Lily made a point of meeting with every one of her deputies.
Every one of them.
Even Draco Malfoy.
"Hello, Professor." Even his drawl was grating. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Mister Malfoy. I have some questions to ask you." She peered into his eyes, which he quickly averted. He nodded, not meeting her gaze.
"What is it you want to do with your life, Draco?"
He turned back to her, quickly enough to reveal a smoldering anger beneath his cool facade. Almost immediately he averted his eyes again.
"A fine question for a witch like you," he spat. "I have a legacy to carry on."
"I do not mean insult to your heritage, or to your ability to lead the noble and most ancient house of Malfoy. Perhaps you forget, I am heir to a noble and most ancient house as well."
So is Madame Zabini, Draco thought but did not say.
"My question is what that leadership will consist of, and what it means to you. How will you steer your great ship, young scion?"
Her decorum was quite proper, for a filthy mudblood.
"I shall continue in the tradition of my father, to maintain the power and purity of magical Britain." Draco recited. "To return the wizarding world to its glory under the founders and in the time of Merlin."
Lily nodded. Predictable enough.
"And do you believe that Britain's current path, our impending rule by lord Voldemort, do you believe that this is the path to greatness?"
Draco flinched at the name, and that she would dare speak it. He stood from his sea and turned away from her. "I would think twice before offering my father insult. It is not my place nor yours to question him."
Lily frowned. "But it will be yours, some day when you are ready. A pity that day has not yet come."
Draco left, not waiting to be dismissed.
Lily ran her hands through her hair and breathed deeply. This was going to be like beating her head against a wall.
Her meeting with Fred and George was much nicer.