"Talking"
"Thoughts"
"Spells"
"Writing"
IAmN0tDead: I am aware of that, he told Harry to say there for Mr. Jacobs so the man would sell them to Harry. The owner would be aware of who he is and sell them to whoever to stay on the man's good side.
Calebros: Harry will eventually get Sirius out; he just has to take care of other things first. To him Sirius is just a man who was wrongly accused and he has no attachment to him.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hogwarts xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Draco Malfoy was not a happy person, since the train ride to Hogwarts his life had gone downhill. First he insults Harry Potter, who he was under orders to get close to by his father; though he still blames that on the fact the boy didn't tell him his name. He thought things would get better once he was placed in Slytherin but it seems his family name was not as powerful as he believed it to be. All but a handful of first and second years listened to him but the older students simply ignored him, even when he threatened to tell his father if they didn't listen to him. Even though his father had warned him his name would only help so much in his earlier years Draco had thought his father was just saying that, come to find out it was true.
Even in classes, where Draco had been tutored to be ahead, he found himself out done by multiple people one of which was a muggleborn. Then Potter goes and introduces gambling to the school, he of course informed Snape right away but was annoyed when the next day Potter received no punishment. He of course ranted about how stupid the idea was and of course someone like Potter would never pay out to Slytherin's. He cursed when Nott went about taking bets for Potter and said Draco was just jealous he never thought of the idea. So a few older students bet, thinking they could force Potter and Nott to pay out if they got jilted, and one of them won. When he was paid the other students all wanted in on the action.
But the straw that broke the camel's back was the letter he received from his parents claiming there was a new Lord Black, a position he was told would be his. What's worse was no one knew who the new Lord Black was as he ignored all letters his mother sent him. When the Prophet got wind of the story they of course ran with it and Draco was humiliated when Pansy brought up the point he had told everyone about eventually becoming Lord Black and Malfoy when people talked about Potter being a Lord.
In Draco's mind everything bad that had happened to him came down to one thing: Potter. So he decided to do something about it, walking down the halls with Crabbe and Goyle he was searching out his target. After a few minutes he smirked when he found Harry and a few other Ravenclaw's walking back from a class, looking back he nodded to Goyle and Crabbe before walking through the group and bumping into Potter.
"Watch where you're going Potter." Draco said with a smirk as his friends chuckled.
Harry raised a single eyebrow at Draco, it was obvious to him this was a ploy to either embarrass or anger him. "So sorry Draco we were having an intelligent conversation and I must have been too engrossed in it to see where I was walking." Harry then smirked back. "Of course I wouldn't assume you understand what it's like to have an intelligent conversation." His housemates all chuckled and Draco glared.
"You think you're so smart don't you Potter?" Draco asked but Harry cut in before he could continue.
"Lord Potter." Harry said never losing his smirk. "I would have thought as a pureblood you would have better etiquette."
Draco grit his teeth but held back his anger. "How's this for proper etiquette Lord Potter." She sneered out Harrys title. "I challenge you to a duel." The others watching gasped.
Harry chuckled as he saw Draco's plan, the boy most likely thought he would have the upper had since he was raised in a wizarding family and undoubtedly knew more spells then most first years. "I accept, name the time and place."
Draco lost a bit of his smirk when Harry so easily accepted. "Midnight in the trophy room, Goyle here will be my second." The larger boy nodded and let out a grunt.
"Very well." Harry said as he turned and looked at the housemate's he was with. "Terry would you do me the honor of being my second?"
"Sure Harry." Terry said with a grin, he assumed that meant Harry was starting to see him as a friend or at least a close ally.
Harry nodded. "Thank you." He turned back to Draco. "Terry will be my second."
Draco nodded. "See you at midnight Potter." He then turned and stalked off with his cronies in tow.
"Harry why did you agree to that?" Padma asked after a few seconds. "You can't duel in the halls nor be out after curfew." The other girls all nodded along but Harry chuckled and shook his head.
"Oh ye of little faith." Harry said before turning. "Follow me and you'll see." The others looked at each other quickly then followed Harry. They made their way up a flight of stairs then along the second floor until they arrived at Flitwick's office.
"Come in." They heard Flitwick's voice say after Harry gave a quick knock. The Half-Goblin was surprised to see almost all of his first year's walking in led by Harry Potter. "I hope there is not a problem?"
"No sir." Harry said with a smile and shake of his head. "I merely came to tell you I have been challenged to a duel and require your assistance."
Flitwick frowned. "Mr. Potter dueling is against thee school rules." As soon as it left his mouth he knew it was a pointless statement.
"Actually sir if properly challenged and with a professor present duels are allowed." Harry said with a grin, Flitwick chuckled and shook his head while the others looked surprised.
"Of course." He closed the book he was reading. "How silly of me to doubt you Mr. Potter, where and when will the duel be held?"
"Midnight sir in the trophy room." Harry informed his professor.
"I see, then I shall gather you and…" Flitwick looked among the students for Harry's second.
"Terry sir." Harry said turning to the boy, who nodded.
"Very well, I shall gather you both at eleven thirty." Flitwick said with a nod to the boys. "That will give you plenty of time to arrive and prepare."
Harry gave the professor a half bow. "Thank you sir." As he turned to leave Flitwick cleared his throat.
"May I ask who challenged you Mr. Potter?" The half-goblin couldn't delay his curiosity, after all to challenge a Lord of an Ancient and Noble House was a delicate thing.
Harry smirked and looked over his shoulder, Flitwick's eyes widened slightly at the look he received. "Draco Malfoy." Harry then continued out of the office and towards the dorms, he had a duel to prepare for.
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Word had spread quickly through the Ravenclaw grapevine that Harry was challenged to a duel, most of the upper years didn't believe it but when a seventh year prefect went to Flitwick and he confirmed Harry had told him about it. Since then everyone had been whispering about how the duel would turn out since they would miss it because of the curfew, though a few prefects had planned to ditch their rounds to watch the duel.
Harry had avoided the crowds by going into his room and meditating so he could review some spells Riddle knew for the duel, he couldn't use anything to advanced but found a few spells and techniques that would help. "Zeus." Harry said as he came out of another memory.
"Yes Master?" The elf said as it appeared with a pop, though now it was clothed in a black tunic with the Potter crest on the back and left breast. It was something Harry had all the House Elves wear since he didn't want them in rags.
"Please bring my dinner to me, I wish to dine alone tonight." Harry told the elf.
"Yes sirs." Zeus gave a quick bow and popped out of the room.
After a few minutes Zeus brought back a large tray with steak, potatoes a caser salad and a vase of water with a glass. Harry sat at his desk and ate while going over his homework while Zeus went around the room cleaning up. After what seemed like minutes someone knocked at his door. "Harry you in there?" He heard Terry ask.
Harry placed his silverware down on his plate and then snapped his fingers to draw Zeus's attention, pointing at the plate the elf understood the silent command and took the food and left. "Coming." Harry said as he straightened his robes before opening the door. "Yes Terry?"
"Hey I was coming to see if you're ready, Professor Flitwick should be here soon." The boy informed Harry.
Harry cocked an eyebrow and flicked his wand out of its holster. "Tempus" He said as he held his wand up and smoke numbers appeared to tell him it was eleven twenty five. "I didn't realize it was that late." Harry replied as he waved the smoke away. "Let's wait in the common room for the Professor." Terry nodded and moved out of the way so Harry could come out and close the door.
As the duo made their way into the common room Harry noticed almost all of Ravenclaw was still up and seemed to be looking around or trying to act busy.
"So Harry are you nervous?" Lisa asked from her seat as Harry and Terry approached.
"It's only natural if you are." Sue said in response.
"I am not the least bit nervous." Harry said as he stood near the table they gathered at.
"Well you did miss dinner and no one's seen you since we went to see Flitwick." Anthony replied as he crossed his arms, Michael mimicked him and leaned back in his chair.
Harry didn't like the duo, they reminded him of a more intelligent version of Crabbe and Goyle. "It's called preparation Anthony, only a fool would go into a duel unprepared." The boy shifted his eyes when Harry stared him down.
"But." Padma said gaining his attention. "Wouldn't not eating cause you problems?"
Before Harry could answer the common room's door opened and Flitwick came walking in. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Boot are you ready?"
"Yes Sir." Both boys replied as the turned and headed towards the door. Flitwick nodded and spun on his heel to stay ahead of the boys and led them out into the halls.
The trio walked in silence through the empty castle halls, occasionally seeing a painting or ghost but no one else. It didn't take long to get to the trophy room and the Ravenclaw's found it empty.
"We are still early so why don't you boys look around for a bit; learn a bit about our Alumni." Flitwick said with a smile. "Mr. Potter I think you'll find the far case there." Harry followed his gesture. "Intresting and Mr. Boot I believe that case will give you ideas for a lovely letter to your uncle Rodrick." Both boys nodded and walked over to the cases pointed out to them.
Harry was curious as to what he would find in the case that could interest him. Scanning the plaques and pictures he soon found out what Flitwick meant, near the left corner was a picture of both his parents with their names and year both were the Head's. Being magical the people in the picture were smiling and waving, his father grinning and waving like a mad man while his mother had a more sedated posture.
"Meroow." Harry spun around when he heard the call and saw Mrs. Norris, the caretakers cat, walking into the room and looking around at them.
"What is it girl?" The trio heard a voice saw down the hall along with footsteps. "Someone out when they shouldn't be." The walking got close and faster, then suddenly Filch came round the corner with a grin on his face. "Well well what do we have here?"
"Good evening Argus." Filius said quickly, making the man snap his head to the side.
"Professor?" He replied confused before looking around. "You here with these ones?" He asked pointing between the boys.
"Yes I am and I assure you they will cause no mischief under my watch." Flitwick answered, Filch hesitated for a second before nodding.
"Alright then, you have a goodnight." Filch gave him a nod but shot a glare at Harry and Terry before leaving, Mrs. Norris on his heels.
Harry narrowed his eyes as the man left; he wondered what the odds were that Filch would show up at this time. "Perhaps I gave Draco to little credit for this challenge, it seems he actually used his brain." Harry then turned back to the trophy case. "So how shall I make him pay?"
Harry mused to himself for a bit until Flitwick walked up next to him with Terry. "It is a quarter past midnight Mr. Potter, by the Official International Dueling Rules Mr. Malfoy has forfeited this duel in your favor." Harry noticed the Half-Goblin had a small frown.
"Unfortunate." Harry sighed out. "I was rather looking forward to testing my dueling skills." Flitwick flashed a quick grin and pulled out his wand.
"Well since we came all the way here why don't you and Mr. Boot have a friendly duel?" He shifted his gaze between the boys, Harry accepted the idea but Terry looked nervous.
"Ummm I'm good professor." Terry said, while he was sure he could beat Goyle he had did not want to become target practice for Harry.
Letting out a sigh Flitwick nodded, he loved his Ravenclaw's but too few had the desire to learn the art of dueling. "Very well let's get back to the dorms."
"Sir." Harry said making the professor stop. "Perhaps we might have a quick lesson another time?" Harry smirked internally when he saw Flitwick's eyes light up, whole not happy Malfoy chickened out of the duel these was an acceptable outcome. Learning dueling skills form Flitwick would help him cover up his move advanced skills later on.
"We can discuss it tomorrow Mr. Potter." Filius replied as he led them back towards the dorms, though both boys noticed a small skip in his step.
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Harry held his head high as he walked into the Great Hall the next morning, after arriving back to the dorms he quickly explained to everyone Malfoy had not shown before going to bed. He showed up early so he could see the look on Malfoys face when no points were taken from Ravenclaw, then he would confront the blonde.
As the hall began to fill he caught sight of the blonde and his two gorilla sidekicks, Malfoy grit his teeth and stormed over to his table after looking up at the scores and Harry chuckled. Waiting till a few more people entered, and getting himself something to eat Harry stood and made his way towards the Slytherin table.
"What do you want Potter?" Draco sneered about as he saw the young Lord approach.
"Lord Potter to you Malfoy, though I shouldn't be surprised you have trouble with manners after yesterday." Harry said loudly to draw everyone's attention. "So what happened too scared to show up to your own challenge?" Some of the Slytherin began to whisper, obviously none knew about Draco's challenge.
"Like you showed up." Draco said with a grin. "You probably had your nose stuck in some book all night." His friends chuckled.
"Oh I was there Draco." Harry said with a grin. "Wondering where my cowardly opponent was."
"Im no coward!" Draco jumped to his feet and glared at Harry.
"What else do you call a person who doesn't even show up to their own challenge?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow. "And you want to be a Lord." He clicked his tongue and shook his head. "What kind of Lord does that?" Draco was almost shaking with anger at Harry and was about to yell when he smirked instead.
"Potter!" Harry turned to see Snape stalking towards him. "Five points from Ravenclaw for causing a disturbance."
Harry gave the man a blank stare and shrugged his shoulders, he cared little what the Professor did because he would be out of his hair soon enough. "Yes Professor." Harry said as he turned and started to walk away, stopping to look over his shoulder at Draco. "Before I forget when would be the best time to owl your father?"
"What?" Draco replied confused, as were many others at the table.
"Didn't you know?" Harry asked with a chuckle. "By not showing up you forfeited, not only that you wasted the time of a Lord of an Ancient and Noble House." Harry shook his head. "Doing so means I may demand compensation." Draco's eyes went wide as the whispers began again.
"Lies!" The blonde yelled. "You can't prove you were there anyway it's your word against mine."
"Actually I have witnesses." Harry turned and pointed to the head table, where most of the Professors were now watching them. "Professor Flitwick was with me since it was after hours and Mr. Filch came by and saw me there. Plus let's not forget Terry was there as well."
"Dueling is against the school rules Potter." Snape cut in. "And you'll be having a week of detention with me for being out after hours."
"I'm sorry Professor you must not have heard me I said Professor Flitwick was with me thus I had permission to be out." Harry replied with a grin, knowing it would rile the man up.
"He's right Severus." Flitwick called as he approached. "And as Mr. Potter pointed out to me, dueling is allowed as long as a Professor is present and it is out of the halls." The diminutive professor then narrowed his eyes. "And I believe it was Mr. Malfoy causing the disturbance by yelling and not Mr. Potter."
"Gentlemen." Everyone one turned to see Dumbledore walking up to them, his hands up to call for peace. "First, Filius is correct Mr. Potter was simply having a discussion and Mr. Malfoy yelled." Harry shot Draco a smirk. "However I see no reason to take any points at all." Snape clenched his fist but nodded. "Now Harry, what is this about a duel?"
"Lord Potter, Headmaster." Harry replied, Dumbledore sighed but bowed his head in apology. "Draco challenged me to a duel yesterday afternoon and I accepted. I arrived at the agreed upon location before I needed to, along with Professor Flitwick and my second Terry Boot, and we waited until a quarter past the appointed time but Draco never showed." Harry turned to the Slytherin table. "I came to find the best time to owl Lord Malfoy about compensation for my time, since Draco forfeited."
"My father will not stand for that!" Draco said heatedly but Dumbledore nodded.
"Unfortunately Lord Potter." He stressed the name. "Is within his rights and you father will Mr. Malfoy." Draco's jaw dropped. "Now I believe that is enough discussion for one day, Lord Potter perhaps its best you return to your table."
Harry nodded but sent another smirk to Draco before turning and heading back to his table, basking in the whispers around him about the argument.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Malfoy Manor xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lucius sighed in a bit of relief as he saw the invite to the Ministry Halloween Dinner in his morning mail, it was already common knowledge he had lost a substantial amount of his fortune but luckily he still held a bit of power. A few other Lords had used the news to swing some of his business partners there way but many still feared what he might be able to do to them. Receiving the invitation also meant his standing with the Ministry was still intact though he did notice he was not sitting with Fudge, the Minister, like usual.
"Oh well." Lucius thought. "At least I don't have to listen to his babbling all night." Though he did need to make a meeting with the man to remind him where much of his campaign financing came from and who the "Dark" faction still followed.
"Anything interesting dear?" Narcissa asked as she came into the parlor and sat at the table.
Lucius handed her the invitation and she quickly scanned it. "We were invited to the dinner but did get moved to another table." She frowned but nodded.
"Very well, while not what I'd hoped for at least we will be there." She replied as she snapped her napkin and placed it on her lap, her food appearing right after. Lucius nodded and picked up another letter addressed to him, flipping it over he paused when he saw the family crest. "What is it?" Narcissa asked when she saw he husbands pause.
"Potter." He replied as he opened the letter and began reading it. Narcissa watched in curiosity as Lucius's face grew tight and he grit his teeth. "Damn that boy." He said before tossing the letter down.
"What did he want?" Narcissa placed her silverware down and looked at the letter on the table.
"Not Potter our son." Lucius said as he stood. "I am off to Hogwarts." The blonde woman was confused but nodded and picked up the letter to read it.
She sighed as she finished and shook her head. "You foolish boy." She loved her so but sometimes he drove her up the wall.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hogwarts xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lucius quickly made his way up the path from Hogsmeade towards the school, he never liked coming into Dumbledore's office as he knew the man could lock him in there if he didn't answer his questions. Coming in the front doors gave him more options and witnesses if Dumbledore tried to become difficult. He smirked as he saw several students on the grounds give him curious looks and speaking to one another.
Walking up the steps he wasn't surprised to see Dumbledore waiting for him at the door, luckily Severus was with him. "Good morning Lucius." Dumbledore said with twinkling eyes.
"Dumbledore, Severus." Lucius said with a nod.
"What brings you to Hogwarts this morning?" Dumbledore asked.
"I have come to see my son and then Lord Potter." It pained him to say that but he couldn't stand to have anything in the Prophet about him at odds with the boy-who-lived right now.
"Ah of course." Dumbledore couldn't help but grin a bit. "I see Harry has sent you a letter about their duel."
Lucius tightened his grip on his cane but nodded. "Yes now if you please." He said nodding his head towards the door.
Dumbledore nodded and turned into the school. "Severus would you please go and get young Draco for us while I take Lucius to an empty classroom." He hummed in thought. "The one by the Hospital Wing should do fine."
"Yes Headmaster." Severus said before turning down a hallway to fetch the boy.
"So Lucius have you meet the new Lord Black yet?" Dumbledore asked as they walked the halls. He was very interested in meeting the new Lord, a small part of him grew worried when he heard the news as the Black Family was still one of the richest in England and held a good bit of influence. He wanted to meet the new Lord and learn where his loyalties lied, the fact no one knew who it was gave him hope the man might align himself with the light.
"No." Lucius replied bitterly. "It seems Lord Black does not wish to meet with his family, or anyone for that matter." Lucius said as he eyed Dumbledore, he was happy that at least he wasn't the only one getting rebuffed.
"I see." Dumbledore nodded. "Then it seems we will all be introduced at the winter Wizengamot meeting."
"Apparently." Lucius answered as they arrived at the classroom door. "When will Lord Potter be meeting me?"
"When you are done talking to Draco ask for an elf to summon me and I shall retrieve him." Dumbledore answered before giving a small bow of his head. "Enjoy your conversation Lucius."
Lucius grunted before walking into the room and looking around, it was still in order but dusty. Twisting the top of his cane he pulled out the hidden wand and cast several spells to ensure he was alone and nothing was in the room that might help someone hear or see his conversations. After being sure the room was clear he cleaned off the chair behind the desk and sat down, placing his wand back in its hiding spot.
"Father." Draco said with a small smile as he walked into the room, though that disappeared when he saw his father's glare.
"Draco." Lucius replied coldly then pointed to a chair. "Sit down." Draco nodded and quickly ran to the chair. "Do you know why I am here?" Lucius asked as he stood.
"No sir." Draco replied with a gulp, he may not know but he had an idea.
"I received a letter today." Draco paled. "About a supposed challenge you issued and then never showed up to." Lucius paced around the desk and sat on the edge of it while starring down his son. "We have taught you better than that so I will give you a chance to explain your actions."
"It wasn't meant to be a real challenge." Draco said quickly. "I planned it for after-hours then let it slip to Filch students were going to be out." Lucius cocked an eyebrow. "Potter was supposed to get caught and get in trouble but he got his Professor involved so he didn't get in trouble."
Lucius nodded as his son went quiet; he was actually somewhat proud of the plan and thought it was rather Slytherin of him. Be that as it may he still failed and didn't take into account Potter would go to a Professor to get permission to be out of the dorms. "That was foolish of you Draco." The boy looked down at the words. "In the future you need to plan out all the possible outcomes."
"Yes father." Draco let out a breath as he realized he wasn't going to be punished.
"Now go back to class or wherever Severus got you from." Lucius ordered. "Elf!"
"Sirs." A small elf said as it popped into the room, Draco paused in his leaving wondering why his father called a house elf.
"Inform the Headmaster I will speak with Lord Potter." The elf nodded to Lucius the popped away.
"Father?" Draco said confused.
"Go Draco." Lucius replied. "You have caused enough problems; I don't need you here to cause more."
"Yes sir." Draco replied before leaving, his anger was rising though as he saw another thing Harry was responsible for.
Lucius took his seat behind the desk again and waited, he hadn't really thought about what he would have to give up and he mentally cursed himself for not looking into the law more before he left. Soon the door opened and Lucius laid his eyes on the young Lord for the first time, he could see the resemblance to his father but the eyes, that so many said were like his mother's we different. He had seen Lily Potter many times during the war and even during the battles her eyes seemed warm and intelligent, always moving and taking things in, her sons had the intelligence but they were colder and sent a shiver down the older Wizard.
"Lord Malfoy." Harry said with a small nod as he walked into the room and stood across from the desk.
"Lord Potter." Again the name left a bitter taste in his mouth. "Thank you for meeting me."
"Of course." Harry replied. "I must say I didn't think you would responded so quickly." He turned and walked to a desk and sat.
"I would rather get this over with." Lucius replied as he drummed his fingers on the desk. "So what do you want?"
Harry grinned, and Lucius squirmed again at his gaze. "As you know a Lords time is valuable."
"How much?" Lucius asked bluntly, he cared little to be here and had other things to do.
"Who can put a price on time?" Harry asked as he leaned back into his chair. "And with your recent financial troubles I would hate to ask for money."
Lucius grit his teeth at the comment but nodded. "Then what pray tell do you want?"
"You stock of the Daily Prophet." Harry replied causing Malfoy to raise an eyebrow.
The man leaned back and stroked his chin, he only had ten shares of the business and while it was a constant source of income he knew wouldn't drop it did not bring him a fortune. "Why that? And how did you know I owned stock?"
"For a small fee you can learn who owns the stock of business from the Goblins." Harry answered with a chuckle. "As for why it is a good stock to own and I could use the experience of owning some." Which was a lie as he owned several already. "Most of the Potter stock was old and no longer valid."
Lucius nodded and drummed his fingers again. "I assume that if I agree our disagreement is done with?"
"I will bring no formal action against you." Harry said with a nod.
"Very well." Lucius stood and Harry mirrored him. "I shall have the stock transferred to your ownership by the end of the day." He then held out his hand.
Harry shook it firmly. "I am glad we could come to an understanding." Harry said before turning to leave. "Have a nice day Lord Malfoy."
Lucius watched the boy leave with calculating eyes, he would admit the boy was more then he thought he would be. Shrugging the thought off Lucius made his way out of the room and towards Hogsmeade, he needed to get this issue dealt with before word got out.
Harry smiled as he walked the halls towards his room. "That went far better than planned." He thought with a grin, he figured no one would actually keep up with who owned what business or stock. So it was good that Lucius didn't know the Blacks and Potters together already owned forty percent of the Daily Prophet. Malfoy owned the most shares after that and then it was divided up between a few dozen lords, so now Harry would be Majority shareholder.
This would help him keep the press off his back but also influence Rita Skeeter, who he had an interview with this weekend thanks to his Lawyers. "If I can get her on my side I gain a valuable ally." He grinned. "If not it seems Rita's article on me will be her last."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Daily Prophet, Diagon Alley xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rita Skeeter smiled at her reflection in the mirror as she checked her curly blonde hair one final time. She adjusted her jewel studded glasses and turned to look around her office, having just been cleaned by the interns so it was free of dust and loose papers. Today she was going to be doing what she considered the interview of the year, Lord Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived was coming in.
When she learned Potter had hired lawyers to look into the books written about him she had to investigate, and she was glad she. She learned he wanted to sue the author and publish for telling tales that so many believed to be true, only to find out they are lies. She grinned as she pulled out some of her quick note quills and parchment, this was going to be a great story, the boy-who-lived viciously attacking a poor author who just wants to survive.
"Mrs. Skeeter." Rita looked up to see one of the interns, Amy or Amanda she thought, poking her head in. "Lord Potter is here." She smiled.
"Send him in." The girl nodded and disappeared while Rita smoothed her dress and smiled big. "Lord Potter what an honor to meet you." Rita said as she walked towards the boy and grabbed his hand.
"The pleasure is all mine Mrs. Skeeter." Harry replied with a smile before looking around the room. "You have a lovely office."
"Thank you, please have a seat." She guided him to a comfortable chair in front of her desk while she went to her own. "I thank you for coming to speak with me."
"Think nothing of it." Harry said with a smile. "I have wanted to visit the Daily Prophet and this granted me the opportunity."
Rita cocked an eyebrow as she fished out an ink well. "Why is that?"
"Being majority shareholder I want to inspect my investment." Rita looked up shocked while Harrys smile turned to a grin.
"Really?" Rita replied though internally she was running through who owned stock with them, having memorized them so not to write about them too much or too badly. "I thought we had several shareholders, how did you suddenly gain a majority."
"Lucius Malfoy was kind enough to sell me his." Harry could see her mind running. "With those I gained a majority."
Rita frowned but nodded, it might be bad to write about him now but she was sure she could convince, or blackmail, enough of the other shareholders to vote against him if he took action against her. "Well then I believe congratulations are in order."
Harry watched her carefully, he knew this next part could cause a few hiccups in his life and wanted to avoid them but the benefits of it working were great. "Yes it's not everyday someone owns half the Daily Prophet."
Rita's eyes flew open at the statement. "Half but to do that you would have had to buy more than the Malfoys." She said confused.
"Or I already owned forty and just needed the last ten." Harry chuckled as he watched her mind race.
"The Potters only owned twenty percent though." She thought with confusion before something clicked in her mind and her eyes widened. The was a new Lord Black and no one knew who it was; the Black's owned twenty percent like the Potters.
"I see you are as sharp as many say you are." Harry leaned back into his chair, switching the Lord rings as he did so. Rita's eyes flicked to the ring but she shivered when she looked back in his eyes and they seemed colder. "The question is what will you do with it?" He held up one hand. "You could of course run the story, spinning all types of innuendo and lies about how I gained the title. This would of course be the last story you ever published in the Prophet, possible ever."
Rita frowned at the thought; she loved writing and had no wish to lose that. However she prided herself on being someone who rarely gave in to threats, preferring to issue them instead.
"Or." Rita looked up at him as he raised his other hand. "You could forget everything you learned today and gain my respect and trust." Harry then smiled at her. "You should know that when someone has my respect and trust they are given certain…privileges." Harry paused for effect and stood. "That could be a variety of things but for you it could be the promise of an exclusive partnership." Harry grinned when he saw her perk up at that. "Possible even a raise, new office maybe even a percentage when your stories cause a rise in sales." Rita started to lean forward as he spoke. "Tell me Ms. Skeeter, which sounds better?"
Rita would definitely say this was one of the strangest meeting she had ever had. The thought of the boy in front of her being not only the boy-who-lived but also the Lord of two Ancient and Noble Houses was mind blowing. He was right to say it could possibly be the greatest story she ever wrote but with his new influence also her last. The possibility of being in his favor though sent a shiver down her body, in a very pleasurable way that increased when he talked of a raise and new office.
She sent him a large smile. "I think my Lord that this could be the start of a very beneficial friendship."
Harry smirked. "I agree." He then sat back down and crossed his legs. "Now tell me, did you know a former Death Eater is responsible for the shrinkage of our Auror's?"
Rita's eyes widened and gained a predator look. "Very beneficially." She thought as she reached into her desk and brought out a new quill. "Tell me more."