Chapter Fifteen

Malfoy Returns

The Three Broomsticks was unusually busy even for a Hogsmeade weekend, and it was no secret as to why. Politics was the order of the day, and wizards and witches from other towns nearby had gathered hoping to hear any news about what was going on at the Ministry.

"Arnie Peasegood is running the Ministry right now, of course," Rosmerta was telling those gathered near the bar. "But he doesn't want the job. In fact, I dare think that if he felt like he could afford it, he'd retire just like Weasley and Brown did before him. Thurspire's taken over the Law Enforcement Ministry, lord help us all," she added with a sigh, filling up her tray with drinks. "In fact, I believe he was even seeing if he could earn a nomination, but I doubt anything will come of it."

"Well, they've got until spring, don't they?" Mrs. Mayfair said. "Although I think they're going to announce them before Christmas. They'll have to if they're going to be doing any real campaigning. It's better to start when everyone's in a good mood... or at least a bit more cordial than usual."

"Well if you ask me, it's 'arry Potter 'oo should try for the job. 'E'd get it 'ands down, I fink," said a farmer, warming his hands on his heated rum.

"Mr. Potter doesn't want the job any more than you or I do," Rosmerta snorted. "He's not dim enough to get caught up in something like that. Seems to me the only ones that want it are folks that have no business being in politics."

"Right you are, Rosmerta. I heard that nobody qualified for the job in the Ministry wants anything to do with it, from the mail clerk on up. In fact, rumor has it that two Counselors under the Magistrate's jurisdiction are vying for the job," said a colorfully clad man sitting near Mrs. Mayfair.

"Now, Oman, what have I told you about listening to rumors? You should only listen to the facts," she told him, coming out from behind the bar.

"And where do expect we get those at? From the stars?" Oman asked slyly.

"From someone more likely to know than you, Oman," Rosmerta said, brightening a bit as Dumbledore and Minerva entered. "Now there is someone who I know can appreciate the facts!"

"Oh, dear, I wonder what the subject is this time," Dumbledore said mischievously as Rosmerta passed her tray to one of the girls and walked them over to the Professors' table. "A Cidersteamer, Rosmerta, with a cinnamon stick."

"House brandy?" Minerva put in.

"All right, but first I was wondering if you knew for certain who the candidates were going to be for the Minister of Magic position," Rosmerta said.

"I do not think that any have been chosen yet, officially," Dumbledore replied. "Besides, what makes you think that I would be the one to ask?"

"Because anyone vying for the role would be a fool not to want you on their list of supporters. You've always had a lot of pull, and everyone knows it," Rosmerta said.

"Until recently, so it would seem," Dumbledore sighed. "I wasn't able to reason with many of the Council to change their votes."

"They voted out of fear, Albus, reason had very little to do with it," Rosmerta said. "And you are just as respected by all of them as you have always been. Come, Albus, are you going to tell me that no one has approached you about running yet?"

"Well, it's possible that someone has spoken to me about it," Dumbledore admitted.

"And? So who is it?" she said excitedly, sitting down a moment.

"Now, Rosmerta, you know I would never tell anyone about anything said in the strictest of confidence," Dumbledore chided her. "You'll find out soon enough, I'm sure."

"You are no help at all," she pouted. "Did you plan to give her or him your support, then? Is it someone trustworthy?"

"I have complete faith that if he gets the job, he will do well in the job, Rosmerta, regardless what others might think of him," Dumbledore assured her.

"Oh, dear, not one of those," Rosmerta said concernedly, getting up.

"Not one of what?" Dumbledore asked.

"When you go and declare you have complete faith in someone, it's because the rest of the world gave up on them a long time ago. It's not a professor, is it?" Rosmerta asked suspiciously.

"No, Rosmerta."

"Good, because I was afraid you were going to tell me it was… ah, Severus! The usual?" Rosmerta said with a smile, glad she got in the habit of looking around before mentioning any names.

"Fine. Anyone seen Jennifer?" Severus asked, nodding to Rosmerta.

"I believe I saw her with Corey, looking at shops for sale," Minerva said.

"Half a moment! If you're all here, who's minding the school?" Rosmerta said thoughtfully.

"Professor Weasley, and it was quite kind of her to look after things so we could relax for a bit," Dumbledore smiled.

"Yes, and that reminds me that there's something I wanted to talk to you about, Professor," Severus said to Dumbledore, glancing over at Rosmerta who hadn't moved. "Drinks?"

"Well, we're in rare form today, aren't we?" Rosmerta said to Severus before leaving.

"Is there something troubling you, Severus?" Dumbledore asked.

"Professor, has anything dangerous been taken out of your study lately?" Severus asked. Minerva blinked at Severus in complete surprise.

"Taken?" Dumbledore said calmly. "Such as?"

"A spare bit of parchment," Severus said dryly. "That might have accidentally fallen into the hands of one of the cartographer's children."

"Oh, if they do have it, I really don't think it was an accident," Dumbledore said mischievously. "Nor would I blame the father either… well, not directly at any rate. But can we wait and speak of this back at the school? It's not a matter I would rather discuss openly."

"Very well, as long as we discuss it," Severus replied as Rosmerta returned with their drinks.

"There you are," Alex said, leaning a bit out of line at the candy shop to see Aurelius making his way through the crowd.

"I thought you missed the bus," Mandria said.

"I did. Father brought me," Aurelius said. "Oh no, not more frogs. Didn't miss 'I'm a woman now' say she grew out of those this summer?"

"I only grew out of collecting cards. I didn't grow out of chocolate," Alex retorted.

"Women never grow out of chocolate," Mandria agreed.

"Have you seen Heph and Stock?"

"Last we saw of them was when Heph was trying to talk Stock into buying him some pranks to pull on his sister," Mandria said disapprovingly. "And Rose had a date with Stew Gaffney. Who knows where they are now."

"They might be out looking for Toby's shop," Alex suggested as she stepped to the counter. "But I'm not sure it's open."

"Where is it normally?" Aurelius asked.

"Come on, I'll show you," Alex said as she got back her change. "It's on a side street, sort of away from the rest, near the far end of town," she explained. "But the shop is not always there."

"I heard it was gone for nearly a year at one point," Mandria agreed.

"Yes, we all thought he was gone for good. I'm so glad he came back," Alex said. "Here's the side street, come on." There were other shops on the street, but except for a small flower shop on the corner the rest were empty with boarded up windows and doors. "Sometimes the shop looks like one of these, but at other times… ah, here it is!" Alex said brightly. "Toby's Trinkets!"

But there were quite a number of students standing out front pouting, and Alex noticed then that there was a sign on the door which read: Closed to restock for Christmas. Reopening November 25th.

"So much for that idea," Mandria sighed. "At least now we know he'll be open before our last Hogsmeade trip before the holidays."

"Hey look, it's Corey!" Alex said with surprise as the others looked over. Not only Corey, but also Jennifer, Sirius, and an old, thin wizard with a long mustache and sideburns who was carrying a ring of keys in his hand. None of them looked as if they were having any fun. In fact, they all looked quite tired as he paused in front of one of the boarded up shops. "Let's go see how they're doing!"

"No thanks," Aurelius said irritably. "I'm going to go find Heph and Stock. See you." Alex sighed softly as he walked away, glancing at the door which was starting to swing shut.

"Come on, let's go take a look," Alex said, the two of them running over to join the shop hunt.

Aurelius walked back towards the Three Broomsticks still looking for his friends when he heard his named called and looked over to see Xavier Platt walking towards him, waving him closer.

"So you made it after all, did you? Come on, we're waiting for you in the sports shop," he said with a grin.

"Not much point going is there, what with Quidditch canceled," Aurelius said glumly.

"Weasley and Brittle said it was postponed, not canceled," Xavier pointed out. "I have it on good authority that they're planning to squeeze them all into the spring season once they've made a few safety changes."

"Just how do they expect to protect anyone against Ciardoth? She can pretty much go wherever she wants and do whatever she wants, she's Wild magic," Aurelius complained.

"Exactly, we're practically in as much danger here or even in the classroom as we are on the Pitch," Xavier said. "The professors all know it… even Snape had to admit to the others that security measurements can only go so far."

"How do you know all of this anyhow?" Aurelius asked.

"I'm a Slytherin Prefect," Xavier said in a low voice. "It has its advantages." Aurelius made a note of that, privately promising himself that he would be next.

A very large crowd was hovering around the shop, but Xavier had a way of clearing a path without too much effort. As the two of them stepped over to where a pack of mostly Slytherin had gathered, Aurelius was remotely surprised to see that Lucius Malfoy was among them, quietly conversing with Stock while the two of them looked over a very ornate broom stand.

Aurelius suddenly forgot Malfoy as he stared at the new arrival; black, sleek, and pristine, with bristles that were so shiny and golden that they looked almost metallic. A single wraparound black handgrip was added to the top of the handle, perfect for control when one hand was on ball, bat, or stretched out for the Snitch. But he didn't recognize the company crest or the name inscribed on pure gold along the side; the Dutchman Flyer.

"There you are, Rel. Like my new broom?" Stock said with a grin. Aurelius finally pulled his eyes away from the display model.

"Your broom?"

"Yes, in a way," Stock said. "I'm one of the primary investors in Galemaster Brooms, the newest and best broom company in Europe and North America. This one, named in my family's honor, is the top of the line. We're also releasing two more conservative brooms, the Hawker and the Sycora, but I recommend this model for any fellow serious Quidditch players; my fellow teammates."

"Well, it'll definitely make my Christmas list," Xavier agreed, nodding appreciatively at the broom.

"Ah, but we have a surprise for you Mr. Platt," Lucius said. "You see, I am the principle owner and chairman of Galemaster Brooms, so of course I find it in the companies best interest to get as many of our brooms out in front of the public eye as possible, to witness their superior quality. And as I'm sure you know, I myself graduated from Slytherin house, and the young man responsible for the financial security of this company resides in that house. So, I have decided to provide a Dutchman to each and every member of the current Slytherin Quidditch team as a business promotion. All I ask in return is for you to use your new brooms on the Pitch so that other students might see them and perhaps want one of their own. Do we have an agreement?" The response couldn't be more enthusiastic as Malfoy nodded to one of the shop attendants to bring them out and handed them to Lucius who then began handing them out, starting with Xavier. But as he turned to hand one to Aurelius an unmistakable snarl came from the doorway.

"Don't even think about it!" Severus said, his eyes flashing with pure anger. "Mr. Snape, outside!"

"But Professor…"

"Now!" Severus barked loudly, causing quite a number of students to back away from him, several scurrying outside themselves. Aurelius glanced at the broom in Malfoy's hand and at the rest of his teammates, holding their brooms, some of them gazing warily at Snape while the others were looking at the floor. Aurelius dared a glance at Malfoy before he finally stepped just outside of the door, staying close enough that he could see.

"And just why are you attempting to bribe the Quidditch team this time, Malfoy?" Severus asked.

"Professor Severus Snape. Amazing how you cannot speak even one sentence without making an accusation. Are you truly so self-obsessed that you actually think that anything everyone does is directly against you?" Lucius inquired.

"No, I merely believe that everything you do is directly against me," Severus said dryly. "Perhaps because of how many times you've proven that to be true. What did you do to the brooms, Malfoy?"

"You know, Severus, I am growing tired of this slander and soon my patience will run thin. Considering how many witnesses there are, I suggest you stop while you are ahead, before I am tempted to sue you for whatever pathetic savings you have left after wasting it on the stray Muggleborn, not to mention all of those fines you and your wife accumulated threatening the Ministry. I am merely offering the brooms as a promotion on behalf of Mr. Stockton. And frankly, it is none of your business."

"This is a school outing, Malfoy, and Slytherin students are under my direct supervision. I am therefore making it my business," Severus snapped, putting on his gloves. "I'll take those brooms, if you please. You may not have them until they undergo thorough testing and unless I have signed permission from your parents stating that you may keep them. That includes you, Mr. Stockton," Severus added, holding his hand out until Stock reluctantly put his in Snape's hand as well.

"You'll be hearing from my counselor about this," Stock grumbled.

"He can say what he likes. You still can't have it without your parents' permission," Severus snapped, tossing the bundle of brooms against the wall behind him. "And by the way, I guarantee you that Aurelius isn't going to receive this parent's permission, and if this parent ever catches you anywhere near him again, it will not end peacefully."

"So be it," Lucius said. "But don't be so certain that you would be the victor in such an exchange. Perhaps I shall kill you first, and then we'll both die. Won't that be a pretty picture to leave your son with for the rest of his life? That's always been the trouble with you, Severus. All you truly care about is yourself." Severus flinched, barely keeping himself from drawing his wand.

"Perhaps I should just kill you now and get it over with!" Severus snarled. Malfoy shook his head marginally, as calm as ice and gazing at him with a look of complete control.

"In front of a room full of students and in public? You'll be in Azkaban for the rest of your life," Malfoy reminded him.

"A small price to pay for knowing that you'll never touch my family again. You are nothing but a manipulative self-serving wretch who has nothing to live for but revenge, and nobody here is going to blink or even care if I blow you out of existence," Severus growled.

Aurelius watched as a figure pushed past the doorway, running in and pulling up short as Danny saw Lucius and Severus toe to toe.

"Uncle, what are you doing here?" Danny asked with alarm.

"I was here on business," Malfoy said, "Helping Mr. Stockton deliver these brooms to his teammates."

"Yes, you knew that would go over well, didn't you?" Danny replied with exasperation. "Maybe you should have let Stock handle it? You know your violating your own restraining order."

"He only ever uses that when it suits him," Severus said, still glaring at him.

"All the same, perhaps you had better leave before things get out of hand, Uncle," Danny said firmly.

"Very well, Danyelle, for your sake. Good day, Mr. Stockton, children. Enjoy your brooms," Malfoy said, sweeping through the room and out the door without turning or looking at the boy still standing just outside of it. Severus' eyes, however, had immediately caught sight of his son as they followed Lucius out.

"Madame Brittle, would you mind taking these brooms into your custody until we receive parental notification that they can have them? I have something I need to attend to," Severus said, his eyes never leaving Aurelius. But Aurelius knew better than to bolt as Severus stepped out and put a firm hand on his shoulder, leading him well away from the crowds and around the corner of a shop out of view. "Just what do you think you were doing in there? Have you not listened to a word I have told the four of you about staying away from him? How could you be foolish enough to actually consider accepting anything from him?"

"Is this a parental discussion?" Aurelius asked.

"Quite definitely."

"Then what were you thinking embarrassing me in front of my friends like that?" Aurelius demanded. "Those brooms were made by Stock's company, and he's my friend. Not to mention that every one of them got a broom but me. You are intentionally singling me out!"

"Had you been listening, you would be aware that I told the others that they could not have the brooms until after they had parental permission."

"Which of course they will all get! If Quidditch does start up again, I'll be the only one without one."

"What their parents choose is not my concern! My concern is that you would even consider the possibility of accepting anything from a man you know has caused more anguish to this family than anyone else alive!"

"More anguish to you and Mother, perhaps," Aurelius said in a tone that made Severus stare in disbelief. "All I know about him is what the two of you have told me, and he's never done anything to the four of us. In fact, if you'll recall, he once saved Alex's life."

"Only because he had to!" Severus snapped.

"Exactly, so if he can't do anything that would cause harm to us, then why are you worried about one stupid broom?" Severus took him by the shoulders, forcing him to look at him.

"Don't ever take that for granted! He may not be able to physically injure us, Aurelius, but considering that man just somehow managed to tear apart an entire town to make us suffer, there should be no doubt in your mind how dangerous he is! And yes, I understand you do not feel that what occurred in that town affected you personally in any way except for the inconvenience of moving into a wardrobe. And yes, you may not care that Corey and Essie feel as if they've lost their parents all over again. And you may not even care that your mother, who had her childhood home torn from her without anything but the clothes on her back, who put every spare moment into turning that cottage into a home, has lost all will of trying to find another. But maybe when you and your siblings find yourselves stuck in school for Christmas with no home to go back to, you will start to realize just how much damage that man can do, curse or not. That man would turn on his own son if it suited his needs. You will stay away from him, you will not talk to him, you will not accept anything from him, and I had better not ever find you anywhere in his vicinity again. Is that quite understood?"

"Better than you think," Aurelius said acidly before turning and walking back to find his friends.

Severus came back around the corner, open worry lines etched across his brow as he watched him go. He forced himself to hide it as Aurelius glanced back at him before disappearing into the crowd. He thought of going to find Jennifer; longed to in fact, and yet at the same time he dreaded it, knowing that she would easily see what was on his mind. Instead, he wrote a quick note and whistled for Dodger, handing it to him to deliver to her while he went back to the castle early.