A/N: To my reviewers:
twilightingharrypotter fan, thanks for the... exciting review. And here's more!!!
to mundungus90, thanks for the not-so-kind constructive criticism. But just so you know, Draco and Astoria don't have to fall in love during the first chapter of the story for it to be labeled as such. It seems to me that you just really hate Hermione.
Who Needs Air?
Chapter Two
"The Estate"
Astoria was finding it hard to keep up with her companion. Her arms were loaded down with her boss' briefcase, a few books, and heaps of files. Not to mention Mr. Parks' stride was longer than she was tall.
"Keep up Ms. Greengrass, we must not be tardy." Mr. Parks snapped, "Our clients pay us too much to receive subpar services."
"I don't understand, Mr. Parks," Astoria said breathless as she practically ran through the Atrium to keep up, "We work for the Ministry. Why are we making house calls to rich spoiled brats?"
Mr. Parks laughed and picked the closest open grate. "I don't make my money off of the ministry, dear. I make it off those rich spoiled brats as you put it. And you'll do well to watch your tongue when you talk about our rich spoiled clients. They fund our entire operations here at the Ministry."
Astoria knew from his smile that he didn't like this anymore than she did. Mr. Parks, or Kelly, he allowed to those he knew closely was not into playing the political games so famous here at the Ministry. He despised it actually, but like he said, those spoiled rich people do make their jobs possible.
"Malfoy Manor." Mr. Parks said throwing floo powder in the grate before stepping in. In a blaze of green flames he disappeared and she quickly followed his lead.
Astoria became queasy as she spun in the grate and nearly fell as she came to sudden halt. Mr. Parks gave her his hand and helped her out.
"We could have just apparated," She slightly growled up at the extremely tall Mr. Parks, "You know how I hate the floo network."
"I'm sorry but no one can apparate directly into the Malfoy Manor, Miss Greengrass."
Astoria looked up startled and saw Mr. Malfoy standing at the other end of his entrance hall. "Safety precautions," Mr. Malfoy said smirking, "Please follow me."
Mr. Parks and Astoria followed Mr. Malfoy through his manor. Astoria marveled at his home. It was practically a museum. A very beautiful and rich museum.
"Thank you for seeing me at such short notice Mr. Malfoy. I deeply appreciate you're hospitality," Mr. Parks said smoothly as he took a seat that Mr. Malfoy offered.
"Well you said it was an emergency and after all you were very close friends with my father and his father."
Astoria was amazed by their placid attitudes. She will never be used to the false niceties it took to play friends among the Ministry.
"Yes well it is," Mr. Parks said taking his briefcase from Astoria, "It has to do with your parent's estate, or should I say your estate Mr. Malfoy."
He rolled his eyes, "I told you that I have no need to deal with this so soon. I'm sure all of this paper work can wait until later. It's not as if I will be turned from my home if it's not taken care of today."
Mr. Parks glanced at Astoria before opening his briefcase. "I wish it were that simple Mr. Malfoy."
"Please, call me Draco. You and my father were on first name basis, I see no reason why we shouldn't be as well."
"Alright, Draco. I guess I should just get to why I'm here." Mr. Parks rummaged through his brief case and pulled out an old tattered book. "We have a problem. At least I think we do."
Draco lost his placid demeanor and sat forward to listen more closely. "What do you mean? Would they really just kick me out because I haven't signed anything?"
"No," Mr. Parks chuckled, "Nothing like that. Would you like me to read you the law, or would you rather I gave you the short version?"
"Just be on with it," Mr. Malfoy hastened.
"Because the size of the estate in question, it is affected by a few more laws than any normal inheritance." Mr. Parks hesitated before continuing trying not to look away from Mr. Malfoy, "The law in question that affects you the most is the fact that you are an only son and heir of the Malfoy estate."
"Well doesn't that simplify it, I have no siblings to fight over with, now do I?" Mr. Malfoy was getting agitated.
"Actually, you would think that wouldn't you?" Astoria piped up out of turn. Mr. Parks glared at her.
Mr. Parks continued, "It's just that if you had siblings to split the money with it would have more of a chance. What I mean to say is you're the estates only chance to comply with this law so it solely rest on your shoulders. This law was meant to make sure that the power of England wouldn't fall into the wrong hands during an inheritance. In order to receive your inheritance you must marry a pureblood."
"The Ministry doesn't have the power to do this." Mr. Malfoy snapped.
"You are technically correct," Mr. Parks agreed, "The Ministry can't make you marry anyone. That would be barbaric. They haven't done that for centuries. Though they can stipulate what you are allowed to do. And you are not allowed to marry a half-blood or a muggle born or you won't meet the requirements to receive you inheritance."
Mr. Malfoy slumped in his chair, "How do I fight this?"
"We will be fighting diligently to have this old law reversed. It is a clearly an anti-muggleborn law. I'm sure you have heard what my section has been doing with those since the Great Battle."
"Yes, I have. So you're sure that you'll be able to reverse this law?"
"Very sure," Astoria answered. "No doubt about it with the team that we have. We've had great success with lesser anti-muggleborn laws. And this one is just a monstrosity. Minister Shacklebolt's administration would never have it."
Mr. Malfoy glared at Mr. Parks. "If this is about payment, have no doubt about it. You will be paid generously. Just reverse this law as fast as possible."
Mr. Parks looked affronted, "I am not black mailing you Draco. The problem is not that simple. We will have this law reversed. I doubt it not. But you have time constraints Draco. You have one year from the date of your mother's death to comply with this law. And we will not have this law overturned by this time. There are those at the Ministry that would love to see you fall and see the Ministry gain from this."
Mr. Malfoy seethed in his arm chair, "I'm sure that was how this old law was brought to your attention no less?"
"I am sure," Mr. Parks agreed.
"Is this all?" Mr. Malfoy asked.
"No. My team will still be working hard not only to overturn this law but to help you. We will also try and maybe find loop holes or something better to help in your current predicament. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask Draco. We are here for you in any capacity that you may need. Your father and grandfather were very generous with me and I am only here to return that favor to you."
"Thank you Kelly," Mr. Malfoy said looking at the old man. "It means a lot to have you on my side. Not many would wish to be associated with the Malfoy name in the post-Great Battle era." Mr. Malfoy tilted his head back and sighed, "I see now why my father trusted you so much. I would very much like to meet your team that will be working on this."
Mr. Parks glanced over at Astoria, "This is it, Draco, Miss Greengrass and I. Miss Granger as well whom you should have met this morning at the funeral home. She was supposed to finished the arrangements at the parlor."
"Granger?" Mr. Malfoy said sitting up strait suddenly.
Astoria twiddled her thumbs quietly trying not to speak up. Mr. Parks' eyebrows creased together, "Yes, Hermione Granger. Do you know her?"
Mr. Malfoy threw his head back and laughed. "Of course I know her. That's why she was there this morning?"
"Yes," Mr. Parks said confused, "Is everything okay?"
Mr. Malfoy looked at him. Almost as if he was sizing Mr. Parks up. "No, everything's not okay. I don't think Granger is qualified to work on something as important my inheritance." Than Mr. Malfoy growled, "She's a part of the friggen Golden Trio how is she supposed to have my best interest in mind working on this. She's my age! How is she even qualified?"
Mr. Parks looked at a loss for words, "Miss Granger is more than qualified despite her age. Despite whatever history the two of you may have I can guarantee that Miss Granger is not influenced by any prejudice. She's a very hard working individual especially when it comes to anti-muggleborn laws. Nobody would work as hard on this then her and Miss Greengrass."
"So there's no one else?" Mr. Malfoy asked desperately.
"I'm sorry, nobody knows there way around these laws as well as Hermione," Astoria said, "Not counting Mr. Parks. You wouldn't believe the things she can do with books. You would think it was impossible."
Mr. Malfoy laughed. "No, I know very well what all she can do with books."
Mr. Parks looked strangely at Mr. Malfoy, he hesitated before he said, "If it would ease your mind I'll have Ms. Greengrass and Ms. Granger keep you entirely in the loop on progress."
Mr. Malfoy scratched his chin then sighed, "If there's no other way then I guess." He stood up slowly and held his hand out to Mr. Parks. "Thanks for coming all the way here."
Mr. Parks stood abruptly and took his hand. "Thank you, Draco, for your hospitality." Mr. Parks said letting go and motioning for Astoria to follow suit. Mr. Malfoy shook Astoria's hand as well and watched as both of them left his study.
He sat down and he felt like his brain was numb. Granger came to the funeral. She however came to the funeral home on business. Tears stung Draco's eyes. His fist came down hard on the arm of his chair. Nobody really cared. The only thing he had was his parents' estate. And now they were trying to take that away.
A/N: Please R&R!!!
