AN: Ok, I'm back to writing. Don't know for how long. This chapter is very short and was written some time ago, but I hope, that putting it on FFnet will spur my will to write more. Thanks to all who still read this story.

The lawyer left an hour ago, but Draco was still sitting in his father's - now his - office and pondering the pros and cons of releasing Lucius Malfoy from Azkaban. Fortunately, it could be done nicely and legally, though, of course, costly. He only had to give his approval and his father will walk out of that degrading prison due to the lack of evidence. Harry Potter was gone, Albus Dumbledore was still considered delusional because of the heartbreak after the death of his protégée. The DoM six (minus the sixth part), as they were used to be called by the media, were the main problem and the hole where the money would be drained into. It would take lots of bribes to arrange the situations so that they wouldn't be present in court. Legal and illegal situations both. After all what a better way to stop a person coming than a seemingly innocently botched-up curse from the unsuspected third party, say a well-meaning fourth year Hufflepuff. Just an unfortunate accident, that took a lot of money and resources to be arranged.

But did he want to bring his father back? He was quite enjoying the position of Lord Malfoy and other titles and after the father's return he would have to relinquish them.

Draco rubbed his temples. He knew he was being a jerk for thinking so. Of course, he would help father. While there was no great love lost between them, there were still familial bonds and a certain amount of fondness and respect. And it was painful to look at his mother who was the shadow of herself from the constant alcohol consumption and the tiresome visits to Azkaban. Her loyalty to the husband was admirable. While he was still a cynical person, Draco couldn't help but wish for the same amount of unwavering loyalty and love from his chosen mate.

He will send an affirmative reply to the lawyer in a few days. It would take some time to arrange a fail-safe plan for his continued monetary independence. While he was still a Lord he could very well transfer the greater percentage of the funds to his personal vault. That didn't constitute as betrayal in his opinion, as the wealth still remained within the family. Just a precaution. He wouldn't want to be forced to become a Death Eater and he didn't know how stable the patriarch would be after the ten months of Dementors' influence.

Ryan lazily stretched on the covers of his bed and slowly opened his eyes. The Dream Excursion proved to be interesting but he still hadn't discovered what young Malfoy thought about him. The mage wondered if he should warn his ex-friends about the upcoming trial. Nah, he didn't think so. He didn't care much about Lucius Malfoy being free and about, and apparently his family needed him. The best part was that Draco would remain in control of the most of Malfoy family dealings, so Lucius shouldn't become a threat or an annoyance.

Draco Malfoy, though… From this brief inspection, Flhoyer concluded that he seemed like a good enough bloke. Very Slytherin and devious, but with a number of morals left. Decent enough. Maybe, he should consider to rally him in his future plans. But at the moment it wasn't his most pressing concern.

A melodic chime from downstairs signaled to the arrival of mail. Unhurriedly, Ryan came down to the hall and picked up a letter from the floor near the door. It was addressed to him and wasn't one of the official ones.

He ripped the envelope and unfolded the parchment that lay within it.

My Lord Flhoyer,

As you might or might not remember my name is Lord Draco Lucius Malfoy and we happened to have crossed path a while ago in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I sincerely hope that your endeavor to enroll in our institution is progressing nicely.

I admit to being to being curious about the appearance of a new, unheard of before Lord in the wizarding Britain. It is my intention, if it is possible, to get better acquainted with your person. I am also happy to offer any help with acquainting with our society, should you need it.

If you are amenable to my proposition , I would like to invite you to dinner during the next week. If you are agreeable, please, state the date and time when you are free and I'll gladly pick you up.

Best regards,

Draco Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the Malfoy Manor.

Flhoyer was pretty much flabbergasted at the content of the letter, and not a little amused. He had a flashback to his first ride on Horwarts Express. Malfoy's offer was pretty much the same as it had been then. "Hi, I want to be your friend, I'll show you around." Well, this second offer was much better presented and more polite. But Flhoyer suspected, his ex-rival must also have some ulterior motive to extend a hand of friendship, as he had had in their first year. But, perhaps, it really was just a curiosity about an unknown factor.

Ryan sighed. Unfortunately, Dream spying wasn't always fruitful and so far he didn't get a clue about the origins of Malfoy's sudden interest in him.

The young mage grabbed a quill from the hall table stationary and a fresh list of parchment and quickly penned an affirmative reply. He was curious as well.