The Dragon's Treasure

Autumn

Headmaster Igor Karkaroff set down his paper as Professor Severus Snape walked into his office.

"I take it you have seen the headline? Two new Founders' Heiresses have claimed their titles. One more Heir and your country will return to an Oligarchy. "

Professor Snape sneered, "They do not have complete control."

"Not yet," the Headmaster conceded.

He had studied British history briefly when he served under the Dark Lord, and had learned a bit about the Oligarchy. They had the most power when there were four heirs. They could vote as one and pressure the families of the Wizengamot to agree with them. If they were united, there was very little they could not do.

"Will she be like her predecessor?" Igor asked. Professor Snape shook his head.

"No, I don't think so, but it is hard to tell. I only knew her very briefly before I came here. She took after Lady Malfoy, if anything."

Igor nodded his head and thought. He knew they were locked into the Triwizard Tournament for next year. The preparations had been years in the making.

With the rise of the Founders Heirs, they were sure to have their own input about the Tournament.

That could be useful, perhaps they could avoid any casualties this time. Besides, he was eager to meet the new generation that would soon take Britain by storm.

The Ministry was in an uproar, and Lord Malfoy was enjoying every second of it. Everywhere he went, all eyes were on him. He didn't think he had ever looked forward to going into his

Wizengamot office more.

He ignored the whispers, though they fueled his ego. He knew his wife would be having a field day as well. No doubt those of any acquaintance would be suddenly wanting to have tea, and get the inside gossip, not that Cissa would debase herself to such things.

They knew who their true friends were, the ones who had been there for many years. Lord Malfoy entered the lift, and was pleased to see Lady Shacklebolt enter behind him.

"Ah, to what do I owe the honor Lady Shacklebolt?"

"I'm having lunch with my husband, and thought I might pay you a visit. You're sure to have

people swarming you with the news."

Lord Malfoy nodded his acknowledgement as the doors to the lift slid closed.

"There will be those who want to say all manner of things about a new Lady Slytherin. Not all of them will be kind. Best you have a witness on your side to keep things transparent."

Lord Malfoy nodded. He wasn't ignorant of what she said. He knew people spoke behind his back about bribes in the past. It was one thing for people to talk about him and his empire, but quite another for them to implicate Holly or Draco.

He had dabbled in bribery, most wizards of means in the magical worlds had, but it was by far the least of his crimes. Money was so blasé. Almost everyone they knew had money aplenty. Lord Malfoy preferred to deal in influence, in favors. When necessary, he dealt in blackmail, and violence. No, very rarely did he debase himself to bribery.

It was, however, a popular gossip piece, and it was up to Holly and Draco how they wanted the Slytherin family name to be perceived. He would be careful to not give the wrong impression.

No doubt people would be bowing and scraping to win his favor even more than usual in hopes that he would give them an introduction to his future daughter in law.

"Follow me then," Lord Malfoy instructed as the lift opened at the level of the Wizengamot

offices. Halfway down the hallway he noticed a young man that looked like a Weasley staring at him.