Draco Malfoy had always had things go his way. Usually, his way over-crossed many other ways; to please his whims he over-looked other people with great ease. He, of all people, knew that he was not a particularly good example of a decent human being, but it is easy to by-pass one's own mistakes. With time Draco grew up to become a successful man of business. But how much had he actually grown?
He still held onto many of the beliefs that had been shoved onto him in childhood. Therefore, in his world mudbloods were still filthy in all senses, elves were bonded labor with no personal lives, and Draco was right in all respects. People like Draco still thought that being alone was a sign that no one liked you, not an option someone would choose for himself. He lived with his family in their ancestral home, with greater freedom now. His parents were often away on vacations so he usually had the house to himself. Except that he was never alone. Male friends and female sweethearts were always in company with him. He was a popular figure in the wizarding world.
Draco Malfoy walked down the wide hallway of his office building with his friends, talking and keeping an eye on all that was happening around him. He liked to be in control of a situation always, and as informed as possible. These days were particularly tough. The deatheaters had been defeated in a war years ago, but the loss and pain of that war still haunted a majority of the population. Some months ago, certain parties suggested that deatheaters families be fined according to the profits their family members had made working for Lord Voldemort. This suggestion caught the public fancy and became a much-debated topic. However, as with most talk, the situation grew from a suggestion to almost revolutionary proportions.
In the aftermath of the war, a new political party arose. A hush-hush outfit humorously called 'deathcheaters'; they were rumoured to be big in numbers and skillful. People did not know whether to laugh at the rumours or fear them. For months, the rumours were disregarded and proved by various people. Recently, however, members of the party had come forward. These were not always dregs of society but also eminent figures who believed in the cause. Under the influence of this new party, people decided that an eye demands an eye, or something close enough anyway.
The general attitude towards deatheaters was hatred. Towards their families, it was a more complex feeling. These people had not harmed anyone openly, but they had had lives of luxury when people around were suffering greatly. They weren't blind, yet they let atrocities be carried out without any challenge. Though they were not hated, deatheaters families were held in open contempt usually.
The world had at present become unsafe for those who had gained from Voldemort's brief reign. There was a certain tension in the air; fights and riots broke out frequently. The public was demanding a salve to soothe all the heartaches that had plagued them for years now. The government was under a great amount of pressure to "do something". Draco did not think that any good would come of these deathcheaters. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. No matter who was in power, there was no way to stop people from filling their pockets. He, along with his pureblooded friends, waited to see how things would turn out. They had long given up trying bribery or threats. This situation just needed time to cool down.
All of a sudden, Draco stopped paying attention to anything else apart from a small cluster of people walking towards his end of the hall. He stopped still, thereby halting the progress of his friends as well.
A small knot of people walked towards Draco's group. They were officials at the Ministry of Magic and were wearing official robes.
"The official robes is not a good sign," muttered Draco, moments before the officials reached them.
A young man in rich brown robes was the first to speak, "I am sorry to tell you that there have been polls taken recently, and according to the results, deatheater families lose all the fortune amassed under the rule of Voldemort and any profits that have resulted from that money."
"What?" came an almost chorused reply. Draco and his group stood shell-shocked. Bardo had a slight smile on his face, as if he thought a great prank was being played on them. Draco stared at the young man, saw the serious look on his face, and knew that the worst was yet to come.
"Well, you might as well say it and get it over with," he said to the brown-robed man.
The man took a deep sigh and stated rather flatly, "All deatheater relatives, previously proved to have worked for Voldemort, will now be turned into slaves. They will be bought by bidders or given to people by the Ministry. Different laws shall apply to them, and they have no say in choosing their master." The young man stopped, took a breath and smiled, "We believe that if you can dish out cruelty and violence, then you should be able to take some too."