NOVEL NEXT Chapter 42: Chairman of the Board
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"Lucius Malfoy, you two-faced traitor!"
Yaxley's furious shout echoed through the school board meeting room as he crumpled to the ground, still seething despite his injuries.
To his credit, Yaxley was remarkably resilient. Even after suffering the backlash of his own curse, he had managed to cast a protective Iron Armor spell just in time to minimize the damage. It left him with enough strength to direct his anger squarely at Lucius Malfoy.
Lucius, however, appeared utterly unbothered. Calmly brushing an imaginary speck of dust from his pristine robes, he turned to Dracula and said in an even tone, "Mr. Dracula, these individuals who attacked you have committed very serious offenses. I suggest they all be sent to Azkaban for reformation."
Draco Malfoy, standing beside his father, gawked in shock. He could barely believe what he was hearing. The composed and aristocratic man he had always admired had just thrown everyone under the bus with terrifying ease!
Yaxley, still smoldering with rage, struggled to his feet, ready to hurl another barrage of insults at Lucius. But before he could utter a word, Dracula casually flicked his hand, sending Yaxley flying into the corner like a discarded rag doll. He landed in a heap alongside the other incapacitated board members, silenced with a wave of Dracula's magic.
"Much better," Dracula remarked with a satisfied nod. He turned his piercing gaze back to Lucius, who, despite his calm façade, was visibly tense.
"Well, Lucius," Dracula said, leaning back in his chair, "you seem rather composed for someone standing in a room full of traitors. Tell me, what's on your mind?"
Lucius straightened, his voice as smooth as ever. "Mr. Dracula, please, call me Lucius." He smiled faintly.
"Here's what I propose: those who dared to disturb the order of this meeting should, naturally, face the consequences. I happen to have a wealth of evidence against these individuals—proof of misconduct that warrants immediate action. For the sake of Hogwarts, I suggest they be sent to Azkaban to reflect on their actions. After all, the purity and integrity of the school board must be preserved."
Lucius delivered his speech with such poise that it was hard to tell whether he was truly loyal to Dracula or simply playing his cards to eliminate competitors.
Dracula regarded him with a mixture of amusement and intrigue. "Lucius, you're quite the opportunist, aren't you?"
But Dracula wasn't done. His tone turned sharper as he added, "Still, I seem to recall something you said earlier. Something about me being overly harsh on students and needing to be removed from Hogwarts?"
Lucius barely blinked. Instead, he turned sharply to Draco and smacked him on the back of the head.
Draco recoiled, clutching his head. "Father! What was that for?"
"Quiet!" Lucius hissed before turning back to Dracula.
"Mr. Dracula," he began smoothly, "after further investigation, I discovered the true culprit behind those accusations. It turns out that my son, Draco, along with a few of his Slytherin friends, drafted a report filled with slanderous lies about you. They even created a questionnaire to gather fabricated complaints."
Draco's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! That's not true!"
Lucius ignored him and continued, "I assure you, Mr. Dracula, I was misled. Upon reviewing the facts, I fully retract my earlier remarks and acknowledge your fair and just methods. Draco is simply going through a… rebellious phase."
Draco opened his mouth to protest again but was swiftly silenced by another smack on the head.
Tears welled up in his eyes as he slumped into a nearby chair, muttering under his breath.
Dracula, watching the exchange, chuckled. "You're quite the performer, Lucius," he said, leaning forward slightly. "But I must admit, your efficiency is impressive. In just ten minutes, you managed to uncover the 'truth' without even leaving this room."
"Thank you, Mr. Dracula. I do pride myself on my diligence," Lucius replied, feigning modesty.
Dracula laughed, the sound low and almost predatory. "Lucius, you are truly something else. Tell me then, where do you see the Hogwarts school board going from here?"
Lucius's heart leapt at the opportunity, but he maintained his composed demeanor.
"From my perspective," he began carefully, "the school board remains essential. Hogwarts, as a comprehensive magical institution, requires a dedicated body to oversee its financial needs and offer strategic guidance."
"Of course, I understand you have no need for our funds, Mr. Dracula," Lucius added quickly, "but a structured system ensures accountability. Without proper processes, there's always the risk of corruption or inefficiency. By maintaining the school board, you can delegate the tedious administrative tasks while focusing on the matters that truly require your attention."
Dracula's expression shifted slightly, his interest piqued.
"And naturally," Lucius continued, "as the ultimate authority over Hogwarts, you would serve as the chairman of the board, with absolute veto power over all decisions."
The mention of veto power brought a glimmer of amusement to Dracula's eyes.
"But there are twelve badges," Dracula pointed out, his tone measured. "And after today's events, only seven board members remain. What do you propose we do with the remaining five badges?"
Lucius smiled, sensing victory. "Mr. Dracula, the appointment of new board members should, of course, be left entirely to you as chairman. I trust your judgment to select individuals worthy of serving Hogwarts."
Dracula leaned back, his silver hair catching the dim light. He studied Lucius for a long moment before finally breaking into a broad grin.
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