Objectively speaking, Lucius Malfoy was a wizard with undeniable flaws. Yet it was equally undeniable that he possessed qualities few others could match.
Because of his devotion to pureblood ideals, and the power and wealth far beyond the reach of ordinary wizards, Lucius Malfoy often viewed others with disdain. However, his past as a Death Eater and his sharp mind ensured that he never made enemies recklessly. That much was clear from the way he had conversed smoothly with other wizards on his way here.
Still, in every life there are a few brothers who share one's joys and sorrows—and a few rivals who are impossible to get along with. Take Arthur Weasley and Lucius Malfoy, for instance. The two were like oil and water; whenever they met, it always ended in a verbal clash.
"Well, well, Weasley... fancy seeing you here. Let me guess—you didn't sell that rundown house of yours just to buy tickets for the World Cup, did you?"
"What did you say! Don't think I don't know what you're scheming. I'll be watching you lot closely!"
"Hmph. Then say it plainly—what scheme do you think I have?"
"Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I mean."
The moment they met, Lucius Malfoy and Arthur Weasley were already at each other's throats. If not for their families nearby and the public setting, they might have drawn their wands within seconds. Still, a closer listen revealed there was more beneath their words...
As the heads of their respective families, their behavior naturally influenced those around them. Narcissa, of course, remained composed as always. On the Weasley side, Ron and the others all glared at Draco with open hostility. The twins, in particular, looked ready to unleash their prank devices if not for their mother's watchful eye.
It was worth noting that Hermione had come along with the Weasleys as well. When she tried to walk toward Draco, Ginny held her back—and a single glance from Lucius made her stop. Whatever memory that look stirred made Hermione give up the idea. Still, the way she looked at Draco carried a faint trace of sadness...
...
Draco naturally noticed the commotion on Hermione's side. Especially Ginny Weasley's guarded expression—anyone unaware might think Draco had done something terrible to her.
But now truly wasn't the time for him to step forward. So, after giving Hermione a look that said he'd find her later, he shifted his gaze to Harry Potter, who was glaring right back at him...
'So it wasn't my imagination after all?'
Draco had noticed it long ago. Ever since the other had returned to Hogwarts, this so-called Chosen One had suddenly developed an intense hostility toward him. Was he being influenced? But by whom...
As Draco pondered, more wizards began gathering nearby, drawn by the commotion. Considering this wasn't the place for a fight, and not wanting to be put on display like monkeys, both sides finally parted ways after a cold snort.
Fortunately, the camps they were assigned to seemed to be in opposite directions, which greatly relieved the manager who had been watching nervously. He put away the wand he had been holding. For these Ministry of Magic staff, dealing with Arthur Weasley, a fellow colleague, was manageable. But Lucius Malfoy's status was far more troublesome for them—ordinary wizards from non-magical families feared that one careless mistake could bring serious trouble upon themselves...
After parting ways, Draco and his group crossed a desolate marshland shrouded in thick fog, where almost nothing was visible. It was said that this enchantment was put in place to prevent Muggles from accidentally wandering in.
About twenty minutes later, Draco and his companions finally reached their campsite for the night. It was a vast clearing filled with hundreds of oddly shaped tents, and beyond them loomed a dark forest. The buzz of conversations about the World Cup could already be heard...
Upon entering the camp, they saw countless wizards moving about. However, instead of paying attention to the variously dressed witches and wizards from around the world, Draco was more concerned with his mother, who was watching him with a peculiar expression.
"Darling, who was that witch just now? Is she one of the Pureblood 28 families? I don't recall seeing her before."
"No..."
"Not one of the Purebloods? That's a bit troublesome. If she's just from a common noble family, your father won't take it lying down."
"..."
Draco tugged at the corner of his mouth, casting a resigned glance at Astoria, who was smirking beside him.
Though he wanted to explain, facing his increasingly excited mother—and considering how much trouble the truth could cause—Draco ultimately stayed silent. He glanced at his father walking ahead, seemingly unaware of their conversation.
Come to think of it, ever since that day in the study, his stern father had seemed to stop interfering in his affairs...
Just then, a group of people approached. When the wizard leading them saw Lucius Malfoy, surprise flashed across his face, followed by a hint of tension.
"Malfoy."
The voice belonged to a wizard with neatly combed short gray hair. Draco noticed Percy Weasley standing beside him—it seemed he had gotten his wish to work at the Ministry of Magic.
"Crouch?"
"How about a chat? Just the two of us."
"...I understand."
Lucius halted, narrowing his eyes at the man before him.
Barty Crouch.
The current Minister for Magical Cooperation and International Relations.
This wizard had once been the most promising candidate for Minister of Magic, earning great respect for his open defiance of Voldemort. Unfortunately, his son was later exposed as a Death Eater, preventing him from taking the position and resulting in Cornelius Fudge becoming Minister instead.
Yet everyone knew Barty Crouch was far more capable than Cornelius Fudge and far more deserving of the role.
This was precisely why Lucius Malfoy treated him with such caution...
...
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