Chapter 87: The Secret Keeper II

"It would tip the balance of power in the courts into the Headmaster's favor and Sirius, though acting as my proxy, will become the most powerful individual Lord within the Wizengamot.

His single vote would be worth the same as a couple of small factions, not to mention if he marries a daughter of another house he could cement additional allies."

...

Seeing he still had Madam Bones' attention, who was clearly listening while his mind ran at full pace, thinking over all the possibilities. "Then take into account the upcoming vote for a new Minister. Lord Malfoy would lose his pull over his candidate, decreasing his influence in the next government.

As the leader of his own pureblood faction, he would be left exposed to being challenged by his peers, since he no longer has the same influence. And he would be forced to seek and negotiate new agreements, and to create alliances with smaller parties to bolster his voting bloc. This would leave him committed to other parties and having to fulfill his promises; otherwise, he could lose their votes.

That in turn will force him to change his voting position away from his extreme stance, causing his own faction to challenge him. Then just think how many enemies he has made in the Wizengamot over the years—it will cost him dearly to secure a fraction of the power he once had." Looking over to see Madam Bones nod, following his logic, before continuing his summary.

"The House of Malfoy's political power would collapse, and as long as Sirius played a respectful Lord and did nothing to piss off other households, Sirius could very well hold the balance of power in the Wizengamot for the next six years, and even create his own faction." Ending his explanation, he said.

"Then also take into account there is a good chance that the House of Malfoy is in breach of their original marriage contract with the Black family, which will lead to the Malfoy family having to suffer one of the failure clauses, causing more damage. If everything I've been told about marriage contracts is true," he stated, thinking over the practice of contracts between households.

"Impressive, Mr. Potter. It seems you already are seeing the political games of the Wizengamot. To answer your question, there is a good chance that the Malfoy family has breached at least one condition, since most agreements have at least one clause promising mutual support.

Since Lord Malfoy has done nothing to help Lord Black, this broken clause will probably lead to financial reimbursement, possibly the cancellation of the marriage," she stated sagely. "How did you come to be so knowledgeable?"

"I have a good friendship with the Greengrass heiress. During school we often debate such things and play games of cause and effect; she is extremely knowledgeable on the Wizengamot and the political players. I also happen to be distantly related to the Black family, to the point that Lord Malfoy's wife is my cousin," he stated, thinking over how grateful he was for having Daphne to debate with and fill in areas where his knowledge was lacking.

"So if word gets out that Lord Black may be cleared of charges, Lord Malfoy will have Sirius killed as soon as he realizes the scale of the danger. Then we need to be discreet about this. I'll personally question Sirius tonight; if he is innocent, then I'll arrange for him to move to more comfortable conditions.

I'll also get a protection detail set up to keep him safe, and I'll work to arrange for an emergency trial to be set up," she stated in a businesslike fashion. "But I'll have to wait and see. I think it would be best if you avoided meeting me for a couple weeks at least, because this is going to take time."

Smiling, Madam Bones said, "My niece Susan's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks' time. I'll get her to send you an invite so we can meet under the pretense of her party, where we can talk."

"Sounds good. The best way to contact me is through my account manager, Bloodmoon, at Gringotts. I'll make him aware of this, and he will pass on the letter."

"Why not use an owl?" Madam Bones questioned.

"It's safer. Owls are easy to intercept if someone is interested. Plus, the wards around my house block most mail, except from approved sources," he stated.

"Now I need to get to work and figure out a way to handle this mess without attracting any attention," she said, dismissing him.

"Yes, Madam. May I suggest you ensure that your secretary understands the consequences if she speaks of my visit," he stated. He would try to have his own informant within the Aurors if he was ever up to no good, so it made sense that a criminal such as Lord Malfoy would have his own spy to monitor the department head.

Madam Bones' eyes narrowed for a second, "Indeed, it would be best if this was kept quiet."

...

Same day

"Ms. Skeeter, please take a seat. I have a very high-profile story you will be interested in, if we can come to understandable terms," Harry said to the blonde reporter, getting straight down to business.

"What type of story are you implying?"

"The scandalous type, involving respected members of high society," he hinted, seeing her eyes light up.

"May I ask who the subject of this story is?" she asked, pulling out her quill.

"Hogwarts Professor uses Dark Arts on heir to Ancient and Noble house," he stated, watching as Rita's face lit up with desire. "I have the evidence and witnesses to support these claims," Harry said, holding up a little black notebook. "I am also willing to provide memories if needed."

"Well, I'm very much interested, especially if you can provide evidence to support it, since I'll be taking on some big players. But what do you get out of this?"

"Well, Ms. Skeeter, first I want the story to be as factual as possible, but I also want it to be scandalous. So feel free to get a bit creative with your writing. I also want you to wait until you have my permission to release it, since I am going to be having a meeting with some Hogwarts professors within the next couple days.

If they agree to my terms, the story won't be necessary, but if they don't, well, the story is all yours. You will find it is very big and could be considered the biggest story of the summer. I am also willing to provide you with another story equally as shocking, as well as set you up with a one-on-one interview with the poor victim, if you agree to my terms and conditions," he said seriously.

"Well, you know you're not giving me much to go on," she probed, trying to find out more.

"Well, Ms. Skeeter, until I get a signed agreement with you, you won't. But I can promise you both stories will be big and shocking. I can guarantee front-page headlines, along with all the supporting arguments," he stated as he was getting up. "If you want the stories, then meet me in Gringotts in four days' time at noon in the office of my account manager, Bloodmoon."

"What, you're not going to give me the story now?" she asked in a shocked fashion.

"Oh no, this is just a taster. If you want the full scoop, then I'll see you next Monday," he said, before leaving the blonde, thinking over how well he had played his part. He had given her just enough to whet her appetite for more, so over the next couple days it would fester and grow. Putting on his Invisibility Cloak, Harry disappeared as he rounded the corner.

Looking over his shoulder, he saw Rita emerge looking for him, causing him to smirk beneath his cloak. But fate seemed to throw him a bone, as he watched Rita shrink before his eyes before disappearing. Blinking a couple times, he saw a bug hovering in the air where she had been standing, causing him to ask: was Rita an illegal Animagus? Was that how she got all her stories? Now this was most interesting, most interesting indeed...

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