Entitled

Chapter 62*

Karkaroff gives you an appraising look, a smirk playing on his lips. "You look quite fetching today. Off to the Ministry, perhaps?"

You raise an eyebrow. "Why would you ask that?"

He shrugs, his smile widening. "Perhaps you're visiting Lucius Malfoy or the Minister, whom you seem to know so well."

"You are very perceptive," you reply, neither confirming nor denying his suspicions.

Karkaroff leans in slightly. "Should I tell Krum to focus his attentions elsewhere, then?"

You smile, shaking your head. "To the tournament, of course. It will require his full energy and focus."

With that, you make your way to the Ministry for your appointment with Minister Fudge. Upon arrival, you engage him in a conversation about the recent events at the Quidditch World Cup.

"Minister, the incident at the Quidditch Cup was alarming," you say, leaning in slightly to emphasize your point. "Who do you believe might be behind it?"

Fudge sighs, rubbing his temples. "It's a troubling situation, indeed. We're investigating several possibilities, but nothing is certain yet."

"And what about the Triwizard Tournament?" you ask, your tone persuasive. "Is the Ministry still backing it, given the mysterious entry of Harry Potter's name?"

"It would look bad to back out now," Fudge admits. "The tournament could be just what the magical community needs right now."

You nod, smiling. "Thank you for your time, Minister. Perhaps we should do lunch next time."

"Perhaps," Fudge replies, his tone noncommittal but not dismissive.

With your business at the Ministry concluded, you head to Lucius's office. As you enter, he looks up from his desk, a smirk playing on his lips.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asks, leaning back in his chair.

"I was in the area and thought I'd check in," you reply, taking a seat across from him.

Lucius's eyes narrow slightly, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "Checking in on me, or looking for more information?"

"Can't it be both?" you tease, crossing your legs.

He chuckles, shaking his head. "Always the diplomat."

You lean forward, your tone serious. "Karkaroff is growing suspicious. He knows I'm making frequent trips to the Ministry and suspects I'm working closely with you and the Minister."

Lucius nods, his expression thoughtful. "We'll need to tread carefully. Karkaroff is not to be underestimated."

"I know," you say, a hint of frustration in your voice. "But we need to stay ahead of this. Any updates on the investigation into the Quidditch Cup incident?"

Lucius sighs, leaning back in his chair. "Nothing concrete yet," he admits. "There are a few leads, but nothing substantial."

You glance around, making sure the door is closed before lowering your voice. "Someone tampered with the silencing charm in Severus's chambers. It was taken off, and I have no idea who might have been listening."

Lucius's eyes narrow as he silences his office. "What might someone have heard?" he asks, his tone serious.

You lean over his desk, your cleavage right in front of his face. You can see him struggling to maintain his composure. "Do you really want to know?"

He swallows hard, his eyes flicking up to meet yours. "In great detail."

You smile mischievously. "Well, I would only tell you that if I were to gain something from it."