Uncomfortable Truths

Chapter Ninety-Seven - Pancakes, Avoidance, & Friendship

Ernie sits in an uncomfortable chair in a dim room drumming his fingers. He knows he should remove the mask, but he enjoys watching the aurors try. It's petty, and he knows it, but fuck those guys. They were looking for any reason to arrest Malfoy. The fact they used Harry's kidnapping is repugnant, and they deserve everything they're about to get.

"Mr. Malfoy, explain your presence in Africa this morning." The auror asks. Ernie hasn't bothered to learn their names. This is the fifth one he's dealt with. He's managed to make the other four insult and threaten him, it's fun to channel his inner Draco.

Being stubborn is a trait shared by most of the houses in Hogwarts, but the Hufflepuff house, Hufflepuffs are stubborn at their core. He smiles, Hufflepuffs work hard, they work at anything they put value in; and he can put all his energy into being stubborn.

"Solicitor." Ernie replies in his bored yet scathing Draco voice. His silver-grey eyes flashing the sneer they can't see on his face.

"Mr. Malfoy, it's a simple question."

"Solicitor."

The man throws the folder on the table separating them, "There is no doubt you were in Africa, and we know why. We want confirmation."

"And I want to know why my solicitor isn't present for this questioning. My answer, Mr. Auror, will be 'solicitor' until my fucking solicitor is present. It's not a hard concept." He drawls, "I believe it's a right all wizen have within our justice system."

"We could ship you off to Azkaban now."

Ernie laughs, "You're going to send me to Azkaban? Without a trial? Lovely. Well, in that case..." Ernie stretches the silence, "Solicitor."

There's a knock on the door. The auror pushes away from the table, shooting Ernie a sour look. He opens it to a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair carrying a briefcase.

"Who is this?" Ernie's boredom is a physical presence in the room.

The auror starts to shout but regains his composure, "Your solicitor, Mr. Malfoy. We contacted Mr. Carpenter at your request."

"My constant request." Ernie's fingers drum the table, "I've been here for hours. When did you call for him?"

"Twenty minutes ago." Mr. Carpenter answers, putting his briefcase on the table and starts to sit.

"Don't." Ernie laughs, "This is not my solicitor." He reaches up pulling his mask off. He rubs his face before raking his hands through his hair. Looking at the attorney, "Mr. Carpenter, could you please contact Mr. Macmillan, Head of House Macmillan, and let him know his son has been illegally detain, threatened with an untried trip to Azkaban, and insulted multiple times? We, of course, will pay for your troubles. My parents can bring our solicitor with them when they come to retrieve me."

Mr. Carpenter starts laughing, "Macmillan? Of the Sacred 28? That Macmillan?"

"The very same." Ernie offers his hand, "I apologize, my manners have been eroded by today's nonsense. I am Heir Ernest Macmillan of the Ancient and Noble House Macmillan. It is a pleasure to meet you, Liam Carpenter. Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy speak highly of you."

"I can get you out of here." Mr. Carpenter picks up his briefcase.

"No." Ernie waves him away, "The aurors have questions for me." He gives the auror an evil smile, "It's better to wait for my father and mother to arrive with our solicitor. I wouldn't want to inconvenience the Department of Magical Law Enforcement by being obstinate. I mean, they took the time to bring me here; they must want to speak with me badly."