Shifting Loyalties - A Drarry & Severitus Fanfic

Chapter 34 - Dobby's Warning

Mid-Summer, 1992

The morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the estate, casting a warm glow across the breakfast table. Harry and Draco sat across from each other, occasionally exchanging teasing remarks as they ate. Lucius and Severus were at the other end of the table, sipping their coffee and discussing the latest events at the Ministry.

Lucius set down his coffee cup and stood up, adjusting his robes. He cleared his throat, catching everyone's attention.

"I'm off to work," he said smoothly, giving Severus a meaningful look.

Severus nodded, raising an eyebrow. "Don't let the bureaucrats wear you down too much, Lucius."

Lucius let out a small chuckle, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. "I'll do my best." He turned to Draco, his gaze softening. "Be good, Draco. You too, Harry. Don't cause Severus too much trouble."

Harry smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. "No promises."

Draco laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, we'll see about that."

Lucius gave them both an amused smile before picking up his cane and heading toward the door. But just before he left, he slipped a small, black diary into his pocket—a diary that held far more secrets than any of them could imagine.

With a nod to Severus, Lucius stepped out of the estate, a plan already forming in his mind. Today, he wasn't heading straight to the Ministry. No, he had other business to attend to first.

---

Lucius made his way through Diagon Alley, the hustle and bustle of witches and wizards creating a perfect cover for his true intentions. He moved gracefully through the crowd, his eyes scanning the faces of those around him.

And then he saw them—the Weasley family, their red hair standing out amidst the sea of people. Lucius's eyes narrowed slightly as he caught sight of Arthur Weasley and his brood, the youngest daughter trailing behind with her nose in her book.

Lucius allowed himself a small, cold smile. This would be easier than he thought.

He approached them, his expression turning into a disdainful sneer as he neared Arthur Weasley. "Well, well, if it isn't Arthur Weasley," he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery.

Arthur looked up, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Lucius. "Malfoy," he said, his tone laced with annoyance.

Lucius smirked, glancing at the children. "Out shopping for the new school year, are we? Such a shame you have to scrape by on whatever scraps the Ministry throws you."

Arthur bristled, but before he could respond, Lucius subtly slipped the small, black diary into the cauldron the youngest Weasley was holding. His eyes met Arthur's briefly, a glint of cold satisfaction in them.