Strange Potter

Narcissa was very uncomfortable. This place was wrong. The magic here was overwhelming but not in a good way. It wasn't like the dark lord or even around Hogwarts. No, this place had a different danger to it. One that spelled the end for her if she was too careless.

When the door opened and Sirius stormed in she knew something was wrong. What did Lucius say?

"Narcissa." Sirius was gripping the chair from behind in a vice grip. "After what Lucius said during the interrogation you are lucky I don't toss the deal we had out the window and get box seats to his Kiss!"

"What did he say?" She asked with her face going even paler.

"Six auror deaths! Two innocent non-magical tortured for enjoyment! No care or concern for any of the children who he could have killed! All three Unforgivables! How much did you know?! How bloody much?!" He slammed his hands on the desk.

Narcissa did know some of that. She knew Lucius had killed in the war but never who or how. The torture was new but she wasn't surprised. The Dark Lord oftentimes had his followers do such acts, but she did not know Lucius did it for fun. 

"I knew nothing of any torture." She confessed.

"And the rest?"

"Lucius never told me much about what he did under the dark lord's influence."

"Spare me. We both know he was never under the Imperius."

"Sirius, I was left out of much of his actions there."

"And you never asked." He scuffed.

"Why would I? Lucius was not going to admit to anything and my main concern was raising Draco."

"Ignorance is bliss hmm?" He snarled.

"I love my family! After the war, all I was concerned with was having them! How many died? I was just grateful to have mine."

"After men like your husband nearly destroyed all others. Why would you care though right? You know I considered you a better person than Bellatrix but I was wrong."

"I am not my sister! I did not know!"

"Did you know he killed people for fun? Yes or no?"

She looked down. "I didn't know the details or even if he was coerced. You know failure was not something that the dark lord would tolerate."

"Voldemort." Sirius was a little petty to see her flinch at the name. He sat and pulled out a small vial. "I can't take you at your word. Not after hearing that. Take it." He slid it across the table. 

"Veritaserum."

"If you prefer Stephen has a chair that can do the same. Lucius is very familiar with it."

She sighed but agreed to the dose. He dropped three into he mouth and she was ready.

"Did you know of anything I told you?"

"Yes."

"Which one?"

"I knew Lucius was capable of casting the Unforgiveables but not that he had."

"What of the people he killed?"

"I suspected but never knew."

"You never asked?"

"No. I didn't want to know."

"Of course, you didn't." He muttered. "The bribes?"

"I did know of those. It wasn't hidden in the house how he bought his way out of trouble. He did the same to regain some of his reputation."

Sirius knew that wasn't anything that added to the case, besides bribes she didn't do herself was not going to reflect on her directly.

"Did you ever do anything for Voldemort? We're you an unmarked Death Eater?"

"No. I never joined nor aided him knowingly."

Sirius let the potion wear off. She didn't commit any crimes but did suspect Lucius. Still, as Malfoy said he did do everything to keep his wife and son from being involved. So the tosser loves his family. He's still a piece of shite.

"Are you satisfied?" She asked when the serum wore off.

"Ignorance isn't innocence." He crossed his arms. "You know there is no way Lucius gets out of this right? Money can't save him this time."

"I am aware." She always wondered if Lucius would ever overplay his hand. He was clever but his arrogance could outweigh his cleverness.

"Good." Sirius stood and looked behind her. "Doctor."

Narcissa turned to see the Sorcerer Supreme floating behind them. He descended and moved to the seat that Sirius had left.

"Mrs. Malfoy." He greeted. "Sirius, could you give us a moment?"

He nodded and looked at her before leaving the two alone.

She didn't know how to start. She was sitting across from the man who held ultimate power and was not like Dumbledore. He had no issues using it however he had to. She had watched his acts affect the world and everyone who tried to challenge him lose. The fact he was barely a third of Dumbledore's age was terrifying. 

"Tea?" Strange flicked his finger and a tea cup appeared at the table. 

"No. Thank you." She finally found her voice.

He picked up one for himself and took a sip.

"You want to see your husband."

"So I have been told." He leaned back.

"I have the right."

"What of the rights of the parents who nearly had to bury their children? Why should I care about what you want?" Stephen tapped the desk.

"So you will just toss all rights you don't agree with, out? Ignore what you don't like?"

"Relax Mrs. Malfoy." Strange stood. "I am not this tyrannical madman like Voldemort. Besides you have kept your word and aided Director Bones in the search of your house so I see no reason to deny you from talking to Lucius."

She let out a small sigh. "Thank you."

"I will bring you to see Lucius, however, should something happen and he somehow was able to escape. Well, then I'm afraid matters will get very ugly for both of you, but I find the odds of that happening to be very low."

She watched as his hands did some odd movement and the room became distorted. It was like a dozen mirrors were all around them.

"Welcome to the Mirror Dimension. A place in which there is only one exit." He pulled the whole world towards them with ease.

She reeled in terror. This man was able to transfigure the world itself with a flick of his fingers?! Even the dark lord wasn't as powerful.

When the floor they were on flew off with them she was terrified she would fall into the endless abyss but they remained still. The short trip stopped at a small house at the top of a large mountain. Stephen opened the door and she saw Lucius sitting in a cell-like room.

"I will let you speak in private. Perhaps you can persuade him to make matters easy for you both." Strange stepped out the door and left them.

She carefully stepped forward and the cell opened.

"Lucius." She knelt and raised his head.

"Narcissa." He sat up. 

"Are they treating you well?" 

"More or less. How did you convince Strange to let you in?"

"Sirius got me an audience with him."

"Of course, Black." He scuffed. "What is Fudge doing to free me?"

"What can he do?! Look at where you are! This magic is like nothing we have ever encountered. Fudge and Umbridge have had no choice but to call for your trial. It's tomorrow."

He grew frustrated. "Then I have to work fast once I'm free from this...twisted prison." He had to get his solicitor to work the proper threats and bribes, but he did not know if that would even work now.

"Why did you do this?" She said in a voice that was strained and angry.

"I had to act. This world is crumbling and it needed to be salvaged. I hoped that the fallout would be enough to undo that blasted law Weasley helped pass."

"You risked everything we have! For a petty law?! Who cares about muggles and their children?! You endangered us all!"

"You've seen the damage Dumbledore and Strange have done. I had to do something that hurt them."

"You risked our son!"

"The dark lord told me no purebloods would be at risk."

"And if Draco went down the wrong corridor at the wrong time?!"

"The dark lord..."

"I don't care about what he said! A basilisk roamed the same halls as our son! What if it went into the Great Hall?"

"I made a mistake!" He shouted. "I thought I could use the situation to my advantage. First Greyback and now this." He made a mess of everything with his plan. 

"A mistake I have to fix." She said weakly.

"What do you mean? What have you done?"

"I have made a deal." She said solemnly.

"Deal?"

"I had no choice. I have to give them everything." She swallowed. "Even you."

"What?!"

"Director Bones has taken everything you had hidden. All the dark and illegal artifacts are in custody. I have also agreed to testify that knew nothing of your plans and will denounce you before the ministry." She said the last part with much pain in her voice. She truly loves her husband but she had to protect Draco.

Lucius's first reaction was to feel betrayed but he was smart enough to understand the situation. She was saving their fortune and trying to salvage some reputation. 

"I am sorry." He confessed. "Risking you or Draco was not what I wanted."

"But you did." 

"Do what you have to do." He sighed. "Protect Draco and yourself."

"That's all I can do." She sighed. "I believe that I was able to secure your trial won't result in execution."

"Azkaban then."

"I don't have high hopes for anything less." She admitted.

He nodded weakly. Fudge was a coward and unable to form any good thoughts on his own. He doubted the man would be able to undo Strange's decision. Even if he somehow was found innocent by the Wizengamot, he had no doubt Strange would keep him here forever. 

Sirius was thinking about the idea of bringing the press as a double edge sword.

One Fudge wouldn't be able to hide the outcome with the Wizarding Wireless Network doing a live broadcast.

On the other, he had to go through a wave of reporters with the other members that wouldn't stop asking questions.

"Mr. Black!" Rita pushed through. "Is it true that Dr. Strange kidnapped Lucius Malfoy?!"

"No," Sirius said simply and went into the chambers.

He sat at his seat and looked at some of the members he had as allies. Then to some of the dark factions. He smirked at one in particular. Thanks to his grandfather's debt to house Black he would be voting whichever way Sirius did. 

That made Sirius feel dirty as he was acting just as a Black would but sometimes you do what you have to. 

The assembly gathered in the chamber. Fudge did not look happy and Umbridge looked even worse. Not that it was hard for that woman to look upset.

When the portal opened the assembly stood and waited. 

Stephen stepped in. "Minister. I trust everyone is ready?"

Fudge nodded reluctantly. He tried and tried to get this tossed out but Amelia's raid of Malfoy Manor had cornered him. No matter what he did he couldn't dismiss this trial with Strange holding Lucius. Now he could only hope Lucius could prove his innocence.

When the portal opened Lucius was dragged in by three sorcerers. 

The blonde didn't look worse for wear. Certainly better than he would have looked waiting in Azkaban.

Suddenly another portal opened. Only this one is red and foreboding. Wanda came in and starred at Malfoy. "I hope I'm not too late?"

"Right on time Wanda," Stephen said. 

"I'll take my seat." She went to the gallery next to Remus. She could have just come in and sat with him but she wanted Lucius to know she was right behind him. Ready to strike.

Lucius was shoved into the chair that wrapped the chains around him. He put up no fight. He could feel the heat from Wanda's eyes drilling into his head. He was almost too afraid to move.

"Hem. Hem." A throat cleared. "Lucius has been in your custody and under who knows what spells. A proper evaluation is only correct before we continue with this farce."

"He has been evaluated." Director Bones stood. "Lucius was fully examined before being brought here." She held up a list. "A testimony from three different healers to determine his health. He is in perfect shape along with a sworn statement from Unspeakable Croaker that his mind is unaffected by any lasting magic that Miss. Maximoff performed."

"Hem Hem," Umbridge said. "We have no idea what that magic has truly done to him. It is very likely when those false images were displayed this witch could have placed them herself. This entire trial should be dismissed and a proper trial begin for her dark attack on an upstanding member of our country."

Wanda smirked at the toad. She was wondering if turning her into a real one and tossing her into the Forbidden Forest would classify as murder or animal abuse.

Fudge was letting Umbridge do all the arguing. He was avoiding being in Dr. Strange's path should things go wrong. He knew Strange was not a fan of his Undersecretary and decided to let the two argue without being in the middle.

"This magic does raise some concerns." Another member asked. "We know nothing about it or its effects." He saw a glare from Wanda. "I am not accusing anyone of anything. This magic just raises a lot of questions."

"Exactly. We need to be sure that there are no hidden dark objectives that may have been planted. It would be very difficult to find." Umbridge smiled.

"Actually it's the exact opposite," Croaker said from the back as he walked forward. "The magic used is very obvious when it is performed on one of us. It leaves a large and unstable trace in the person."

"Unstable?" Fudge asked.

"Not life threatening but it is visible when you examine someone. I testify that all of the magic cast is no longer found in Lucius Malfoy. He is under no spells or curses. The only effect I was able to see was his Occlumency ability has been destroyed, but with time he could rebuild the ability."

Umbridge looked ready to snap but Strange got in front of her.

"Are we ready or do you wish to keep wasting time?"

Augusta slammed her gavel on the stand. "We are." She glared at Umbridge. "Today we are here for the trial of Lucius Abraxas Malfoy for unimaginable crimes against the Wizarding World,"

"Alexander Eggington. As a witness for the accused." Lucius's solicitor said as he sat next to his client. "Are these chains necessary? Mr. Malfoy is an upstanding citizen of our community and should be treated with more respect."

"Your friend is a danger to everyone and is being tried as a criminal. No special treatment will be given." Strange said. "He was ready to murder hundreds of children in Hogwarts and it has been discovered that he was a willing member of Voldemorts terrorist organization."

"Hem. Hem". Umbridge cleared her throat.

"Madam Umbridge." Augusta raised her voice. "Stop with that. If you wish to say something then simply do it!"

Umbridge glared back but spoke. "It is a well know fact that Lucius Malfoy was under the Imperius Curse."

"The same way that I was just a myth?" Strange raised an eyebrow. "During my questioning, the truth was revealed. Lucius was a marked Death Eater but removed his arm using Derwent Yaxley's wand to hide the mark."

"Dr. Strange, what evidence do you have of these accusations?" Augusta.

"I have a witness that says he found Lucius without his arm and vanished it for him. He also says he witnessed him remove the cursed book from his hidden compartment that controlled the student and released the basilisk from the chamber."

"Who is this witness?"

"Lucius Malfoy's former house elf. Dobby."

"An elf?! You can't take his word to mean anything!"

"Why?"

"It's an elf!"

"And?"

"No house elf can be used as a reliable witness. They are all known to be barny and unreliable." Eggington argued.

"So far all I've heard is that you don't want to listen because he is an elf."

"You take the word of an elf over Lucius Malfoy?" the man scuffed.

"Yes," Strange said as if it was given. 

That made everyone go silent. 

"Surely you have more than the words of an elf?" Umbridge said. "Those images from you witch are not permitted to be used."

"We have evidence of Lucius Malfoy having many dark artifacts in his residence. Not as bad as the book found at Hogwarts but it does give credence to him owning dangerous items." Director Bones spoke. "After his arrest, I did a thorough inspection of Malfoy Manor. There were several dark and illegal artifacts found. Mrs. Malfoy was very helpful in revealing them." She finished. 

"I would also like to point out that Narcissa has gone on the record of saying she knew nothing about Lucius's activities," Sirius said. "It appears Lucius went to great lengths to hide his family from his darker acts."

"Having dark artifacts and attempted murder are very different. It wouldn't be surprising if every magical house in the country had one thing that would be technically classified as dark. Even if it was a ghoul in the attic." Eggington argued.

Some could see where he was going with this.

"Since you don't want to hear from Dobby then let's hear it from the horse's mouth as they say," Strange said. This back-and-forth was becoming annoying. "I have a special chair that is immune to any counter. It forces the person to tell the truth. You are familiar with it Minister."

"I only know it seemed to work. I don't believe we can risk an individual's freedom on something we know nothing about." Fudge argued. The chair he used was frightening. He couldn't even think of lying in it.

Sirius spoke. "I say we use Veritaserum and be done with it then."

"Veritaserum is a controlled substance and there are many ways it could be countered," Fudge argued.

"It was widely used in the Purge of the Ministry. I believe that it is one of the reasons that you don't have Death Eaters working as heads anymore."

"For all we know you have already used a potion on Lucius. One that could force him to admit what he believes to be true even if it isn't."  Umbridge said.

"Potions are not my forte," Strange said. "They are his though." He points to the door.

In walked Nicholas Flamel. He casually came down with a vial in his hand. "Here you are, Stephen. Freshly brewed."

"Thank you, Nicholas." Strange held the vial to Amelia. 

"I trust the flushing potions were acceptable?" The elder wizards asked her.

"They were." Amelia took the vial. "Mr. Flamel was kind enough to supply potions to flush Lucius's system of any other right before the trial. Combined with the testimony from Croaker there is no doubt that using Veritaserum now is acceptable."

"Agreed," Augusta said. "As Chief Witch of the Wizengamot, I authorized the use of Veritaserum on Lucius Malfoy."

Fudge wanted to shout but he would be a fool to question Flamel's ability to brew. He wouldn't be able to say it was a bad batch without looking daft.

Lucius had the drops placed in his mouth and the stone face washed over him. He couldn't even attempt to fight the potion.

Amelia began. "Are you Lucius Malfoy?"

"Yes."

"You were a Ravenclaw in Hogwarts correct?"

"No. I am a Slytherin."

"The serum has taken effect." She said.

"Very good," Augusta said. "Director Bones proceed. Scribe be sure to miss nothing he says."

Amelia already heard him once but she wanted this to be heard by all. "Lucius Malfoy did you plant the cursed book in a student's cauldron?"

"Yes."

The room began to break out in a whisper.

"For what purpose?"

"To purge the school of the mudbloods and to cause pain to Weasley for that law he passed."

Gone were the whispers and now people were shouting at him. Arthur was sitting near Remus and Wanda. The kind man was seething at Lucius. 

Wanda heard his thoughts. She agreed that he would be justified in taking the law into his own wand.

"Silence!" Augusta said loudly.

When the room died down Amelia continued. "You wanted to kill children?"

"Only mudbloods and hopefully a few Weasleys."

"Why?"

"With Arthur's child behind the deaths I planned to use his fall from grace to push for the Non-Magical Protection Act to be appealed. With it, I would be able to push Fudge to begin to take funding away from the DMLE."

"What was your intent?"

"The ministry is too corrupted by Dr. Strange and his ways. We need to undo all the damage he has done."

"Where did you get the book?"

"The dark lord gave it to me."

More people began talking. Fudge looked horrified and Umbridge was as foul looking as usual.

"Are you a Death Eater?"

"Yes."

Again the room erupted.

All sound suddenly died as everyone was glowing with red magic.

Amelia saw Wanda standing in the gallery she had her hands out silencing the ones that keep talking.

She nodded a thank and asked. "Have you always been a Death Eater?"

"Yes."

"Were you ever under the Imperius Curse?"

"No."

"How did you lose your arm?"

"Derwent Yaxley came to my home telling me of the acts Dr. Strange was doing in the Ministry. He knew it was a matter of time before he was questioned. He demanded I help him when I refused he threatened to reveal my involvement. I cast a curse that destroyed his head then used his wand to remove my arm with the mark."

"Coward." Sirius scuffed as he crossed his arms.

"Was the Minister aware of the past as a Death Eater?"

"Of course not. He never would have listened to me if he did. The man is an incompetent fool but he would never knowingly support someone tied to the dark lord."

Fudge went purple at those words. Someone he called a friend was just using him! 

"Director Bones." Sirius stood. "Can you ask if his wife and son were aware?"

"Was your family aware of you plans?"

"No. I made sure to keep them in the dark."

"Did you kill Greyback?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"To keep my involvement in his attack quiet."

"What do you mean?"

"I told Fudge to have the big showing for the cure, to allow Greyback the chance to go for Stark and the doctor."

"Why help him?"

"I had hoped he would be able to take out Black in the carnage and hopefully Greyback would perish in the attack."

"And the people who died?"

"Collateral damage." 

Again everyone seemed to try to shout but Wanda held them silent.

"I believe that we have the truth now." Stephen looked at Fudge. "As you have heard. Lucius admits to all the crimes he has been accused of." Strange said. "But if there is still any doubt." He walked over to Lucius and the green stone he carried began to glow.

"Ah!" Lucius let out then was stunned to see his arm beginning to reform.

Everyone was stunned to see the entire arm was suddenly back as if it was never gone.

Stephen grabbed Lucius's regrown arm and showed the dark mark. "Any further questions?" As he undid the time spell and Malfoy's arm vanished again.

Many of the members began to chant as Wanda let them speak again. "Kiss. Kiss!"

Sirius hated that he was about to argue the opposite. "Members." He stood. "Believe me I would be happy to see Malfoy tossed to those foul creatures but that would be too quick. Rotting in Azkaban with Bellatrix and that rat Pettigrew, forced to eat with the same hand he has to wipe with? That is a slower and more fitting punishment for Voldemort's top backer."

Some nodded others seemed to think on his recommendation.

"Let us vote," Augusta said. "All in favor of convincing on all charges?"

The majority of wands lite. Some of the darker factions didn't but it was only a few. 

"All in favor of life in Azkaban?"

Again most of the wands lite up.

"Lucius Malfoy for your crimes you are sentenced to life in prison in Azkaban." 

Lucius was pulled to his feet and he caught a glimpse of Wanda looking at him. Then it was like she was right next to him.

Enjoy your new home, because I'll be waiting should you ever leave it.

Sweat ran down his face as he was pulled out of the Chamber.

"Give Pettigrew my best," Sirius shouted as Malfoy was hauled off.

"Upstanding citizen?" Strange looked to Umbridge. "You may want to reevaluate your standards."

"And you owe my godson an apology. As you heard, he wasn't lying." Sirius smirked at the irate woman. "Another thing. Mrs. Malfoy has denounced her husband for his acts. I want it on record that she was not aware and condemns his disregard for children's lives."

Augusta saw Mrs. Malfoy coming forward. "Is this true?"

Narcissa stood in the middle of the chamber. "I knew nothing of Lucius's plan. I loved my husband but this is unforgivable." She had to keep a steady voice. "I denounce him as any husband of mine and will do whatever I have to do to prove my family's innocence. As an act of goodwill, I will be paying compensation to all the victims of his deeds."

She left the chamber and was meet with all the reporters. Before she could move past them she found Andromeda grabbed her elbow and pull her off away from them.

"I thought you would prefer some company after that." She said as they stopped to the side.

"I...Thank you." Narcissa was very grateful to see her. How much she had missed her.

The fallout from the Malfoys trial was felt all over. 

Lucius had used his money and influences accumulated over the years to paint himself as a pillar of the community and in one act that was undone. 

The fact Voldemort's right-hand man was behind business dealing had any person who associated with him coming forward and denouncing him. Former allies were cutting all ties to the Malfoy name.

Narcissa gave a statement in the Prophet had managed to save some face for her, but she was now on the outs of most circles. People she called friends were giving her a wide birth. Some still kept with her though. Surprisingly it was her sister whom she found the most comfort. 

She kept her word and gave large settlements to all the victims. That combined with Sirius giving his comments about her innocence let her walk down the street without being treated like she was a werewolf but gone was her former stance as a pinnacle of the wizarding world. 

At Hogwarts, another Malfoy was also feeling the impact.

Draco was furious. He was certain his father would be able to buy his freedom again but Strange had ruined everything! Worse his own mother had betrayed his father!

This is all Potter's fault! I will make him pay. Him and his mudblood!

But the youngest Malfoy knew he would not be able to get to Potter at the moment. No, he had to bide his time and wait for the right opportunity. But he swore Potter and Strange would pay for hurting his family.

McGonagall sat and waited. She had been talking to all the second year for their next year's classes and one particular student was next. For the past three years, all the heads had been implemented to help guide the young years into classes that would make their career evaluation in the fifth year easier.

It was Sirius idea but she suspected Dr. Strange was the one who put the tick in his ear. It added more work but it also saved them some issues further down the road. 

A knock and she told him to enter.

"Professor." Harry greeted his head of house.

"Mr. Potter."

Harry sat and that was when he saw something on the wall behind her. "Hey, how'd you get that?"

Frowning she turned to see the Sword of Gryffindor mounted to the wall. "What in the name of Merlin?"

"Oh, I guess you didn't put it there?"

"No. I did not." She had argued it would be good on her wall but Albus made a good point about his office being a more secure location.

She stood and reached for the handle. The sword wouldn't move.

"I believe that Hogwarts has decided that it belongs here." The portrait next to the blade said. 

McGonagall did not know how to answer that. If the school had placed it there then there was little that could be done. "I will inform the Headmaster after. I imagine he will be curious where it has gone." she sat back at her desk.

"It does make more sense for it to be here." Harry shrugged. "You are the head of the lions."

She couldn't disagree on that. "I'm sure you are curious why I asked you here."

"Class choices for next year," Harry said. "Sirius told me."

"It seems Mr. Black has robbed me of all my surprises." 

"Or he just wants to see if you come up with newer ones to get Regulus with." Harry smiled.

"Why do I feel like when the two of you at here I will be completely white haired before the end of your time here?" She asked with a sigh.

"No idea." He chuckled.

She rolled her eyes and began. "Have you given any thoughts on your electives?

"Ancient Ruins sounded interesting and Arithmancy. I also like Magical Creatures." He answered.

She noted those down. "Given your grades, I'm not surprised you would take some of those."

"I like Professor Royer but I don't think I will be taking Non-Magical. I was raised and went to those schools so I know most of what he teaches."

"Many such as yourself do that as well."

"I won't be taking Diviations either," Harry said. "Even if I believed in that hogwash, the professor leaves a lot to be desired."

"Mr. Potter. Be wary of how you address the staff."

"It's nicer than what I was thinking." He said honestly. "I hear she says people will die every class. I could do that too and eventually, I would get one or two right."

She couldn't fault his argument. "We'll leave that here before you are given a detention." Her stern eyes did have a small glint of humor to them. "Do you plan to take the non-magical classes?"

"Yes, professor. I'm going to need them for after I graduated."

"Are you planning to continue your education after school?"

"After Hogwarts, I planned to go to a University and pursue a medical degree."

"Medical? Isn't that a bit of a waste? No offense to the non-magical world but our methods are ahead of theirs in many ways."

"True but I don't want to limit myself. When we use potions and spells it's just explained as magic. I want to know the small details and the workings of the human anatomy. I like knowing. I was also thinking of doing some engineering too. I like building things."

"And after?"

"I'm not sure. Tony jokes but he has said Stark Industries would be happy to have me. That and I am technically working with Doc on a lot. Maybe I can be an ambassador between the two?" He chuckled.

"Has Dr. Strange suggested such?"

"Not in so many words."

"You do have the unique perspective being so close to him and his order."

"That's one way of putting it."

"Well, I think you have a good understanding of what your goals are. I admire that." She wished other students had the same mindset. She had a very different talk with the young Ron Weasley. 

With his classes decided Harry left. Not seeing the sword's handle raise in his direction slightly.

Lucius grunted as he landed on the floor. Even now he could feel the effect of the Dementors that surrounded his cell.

"Enjoy your new home." The guard sneered.

"Money's no good here." The other laughed.

Malfoy was already memorizing their faces for the future.

The small cell was every bit as awful as he imagined them to be. Sighing he sat on the 'bed' and rubbed his temple. Where had everything gone wrong? 

Of course, he knew. It was his own doing. In a hope of ruining Dumbledore and Strange, he overplayed and lost everything. Now all he had was time to think.

I'll be waiting...

Lucius shot up and looked around. That witch's voice was still in his head. Fear filled his body and it had nothing to do with the Dementors.

"Well, well, well." A high-pitched voice sang from across the hall. "A new toy to play with."

Another witch he wanted to avoid. Cursing he went to the bars of his cell. "Hello, Bellatrix."

The twisted woman smiled at him. Her blacked teeth and disturbing grin was the thing of nightmares. "Fancy seeing you here. Finally, find out where your loyalties once lie. Before you betrayed him!"

"I did nothing of the sort! I saved myself and my influence to prepare for his return! What have you done rotting in this hell?!"

She only laughed. "Wondrous work! How's your new cell feel? Comfy?!"

"Enough!" He snapped.

"He will come..." She ran her tongue along the bars. "Then you will know his displeasure."

Screams suddenly erupted from the cell down from them.

"Shut it!" Bellatrix shouted back. "Rat never learns." She smirked back at Lucius. "Crying can't help anyone."

The blonde shook his head and moved away from the door. He didn't know how he could turn this in his favor. The Dark Lord would punish him for all of this. 

I'll be waiting...

Again he flinched at the voice. 

Her or the Dark Lord. He did not know who to fear more.

Lucius began to realize that he had landed in a no-win situation. Pain was in his future.