Connor didn't like Mister Lucius Malfoy at all. Connor didn't really like a lot of people, actually, but Mister Lucius Malfoy was currently pulling a close third on his list- after Holtz and Sajian, but before Power-That-Was Cordy and Jasmine.

The man had the nerve to come into Connor's office and suggest (read: subtly threaten) that Connor extend special privileges to specific students- namely the Slytherin students. Malfoy was manipulative and sure of his authority over Connor. (He may have reminded him of Holtz, just a bit, and maybe that was why he didn't like the man.) Connor wasn't about to let that stand.

He rose out of his chair to face Mister Malfoy, when there was a knock on the open door of his office. Connor glanced over, to see Harry Potter and his two friends- affectionately nicknamed 'The Golden Trio' by the rest of Gryffindor House- watching the showdown with wide eyes. "I'll be with you in a second." Connor spoke to them, never taking his eyes off of Malfoy. "I'm assuming Granger has a question about today's lesson?" At her hesitant nod, he turned his full attention back on Malfoy Senior. "So, where was I? Oh, that's right. No."

Lucius glared at him. (Connor had seen better glares from the Dushku demons on the Quor'Toth, and they didn't even have eyes.) "You'll regret this, you filthy Mudblood." The man hissed. Connor shrugged, wholly unimpressed. "If you say so. I think you can find your own way out, Mister Malfoy."

The elder Malfoy stormed past the three Gryffindors, on his way out of.

The Golden Trio exchanged glances, as Connor waved them into his office. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Granger. What was your question?"

More furtive glances, and Connor got the feeling that he was missing something.

"Sir, are you a…Death Eater?" Hermione asked, after a long pause.

Connor blinked at her, a bit thrown at the query. "A…Death…Eater?" he repeated slowly. "What the hell's a Death Eater?"

"You know, sir." Ron informed him. "You-Know-Who's followers." The professor frowned. "I actually don't know who, Weasley. And why on earth would you think I was eating death, of all things? Because I'm pretty sure the house elves will vouch for me, I've been eating nothing of the sort."

Hermione giggled, despite herself. Harry and Ron looked at each other in confusion.

Either Professor Reilly was the best actor they'd ever seen, or he really wasn't in league with Voldemort.