A/N: Sorry this took so long. I can now say for sure that this will be around 40 chapters, so we're in the homestretch now! Note: Remus' child is a girl, so I need input on names for Lucius' daughter!
Chapter 34- Time To Make Our Move
Just inside the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic are the Floo Centers. Two long rows flanking either side of the entrance hall strictly for the convienience of those that wished to avoid Apparition or Portkeys. The third grate to the right flared bright green and two figures stepped out. The passing witches and wizards stared askance at the pair, for none had imagined these two appearing anywhere together.
Lucius Malfoy stood on the left in his usual impeccable robes, today coloured a deep slate grey. His shoulder-blade length blonde locks were held back with a thin platinum chain and held in his left hand as usual was the snake-headed cane with emerald eyes. His deep silver eyes were expressionless and his face the usual composed mask.
To his right was Sirius Black, dressed in his Auror uniform of spell-reinforced acromantula silk and dragonhide leather. Like his distant cousin Sirius was expressionless, which surprised all the people that knew the usually hyperactive Auror. The only sign of emotion was in his stormy blue-grey eyes. The pair were impressive, their aristocratic stature and demeanor doubly so.
They had done this on purpose, right down to their arrival at the Atrium from the Black villa. Today they were going to speak with Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minster of Magic. As a former superior of Sirius', they knew appearance and demeanor would be a large help in controlling the situation. Lucius had received word from William Weasley that Rufus had been using the left-over funds from Cornelius' time as Minister. It had taken some time, but they had been able to track the money back to the late James Godric Ignotus Potter through a false name and a Swiss account.
Information in hand, they were about to confront Rufus on his spending. The papers in Lucius' hand were a copy, the original was at home for convenient blackmail. Their goal was simple, to prevent Rufus Scrimgeour from working with Albus Dumbledore and Zachary Potter. Their means, while less than legal, would be well worthwhile if they achieved this goal. If Rufus proved unwilling, they had steps in place to remove him as Minister.
It was about time, in their eyes, for the Ministry to go back to it's neutrality. For far too long the Ministry had been relying on Albus Dumbledore, it was time for this to end. If they could get the Ministry to stop taking Albus at his word and looking at Zachary Potter like some deity then their war was already half over.
~DNSD~
Percival Weasley was sitting at his desk, frowning over his horn-rimmed glasses at a piece of parchment. So far his day had been going well, but now this little note from the Department of Magical Creatures threatened to cause a headache. He 'tsked' impatiently and retrieved a quill, dabbing it sparsely in ink as he debated on how to answer the missive on behalf of the Minister. As Junior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, he took his job quite seriously.
Footsteps alerted him that he wasn't alone and he looked up with a frown. The expression slid off his face and was replaced with surprised shock as he stuttered, "L-Lord Malfoy and Auror Black, a pleasure. What can I relay to the Minister for you?"
Auror Black narrowed his eyes and stared at Percy for a moment. He resisted a shiver, realising in an instant why this man was so respected even after turning down a few promotions in the Auror Department. The gaze was piercing and Percival felt like he was under intense scrutiny. The stare broke after a moment, but he gained the impression that he had been found, for lack of a better term, wanting in some important way.
"You can inform Minister Scrimgeour that we would like a word with him. It will only take a few minutes out of his no doubt busy morning."
Percy hopped to his feet and scuttled off through the massive double doors. It only took a couple of seconds for Scrimgeour to give a positive reply and when he returned it was as if the two Pureblood Lords hadn't budged from their positions. "He has a few minutes open, sirs."
Percy let out a breath as the pair passed him by and could have sworn he saw a faint sneer on Lord Malfoy's face as he walked by.
~DNSD~
Lucius had in fact been resisting an open sneer when he passed the Weasley third-born son. He remembered all too well the young man's infatuation with Cornelius Fudge and his high respect for the late Lord Potter. The silly Weasley had the hunger for power but none of the class necessary to go anywhere with it. He was in Lucius' mind the perfect description of a 'fair-weather friend' or in this case, servant. If he remained in his current position he would bear close surveillance to make sure he would not betray later on.
When they entered the Minister's office, Rufus Scrimgeour was reading a piece of parchment, sharp eyes in his lion-like face showing a vague sign of irritation at the subject. After a few seconds Sirius cleared his throat.
"Ah, good morning gentlemen," Rufus said, looking up at them. He shrewdly noted the pair involved and took in their stances. "What can I do for you this fine day?"
"We wanted to have a word with you on your finances, Minister," Lucius replied, watching Rufus' eyes widen at the subtly stressed word.
"And what would your concerns or opinions be on this matter?"
"We have found information that implies you are using the left-over funds from the Ministerial account set up by Cornelius Fudge, is this correct?" Sirius asked.
"Yes it is. As you two gentlemen both must know, this is perfectly legal under the Ministerial Funds Act of 1885." Rufus replied, leaning back in his chair.
"Of course," Lucius replied with a slight smile. "However, the funds were not legally obtained in the first place. Imagine our dismay when we were able to trace the accounts deposits to a Swiss account that belonged to one Ulrich Van Buren. While this alone wouldn't be too large of a problem, the Goblins investigated further and realised that this account was created by none other than the late Lord James Godric Ignotus Potter."
Rufus' eyes widened slightly and he lifted the sheaf of parchment Lucius set down on his desk, perusing the information there. "Really? I had no idea Cornelius was taking funds."
"We had hoped this was the case, Minister," Sirius replied, resting a hand on the edge of the desk and leaning forward slightly as he spoke again. "Considering the large amount of policies that went through under James Potter's support, I would be worried about the Wizengamot's opinion, wouldn't you?"
"What are you saying?" Rufus asked suspiciously.
"Merely that the Wizengamot may be concerned that a great deal of the more restrictive policies were pushed through by a man not even qualified to nominate them under normal circumstances. The bill in the Department of the Control of Magical Creatures, for example. Or the one on the Department of Magical Education."
Lucius interrupted smoothly. "What my companion is saying is that these policies, really all suggested by James Potter, should be brought in for review or removed soon. Also, since when has it been Ministerial policy to keep a wizard in office for over 60 years on a position as important as the Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump? Consider them closely Minister. Otherwise, who knows what information may show up before the Wizengamot on the next session?"
"Are you two threatening me?" Rufus growled, standing up suddenly.
"Of course not, Minister," Sirius replied calmly. "But really, when you think about it, all of this information is rather damaging, isn't it? And while I can see Albus Dumbledore's values as a leader, it has been quite a long time since the war against Grindelwald, hasn't it? In terms of the public views of the Ministry, it may be best to begin severing the ties of dependence to one figure. Albus is getting on in age, after all. His decisions the past few years have been questionable, to say the least."
"All we would like, Minister," Lucius finished, "is for you to consider the information we have brought and the ramifications it could bring your fledgling term in office should it be brought into circulation. Make the decisions that are wisest for the magical community at large and we shall have nothing bad to say about your time in the most coveted of offices."
The pair turned as one and left the office, giving Percival Weasley a curt nod as they passed. Sirius bid goodbye to Lucius and headed for his office in the Auror Department. Lucius headed for a Floo, intending to make a quick stop in Diagon Alley before returning to the villa. So, he thought in satisfaction, the chess pieces begin to move.
A/N: So, what did you think? I liked it, there wasn't a great deal of dialogue but I can picture that scene in Rufus' office pretty well. BTW, someone told me about the continuity error having Fudge as Minister in the last chapter. I will fix that and thank you very much! Review!