His Alone

A mist forming in the center of the room in front of Lucius and Milcast drew Lucius' attention and he dropped to a knee. "Lucius, is there a reason why you've decided it was necessary to disturb my peace?"

With eyes lowered, Lucius speaks, "My Lord, I apologize. I would have not intruded upon your peace if it were not for Milcast."

"You may rise." Slowly stepping forward the master walked and then circled first Milcast and then Lucius, each man getting the one over. "And what, has Milcast done to earn his current… Predicament?"

"He interrupted my breakfast with demands to have Miss Granger, claiming that I was awarded her in an unfair manner, I then suggested it be settled via duel."

Turning to face Lucius, the master said, "And this is how Milcast became to be petrified?"

"Yes, after Miss Granger killed his slave. He was unable to accept that he was the loser and that I told him to get out, along with his dead slave. Milcast decided to try and take Miss Granger, so I petrified him."

"And what do you wish to happen to him?"

Looking over at his Lord Lucius replied, "I'm not quite sure. I was at first inclined to strike with force but thought it'd be better to contact you. I do not wish to trespass."

"I appreciate the sentiment Lucius. Remove the spell."

"Yes my Lord." Removing the spell, Milcast came too groggily and in a slow manner. Looking at Lucius he moved to rise against him but was stopped when he noticed the Dark Lord.

"M-my Lord." He said and knelt immediately.

Quietly, "You have been foolish on this day Milcast."

"Yes my Lord." He said, keeping his head bowed.

"Return to home. Your actions shall be dealt with later."

"Yes my Lord." He said and rose, walking out of the great ballroom and out of the manner.

Turning to Lucius, his master said, "So Lucius, how is your son?"

"He is well my Lord. After being locked up for so long he has become quite behaved."

"That is good to hear. Disobedience is not tolerated and I have done you and your family a great service by not killing him… Even if he deserved it."

Looking far off into the distance of his mind, "Yes my Lord, you were very kind and I thank you, from the depths of my being."

"Yes, yes. Is this all?"

"Yes my Lord, I shall not keep any more of your time."

"Good."

And with that, the Dark Lord winked out of the ballroom and Lucius relaxed the air in his home once again becoming fresh, calm, and without tension. Turning, he walked out of the ballroom and towards Hermione's room, his thoughts curious as to what his son and his most prized pet could be talking about, his thoughts only darkening at the thought of what they could be doing in the absence of his watchful gaze.