Draco Malfoy.

He was always there when she was alone. He seemed to have a kind of sixth sense for when she was without the house-elves in the kitchen or his father in the hallways. He never missed an opportunity to bully her and scare her - only at night in bed had he left her alone, contrary to his words. She hoped very much that she owed this to his father's ban and not to a ruse by Draco Malfoy himself. Her situation was awkward enough, she really did not need the additional fear he caused in her.

Trembeling, she glanced again at the kitchen entrance - and was relieved to find that she was alone again. Whatever the scene with Snape was about, she was sure that it was not good that Malfoy watched her. Sooner or later he would present her with the bill for it or otherwise use it against her.

oOoOoOo

"You want what?"

Horror was in the voice of Lucius Malfoy. He could not believe what he just heard. Stunned, he stared at his colleague.

"You, of all people, want to buy the right?

The man nodded without giving any reason. The silence only made Malfoy more incredulous. What motive could this man have for paying so much? Sure, it had been his idea to make a deal out of it, but that of all people this Death Eater would accept the offer, would invest so much?

"I do not owe you an explanation, Lucius," came a cold, cutting remark, "you made us all an offer, I intend to accept it. I have more gold than I can ever spend, and I see no reason why you should react the way you are now."

Lucius Malfoy himself didn't know why he was so upset. All he knew was that this trade did not match the picture he had of this Death Eater until recently. And he knew, no, he rather felt that something in him could not bear the thought of finally giving his goods into the hands of another.

When he had thought up the plan, when he had recognised the value of this accidental discovery, he had not thought for a second that he could have any interest in it himself. He had only thought about the gold and his chances of advancement. But now that a serious business partner had actually stepped onto the scene, he realised how much he disliked his own idea. But he could not back down. Not only would he lose face, but in the worst case he would have to face unpleasant questions from the Dark Lord.

"Very well, then. Give me the gold and we'll have a deal," he replied after a short pause.

He could not afford to arouse suspicion. And it was so easy to arouse suspicion. The Dark Lord wasn't paranoid, he rather had an unerring instinct. He knew who was loyal with all his heart, who was only in it for gain, and who was just too cowardly to turn his back on him. And he could tell instantly when someone was about to betray him.

That Severus Snape was still alive, even though he had once joined Dumbledore, was a great miracle for him - and he knew that Snape had been under constant suspicion for several years. Until the day he killed Dumbledore himself. When he protected Draco and actually got his hands dirty. From that moment on, no one in the hierarchy was above him. But it had taken the death of the Dark Lord's most powerful adversary to dispel those doubts. What was he, Lucius, to do if the Dark Lord ever suspected him of betraying the cause?

"I shall have breakfast with you tomorrow. Alone, just the two of us, no house-elves, no slaves, no family. Then you shall have your gold."

Only with difficulty could Lucius Malfoy free himself from the cold feeling of insecurity he had just created with his own thoughts. This trade would bring a powerful man even closer to him and help him stay on the good side of the Dark Lord. It had been his idea, it was good, it was a unique chance to improve and consolidate his position.

"It's a deal.

oOoOoOo

With slow but wide steps the Death Eater left the Malfoys' estate. He was amazed at how easily he was able to convince Lucius of this deal. Sure, it had been his idea, but from the very moment Greyback laid his fingers on the girl, he suspected that the other man might not be so keen to go through with the deal after all. Inwardly he had already prepared himself to throw his authority into the scales, when Lucius suddenly gave in and agreed without further questioning.

Why didn't Malfoy just stand by his wishes? Whose accusation did he fear, what accusation should come? Why did he buckle so quickly at the slightest sign of authority from a superior Death Eater? Did he have something to hide?

Thoughtfully, the man stepped through the magical barrier surrounding the property and turned around. His gaze wandered over the facades of the building, which was just glowing in the midday sun. The inhabitants of the house were all behaving strangely. Sure, the relationship between Narcissa and Lucius had cooled off a long time ago, but a quarrel that resulted in breakfast not being taken together had not happened for a long time. And the son in particular was behaving strangely. Towards everyone and everything he showed hatred; no one had seen him laugh for weeks, only hatred seemed to keep him alive at all.

What was going on in this house?

With a sigh the Death Eater turned away. He would not understand it by staring. He resolved to visit the Malfoys regularly over the next few days. If he didn't find out everything about the goings-on, his plan might be doomed to fail. There was also the possibility that he had been deceived by Lucius all these years.

Slim as that possibility was, he had to be sure. He had to find out where he stood.