Amor Vincit Omnia

1. Ministry for Magic

The Ministry is a brutalist's dream. The walls are all shades of grey and stacked with artworks that are unironically, modern. Even the long hallways are tiled with patterns of creatures from all across the continent.

Caeius could've sworn that the Peruvian Vipertooth dragon on the front tiles of his office is replaced with a Chinese Fireball dragon. Yet there's no way to prove that they were changed or removed, and he is not going to fight some random person over distasteful interior design.

However, he does notice a letter, shoved in the slot of his door with so much violence that the parchment is bent and folded in odd ways. Caeius quickly casts a diagnostic spell, trying to see if there's any hexes or spells attached onto the parchment. Though unlikely someone would jinx a random ministry worker, it's better safe than sorry.

~Dear Mr. Daeius Malfoy,

I would like to happily inform you that your presence is requested in the next meeting at the Lestrange Manor. We await your arrival with glee anticipation, and together, our family will enjoy a wonderful dinner with his Lordship.

Sincerely,
Bella~

Feeling a headache coming, Caeius groaned in annoyance as he plops down at his desk. The chair beneath him rolled him forward so that his elbows are comfortably rested on the desk, supporting his head from the upcoming migraine.

He had hoped that with Lucius closely associated with the war and the Dark Lord himself, that his own presence is not needed.

Caeius does not understand the intention behind the letters, in many ways, he is unworthy in terms of value.

Since he is not extraordinary. He isn't as slippery as Lucius in politics, or as vicious as Roldophus and Rabastan in combat. He doesn't have a lot of power in social standings either, he is the spare in the Malfoy monarchy, with Lucius being the perfect heir, who's also engaged to Narcissa Black from the Black family, there is no doubt that Lucius would inherit the family seat and become the next Lord of the Malfoy house.

And being the spare means that he will live a mediocre life as a well-off Pureblood noble, but nothing more. His support of the Dark Lord shouldn't be important enough for Bellatrix to personally send a letter to invite him to a meeting.

Surely Lucius did not suggest this? He knew Caeius would rather rot in an office than to politik with dark, dark wizards who are all too smart for their own sake.

"Malfoy."

Caeius almost let out a scream, but he managed to swallow it last minute when he saw Barty Crouch Junior's face peaking out from behind the doors.

"Crouch. How can I help you?" Caeius exhaled shakily, putting the letter face down in his drawers as he watch the other man enter.

"Minister is asking for a round up. Activity up north near Scotland borders." The man said, a look of distain in his eyes as he mentioned his own father. "I wouldn't bother bringing quills, seems like it's a quick briefing of the assignments. There's a change in the wind."

Ah. The war is getting more serious it seems.

"I'll be right there." Caeius replied with a grimace. It's not that Barty Crouch the Minister is a prick, but he is not a good lad either. Man is uncomfortable to be around. "Anyone else going to be there?"

"Most of the Aurors are there. Dumbledore too."

"Dumbledore?" Isn't that man busy with this war he's suppose to fight? Why is he at the ministry on a Thursday morning? "I thought he's not coming back for another fortnight."