A/N: We do not own any of the cannon individuals or situations. All primary characters are cannon characters. We tried to maintain the personality of characters through the new situations we created for them. At this point we have two non-cannon characters planned, Michael Boot who is presented in this book, and Cassiopia Wilkes/Black who is not presented until Book 4, there will also be non-cannon children after the war (Jane Prince). Hint:Jane Prewett is a cannon character. Do you know who she is?
Lucius Malfoy sat stiffly on a hard wooden chair that resided in a cramped vestibule. Decades of dust had accumulated on the upholstery of the small couch across from him. A plain man with rather nondescript watery brown eyes and mousy brown hair, whose name was truly irrelevant to him, sat hunched down on the worn couch. How the man could tolerate sitting on it was far beyond his comprehension when there were two perfectly good smooth wooden chairs which, though they were by no means spotless, could at least boast the merit of having much less transferable dust. He supposed the similarities the man shared with Wormtail might explain the mans lack of discrimination concerning his surroundings, had Wormtail not joined the Dark Lord he likely would be just like this man.
He knew that Narcissa and Draco were likely to be in some similarly bland, boring, and dirty room waiting to find what would become of him. This upheaval of their world was entirely to his disliking. He and Narcissa had always been proud and had raised Draco to be proud also. Draco would return to school in September, the Slitherins for the most part would likely be supportive or ignore him. The others though, he was sure the little monsters would harass Draco about his imprisoned father. Hopefully the boy would not overreact.
Lucius toyed restlessly with the cuffs of his robes, his hands feeling empty without his ever-present cane and wand, representing a small token of his anxiety to finish with these proceedings. He watched the Auror fidget for seemingly hours, examining unkempt nails, picking at a loose thread in the faded fabric of the couch's arm. Eventually watching as the Auror's eyes drifted closed, his chin drifting slowly down to meet his chest forming deep crevices in the jowls around his chin. Apparently, this man did not consider him a flight risk or a threat. A sharp knock finally sounded on the heavy wooden door startling the pathetic man who was his keeper.
After two weeks in a bleak prison cell awaiting his trial he was impatient for the inevitable verdict, though he knew it would not be in his favor. With a verdict, his wife and son would be able to resume their lives, rather than waiting on tender hooks hoping for some miracle to allow his release. His greatest regret at the situation being that his family would be more directly under Voldemort's thumb in his absence, now that Draco had taken the Dark Mark. He was relatively certain now was the time Narcissa should get her best friend back. Cissy would surely be ecstatic after missing her for the last eighteen years. Having someone with her would help her endure his absence, though when the poor girl arrived she would likely be nearly inconsolable.
Rising abruptly Lucius turned to the door that he knew would lead to the courtroom. The Auror jumped from his seat and scurried toward the door tapping sharply twice in return and glancing with what he thought so be a smug look on his face at Lucius. The door swung open and the Auror rushed to take Lucius arm to lead him into the courtroom only to miss his aim as Lucius strode smoothly past him and through the doorway and into the courtroom. Upon reaching, the chair in the center of the oblong-tiered courtroom Lucius turned stiffly giving a shallow bow that was barely more than a nod toward the majority of the room's inhabitants who were flanking Rufus Scrimgueor. He gracefully lowered himself to his seat and sat in silence awaiting his charges. Scrimgueor peered at him curiously for a moment before shaking himself in a manner reminiscent of a lion ruffling his mane; the effect only increased by the yellow tones of his hair and eyes as he rose to stand.
"Lucius Malfoy you have been brought before the Council of Magical Law this day that we may pass judgment on you for your crimes. We have heard the evidence. You are hereby accused of breaking into the Ministry of Magic itself with the intent to steal a prophecy upon which you had no claim." Scrimgueor paused and Lucius gave a subtle nod to continue to Scrimgeour who furrowed his brow in confusion.
"This action resulted in the near complete destruction of the Hall of Prophecy," Lucius nodded to him again. "The injury of six underage wizards and witches who had been lured to the Ministry by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named for your purposes," Another nod and a quiet mummer of speculation arose among the members of the court, "and the death of one Sirius Black." Lucius gave a fourth nod and astonished expressions appeared on many of the stoic faces.
Scrimgeour paused again his brow furrowing deeper. "Lord Malfoy, you seem to be disturbingly accepting of your charges for one who knows the consequences these actions have likely provoked. Indifference I might have suspected from an individual of your breeding but not acceptance. Are you actually proud of your actions or is there some new evidence you think might refute the other evidence presented."
"Minister, I cannot deny the charges placed against me and cannot yet present evidence which would nullify my complicity. Therefore, I am resigned at present to submit to the verdict of today until a time when the evidence will be presented for my appeal," Lucius stated clearly. "Unless," he said with a lilting tone and a smile reminiscent of a shark, "The Wizengamot wishes to grant me a reprieve from being sentenced, though I do think that unlikely, one month would suffice."
Minister Scrimgeour actually gaped at his audacity before mustering himself again to his task. "Lord Malfoy," he scowled in a stern tone, "If you have no further evidence we will proceed with the verdict. I ask all in favor of a life sentence in Azkaban for the Deatheater Lucius Malfoy to raise their hands."
Lucius face assumed a stoic expression as he watched the court begin to vote. Some raised their hands in support as soon as the request passed Scrimgeour's lips. Others remained sitting passively, apprehensively eying Lucius. He smirked at the thought that they feared reparations when he was cleared. Even in his apparent ruin, they knew that he would never truly be powerless.
Scrimgeour roughly cleared his throat his face taking on the ruddy appearance of someone under great strain and pointedly glanced at his raised hand to call their attention away from the man they were so anxious of and back to the task.
"As I said before," he stated, "All those in favor of a life sentence."
The remaining voters tentatively raised their hands voting to offend the devil they knew rather that risk the wrath of the more current devil they did not know.
"Excellent to have your votes then," he snipped at them. Scrimgeour's face cleared immediately as he resumed a brisk impartial front. "Lord Lucius Malfoy you have seen the vote is unanimous. We hereby convict you of the previously enumerated crimes and sentence you to a lifetime sentence incarcerated in Azkaban Prison. Due to the increased risk of your previous associations and the dangers we face today, visits with your family during your incarceration are not be permitted until our dangerous circumstances are relieved. However, we will permit a brief visit with your wife and son before you leave the ministry today."
Lucius rose again from his seat as the mousy Auror approached him to lead him from the room.
"I thank the court for its time,' he stated as if he had been a petitioner rather than a prisoner.
He bowed once more and strode briskly back to the exit of the courtroom, not leaving the Auror a chance to touch him. The Auror followed him quickly back through the vestibule. Lucius stopped when he reached the door opposite from the courtroom and waited for the Auror to open the door. The man quickly scurried past him to the door releasing the wards with a swish of his wand and opening it into the familiar, slick, black corridor. The Auror stepped back as he opened the door to permit Lucius to pass before him only to have his gesture declined by a slight nod indicating for him to lead the way. The Auror continued to hold the door a look of confusion spreading across his face.
"Imbecile," Lucius scoffed under his breath just quiet enough to be unheard. "As I do not know where you have my family awaiting me, it is requisite that you lead the way, good sir."
The confusion cleared from the man's face.
"Of course, I did not think, right this way." The man rushed through the door, his cheeks crimson stained. Apparently, he was having difficulty determining if he was supposed to be a servant or a bailiff. Lucius followed him as he led down the hall beneath the high arches. Arriving at the glossy black door that was needed the Auror turned to Lucius,
"You have one hour," he stated crisply opening the door and gesturing for Lucius to pass. Apparently the man was now frustrated with his own confusion.
"I wish to see them separately if you don't mind," Lucius demanded.
"Why in Merlin's name can't you see them together?" The Auror asked in exasperation.
"Would you wish your final goodbye to your wife in front of a child?"
The Auror huffed "Fine, whom do you wish to see first?"
"My son."
The Auror leaned his head through the door. "Lady Malfoy, your husband has requested separate visitations. Would you mind stepping into the hall for a few minutes?
There was a moment of silence before she appeared in the door way dressed in a crisp suit, her hair pulled into a severe bun at the nape of her neck. "Lucius?" she inquired glancing at him as she passed through the frame.
"It's nothing Narcissa; I just need to discuss certain matters with you that Draco should not be privy to."
She nodded in acceptance before moving, standing elegantly to one side of the door. "Very well."
"You still only get one hour," muttered the Auror mutinously, gesturing again for Lucius to enter. He entered the room scowling faintly as the Auror entered before closing the door behind him. His scowl deepened as he noted that this room contained only two dusty couches, a couple of small tables and Draco standing expressionless in the midst. He met Draco's eyes and thy stared, weighing one another in silence.
"I see that the conditions of the room you have been waiting in are certainly not as should be expected for our stature," Lucius broke into the stillness.
Draco snorted. "Truly Father? I would not expect the best of accommodations. We are after all, here to visit a convicted Deatheater. Perhaps Mother and I would be better off now, if neither of us serves a crazy half-blooded megalomaniac, who could care less if his servants live or die. Of course that is only wishful thinking isn't it; after all you had me signed up since birth."
"Careful with your words Draco," Lucius admonished him in warning. "You never know what the future holds, or who the people around you hold in their acquaintance." He meaningfully glanced at the Auror who had settled onto one of the couches and was quite obviously listening to their conversation.
Draco grimaced, "As you say Father, but have you any idea what you have done to our family with this."
"I am certain that at the moment this is devastating to our family name, but you can give the blame to your Grandfather Abraxas, not I."
Draco stared at him slack jawed for a moment before composing himself.
Lucius continued. "You may also give him the blame for what you are about to do as well."
"How in the name of Merlin do you figure that any of this is the fault of a man who has been dead eighteen years," Draco questioned in a incredulous tone, "and what is it that you seem to think that I am about to do?" He glanced to the side at the Auror and continued, "I certainly will not assume your role with the Dark Lord. I think now is a good time for the Malfoy's to follow in the Zabini's footsteps and step out of this forsaken war."
Lucius followed Draco's look to the Auror, who seemed to be salivating over the possibility that someone would slip something incriminating into the bizarre conversation.
Turning back to Draco, he said, "If you want to know how your grandfather is to blame you will have to find the answers within the Manor, though I do caution you to stay out on Jane's rooms. As for what you are about to do, I caution you to use the choices you DO have to the best of your advantage because they will be few."
Draco stood quietly for a moment. "Very well father, I shall take your council."
"We will be quit of this when the war ends one way or another." Lucius assured.
"Then I will look forward to that day," Draco finished almost coldly. "Goodbye, Father."
Draco brushed past Lucius standing before the door in a silent demand for departure.
The Auror scrambled over to the door, apparently not expecting such an abrupt end to the conversation. Raising his wand again to unlock it and allowing Draco to pass.
"Draco," Lucius called causing him to turn and meet eyes. "Remember that we are Malfoys, and therefore inherently pure. You will prevail if for no other reason than that you are my son."
Draco nodded once in acknowledgement and left the room only to be replaced a moment later by Narcissa. As she strode across the room coming to a halt directly in front of her husband, her eyes bore steadily into his chest, Lucius kept his gaze firmly fixed on the absent-minded man who seemed to think he would be supervising this visit as well. As the Auror began to pull the door closed, Lucius loudly cleared his throat, arching one eyebrow imperiously when the man looked at him.
"Why would I wish for your supervision for this visit if I would not permit my own son?" Lucius queried.
The Auror blinked at them for a moment and Lucius could practically see the cogs turning in his head trying to decide if the repercussions as an Auror if he left, would be worse than the repercussions from the Malfoy family if he did not. A moment later, he reopened the door and stepped through. Draco's scoff at the ease with which his father manipulated people sounding from the hall as the door swung shut again.
"Lucius," Narcissa started her voice catching.
Their eyes met and he could briefly see the sheen in her eyes before she dropped her focus once more, avoiding his eyes in an obvious effort to maintain her composure.
"Shh, Cissy." Lucius hushed her, bracing his hands on her shoulders and bending slightly to place his face in her line of sight.
Narcissa sniffed softly, "What are we to do?"
"All will turn out well; this is all really a good thing. It is what we have been waiting for."
She stepped back abruptly, clenching her hands tightly by her sides, her eyes widening sharply, flashing with repressed anger. "What are you talking about, how can this possibly be good? You say it is what we have been waiting for, I was neither waiting nor expecting this."
He took hold of her shoulders again. "Jane. Cissy, we have been waiting all these years for Jane. She is our only hope to be free of all this, for Draco to be free."
"Jane," she asked furrowing her brow slightly as her hands slackened.
He nodded in confirmation.
"Jane has not even been born yet," she whispered hysterically. "How can I send her if I cannot even know when to find her? She was our granddaughter and Draco is not yet even married."
"She has. She is not who we expected but she is ready." Lucius pulled her against his chest whispering comfortingly in her ear.
"Who? Who is she Lucius?"
"Cissy, I will not name her the risk is too great that someone is listening. I must ask you to remember. Can you do this for me?"
Narcissa nodded into his shoulder.
"Think back two years ago at the Quiddich World Cup. I know you saw her. She is not what we thought." Lucius finished leaning his head back slightly and watching as her eyes shifted minutely almost as if she were reading a book while she scanned through her memories. Her brow furrowed as she shook her head with denial.
"None of the girls I saw that night could possibly have been our Jane. They are all lacking the social grace that she had in abundance," Narcissa said, a small grimace twisting one corner of her mouth.
"I only recognized her because her hair was pulled back in a manner similar to the way she always wore it. That combined with our current circumstances made me realize that now was the time," he smirked.
"You have to do it soon; she arrived at the beginning of July."
"I understand," she replied. "I will arrange everything as quickly as I can."
They looked up at the sound of the door creaking open followed by Draco's voice.
"Not that I've been enjoying your company, but you did tell my father one hour and it has only been thirty minutes."
The Auror who was halfway through the door turned back to the hall. "I also said no visits in private," he replied snidely before entering the room fully, muttering almost inaudibly about spoiled rich children.
Draco followed the Auror, entering the room with a scowl.
Lucius pressed Narcissa against himself in a final brief hug before stepping back.
Narcissa stepped up to Lucius gently kissing his cheek and whispered, "Good bye, my love." She stepped away again and walked from the room. His eyes met Draco's in a final glance as he too turned and followed his mother from the room.
Lucius turned to the Auror, who seemed surprised at the acceptance of his shortening of their visitation.
"I believe the hospitalities of Azkaban await."
The Auror squinted at him as if he had sent his sanity home with his family before leading him out of the room.