CH-3: The Dramatic Entry

Disclaimer: I'm definitely not one of those Potterheads and my knowledge about Harry Potter is a mix between the books and Movies.

Enjoy at your own risk.

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The party commenced with a gentle background melody playing, not too extravagant, just a goblin subtly pocketing pastries into his long trousers every now and then.

As the central figure of the event, I was positioned in the heart of the grand hall by my father's command. Narcissa handed me a glass of apple cider to satiate my appetite, and I accepted gracefully, well aware of the need to maintain appearances.

The lords approached one by one at what they deemed the opportune moment, engaging in formal conversations with Lucius and me. Those closer to him lingered for a while, like the Parkinsons.

"The ministry has been spending too much money over matters of muggle safety, Lord Malfoy." Parkinson grunted, a scowl above his double chin as he uttered the M-word.

Parkinson, if I had to describe him, looked like the epitome of a mindless nobleman, straight out of textbooks, almost stereotypical.

I couldn't help but sigh and shook my head in disappointment. Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic and one of the most politically powerful men in Europe, sat just two tables down to my left, and here Parkinson was complaining about the man to my father, who literally controlled Fudge's every move.

I suppose I understand why Voldy lost; he was surrounded by a bunch of idiots.

I glanced over to Parkinson's left and spotted a petite girl with short black hair, standing almost still with her mother by her side, engaged in small talk with mine.

I chuckled internally as I saw Narcissa with her fake polite smile as she listened to the rambling of Mrs.Parkinson, I know how much she berates simple minded and talkative women.

"Lord Lucius, we need to make sure the worms are crushed." Parkinson's words drew my attention back to the conversation, spoken with a glint of greed in his eyes.

Lucius' eyes immediately narrowed as he regarded Parkinson like a Dementor. After taking a breath, his gaze shifted my way before he spoke.

"I suggest we talk about subjects of importance in our gathering tonight, Parkinson." Lucius pressed his words with weight.

I smirked as Parkinson gulped and nodded unsteadily. Lucius gave him a firm nod and shooed him away before turning towards the Minister of Magic, who was moving towards us with a gift wrapped in glittery crimson red floating beside him.

"Oh dear Lucius." Cornelius blurted out with a smile as he reached out for my father with his arms wide.

He crashed into Lucius and gave him a tight hug. Lucius curled his lips and patted the minister's back before pulling him back with a struggle, glancing over to the multiple flashes going across the room.

"People are watching, Cornelius." Lucius whispered into the Minister's ears.

"Oh, let those vultures be!" Fudge howled loudly with a smile. "How can they understand the tensions of the ministry! You are a true friend in the time of crisis, Lucius!"

"It's always a pleasure to be of service for the best minister of Magic of this and centuries to come." Malfoy lied through his teeth, putting on a charming smile.

Fudge let out a huge laugh at Lucius' compliment, while Malfoy merely chuckled.

"Fudge, I would like you to meet my son." Lucius interrupted Fudge's burst out and pointed toward me.

Fudge immediately gathered himself and darted his head my way a little too fast for his chubby face to move, his eyes wide with an expression of surprise.

"Oh! You are Draco! Man of the evening, huh?!" He ruffled my head, ruining my perfect hair with a smile.

"It's an absolute pleasure to meet you, Minister Fudge; my father has spoken highly of the commendable work you've done for this country." I smiled politely.

"Aren't you a gentleman? Ha! I hope you grow to be as great as your father, young man, and serve the Ministry in far better ways." He chuckled. "Oh, and don't think I forgot, here is your present."

He passed the gift to my side, and my father received it with a smile. Just as he did, all our eyes turned toward a giant phoenix made of fire rising in the middle of the hall.

A group of Aurors pulled out their wands, ready to engage with whatever was on the other side of the flame. Most of the nobles remained still, seemingly almost expecting this.

"Tell your Aurors to stand down, Cornelius." Lucius suggested with venom in his voice. "It's just another old man and his endless dramatic entrances."

As the phoenix entered the room, it vanished into a single flare and burst into a large figure.

Tall, but not towering, the man wore long, snow-white robes. A spectacle hung down his neck with a golden chain, and a lengthy white beard with a dangling hat completed his wise, sagely look.

"I hope I'm not too late." His words resonated through the entire gallery.

Just as his voice faded, a door opened, and a man apparated into the hall. His long cloak waved high and low, defying all logic in the absence of a breeze.

"Ah, Severus, you need to tone down the dramatics a little bit." said the old man, who had just appeared out of a giant fiery phoenix a moment ago.

"Dumbledore, I was not expecting you to appear, with your strict schedules." Lucius smirked with faint sarcasm.

"How can I not be when it was an invitation by you, Lucius." Dumbledore replied humbly. Lucius and he engaged in a silent standoff for a moment before Dumbledore's eyes gleamed in my direction. "Oh, and who do we have here?"

"Headmaster, this is Draco Malfoy." Snape interjected. "And Draco, this is Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts."