When the Snow Melts

We Can't Always Get What We Want

Noticing Benson had arrived with the day's letters, Lucius Malfoy acknowledged his presence at the study door with a curt nod.

"Your mail, My Lord," he announced with a slight bow before crossing the room to hand it over.

Malfoy sifted through various scrolls and letters, deciding that none of them warranted his immediate attention before carelessly tossing them aside. There were more important matters to attend to at the moment. With a calculating look, he fixed his eyes upon Benson.

"What have you discovered?" Lucius questioned, knowing that the servants were always gossiping amongst themselves at the parties he frequented. If you wanted to know what was really going on in the world, it was always best to ask them. Benson was a rather sharp fellow and had served the Malfoys for going on 30 years. His information was always spot on and insightful.

"The rumors from last night were that Lord Nott and Lord Parkinson were readying themselves to announce an engagement between their two eldest children. This has certainly ruffled a few feathers as it places a lot of power in the hands of the young couple-to-be. Sensing the changing winds, Lord Crabbe and Lord Goyle have begun cozying up to the Parkinson family. Begging your pardon, My Lord, but this was a very smart move on their part. It hurts our position considerably."

Lucius frowned at this disconcerting turn of events. They couldn't afford to lose any more allies right now. It was imperative that he ascertain his position with the other houses and work towards shoring up weakening allegiances. He'd always taken Crabbe and Goyle for granted and that was a mistake that he would now suffer for.

"What about Greengrass?" he inquired, his eyebrow arching up in an elegant manner.

"He's been unnaturally quiet lately," Benson replied, shifting nervously at having to make these difficult observations. "I questioned his servants and they are of the opinion that he is biding his time before he takes a side. His support would be a deciding factor in who triumphs, and he is weighing his options very carefully."

Lucius paused to consider this new information. He and Greengrass had never been particularly close, but their wives had been at one point in time. Maybe it would be a good idea to bring her into play here. She was an excellent conversationalist when she wanted to be, and her beauty turned the heads of many.

"Please fetch my wife," Lucius commanded. "I would like to have a word with her."

"Right away, My Lord," Benson replied with a low bow before letting himself out.

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"You wanted to see me?" Harry asked, his voice full of trepidation as he entered her tiny office.

Minerva let out a long sigh, studying her student with a worried expression. She had tried being strict with him, hoping that the higher standards would force the boy to comply with the rules and keep him out of trouble. It was partially motivated by the tragic events that had occurred in the Department of Mysteries last year and partially motivated by her own sense of failure. She needed to feel like she had some control over her students and their actions. That plan had failed miserably as it only caused the boy to shy away from her.

"Yes, please have a seat," she replied, gesturing to the chair in front of her desk. She was careful to keep her voice soft and sympathetic so that he wouldn't shut her out. "I wanted to talk to you about your recent absences. Mrs. Granger informed me that you were taking a mental health break and it was a cause for concern. Is everything all right?"

He shifted a bit in his chair, a slight blush creeping across his downturned face.

"I've just been having some bad dreams," he replied, the blush growing more pronounced. "But you don't have to worry; someone is already helping me with them."