The Contract

Chapter 24

Corvus sat back feeling rather smug, so far, today was going splendidly, and with Dumbledore's trial looming it looked to be one of his favourite days by far. A vote had just been taken for the amount of hours that the Dementors were allowed in Azkaban. Five hours were the allotted time they were allowed on the island. Doge had been frothing at the mouth over the agreement. Fortunately, for Corvus, he had the law on his side, they logically couldn't allow it to be any longer without breaking their own laws. Two and a half hours in the morning and two and a half hours in evening, the guards were looking to be set up and within the next fortnight they'll have signed the contracts and begin working before the end of the month. It was done, all he had to do now was begin the next phase of his plan, while he waited for a suitable opening to get a trial sorted for his sons.

He had to admit, he was surprised by the fact the Wizengamot wasn't dragging his feet where this was concerned. He'd suspected it would take months longer before it was put into action. Yet, no, it was as if the laws they'd read had lit their collective asses on fire and they were determined to get it done as soon as humanly possible. Not that he minded, he was grateful they weren't dragging their feet.

Who would have thought the law would be the very thing that would see his sons gaining freedom?

"You're very pleased with yourself," Lucius said smoothly, smirking a little as he stood before Corvus in the dining hall, Corvus was drinking coffee, killing time as they waited for Dumbledore's trial. There was just little to no point to leaving, not for all of fifteen minutes it was going to take for it to be set up.

"I am," Corvus agreed, inclining his head just so, giving Lucius permission to sit with him. "How is your family?" he asked, more automatically - a habit of a lifetime - than any real care to know.

"Narcissa is enjoying what time she has left with Draco before he returns to school," Lucius said smoothly, as he joined him, pouring some sugar into his coffee, giving it a stir before adding some milk. "Draco is rather looking forward to returning to Hogwarts. He enjoys spending time with Harry. I'm told Harry is getting better at chess?"

Corvus hummed, "Indeed, he hadn't played before I introduced the game to him." it was a difficult game to learn, but Harry had taken to it well enough, but he was nowhere near expert level, that would take a few years, it helped that he had the smarts to think ahead. He hadn't allowed Harry to win a game against him, no that is something he'd have to earn. He did not believe in pandering to children, and making them think they were greater than they were, especially against games that could make them want to be better. Not even his sons had bet him until they were at least seventeen, well-earned wins they were too.

"Muggles," Lucius sneered, what did they do all day if they didn't educate their children? It was barbaric, they didn't even teach them something as intricate as chess? It was distasteful. "Thank Merlin you got the boy when you did," to think he would have been a disgrace to wizards.

Corvus barely refrained from rolling his eyes, Lucius knew very well that he hadn't 'got the boy' as it were. Harry had come to him, set everything in motion to get out of Dumbledore and the Dursley's hold. Evidently Lucius wished to believe that the boy was easily duped or led astray. "I do hope that Narcissa will never act that way in front of Harry, again...are we clear?" not having to verbalised what would happen, all it required was a look, and Lucius paled a little, swallowing thickly, clearly catching the hint.

"She's merely...a little jealous," Lucius confessed, "Not only is Harry the most legible to get the Black Lordship...but Draco talks and writes about him almost constantly. She's not used to being...second best to anyone. I do believe Draco had found a rare and genuine friendship with the boy." Out of everyone, of course, it would be Harry Potter. At least however, he was eased somewhat, due to the fact that the Dark Lord knew. Knew and seemingly did not mind the boy the slightest. Which blew his mind, but he wasn't about to rock that particular boat. The Dark Lord was pleased he had kept his diary and in optimal condition too.