"Oh, right. I almost forgot to tell you something, Mr. Lucius."
As though something had suddenly occurred to her, Hermione smiled and said, "Professor Lockhart will be stepping down at the end of this school year. He's planning to pursue a career at the Ministry of Magic."
Lucius raised an eyebrow and took a sip of tea without replying.
Privately, however, he wondered what that pompous fool was up to now.
"That's wonderful. I wish Professor Lockhart every success." He set down his teacup, his tone polite. "But what does that have to do with me?"
"Professor Lockhart intends to join the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, starting as an Auror."
Hermione paused.
"As you know, Aurors need some impressive achievements to earn a promotion. But those Dark Wizards are like rats burrowing underground. No one hides better than they do."
"So..." Hermione deliberately drew out the word. "We need someone who... hmm... regularly deals with those Dark Wizards to provide a little information. Or simply lure them out."
Lucius caught Hermione's implication, and his expression instantly darkened.
"Miss Granger, you've come to the wrong person."
"I don't know any Dark Wizards," Lucius said coldly. "You should try those information brokers instead."
"Oh, Mr. Lucius, how can you say that..."
Hermione made a show of sighing and lowered her voice. "I heard someone say that the Death Eaters serving Voldemort were all fine people of impeccable character..."
"Shut up!"
Lucius's vision darkened. He slammed a hand on the table, making the teacups jump.
"Miss Granger, I'll say this one more time. I have nothing whatsoever to do with Dark Wizards or Death Eaters!"
His face livid, Lucius spoke through gritted teeth. "Don't think you can drag me into whatever scheme you're plotting!"
"Mr. Lucius, we're both sensible people. We both