Chapter 30

"So you're saying the first slave trade shipment is to be received this evening? That's earlier than we had expected."

Draco nods. "Yes, I was surprised when I heard the news as well. My men weren't anticipating the stock until the end of the week. I've had the soldiers on duty since we received the news in the early morning hours."

I take another sip of my tea. It's colder than what I prefer. I mutter a heating spell before taking another sip. Perfect. "Tell me what your men are doing to prepare? We need to make certain there are enough slave holding cells and proper security to monitor the surrounding grounds."

"Yes, yes. We are doing everything in our power to prevent another riot from occurring." Draco says. He's shifted in his seat, hair slicked back towards the nape of his neck, long green cloak draped along the back of the chair. "That one last week was a nightmare. Too much magical and nonmagical blood spilled for my taste. We lost a lot of potential stock that day."

I laugh. "What? You didn't think that was a nice 'Welcome Back From Your Honeymoon' present?" And there's that Malfoy scowl we are all too familiar with.

"I would like to see the Dark Lord's Consort have his favorite dragon hide boots covered in spilled blood. Let me tell you, that leaves a nasty stain."

Typical Malfoy complaint.

Putting my mug down on the short rectangular coffee table, I stand. "Well, if that's all, I have a prior commitment this afternoon that I should be going to."

Draco nods, quickly following suite. "Of course. That you for meeting with me on such short notice. I know the push up in schedule is not ideal, but perhaps this will be the best in promoting early sales."

0o0o0

I apparate outside the Ministry offices. It's around lunchtime, the street filled with bustling witches and wizards, their cloaks pulled up to their faces in an attempt to keep the frigid air at bay. No one seems to notice me, that is until I pass through the entry doors. The secretary seated at a desk in front of me immediately straightens when she looks uo from her papers. In an instant, she adverts her eyes down, her breath quickening. "Sir, please accept my most sincere apology. If I had known you were coming, we would have greeted you outside."

I wave her off. "If I wanted you to know I would be here, my servant would have contacted you directly. Now please, to the quickest of your minimal magical abilities, tell me if the Dark Lord is available at the moment."

Not even a moment later, I am on my way towards Tom's office. May this be a lesson to my former self, 'the world best functions when there is someone to instill fear in others.' If only I had known this long ago.

After stepping out of the elevator, I walk towards the end of the top floor hallway. Pictures adorn the walls making the space appear settled. A large dark wooden door frames the ending corridor. I knock.

"Come in, Harry."