Chapter 406 - Chairman Ⅱ (1/2)

When the last of the board members have been decided, Magellan for the last time says, ”Voting and nomination for the next newest four Hogwarts members will take place during the next meeting with Charmain Malfoy at the helm. It was a pleasure serving with you all. The board is dismissed for the evening.”

The rustling of movement is heard as the witches and wizards rise to their feet including Lucius Malfoy. ”A word, Malfoy,” Magellan loudly said. ”Some advice for the newest chairman.”

Several board members seem disappointed at the former chairman's words. They wanted to celebrate and further align themselves with the new chairman. After all, it was knowing the proper connections which facilitated a great deal of many things. However, they knew better than to tardy and wait. They quickly left as the last of the board members departed and shut the door behind them.

Magellan motions for Malfoy to come to sit down next to him, which Lucius aloofly does. Now seated, Lucius waits for the old wizard to speak. ”You must be wondering, why I elected to nominate you, Malfoy?” Magellan said as Lucius slowly nodded his head at his words.

Magellan wrinkles his nose and says, ”I don't like you, Malfoy, but I know when to recognize an excellent opponent. With time, you may have even unseated me, all on your own merit. However, what I especially cannot tolerate is being used.”

Lucius lips twitch into a frown as he cautiously prods, ”Whatever do you mean, Magellan?”

Magellan lets out a cold bark of laughter, before saying, ”What do you think of the widow, Mrs. Bly?”

Lucius leans back into his seat in contemplation. ”She is patient, well-liked by most members, and rather forceful when necessary.”

”And what of this evening?” Magellan carefully pointed out.

”Yes, that was certainly out of character for her,” Lucius admitted. ”However, not unexpected for everyone possesses inner greed.”

”My point exactly,” Magellan said in satisfaction. ”Mrs. Bly does not play by the rules that you and I do. She is like a snake that pretends to be dead, and even allows one to take a bit out of her, before turning around and swallowing one whole.”

Magellan paused, ”Trust her if you must, Malfoy, for she is a valuable ally. But always keep an eye on your back, because sooner or later, she will turn on you.”

”I thought as much after today,” Lucius calmly explained. ”Unlike Amundsen or even Zheng, they will openly oppose you when in contradiction to their views, but still they are loyal allies the rest of the time.”

Magellan nods his bald spotted head and says, ”Yes,” before rising to his feet. ”Until next time, Malfoy,” and strided away without another word.

Lucius Malfoy rises to his own feet and tucks his cane under his elbow as he puts on his leather gloves. To his delight, the hallway was empty of any board members. He was not in the mood to deal with them as he had a prior appointment. With a flourish, he took out an invitation from his pocket and stood in front of the floo hearth. ”Prince Manor,” Lucius said as the flames turned green and he floo'd away, while the invitation in his hand disintegrated into nothing but dust.

Lucius smoothly stepped out of the green flames to find himself in the elegant, but the exquisite Prince Manor. Waiting for him is the strange male house elf of the Prince's. The house elf wore crisp blue overalls, an ironed white shirt, and a pair of spectacles hanging on the bridge of his long-pointed nose.

Tadbey closed his pocket watch with a snap, and crossly said, ”You are late, Mr. Malfoy. The Master is waiting in the study.”

Lucius frowns at being talked so directly by a mere house elf. But this was Prince Manor, and they permitted it. Not that he'd ever permit his house elf to ever do so!

”Come this way,” Tadbey firmly instructed as his bare, long hairy feet silently made their way across the carpeted floor.

Lucius swung his walking stick at his side and says, ”I'd very much like some tea.”

”My wife has already done so,” Tadbey grunted. ”Though, if you'd been on time, there wouldn't be a need for such obvious questions to be asked.”

Lucius narrowed his eyes and glared at the house elf, who ignored his dark glower like it was nothing. Tadbey certainly did not care what the pampered pureblood thought. He knew that the pureblood had never worked a hard day in his life!

Tadbey came to a halt in front of the study doors and says, ”The Master awaits inside, Mr. Malfoy.”

Lucius's lips turn into an inpatient frown as he says, ”Are you not going to open the door, house elf?!”