to think it odd that Snape was the one to explain. He did so without taking his eyes of Arthur Weasley. "It did seem strange to me that the Minister himself should take time from his busy schedule to be present at what the Auror Unit would classify as a routine questioning." Snape expression was malevolent. "They're not just here to question you about what happened in Hogsmeade, Draco. Based on what I can only assume is one-sided information and out-dated intelligence, they think you're the best person to 'tag' Housemates you suspect as most likely to join with Voldemort."
"Oh," said Draco, at a loss for words. And then quite suddenly, he was angry.
Arthur looked sympathetic. "Young man, I realize that your family' s relationship with the Ministry of late has been strained, but we would like to give you an opportunity here."
"To what? Redeem myself?" Draco interrupted, his voice heavy with sarcasm. "Save the name Malfoy from further disgrace, you mean?" his eyes narrowed and his voice took on a bitter, quiet note. He stared at Arthur. "Do you think someone might offer your son a similar outlet?"
Arthur was taken completely by surprise at mention of Percy, and for a moment, his expression of concerned authority slipped. He cleared his throat.
"You watch your tongue, boy," Moody growled.
"I really don't think he's being logical about this," Coon muttered to Dumbledore.
The comment raised Snape's eyebrows. "You found Lucius Malfoy contained within the Ministry, in full Death Eater regalia, with eight of the most wanted men in wizarding Britain and after a two month stint in Azkaban, you send him where? Home! Somehow, I doubt it is Draco's judgement you should be questioning."
"Why not ask Potter?" Draco suggested, "he hasn't saved or killed anyone in all of six months. The murder and mayhem scene has been a bit quiet lately. He might jump at the chance to play hero again."
"You dare compare yourself to Harry Potter?" Coon admonished.
"I wouldn' t presume to, given the fact that he' s got the emotional maturity of a terrapin," Draco snapped. "You'll pardon my saying so, but working for the side of Good and Light hasn't exactly made Harry Potter happy or well adjusted. You Ministry types have a habit of screwing heroes over." Draco might have imagined it, but he thought he noticed Dumbledore's eyes flicker to Snape for the smallest moment.
Coon's face purpled. "You're father wasn't so quick to dismiss a generous gesture from the Ministry!"
That's it, Draco thought, as his fists tightened. He was going to punch the smarmy little toad right in the mouth. Consequences be damned.
"Enough," Dumbledore quietly seethed. His voice was little more than a whisper but it had the intensity and the effect of a thunderbolt.
Arthur Weasley looked pale and unhappy, but his eyes were flinty with determination "I'm sorry Albus, but the others have approved this."
It didn't occur to Draco that Dumbledore might have already rejected the offer on his behalf. It just seemed more like the kind of thing he would have done for Potter.
"And how exactly would you like him to find out the necessary information before using the spell?" Snape sneered, ignoring the heavy look that passed between the Minister and the Headmaster. "Would you have him ask his classmates if they plan on running to Voldemort in the near future?"
"Be our eyes and ears in Slytherin," Coon responded. "That's all we ask. Report any unusual activity in these final days at school and more importantly, during the summer to follow."
Snape was not finished. "Slytherin House, both currently and among our alumni is not what it used to be. It's scattered, divided. Alliances and friendships are tentative, at best. What you want the boy to do is near impossible."
"What do I get in return?" Draco's question was so quietly stated that for a moment, Coon thought he had misheard.
"Your father will be moved to another location to serve out the rest of his sentence, leaving you free to reside at Malfoy Manor. Your original contract with the Ministry stands. Your father will still cede his title to you when you graduate from Hogwarts next week, and you will inherit what your grandfather left you."
Draco looked sceptical. "My father will die before setting foot in Azkaban again, and if I'm not mistaken, he signed an agreement with you to avoid that very fate."
"It won't be Azkaban we'll be taking him to" Coon explained. "We're in the process of arranging a secure, comfortable location outside of Britain."