Author's Note: He's just so slick, isn't he?

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Lucius Malfoy

Lucius sees the hassled little man hurrying down to the next floor and recognizes his chance, stepping forward smartly so that he intercepts Cornelius Fudge.

"Good morning, Minister," he says smoothly, just enough to bring the tone of business into his voice. Lucius curiously notes a slip of parchment peeking out from under Fudge's arm and cannot believe his luck. "I hear that St. Mungo's is running alarmingly low on gold?" he asks delicately, as if he does not know.

Fudge looks up and blinks as he acknowledges Lucius. "Ah, no, no," he says hastily, looking around anxiously. "Not to worry, Lucius, just a temporary little thing, I'll have it fixed in no time at all…"

But he does not sound sure, and Lucius catches the uncertainty as a panther pins down a bird. "But you cannot be serious, Minister!" he drawls, and he is pleased to find several people slowing down in interest, listening to Lucius Malfoy speak. "If this is something as urgent as I have heard, you cannot be left to resolve this all by yourself!"

Arthur Weasley passes by, and he shoots Lucius a scowl he returns with a sneer missed by the entranced Fudge.

"Yes," continued Lucius loudly, fingering his wand carelessly. "My family has always been thankful for the services St. Mungo's provides to the wizarding community." He pauses to make his offer seem more enticing. "I could offer a modest donation, if you will accept it, of course-"

Lucius has never persuaded anyone so easily. It is almost as if he is using the Imperius Curse once again. As he strolls back down to the Goblin Liason Office, he leaves the relieved and excited Fudge standing and conversing in hushed whispers with an eager assistant. Lucius smirks, his detour done.

The World Cup is approaching, and he makes a mental note to tell Draco that the tickets are as good as theirs.

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Author's Note: A little random, but next I'd like to do someone no one cares about, like, oh, say, Jugson from the Dep. of Mysteries? And you would like to do a review, wouldn't you? Yeah? Yeah?