Hogwarts - Board of Governors Boardroom (2nd Floor)

[Hollywood Heidi]

Board Of Governors Boardroom

Located within the walls secretly in the Gargoyle Corridor in Hogwarts just before the Gargoyle at the end of the corridor guarding the Headmaster's office. Only members of the board know how to access the secret room.

[Hollywood Heidi]

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Morning classes on the first day of the school year have finished.

Everyone is released for lunch break.

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[Ariel]

Draco Malfoy heard the bells ring for the students to gather in the Great Hall for lunch as the back to school boardroom meeting was soon to wrap up. Work and tasks aside, he wondered how his sons were getting on with their day, Scorpius especially. He never had to worry about Callum, for he was such an intelligent and assertive young man and Draco was incredibly proud of him for that. Scorpius on the other hand was quite a handful and Draco had hoped that he was getting along with his peers and professors.

"That's all for now, gentlemen. You've been given your assignments, we will resume this meeting at the end of the week."

At that, the board of governors were dismissed from the table as they gathered their briefcases and chatted amongst one another. Still in his seat, Draco peered down and read over his weekly assignments. The one to be completed right away was to give the new professor, Benjamin Boyle, a warm welcome on behalf of the governors and to give him a tour of the school if he desired. He noticed that there was not a whole lot of information about this new professor, and that slightly irked Draco. As a father, he would like to know who's stepping into the same building as his sons as he had thought back to his days back in school where they had some peculiarly questionable teachers, one that actually worked for the Ministry of Magic that turned out to be a rather abusive woman. Draco looked forward to meeting this Benjamin Boyle to see what he really was all about. At that, Draco gathered his things, shook a few hands and then made his way to Professor Boyle's office.

                                    *** Draco Malfoy exits to Professor Boyle's office ***

[Hollywood Heidi]

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Classes on the first day of the school year have finished.

Everyone is released for the remainder of the day to relax, socialize, work on their assignments, and gather for the evening meal.

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[Hollywood Heidi]

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Nearly two months have passed.

Yesterday, October 30th, the delegates from the other schools had arrived for the Triwizard Tournament and a celebration feast was held in the Great Hall where the Goblet of Fire and Triwizard Cup were presented.

Today, October 31st, 2017, the Goblet of Fire remains available in the Chamber of Reception for interested participants to drop in a parchment with their name until the Hallowe'en Feast tonight.

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[Hollywood Heidi]

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A few hours have passed.

It is now time for everyone to gather in the Great Hall for the Hallowe'en Feast where the Champions will be announced.

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[Hollywood Heidi]

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The night passes. It is the morning of the next day.

Classes are postponed for the week to welcome the visiting schools during Tri-Wizard Championship.

A special visit to Hogsmeade is scheduled for today.

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[Ariel]

Draco peered through the window that held the view of the courtyard down below. The students moved like tiny ants, making their way in collective friend groups from the way they arrived back from. Soon they would flood the corridors, and business as usual would reign once more. Well, not entirely. Draco kept his eyes avidly peeled for his boys, anxious to have a word with them in regards to what had happened with Anya. A deep pit in his stomach rose as he spotted the familiar blonde headed youngster, Scorpius, walking up the courtyard path with a Ministry woman he recognized. One he did not take a particular liking to due to previous events and scuffles. Never once did a Malfoy have a clean record with the Ministry, and although he wasn't nearly as corrupt as his father had become, Draco definitely was not an innocent when it came to climbing his way to the top and slashing down others who tried to get in his way. A pit rose in his stomach, nervous as to what they were talking about - about what Scorpius was blabbing his big mouth over to this woman. A change in their pace was noted as Scorpius pointed into the crowd - at Callum.

"Oh, bloody hell, boys," Draco uttered, shaking his head as he quickly grabbed his things. Trouble was brewing at Hogwarts, and Draco had a feeling his boys had landed themselves nastily in the middle of it all. He didn't need anymore issues on his hands, not if he could help it.

***Draco exits to the Courtyard***

[Ariel]

***Draco, Scorpius, Callum and Delphi enter from the Courtyard***

Draco did not utter a peep to his sons during their escort to the boardroom. A place that was quiet enough for all of them to have a family chat, plus Scorpius's chaperone whom Draco needed some answers from. He opened the door with the enchanted password needed to access the quarters as they all piled into the large room. Closing the door behind him, Draco let out an exasperated sound of frustration as he walked towards Scorpius and Callum who were now standing inside while the young woman hung out on the of the chairs of the boardroom table. Placing his hands on his hips, he stood there for a moment as he readied himself through processing everything that had happened.

"You," Draco started with Scorpius for a brief moment, his voice growing rather stern, "You broke school rules today, young man. I have a few words for you, following punishment, but first-," Draco turned his attention to Callum, his gaze growing softer than the demeanor he had with Scorpius, "Callum, may I have a private word with you, son?" Draco purposely gave Callum a direct impression that he was not about to give him trouble, but rather wanted to speak with him out of concern for Anya.

[DarkSideCookie]

Callum had been rather surprised about the news that his father had helped Anya, although the ones about her having gotten into trouble with the Whomping Willow left him worried still. He wanted to talk to his father alone about this, since Scorpius was not only not helpful as usual but also quite biased as it seemed. It was only a guess, but Callum could swear it had something to do with the fact they were best friends. Well, a bit more than that as of late, but that surely was none of his little brother's business.

He remained quiet when his father talked to Scorpius first, keeping his features as neutral as possible. Unlike his brother, Callum found no pleasure in the scolding others received, not even if it was Scorpius who got scolded by his father. He simply didn't care.

"Callum, may I have a private word with you, son?"

Callum took notice of the soft tone in his father's voice once he turned his attention away from his brother and, instead, toward him. He appreciated that but, once again, found no pleasure in the fact that their father was treating them differently right now. He didn't even waste a second glancing at Scorpius. Instead of a verbal answer, however, Callum was only showing a slight nod to that, waiting for his father to lead them elsewhere if he wanted to.

[Ariel]

All Scorpius could do was glare directly at his brother, brooding in silence as his arms were crossed tightly against his chest in anger. He hated the fact that his Father was treating him like the villain and Callum like some sort of saint. As per usual. There were times where Scorpius felt as if the circumstances just weren't fair, and this was one of those times. As Callum and their father slid to the side for a private chat, Scorpius raised and lowered his shoulders in a big, heaving sigh as he walked over to Delphi, "Stupid Callum," Scorpius uttered under his breath, "Always getting his own way. We'll see about you and your precious girlfriend," Scorpius knew that Anya meant a great deal to Callum. And he was ready to break them both down, one piece at a time.

[Ariel]

Draco sighed inwardly with relief as Callum agreed to speak in private with a slight nod. He was aware that Callum was not necessarily in favor with wanting to speak with him, so the fact that he was somewhat willing was enough for Draco. He loved his first son, more than anything. Callum reminded him so much of his wife, his first love. Although rebellious, he knew that his eldest son had a heart of gold and was proud of him in every way. Especially for breaking the Malfoy cycle and not falling into his own toxic footsteps. Once they were in a secluded corner, Draco turned to Callum with a soft glance as he began to speak, "Anya is in the Infirmary. She's shaken up a bit, but she will recover. I think she would really appreciate a visit from you," Draco instructed Callum, figuring he would be up for the task, "Are you okay, son? What exacty happened out there?" Draco shed some concern, backing off a bit as he waited for Callum's answer. 

[DarkSideCookie]

Callum made, for once, a not so unnerved face when meeting his father's gaze. He had expected scolding, but it seemed that was not his intention this time. Still, Callum remained silent, waiting for his father to speak up first, especially since he'd been the one asking for a private talk.

"Anya is in the Infirmary. She's shaken up a bit, but she will recover. I think she would really appreciate a visit from you,"

He remained silent and unimpressed. Callum was not so easy to catch, guessing that there would be following more. And it did, covered in concern, at that. He just couldn't buy that, knowing, or at least thinking, that his father always loved his second son more than him. Scorpius was a true Malfoy, after all.

"Are you okay, son? What exacty happened out there?"

"That depends on who you ask," Callum gave back rather reservedly and with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "But I appreciate that it's me you ask first," he added, although with a sarcastic undertone. He sighed. "You've talked to Anya yourself, haven't you? So, why do you want me to repeat things for you?"

[Ariel]

"You've talked to Anya yourself, haven't you? So, why do you want me to repeat things for you?"

Draco sighed inwardly as he looked upon his son. He knew the last thing Callum wanted to be doing right now was talking to his father, but Draco needed to get to the bottom of what exactly had happened on the school trip that day. Not only out of intrigue of the mystery that alluded around Anya, but also because if his sons were involved then he could at least know how to help them and where.

"The thing is, Callum, is that she was very traumatized when she was found. She was able to recall a few details but remained rather vague. If you can open up to me, just a little, about what conspired in the Village today then perhaps there is something I can do to help. Especially if something strange happened - although the Ministry has already perked up their ears to this situation, if there's anything I can do to help protect Anya and deal with the meddling Ministry then I need to know what happened." Draco explained to Callum with a dire seriousness to his tone. He hoped that he could at least get some sort of message across to his son that would help him lean a little bit of trust into Draco's way.

[jp2210]

Delphi looked somewhat grumpy at getting dragged into the ministry's investigation.

Delphi looked around seeing here young friend from before and giving him a look of recognition before looking at the two gentlemen facing off. One was the other young man who was with that girl before, the other was an older gentleman in distinguished robes who must have been their father, Draco Malfoy. Who also happened to be her older cousin.



[Moderator note: Post had to be edited due to inconsistencies.  Multiple messages in Plots went unanswered so edits had to be made by a moderator.]

[DarkSideCookie]

"The thing is, Callum, is that she was very traumatized when she was found. She was able to recall a few details but remained rather vague. If you can open up to me, just a little, about what conspired in the Village today then perhaps there is something I can do to help. Especially if something strange happened - although the Ministry has already perked up their ears to this situation, if there's anything I can do to help protect Anya and deal with the meddling Ministry then I need to know what happened."

Callum let out one heavy sigh, still pretty annoyed but at least less defensive. He was getting the seriousness of the situation and even his father's concern, for whatever reasons, but no way would he talk about Anya's special powers and the secrets of her past. Well, as much as she had shared those with him, that was. Not even because this was his father but because Callum felt to have no right to.

"Why don't you ask your other son what could have traumatized her?" he asks then yet wouldn't wait for his father to react to that but, instead, served him with an answer himself. "Reading out loud a diary, one's very private thoughts, might traumatize a person after all. He wasn't even supposed to be there, right? But I'm sure he'll be able to get away with a good excuse as usual." Callum let out a quiet hiss.

[Ariel]

Scorpius tried not to look in the very direction of his father and brother. An attempt to divert his attention to just about anything else was made as his fidgeting hands sunk into his jacket pockets. But the room was very quiet, with only the low murmurs of words coming from the corner. It was hard not to wonder what exactly Callum was telling their father, let alone what was even running through his father's head. He figured he would know soon enough, and knowing that Callum was most likely making him out to be the bad guy that he would soon have to face the music.

[Ariel]

"Why don't you ask your other son what could have traumatized her?"  "Reading out loud a diary, one's very private thoughts, might traumatize a person after all. He wasn't even supposed to be there, right? But I'm sure he'll be able to get away with a good excuse as usual."  

Diary? What could have been so important in a diary that would have made Miss Arya go haywire? Draco was utterly confused, his complexion grew rather perplexed as Callum spoke. "Son...," He spoke, his tone consolidating, "I assure you. Those who are at fault in this situation will not go unpunished...including your brother." He dared not to flick his gaze in Scorpius's direction, for he knew that if he did then his youngest son would surely catch it and be wary to open up to him as well. Draco's heart hurt at the sight of Callum reacting utterly emotional. He cared about this girl, and Draco was well aware of that fact, "What is most important right now is that everyone is safe. You should go...find Anya...make sure that she is well. And if there is absolutely anything more that I can do...can offer...," Draco trailed off, feeling the lack of faith his eldest had in him, "...Your mother would be so proud of you, Callum. For sticking up for yourself and Anya. For what's right. You've grown into such a good young man." Draco couldn't help but genuinely become sentimental in this moment. For the first time in a long time, Draco had finally paid attention to just how much Callum had grown up. His heart had only wished and ached for Araminta to see their son now.

[DarkSideCookie]

"Son...,""I assure you. Those who are at fault in this situation will not go unpunished...including your brother."

Callum gave no more than a slight shrug to that. He didn't actually care if his brother got punished or not. To him, it was a fact that they were treated differently, and even for that, he gave no shit anymore, or so he told himself. Callum would never admit that this whole being-treated-differently thing was mostly happening in his head. Therefore, his father's next words actually took him by surprise, for he couldn't sort them into the same box.

"What is most important right now is that everyone is safe. You should go...find Anya...make sure that she is well. And if there is absolutely anything more that I can do...can offer...,""...Your mother would be so proud of you, Callum. For sticking up for yourself and Anya. For what's right. You've grown into such a good young man."

For a moment, Callum pondered about a reason why his father would say something like that, what the plan was, but then he ended up just accepting it as a nice gesture for once. His features grew a little softer even then while his voice was no more than a whisper all of a sudden. "Thank you..." he stated with an almost unnoticable nod before walking past his father, and with no glance at his brother, to escape the situation and any more sentimental exchange of words or looks, and also to search for Anya indeed.

*** Callum exits to Hogwarts - Entrance Hall Courtyard ***

[Ariel]

"Thank you..."

Draco wordlessly allowed Callum to pass him to exit the room. Their dynamic was complicated to say the least. Ever since Callum's mother died and Draco remarried, their relationship was never the same. Draco felt as if he was to blame for the way his oldest son felt about him. Nonetheless, Draco tried to slip his son pockets of grace wherever he could. He could only hope it made a difference somewhere deep down. After Callum had left, Draco let out an exasperated sigh before slowly turning his head towards his youngest, Scorpius.

"You have some explaining to do, young man," Draco said with a sharp tone to his voice. With a single finger, he motioned for Scorpius to meet him where he stood. When Scorpius was finally in front of him, Draco allowed a moment of silence between them as he shook his head negatively, "So. We both know you are going to try to cover your arse, so let's cut to the chase. Why did you do it? Why did you provoke Anya into the state she would regret, with something personal above all?" Draco questioned Scorpius, anxiously awaiting what he would say.

[Ariel]

"You have some explaining to do, young man,"  "So. We both know you are going to try to cover your arse, so let's cut to the chase. Why did you do it? Why did you provoke Anya into the state she would regret, with something personal above all?"

Scorpius cowered over to Draco, his his gaze hung to the ground as he did the walk of shame over to his father. Crossing his arms, he continued to stare his cowl into the floor as Draco scolded him. "B-because!" Scorpius stammered, his glare snapped upwards at Draco s he placed his hands confrontationally on his hips, "She's dangerous, and she shouldn't even be here with the lot of us! I know this because, well...," Scorpius undid his jacket and slipped his hands underneath it to reveal a diary. Anya's diary, "...It's all in here." Scorpius showed the closed, confidential book to his father.

[Ariel]

"She's dangerous, and she shouldn't even be here with the lot of us! I know this because, well...," "...It's all in here."

Draco narrowed his sight onto the diary that Scorpius held in his hand. How his youngest son came into possession of this diary didn't matter at this point. The bottom line is, he confiscated it without permission and used it against Anya's wishes, "I am very disappointed in you, son," Draco uttered, shaking his head is great discontent as he yanked the diary from Scorpius's hand, "I will take care of Anya's diary and make sure it gets back into the hands of it's rightful owner. And you will go out of your way to apologize to Anya and make it up to her, following a one month spot I will be securing for you in detention so you can think about what you've done, and focus on your schoolwork instead of meddling into business you have no right to meddle in for once." Draco scolded Scorpius, "Now, pip pip. Off you go." Draco motioned his free hand in defeat towards the door. Scorpius did not utter another word before making his exit.

With an exasperated sigh, Draco walked into the middle of the room as he rubbed his forehead in disbelief. Lowering his hand slowly to his side, he raised the other that held the diary into view. He scanned the book's front before flipping it over to the back. It was a curious book, indeed, full of personal stories and secrets. He wanted to respect Anya as a student and good friend of Callum, but the mystery around Anya had always been a great elephant in the room. And if she truly was out of control with whatever ability she possessed...he wasn't above prying for the sake of his sons and the school. But he would leave the studying for a moment in which he was alone.

"Delphi, I am sorry to say that we will have to speak at another time. I've got matters now that are in dire need of attending to. Good day." Draco said farewell to Delphi, escorting her as well as himself out of the boardroom.

*** Draco, Scorpius and Delphi exited ***