Professor Snape and Draco Malfoy left, leaving Marcus utterly bewildered-Professor Snape's words had made him realize that Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy seemed to have run into some difficulties. Would they still choose to sponsor the Slytherin Quidditch Team?
Draco Malfoy was even more bewildered than he was. Unease churned inside him. What on earth had happened to his father and mother that Professor Snape had come to the Slytherin Common Room in person to find him? Fortunately, that question was soon answered.
"Your father briefly went missing yesterday. Not long after he returned home that evening, he was arrested by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The arrest took place in the early hours yesterday."
At the entrance to the Slytherin Dungeon, after making sure no one was around, Snape said succinctly,
"Your mother is worried that this was a premeditated operation by your family's enemies, and wants you home as soon as possible. So you may go home early. Go and pack your luggage now. I'll take you there-hmm, I'll post your report card to you when the time comes."
"Wh-what?" Draco Malfoy could not believe what he was hearing. "Professor Snape, you-you said my father was arrested by the Ministry of Magic? How-how is that possible? Why-what grounds did the Ministry have for arresting my father?!"
"I don't know. You'll have to ask Lucius himself."
Snape said coldly, "I'm only responsible for getting you home safely, nothing more. Your mother sent me three letters in succession, so don't keep her waiting too long. Go and pack now."
"Y-yes, Professor..." Draco Malfoy opened his mouth, then headed back toward the common room, utterly distraught. All his earlier joy at joining the Slytherin Quidditch Team had vanished, only for him to run into a hurried-looking Marcus Flint at the entrance.