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Lucius Malfoy sat back in his cell and listened as the inspection drew near. He heard the other prisoners begging and pleading, or screaming and ranting, but that wasn't for him. The last time he'd been in Azkaban, he used this opportunity to make his case before the Minister and regain his freedom. But Lucius had seen Fudge's face when he was arrested. There'd be no clemency from that corner this time.
From the shadows, Lucius observed the procession. Fudge was in the lead, of course, nattering away with the chief gaoler. They were followed by several minor secretaries taking notes, studiously ignoring the prisoners. Lucius's eyes widened as he spotted young Percy Weasley trailing in the rear, surreptitiously glancing from side to side, checking every cell.
If thoughts could kill, Percy Weasley would've died a million deaths. That lying whelp put Lucius in Azkaban, and Lucius intended to make him pay.
Percy had nearly passed Lucius' cell when he tripped over his own two feet and stumbled, sprawling gracelessly on the ground. Those before him must've slowed, because Percy waved them off. "My lace broke. You go on without me. I'll catch up in a minute."
Amused that anyone would fall for such a transparent ruse, Lucius uncoiled from the bench and silently stalked towards the bars. Percy waited for Fudge to round the corner then walked over, careful to stand just out of arms' reach.
"Well," purred Lucius. "You wish to speak with me?"
Percy fidgeted with his glasses; didn't the boy understand urgency? Finally he stammered, "it's about your son."
"Draco!?" Lucius lunged, only the bars holding him back. "Where is he? What have you done with him?"
Involuntarily, Percy stepped back. "He's fine. I wanted you to know we're dating."
"What?" Beffudlement replaced rage. Of all the possible responses, nothing could be further from Lucius' mind.
"Here." Percy dropped a crumpled scrap of newsprint, and pushed it towards Lucius with his foot. The society column: In breathless tones, it reported Draco and Weasley attended the theatre together. A million questions crowded his head, but he could unravel their motives later.
"So you've come to gloat?" Lucius asked quietly.
"No! It's just- We've been dating for longer than the gossips realize."
"Oh?"
"You probably weren't aware, but Draco's been sneaking away all summer to see me. July fifth and twelfth, most Tuesday evenings..."
Lucius recognized the significance immediately. "...And the eighteenth, perhaps?"
Percy nodded with relief. "Yes. Precisely."
So, Draco concocted an alibi. Clever boy. But, "why are you telling me this?"
"Well, Draco's been very careful. If you didn't know he slipped away, you might assume he was with you all the time, and..."
Lucius frowned. "They're expanding the investigation, then?"
"Sir, I must protest! As a Ministry employee, you know I could never reveal..."
Lucius waved off the denials. Percy's presence was answer enough. With this knowledge, Lucius could craft his words to protect his son. He glanced down at the article in his hand then back at Weasley. The lad had better rejoin the group soon, before they missed him.
"I won't forget this, Weasley." Quick as a snake, Lucius grabbed Percy's necktie and pulled the boy close. "Any of it." Lucius watched the adam's apple bob against Percy's chin and smiled, pleased to see that Azkaban hadn't robbed him of all potency.
Warning given, he let go, sending Percy staggering backwards. Then, remembering himself, Percy ran off to catch up with the others.
Lucius sank back into the shadows, to ponder his next move.
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