center b Lucius Malfoy /center /b

center by DracosMinx /center

hr

I can't help but sneer at the incompetent investigator pacing around the room. Surely, they don't believe that I killed the damnable Weasley boy. True, the satin around the boy's neck could have come from the club… but do they realize how many people are in i Club Echelon /i every night? However, I would never have been so ignorant as to leave him in the open to be found so easily. "I assure you, I did not kill Ron Weasley."

"Mr. Malfoy, we have reports from various people stating that you and the deceased had numerous arguments that ended in you threatening, and I quote, 'One more time, Mr. Weasley, and they will never find your body'." The simpleton has the nerve to peer at me now as if daring me to deny I said it. "How do you answer that charge, Mr. Malfoy?"

"It is quite obvious, you realize. I did tell the miscreant that. However, since you have found the body, it should be apparent that he did not die by my hand." Idly, I flick at a piece of nonexistent lint on my trousers attempting to not hex this imbecile. "As welcome as the outcome is, I did not do the deed."

"It sounds, Mr. Malfoy, as if you and the deceased did not get on that well."

Well, well… our Magical Law Enforcement division really has begun hiring the bottom of the proverbial barrel if this is the best they can come up with. I slowly let my mask fall into the Malfoy smirk, voice dripping in sarcasm as I ask, "Really now, when have you ever known a Malfoy to get along with a Weasley?"

While the staring contest with this little peasant is amusing, I really need for this little… chat to end. I have been up all night at the club and plan to be there tonight as well. To achieve that I need sleep… and to get sleep it is time to take control of this farce. "Auror," squinting at the badge hanging crookedly on her chest, "Smith, I have not denied that Mr. Weasley and I did not get on. He was, on one occasion, in my establishment. However, that is not a crime; I am a businessman after all. We did, at various times in the past, have words between us that could not be termed as polite. Again, though, that is not a crime."

"I will need you to give me a detailed accounting of your whereabouts for the evening of October thirty and morning of October thirty-one." Once more, the stupid boy addresses me as though I am not telling him the truth. Unfortunately, at least for one Mr. Zacharias Smith and the Ministry of Magic as a whole, I will be speaking to my barrister about the abhorrent treatment. I have never been treated this disdainfully, even when I was guilty.

With an inward grin, I decide if the little bastard wants details, then details he shall get. I wonder just how dark I can make him blush. "Very well, Wednesday evening. The thirtieth was a Wednesday, correct?" Receiving his nod, I continue in the same bored drawl I use in any official investigation, "Wednesdays are quite busy at i Echelon /i ; strip night and all. I was at the club an hour before we opened, at four in the afternoon, and stayed until the clean-up was done at around three-thirty in the morning."

The little whelp is raising an eyebrow at me. That look really does him no justice. Instead of condescending, it just appears as if strings are moving him about. Pathetic, really. "During the evening, it would have been around eight or so as I was having a light meal at my table, Mr. Weasley appeared in the club. We had words and Mr. Goyle, one of the many bouncers that I employ, promptly escorted him to the back entrance. With the exception of restroom use, I was in the club proper the entire time."

Taking a sip of the cool water, unconcerned by the Veritaserum added to it, I decide now is the time to embarrass this little bastard. "When everything had been set to right, I left through the back entrance with my current lover, Matt Carter, and apparated to the flat we maintain in Paris. Do you need the details of relations that night also? I could tell you of the wicked things Matt did that night to help relax me… for investigative purposes only, of course."

I have to work hard at keeping the snort of amusement in. Just alluding to a sexual act seems to have the man spluttering. Really, I am a Malfoy; they should have had the chief investigator, Boadicea Basher I believe her name is, interview me not this peon in the food chain. "There is no need, Mr. Malfoy, for you to go into detail of your activities. I can simply verify your whereabouts with Mr. Carter. When did you leave your flat in Paris the next morning?"

Ahh, yes, I do have the laced water in my system now; of course, he would not want me to start expounding on acts of a sexual nature. Looking out of the window, I continue to give this man my schedule of days past. "I attended an eight o'clock meeting at Gringotts. I am sure that Griphook could verify my attendance. The meeting adjourned close to nine, at which time I went to the club to balance the financial sheet for the night before."

There seems to be a spark in his eyes at that. Like a mongrel seizing a piece of meat, he asks, "And, is there any witness to your comings and goings during that time period?"

Arching a brow at the man I can't help but ask, "Are you truly considering me a suspect in this… this sham of a murder?"

The man is puffing up like a hippogriff; must have inadvertently pointed out to him that he is very low on the food chain…very low indeed, since he has been appropriated to interview the least likely of candidates. Standing up, I lean across the table and let my mask of indifference slip so he can see the blaze of hatred flare through my eyes. "I passed Draco on my way to i Echelon /i , right outside the Leaky Cauldron. He was holding a bag from the bedding shop, although I could not tell you when he sank so low as to shop for his own bedding. Perhaps, sir, you should be looking at him… he has always shown a i taste /i for redheads."

Pushing back on the chair, I move to the door, keeping my strides even and my demeanor calm. "This interview… interrogation, really… is over. Should you find proof that I did this crime I shall be at the club preparing for another successful night."

Slamming the door, I have to chuckle inwardly… that Weasley brat is dead and all my problems are over now.

b Disclaimer: /b All characters and settings are the property of JK Rowling and the various publishing and media companies that have purchased rights for the name Harry Potter and all that entails. No infringement on these rights is intended.

i Beta'd by Jadzia… /i