Life And Dreams - Prologue

Harry Potter:  The Difference Between Life And Dreams: A Lucius Malfoy Story</U>

The Prologue</U>

“I have already told you, I do not know the Dark Lord’s plans for…”

“And yet you were there, obviously trying to steal a prophecy from the shelves, a prophecy which could only have been touched by either You-Know-Who himself, or Mr. Potter.”

Lucius Malfoy’s grey eyes narrowed, “Do you honestly think the Dark Lord a fool to confide his most secret of desires in me, or in any of his followers for that matter?”

“On the contrary, Mr. Malfoy, both a Mr. Crabbe and a Mr. Goyle have both stated that the prophecy was of up-most importance to You-Know-Who and that he had given you and your comrades implicit instructions to have it returned to him.” But before Lucius could reply, Cornelius Fudge held up his hand, “And furthermore, we have the word of McNair that you personally were to lead the engagement, you and your wife’s sister, Bellatrix LeStrange, whom we have failed to apprehend.”

The blond wizard rolled his eyes slightly, “If I had any notion as to the Dark Lord’s plans for it, I would tell you now and save us all this ridiculous banter. However, I do not know his plans and I dare not try and make them up. I will tell you however that we were told specifically NOT to allow the prophecy to break. However, due to the intrusion of members of Dumbledore’s inner sanctum, the prophecy was destroyed and now none know its contents, including myself and certainly including the Dark Lord.”

It was no good acting as if he wasn’t a Death Eater. Lucius Malfoy had already been convicted of those charges, and his past excuse of being under the Imperius Cruse would never have held strong. However, there was still that one chance, that one ray of hope, that somehow, through quick thinking and an even quicker tongue, he could talk his way to an early release.

Percy Weasley, who oddly enough appeared to be enjoying himself as he watched Malfoy’s questioning, handed Fudge a piece of parchment. After looking over the notes, the Minister of Magic nodded and returned his attention to the prisoner.

Sitting in the middle of a sunken room, Lucius was magically bound to a rather uncomfortable chair by chains which had snaked about over his arms, legs, and chest. He was forced to look directly ahead, for not only was that the place where his judges sat, but because, for some reason he could not yet figure out, his peripheral vision had been completely blacked out. Still clad however in his dark robes, for he had only been imprisoned for a short time, the man looked just as regal and dignified as he usually did. Lucius’ hair was combed out, though he had had to do this with naught but his fingers. The only mark upon him was a rather nasty bruise, given to him by Harry Potter of all people, in the middle of his ribcage on the left side of his chest. The people in this room however, knew nothing of his sustained injuries when dealing with Potter and his tag along friends.

“Now, onto this other business regarding the charges of you as a Death Eater. Is it true that you used the Imperius curse on two members of the Ministy of Magic?”

Lucius frowned, “Absolutely not. I…”

“Then what were you doing this entire time at the Minsity, Mr. Malfoy?” a woman’s voice called out.

He could hardly distinguish her, for the woman sat just where his vision became blackened, “I was donating to certain charities, even Cornelius can vouch for that.”

“Well I…” Fudge looked a bit flustered at this comment but he continued nevertheless.  “I can vouch for that, though what you did on your way up to my office has yet to be determined.”

Lucius smiled slightly, “If you had not actually noticed, Cornelius, it does take me a bit longer to walk down hallways these days, than it does you.”

“And why is that?” asked another wizard, one whom Lucius, also, could not see.

“Why on earth do you think I have a cane?” Malfoy replied in irritation, “One of my knees was shattered in my youth and even magic has not repaired it fully. Without the cane, walking hurts far more than you could realize. Thus, I have to actually think about my steps as I take them, even when I have my cane present, to prevent any painful flare ups. Why do you think I requested a replacement cane, since obviously you will not return me my original.”

“Which, as we have been over, is due to the fact that your cane also doubled as a place to conceal your wand, Lucius.” Fudge said with a sigh. “In any case, until we have further proof, we can not convict you of using the Imperius Curse as of now. However, that does not dispell the fact that you have been convicted as a member of You-Know-Who’s inner circle or that, as a Death Eater, you have broken into the Ministry of Magic and attempted to steal a priceless artifact, the prophecy you so readily sought, and injured many in an attempt to get away with your plans.”

“Injured, but never killed.” Lucius added. “It was Bellatrix who did most of the killing, as in the case of her own cousin.”

“Yes well, Sirius Black’s death was no real loss, though I regret to say that he may have been right on a thing or two.” Fudge replied before straightening the parchments before him. “You will be sent back to Azkaban Prison until such a time that we can either come up with new evidence to present, or your sentence is up.” The Minister of Magic smirked, a look which drew an obvious glare from Malfoy. “I think you’ll be with us a while, Lucius. Do get comfortable.”

To Be Continued...