Cornelius Fudge was looking over the list of defense masters and aurors restricted to desk-duty when his secretary knocked.
"Yes?" he said, looking up with a rather distracted expression.
"Lord Malfoy is here, Sir. He mentioned an appointment, but you don't have one on your schedule," the young witch said.
"It's fine, show him in," he said. This was not going to be a pleasant meeting, he was certain.
"Minister," Lucius said smoothly.
"Lucius," Cornelius replied, standing up to shake the offered hand. "I must have forgotten to write our appointment into my schedule," he said.
The blonde man chuckled and waved it off, though Cornelius was fairly certain there had been no planned meeting. He was certain Dolores had made a quick stop by a Floo on her way to the portkey point. "I was surprised to hear of the change in plans," the Death Eater said. "I had thought Dolores was to teach if Dumbledore couldn't find someone?"
"Ahh yes. I had considered it," Cornelius said. "She was certainly keen, but I took a closer look at the teaching guidelines. Dear Dolores didn't even have her NEWT in Defense. I really couldn't put her in charge, even with a curriculum written for her. Her skills will be much more useful in International Cooperation. We're desperately in need of an update on the situation in the Andaman Islands, you know."
"Ah yes. I didn't realize. Of course, if you feel that's a better use of her talents," Lucius said, though it was clearly a challenge for him to keep his distaste out of his expression. This would not be well-received when he returned to the Manor. And if Severus were to be believed, it might not be as well-received at the Castle either. The Old Meddler did seem to have horrible taste in candidates the last few years.
"Yes. Well, I think surely we can give the children someone qualified," Cornelius said. "I am currently working through a list, trying to decide who won't fall under the Headmaster's influence too much, but can still make sure the children learn what they should."
"Of course. If I can be of any assistance," Lucius said, starting to rise. He had hoped to get more out of Cornelius than this, but clearly, someone had shaken him out of his pleasant delusional state. Beneath his gloves, the knuckles gripping the top of his cane were white, but he did his best not to show it. And he'd become a very skilled actor over the years.
"I will be sure to Floo," Cornelius promised. "Do give Lady Malfoy my best. And I hope young Draco has a productive year. He has his OWL's, yes? Most important year for him."
"Yes," Lucius agreed. "Thank you for making time for me, Minister," the blond man replied as he swept out of the room, dreading his return back to the Manor and Voldemort's side.
Harry looked at the letter that had arrived with an imperious owl somewhat skeptically. "Sirius!" he called. "Do you know what Mum's mum was called?" he asked.
The older man frowned and thought for a moment. "Violet, I think," he said. "Why?"
"Did Mum ever get a heritage test done?"
"No idea. I don't recall her doing so," he said. "What's with the questions, Pup?"
"Well, according to the Minister, Grandmum was his Aunt Violet, who was a squib. Which would make Mum his cousin, and thus, me his cousin. He's provided documents from Gringotts about it, and said he'd like to start fresh," the teen said.
Sirius blinked. "Well, it's possible. And if Gringotts agreed, then it's likely true," he said. "Let's take a look, and then maybe we'll get the others and see what they think. It could be helpful if he's willing to listen now."
Harry nodded and pulled the papers together. He'd bring it up after dinner.