Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling and do not own Harry Potter. I make no money from the writing of this fanfiction
Chapter Four
Draco turned his head as a noise from the doorway caught his attention. The slim figure of Narcissa Malfoy was bathed in the glow of the lamps behind her. Without hesitation, Draco stood.
"Mother, I didn't realize you were here."
"Just for a few hours, Draco. I'm supposed to attend a luncheon today which could take until evening."
"So I'll see you for dinner with Father?"
Narcissa nodded, and then moved toward the Floo. Activating it and stepping into the green flames, she said clearly, "Greengrass residence."
After his mother had gone, Draco turned to Blaise, a look of confusion on his face.
"Why in the name of Salazar would Mother visit the Greengrass home?"
"Not a clue, mate. Not unless she's trying to choose your bride for you. You are nearly twenty-five, you know."
Draco's eyes widened as he realized the truth of his friend's words. Damn, how could he have forgotten that particular archaic law?
"You don't actually think she is, do you? Trying to arrange my marriage?"
"Well, it's possible, but wouldn't she need to have your father's help with that?"
"No idea. Not even any hints to me that I should be looking for a wife yet," Draco said, sitting back down.
Draco was just about to pick up his glass of Firewhisky when a large screech owl flew in, dropping a letter in his lap. He looked at the address, to make sure it wasn't an error, as the day's post had already arrived:
Draco Malfoy
Morning Room
Malfoy Manor
Wiltshire
Seeing the seal on the letter, Draco recognized it from others he'd been sent. Damn, it was from the mystery person who had been making the threats. Steeling himself, he broke the seal and opened the parchment.
You don't have much time left, Mr. Malfoy. I want an answer before July first, or I'll release both the information, and the curse. You already know the terms: you agree to give me your inheritance from the Black family as well as your Rosier trust, or the information and curse are released. The information will most certainly bankrupt the Malfoy family, Mr. Malfoy. And I'm certain your father doesn't wish to be the last of his line.
As always, the letter was unsigned, and caught fire as soon as he'd read it. However, the address remained untouched. That always struck him as odd, but he supposed it was so he could contact the blackmailer with an answer. Just what information could this person have on him and his family? His and his father's former status as Death Eaters was well known, if frowned upon in places, even this long after the war.
"What the hell was that, Draco?" Blaise asked, seeing the charred remains of the parchment.
"Another letter from the person threatening me and my family. The address isn't damaged, as usual."
"So why not just go to the address and instruct this person on how unwise it is to threaten your family?"
"Because the address is for a post office box in Muggle London. As I don't own that box, the workers refused to tell me who does."
"So we know three things about this person. He or she is arrogant, foolhardy, and suicidal."
"Agreed. But I also want to neutralize the threat. Previous letters said that if the person doesn't get their demands, the information and curse will be released. I have to assume that is also in effect if the threat isn't neutralized before the deadline I was given of the first of July. And so far, the people I have working on it are at a standstill with progress. I need a new set of eyes, and someone who can see it with pure logic and possibly see the pattern here, if not recognize who it might be from the letters. I've been making penseive phials each time, since they always destroy themselves after I read them."
"Now I understand why you need Granger's help. She may be a know-it-all swot, but she's also highly logical, and can see patterns others miss."
"Exactly. And considering our past, she'll need convincing. That's where you come in, Blaise."