Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Normally after a job I thake a few days, or even weeks to rest. It might seem easy to kill someone, but it really is complicated.
It involves days of stalking the victim, crafting the weapons, creating alibi and waiting. Lots and lots of waiting.
When the guy is finally dead, the body releases all the pent up tension from the last few days, and you can feel the weariness in your muscles. Thus when Friday morning, just two days after my last job, I got up early in the morning, Seven looked at me with surprise in her eyes.
"A really important client firecalled last night, while you were bathing" I explained. " I want you to wear something expansive, and your collar."
Some people judge abilities by the wealth you display in public.
"I am coming with you, Master?" she asked bewildered.
"I might not like it, but you are the most expansive thing" I blinked " Sorry, person in my posession, and while Malfoy already knows me, it doesn't hurt to show off sometimes"
Malfoy Manor was huge, with sprawling gardens, filled with ponds and multicoloured peacocks.
Any visible House elf had an uniform that changed depending on their current occupation, be it gardener or minding the multicolor birds.
An old elf with a butler uniform opened the door for us "Can I be of help, Sir?" was the question the elf had repeated hundreds of times alredy.
"Yes, Lord Malfoy sent me an invitation for breakfast, to celebrate his son's return to Hogwarts in a few days" That was the cover story I was instructed to say at least. It is best if there are no holes anywhere, every single neglected detail counts.
"Masters and Mistress are waiting in the Breakfast room, Sir, I will be directing yous" I looked at the House Elf with surprise, then at Seven, who simply shrugged.
That was not the usual procedure.
The room was almost small, with a four chair surrounding an open hearth fireplace, and as Lucius Malfoy stood to greet me, my eyes darted at the two other people present.
Narcissa Malfoy, formely Black, with long golden tresses and dignified expression, mother to Draco Malfoy, who sat next to her, trying to mantain a seriuos expression, but failing to hide the curiosity in his eyes.
"Welcome , and thank you for the timely response to my invitation. Please, sit down, breakfast will be served shortly"
It was't oppurtune to be rude and question Draco and Narcissa's presence in the room, or the change in the usual Modus Operandi, so I simply sat down on the last free chair, Seven taking her place next to me, on her knees, as dictated by etiquette.
Breakfast was a silent affair, punctuated by small talk and inquires about business and gossip. Afterwards, when Narcissa left came the interesting part.
While the House elves took away the remains, Lucius began "I have asked my son to be present as we conduct our business, I tought it was appropriate for him to begin learnig how such things are done, as seen that he's almost sixteen."
One could almost see Draco's chest puff with pride at his fathers words.
"I don't have any obiection, I trust your judgement"
I made a sign with my hand, and Seven rose from her position to give the standard non-discosure agreement made for conversations were the partecipants preffered that the subjects remained secret. I could see the Malfoy heir's eyes follow her movements.
"Who is she?" Came the blurting question from his lips.
His father looked at him with a mildly reprocing expression, but answered none the less.
"She is a slave, vampire trained if I do not err. They are quite rare, expecially of such high quality, as you might have noticed Draco. Realy expensive too, how much did this one cost if I may ask?" The question of course was for me.
"She was a reward for one of my jobs" Was the curt reply."Now, as seen as you want to be present at the talks, you must sign the magical contract she just gave you." Startled by sudden topic shift Draco blinked, momentarely confused, before looking at his father for instructions.
"It is standard procedure for every transaction where a lot of money is involved Draco. It is expected that you sign without protest by the one who proposes it, as it involves the exect same conditions for both sides of the contract."
After the paperwork Lucius initiated explaining his needs " As you might have intuited" He began with slight humor " I have a job for you. High profile, so high that I will pay you three times your usual fee, should you accept"
Onehundred and twentythousand Galleons are a lot of money, was my first tought, it even takes a lot to say. Then my always suspicius mind interjected "I hope it isn't the Boy Who Lived Lucius, beacause I think you know that I can't harm my kin"
"YOU ARE FAMILY WITH THAT POTTER? Father, he can't be trusted, he-"
"Draco! Be silent! I have met few men as dependable as Harry here in front of you."Draco looked like he wanted to protest some more, but desisted.
"Good. No, I do not want you to kill your cousin, as much as myself and some of my associates would appreciate it. This request comes straight from the Dark Lord, whom by the way extends another invitation for you to join him."
This was the second time I was asked to join Voldemort and his cause. "No, I am quite flattered, but the answer remains no"
"Given your talents, we could cover the money you would lose..."
My reason for not joining was a simple one, Greed, pure and simple Greed. Once I was under the Dark Lord's thumb I coudn't very well accept contract to kill his own men, wich appened more often then you would think, and I would lose a lot of money, even tought I was told otherwise.
And I am told that working for the Dark Lord isn't all that rewarding(More kind of umiliating, if I may say so in confidence) .
"The answer stays no, but again thank you"
"A pity. Returning to the target, I want you to kill a difficult target, an auror and cerfied member of the Order of the Phoenix, Bodyguard to the muggle Minister, Kingsley Shakebolt"