Back to Azkaban

Rons ears were red.

"Why would you even think of freeing McNair?" he asked.

"It's very simple," Harry replied in Hermione's place, "If you could trade one Death Eater in prison for ten, what would you do?"

"Yeah, but still..." Ron said, "Hey Hermione, you're not going to free Malfoy as well, are you?"

"No." Hermione said determined.

"So how are you going to get some names out of him then?" Harry asked.

"I still have some things I can sell to him." Hermione replied.

"One thing's sure, I don't trust Malfoy Junior," Harry said, "I mean, I've never trusted him, but I find it rather suspicious that he got a job at your department. Giving him the opportunity to get in charge, was not a clever thing. Who has done such a stupid thing?"

"I don't know Harry, but I think money has got to do a lot with it." Hermione replied, looking at the clock.

"Damn!" she said, "I'm almost too late for work. I'll see you guys later. Bye!"

She took some floopowder and left the place.

McNair had very quickly decided to accept the offer, the documents were signed and ten names were given. When the names were completely checked, McNair would get his new cell. Hermione feared that it wouldn't go this well with Malfoy too. She waited together with Draco in front of cell nr 13. Draco looked paler than usual.

"Stupid Dementors." he muttered.

The keeper of keys opened cell 13, the door went open with a terrible noise. It was a mixture of the sound of nails on a blackboard and the rattling of chains against a iron plate. Hermione entered the cell after Draco. The place was dark and wet. A cold wind blew through a barricated window.

A movement in the corner of the cell caught Hermione's eye. Out of the shadows came the man she had feared years ago. Hermione almost didn't recognize him; His long blond hair hung wild and loose, his expensive robes were ripped and dirty. The only thing that hadn't changed, was the cold lookin his eyes. Hermione thought she could see a glimpse of despair now and then.

Lucius came towards Draco, ignoring Hermione. He stopped at two metres from his son, his chains not allowing him to go any further. The Malfoys didn't show any emotion. They greeted each other politely and conversated like if they were having a teabreak.

"How's your mother?" Lucius asked.

"She left the house," Draco replied dryly, "I think she went back to her mother."

Lucius didn't seemed to be very concerned by this news. "Bring this to McNair;" he said. He gave Draco a piece of parchment. Hermione saw that the parchment contained letters, looking like if they were written with blood.

Draco left the cell and Lucius' attention went to Hermione. Hermione felt paralized when his eyes met hers. Her heart beated harder than usual, and her mouth became very dry. 'This isn't the Lucius of your dreams' Hermione reminded herself.

"Well well, Miss Granger, come to see where they have put me? I have no doubt that this must be hilarious to you." Lucius said.

"I'm not here to make fun of you, but..." Hermione hesitated.

"Yes?"

"You deserved it." Hermione finished.

"Oh do I?" Mr Malfoy asked with a dangerous low voice, "You know who deserves this a hundred times more than me? I'll tell you, the old fool of a Dumbledore. He never landed in Azkaban because he fought for his ideal, killing dozens of wizards and witches for that."

"I think your brain is starting to disappear here," Hermione said, trembling, "Dumbledore only killed those who deserved it. Death Eaters like you for example."

"Do you really believe that, Miss Granger? I believe you have to stick your nose in your book of history again. And with that, I mean a real history book, not one of the school, in which they systematic have erased Dumbledores mistakes."

Hermione snorted. Was she really discussing Dumbledores past with Lucius Malfoy in the middle of Azkaban right now?

"I don't believe you." she simply replied.

"Fine, follow your head, little wench. But don't come crawling back if someone you loved has been sacrified for Dumbledores great dream." Lucius hissed.

"Is she playing a know-it-all again, father?" Draco asked, when he entered the cell.

Lucius didn't answer, but he kept looking at the young witch. Hermione felt hypnotized right now.

"Take her away, Draco, this meeting has ended." Lucius said with a little sarcasm.

"Come along, Granger." Draco said.

The door of the cell closed with a dry click behind them.