Arabella held Markus' hand as they nearly finished their shopping. It was getting late and they had already gotten in line to purchase all of Markus' supplies. Several other children were purchasing their things, and Arabella spotted several first-years, she presumed, talking all at once.

"As I live and breath...this is a legendary sight, indeed," a voice said from behind them.

Markus turned around first and grimaced. Arabella slowly stood in front of him as she swallowed. "Mr. Malfoy."

Lucius Malfoy held his cane in his hand and gave an obviously fake smile. "There's no need for formality here, Arabella. We were always good friends."

She raised an eyebrow. "Were we? The way I remember it, you couldn't stand the sight of me. Being a muggleborn and such."

"I favored you, despite your unfortunate connections, because of you were the wife of my good friend."

She nearly scoffed. "I was very lucky, wasn't I?"

Lucius lowered his gaze and smirked at Markus as he held onto his first broom. He resembled Severus with his dark eyes and hair. His skin was pale, but it looked soft, like his mother's. He had her nose and facial features. "This must be the young lad himself."

Arabella gently pushed Markus back. "It was a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Malfoy."

He rolled his eyes at that. "I said the formalities were-"

"Take your formalities and get out of my sight," she whispered, harshly.

A few parents noticed her anger and whispered among each other. Lucius raised both eyebrows at that. holding up his hands in surrender. "I always assumed Severus was the one you with the shorter temper, but I'm open to being wrong."

"Then, you'll also be open to leave."

She turned away but he grabbed her arm and hissed at her. "You'd do well to respect me, you little ingrate. I know you're only out in the world again because Severus must be planning to return soon."

"Markus is returning to school, Lucius, don't be an idiot," she spat.

Markus stared in horror as this stranger held onto his mother. He took a few steps back as Lucius continued. "You better hope I don't find out anything of him coming back. If I do, the last thing you'll ever do is get on your knees and beg me to spare him."

"Spare him..?"

"If the Ministry knows he has returned, they will have him hunted down for questioning and given all the evidence against him, I'd be very worried."

"Harry Potter trusts him," she said, trying to sound as if she had nothing to fear.

Lucius scoffed. "Harry Potter was only a boy when it all occurred. He and the Ministry have their history."

Arabella took her arm back and pointed a finger at him. "You'd better stay away. Let us not forget that you have a black mark on your reputation, traitor."

His face darkened and she was certain he was about to strike at her. But, the coward would do no such thing in public. He merely took a deep breath and began to walk away. "Let us also not forget that I was a faithful employee in the Ministry, not a double agent for God knows how many people."

Her face saddened and she shook her head. "I feel nothing but pure sympathy for Draco. He would be ashamed of you for all this. You're not doing this for him. You just want to get even."

Lucius paused at that and lowered his eyes. He blinked several times and felt he had said enough. He finally left them alone and Markus held his mother's hand. "Mum, are you okay? Who was that?"

Arabella felt herself breathe again and tightened her grip on her son's hand. "Just an old thorn in my side."