Hinkypunks

Fudge stood, holding the book, his wand aimed at Malfoy.

'I knew you'd come here eventually, I suppose I was a fool to think I could keep it from you.'

Malfoy was still rather unclear, though he had no intention of revealing this to Fudge. He stood absolutely still contemplating the possible outcome of a duel between the two. With the odds stacked highly in his favour, he did not feel worried. 'How did you know about my father's cane?' he asked.

'It was my aunt,' said Fudge calmly, 'she knew your father well, and he told her of a prophesy he had heard, citing this list of Muggle religious leaders as, as a kind of map, for the political workings of our own minsitry...a prophesy' he paused, his face heavy and tired, 'your father, of course, could not have this news reaching the wider world as, particularly when you were at a young age, it would have made you an easy target for certain political factions...'

Malfoy was beginning to understand his father's meaning, the cane is the key and looked at Fudge, raising one eyebrow, 'That doesn't explain why you took the cane from me?'

'You have to understand that prophecies have been made, many, which point to muggle artefacts for elucidation... most have turned out to be quite inaccurate... even so, I could not take the risk of you... getting ideas... even if it was not an accurate prophesy, it could prove... self fulfilling.' Fudge lowered his wand slightly, 'My aunt and I... we were close, she told me of the cane, and how your father had preserved the message of the prophesy within it... she told me it would be dangerous for you to discover, your apparent... destiny... before it had come to pass... it was her supposition that perhaps you would, jump the gun - so to speak, and that my reign as minister may be cut short... prematurely.' He continued, 'However, I did not think you would open the cane - as you didn't know there was something to be hidden... until, that is, you sent it to be valued... with our mutual acquaintance...'

Malfoy growled under his breath, 'Julius'.

The two stood oposite each other for a few moments longer, neither venturing to speak nor move. Eventually Fudge spoke. 'It appears we have a conundrum, Lucius... I cannot let you leave and spread this information... especially in these dark times... it would not be prudent.' And he raised his wand again.

Malfoy spoke now, 'Fudge, I have absolutely no intention of trying to over-throw you... I can't even begin to think how I would go about such a thing...' his voice was liquid smooth, 'I propose that we both keep this knowledge to ourselves... form a little, coalition of our own... you keep me abreast of what's going on... and I mean what's really going on... and I will do my best to make your reign at the ministry... fruitful.'

Fudge shuffled on his feet... 'Alright... so we have an understanding, Lucius...' and he walked up to shake his new ally's hand. 'Besides,' he continued, regaining a little of his smugness, 'you'd have a job wresting it from that whippersnapper Scrimegeour… young now, but mark my words he's a canny one.'

Malfoy raised an eyebrow, but never removing his gaze from the older man's, 'I'll watch out.' He said, a slightly sardonic edge slipping into his voice.

'Cornelius!' came a familiar ringing trill from the corner.

The two men turned to see Narcissa standing, Snape behind her, at the doorway of the library, Madam Pince had arrived from some shady corner too. The thin woman let out a little cry, 'Oh, minister, I did not know you had come today, forgive me, for not giving you a proper reception!'

Snape walked forward at this point too, 'Yes, Minister, I was not aware of your visiting the school today,' His usual scowl had subtlely transformed into one of sycophancy, but it was a scowl nonetheless.

'Yes, well,' said Fudge in a peremptory fashion, 'I had to see Dumbledore about something... and I just thought I would call in at the library, been meaning to a have a look at a book on Hinkypunks... damn things are everywhere at the moment... I thought your Madam Pince would be more than capable of helping me.. so much more... knowledgable... than those at the National Library...' he added with a wink to Pince, who, in return, flushed fuschia, giving a schoolgirlish giggle and looking at the floor.

Snape's lip curled upwards. He did not believe it for a moment, though for the life of him could not think why Malfoy and Fudge, who presumably see each other everyday, would chose to have secret meeting in Hogwarts library of all places.

Narcissa walked over to her husband, a little shocked at seeing the man she had betrayed, in order that Lucius might come here. She linked her arms into his, 'is everything ok?' she asked lightly, smiling at Cornelius.

Fudge half smiled back, 'yes, everything is as it should be... though I must say Narcissa, I do believe that marriage has brought out some of your sister's more charming qualities in you' he gave an empty laugh, but then put his hand on her shoulder... 'its all as it should be, my dear.' and he began walking towards the door.

Lucius Malfoy called after him, 'Fudge, aren't you forgetting the hinkypunks?' and he gave a broad smile.

'The what!' snapped Fudge, clearly flustered.

'Oh yes minister... here... I have an extensive collection of books that will be of assitance...' said Pince, motioning for him to follow her.

Fudge looked wearily at Malfoy, then at Snape, 'Ah, alas, I really must see Dumbledore...'

Pince looked crest-fallen.

Snape stepped forward now. Though he did not trust Lucius Malfoy, he thought Fudge was a bufoon of the highest order. 'I'm sorry minister, but Dumbledore is not here at present, he won't be free until at least an hour.'

Pince sprung into action, 'perfect... that will be just enough time to show you these books'

Seeing he was defeated, Fudge smiled weakly, 'Lead the way Irma.'

Leaving Hogwarts Narcissa felt a strange sense of homesickness, and she looked back at the imposing doors. As they arrived home, however, the smell of roast chicken drifted out from the kitchens and Narcissa felt glad to be back. 'So do you think we made an impression, with the teachers... do you think I came across as a capable mother-to-be?'

Lucius, peeled off his cloak and sat in the hearth chair looking at Narcissa. 'I believe they cannot wait for us to endow the school with Malfoy progeny... and Malfoy money.' he said with a sly smile, as Narcissa sat on his knee. 'I think it would be.. cruel to make them wait too long...' his smile grew, 'Lunch won't be ready for at least half an hour...'

In the next moment all that could bee seen was a flurry of robes and blonde hair, as Lucius Malfoy chased his wife up the stairs.