an exception to the law shall be made for any betrothal contracts filed prior to the law's passing. Those with contracts already in place shall not be subject to either the timeline or the… impurity requirements. Draco will marry relatively soon to keep the Greengrass family sympathetic to our cause, but if we find her a suitable fiancée, the girl may wait without threat of Ministry interference until she has completed her schooling."
"The girl is how old?"
Lucius shifted his footing. "My goddaughter is but sixteen, my Lord. In the matter of a few weeks, she shall reach her majority and complete her sixth year."
The dark wizard's red eyes flashed as he leaned forward. "Her sixth year? You expect me to wait MORE THAN A YEAR to bring the Daily Prophet under my influence?"
"My Lord," the aristocrat winced, "I do apologize, but it is the surest way to coax him into our hand. By passing that despicable act, the Ministry has signed its own death certificate in the eyes of the Prophet. Public sentiment will be against the current regime without much convincing on our part, and suspicion will undoubtedly fall upon Dumbledore as a result of his pandering for tolerance of muggles and mudbloods.
"And if I may be so bold, my Lord," he continued, swallowing slowly as he noted a pale finger twitching upon the yew wand, "the time will allow us to gradually capture public support now that your return has been confirmed. If we make it obvious that we have taken hold of the news too soon, they will be hesitant to accept anything written and will look back to the Ministry or worse, the old fool, for guidance."
For several tense seconds, Malfoy stood rigidly as the Dark Lord stared him down. Eventually, the wizard averted his snakelike gaze. "And this… suitable fiancée we are to find? I imagine he must appear to meet the father's approval, but ultimately have our best interests at heart."
"Yes, my Lord," Lucius nodded, his relief palpable.
"And he shall have to convince the girl as well that he is a considerate man, but also have the capacity to control her by any means necessary."
"Yes, my Lord."
"And I must trust him extensively to stake so much time and effort upon him."
He swallowed and then nodded. "Indeed, my Lord."
"Furthermore, he must be unattached, gainfully employed, financially stable, unincarcerated, mentally sound, and in good standing with the Ministry."
"Yes," the blonde stated slowly.
Voldemort again fixed his dangerous gaze upon his face. "And just where exactly did you believe we would find such a wizard?"
When it became obvious that the pureblood aristocrat was finally without an answer, the tyrant snarled and slashed his wand, bringing the younger Slytherin to his knees with a brief round of the Cruciatus. As Malfoy sputtered upon the floor, the serpent-like dictator pensively stared into space while he pondered their quandary. A long moment later, his red eyes again fixed themselves upon his trusted follower. "Tell me, Lucius – is it true that you are in possession of the Prince estate?"
"It is, my Lord," he coughed, pulling himself to his feet. "Marsden Prince was unable to pay his debts, and my father claimed what was left in lieu of payment."
The Dark Lord waved his hand dismissively. "You will release it."
"My Lord?" the pureblood asked in shock.
Narrowing his eyes into slits, Voldemort leaned forward. "You, Lucius, will release the Prince estate, in its entirety, to Severus, the rightful heir, at your earliest convenience, and absolve any debt remaining on his grandfather's accounts. Is that clear?"
Looking as though he had been asked to swallow a handful of glass, Malfoy cleared his throat. "My Lord, I have nothing but respect for Severus – he is Draco's godfather, after all – but he will undoubtedly detest this –"
"You shall concern yourself only with convincing Shepherd of his superior qualities!" Voldemort interrupted. "Leave Severus to me."
