AN: I do not own Harry Potter.

Disposing Responsibilities

The Headmaster and Lord Malfoy were up in the Headmaster's office in a somewhat tense conversation.

Lucius Malfoy stated, "I have seen to it myself that the two boys were recovering in St. Mungo's Hospital."

"And they were still on the road to recovery when you left?" asked Dumbledore peering over the rims of his glasses.

Lord Malfoy looked affronted at the implied accusation. That was not to say that something like that hadn't occurred when he was around before, but to insinuate the dastardly deed was to imply that what he reported was inaccurate. That was completely dishonorable. However, he also knew that to imply that was not completely correct, as double crossing was the name of the game for the cold war the country had been experiencing. However, he was being accurate right now! His next words showed it.

"Of course. Why would they not be? They are students of this school."

"I do not mean that students would be unsafe in your presence."

Hmmm. No, he meant that they would be unsafe once he left their presence. Either that, or the statement was in complete sarcasm and the man meant the opposite of what he said. It could also be both.

"I have not suggested that they get less than adequate care."

"I suppose that they are alone as of right now."

"Oh, no, I would not be so negligent. My wife is providing the necessary guardianship."

Potential hostage situation, if you will, especially as they are not on the same side.

"I don't suppose you would tell me what happened."

"As far as I am aware, a school governor does not answer to the Headmaster."

"No, but a headmaster may request information to do his job of protecting the students adequately."

Unfortunately, you have a point.

Lucius Malfoy twitched his lips in thought. What could he say that would not have him arrested in the next minute?

"I don't believe they are in undue danger, though..."

Hmmm. In response to thinking about changing sides, he would tell the Headmaster something. A gift, if you will, maybe he should say something to show that things might be changing, but not give too much hope. In fact, maybe being seen as giving a warning would help in the future? He had escaped a lengthy time in Azkaban before, but he might need to do things to stay out again.

Headmaster Dumbledore looked at him as he stared to his right.

"I suppose," the Malfoy lord started speaking again, "that I have a small warning. Remember the Longbottoms. I suppose we might see each other soon."

There, that was a warning and a taunt in one. It was a warning that after things had gone down, things weren't necessarily safe for the Light side. It was a taunt that the Dark would always be there, even in the midst of celebrating.

"I will see to Mr. Potter."

Warning acknowledged.

"The tournament must end with them returning with the cup," continued the Headmaster.

"I see that as no problem."

That was especially true with the cup being placed in the hospital room. That was also all that he was willing to give the man, in taunt or not. Therefore, he prepared to leave.

The Headmaster nodded.

"I will take my leave."

With that, Lord Lucius Malfoy swept out the door.