The Malfoy Family's Choice

Malfoy Manor.

The servants were tending the lush green lawns. White peacocks strolled and pecked at food in the fountain square, while a cool breeze rippled across the lake. It was a peaceful, tranquil day at Malfoy Manor.

The servants who had been quietly discussing the second event of the Triwizard Tournament, being held that day, caught sight of the manor's master and mistress taking a walk. They immediately clamped their mouths shut and respectfully lined up. Only after the Malfoys had passed them and gone far away did they relax and resume discussing the champions they supported.

"I don't understand, dear. Why does Fudge want us to rejoin the Board of Governors?"

A cloud drifted in from the boundless wilderness, and Malfoy Manor, which had been basking in brilliant sunlight, was instantly cast into shadow. Lucius gave the bizarrely shaped cloud a cold glance, his face expressionless.

"Obviously, our 'esteemed' Minister is probably deeply dissatisfied with the current situation."

Narcissa was no fool. With that one reminder from her husband, she immediately understood.

"You mean the Ministry intends to intervene in Hogwarts more forcefully?"

"It is plain enough. We all know Fudge cares only about power, and the overly forceful Breen is clearly a threat in his eyes. I believe Breen understands that as well, but he does not care—"

The corner of Malfoy's mouth twitched into a fleeting, unreadable smile.

"Over the attack on that little girl champion, Breen removed Umbridge from her post in the Department of Magical Transportation with just a few words. Fudge did not react at the time, but afterward, we all knew how furious he was. The conflict is bound to grow fiercer sooner or later. It is inevitable."

"But involving ourselves in their struggle does not serve our interests, does it, dear?"