Disclaimer: The Harry Potter works are not mine. The characters and settings are owned by J. K. Rowling and her respected publishing companies.

Ill-thought-out Actions Usually Have Repercussions

I want to be your fantasy

Maybe you could be mine

You just leave it all up to me

We could have a good time.

Kiss - Prince

Arthur came to consciousness with groggy confusion. With some exertion, he lifted his heavy head and blearily glanced at the unfamiliar room he now seemed to occupy. The room was dark due to only having a few candles ensconced on the walls, and was extremely fairly sparse with only a single chair positioned opposite him.

When attempting to lift a hand to his throbbing head, Arthur met resistance. Staring down at his hand it took him a few moments to realise he was bound by thick vines to the chair he was sat upon. "Whu-!" He struggled against the arms of the chair and jerked his head from side to side, attempting to discover where he was and who had taken him.

A low chuckle from behind alerted Arthur to the presence of another. "Who's there?!" his voice cracked from disuse. "Who are you? Why am I here?!"

The chuckling only grew louder, intersped by soft footsteps that were coming closer to where Arthur was bound. He felt his heart in his throat as the other person walked closer and closer to him until he spotted the other person's pristine, dragonhide shoes appear in front of him. Slowly, Arthur's eyes glanced from the person's shoes to their expensively cut robes before finally resting upon the mask of a Death Eater. Rearing back in shock and terror, Arthur struggled more furiously with his bindings.

"Oh, Arthur," whispered a cultured voice that Arthur immediately recognised. "You should never have made an enemy of the Malofy family."

"YOU!" Arthur's bellow was deafening, "Death Eater scum! I knew it! I ruddy well knew it!"

"Yes, what a clever blood traitor you are!"

Arthur merely spat out at the blonde in response, bringing a moue of distaste to Lucius' aristocratic features. "I suppose your disgusting manners were inevitable considering how filthy your family-blood is. After all, if there's something wrong with the sire, there'll be something wrong with the pup." Lucius sneered down at the Weasley patriarch who was continuing to struggle against his bonds.

"Now, Arthur, you will be answering a few questions for myself and my lord," Lucius informed the other man. "Now, do not try lying to me," he continued softly "the veritaserum will ensure you will not, but it is always better to be safe than sorry, and I may have to resort to more crude methods of obtaining information."

Arthur's face had paled drastically through Lucius' speech, and now his struggles and cries of help had increased in fervour.

Lucius only smirked as he crouched beside the bound form of Arthur Weasley. "Now, Arthur, shall we begin?"

Whilst walking towards the Great Hall, Samael's attention was caught by a rather harried-looking Neville Longbottom who was casting frequent pointed stares in his direction. Samael sent the Gryffindor a small nod of acknowledging and, after waving his companions onwards, limped towards Neville.

"Yes? Is there something I can help you with Longbottom?" Samael enquired politely, with the smallest smirk on his face.

Neville glanced uncertainly behind Samael and whipped out his wand to cast a muffliato spell around them. "Umbridge," he began, with an uncharacteristically strong voice. "Her death wasn't a suicide, was it?"

Samael relaxed against his cane and smiled softly. "What makes you think that?"

Neville scoffed indignantly. "I am not as stupid as people think I am, Lestrange!" He declared hotly. "It is too much of a coincidence that Umbrdige suddenly kills herself after I told you what I overheard her discussing! That isn't how the world works!" He pulled a hand through his hair. "Is this going to come back to you? To me?" He asked with agitation.

Samael raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You are not going to question my motivations behind allegedly arranging her death?" Samael countered, a rather bemused expression on his face.

"There is no 'allegedly' about this, Lestrange, and your motives are all too obvious," Neville replied rather acidicly. "You are Heir Lestrange and Black with close connexions to a whole host of other Neutral and Dark families who are all trying to pass a bill that Umbridge is - well, was - apparently conspiring to sabotage. As benign as you may seem to others, you'd never let anyone - especially a wix like her - stand in your way."

Samael was quite impressed by Neville. He always knew there were hidden depths to the Gryffindor but it seemed that the trusting wix that Samael could manipulate was long-gone. "Say that is all true," he pointedly ignored Neville's annoyed huff. "Why have you not confessed all to your parents? They are aurors are they not?"

Here, Neville fidgeted in an action that was more familiar to Samael than the bravado Neville was showcasing today. "They wouldn't understand," he declared eventually. "Even though they've been aurors for over a decade they still believe that everything is clear cut, good or bad. I've come to realise the world is more shades of gray - nothing is truly ever fully good or bad." He paused for a moment and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Umbridge was not a nice woman - I'm familiar with her personal opinions on magical beings amongst others - she was a vindictive cow. Does that mean I think she should have been murdered?" Neville sent Samael a rather heated glare, "No, I don't think she should have been, but I am neither naive enough or foolish enough to believe that she could have been brought down any other way."

"How so?" Samael enquired curiously.

"Really?" Neville huffed. Samael nodded. "Everyone with access to the Prophet knew her opinions so you could not have blackmailed her with public exposure of her true beliefs. And even though she spouted off about the sterilisation and execution of certain magical beings, it is highly unlikely she acted on her own advice in secret, so you couldn't blackmail her with that or send her to Azkaban. Plus, as distasteful as her opinions were, she was clearly gaining some traction with sideline families. She was a thorn in your side, so you removed her."

"That is certainly an excellent deduction, if you believe me capable of murder, that is," Samael declared. "However, that still does not answer why you have not reported your concerns to your parents."

"For Circe's sake, Lestrange? What's wrong with you?!" Neville's fist hit the stone wall. "I'm not one of your lackeys who enjoys your wordplay and discussions of 'hypothetical' conspiracies." Neville airquoted with scorn. "I did not tell my parents because, as I have said, they would not understand your motives. They would just arrest you and dust their hands of it, leave your fate up to Wizengamot, which I am sorely tempted to let happen," he muttered the last under his breath. "However, as much as I dislike your actions, they will hopefully lead to a better future for the wixen world and you cannot do that after being Kissed." Neville's lip curled in derision at Samael's thoughtful expression.

"For the greater good," Samael returned.

Neville shivered involuntarily at the mention of Grindelwald's motto and reluctantly muttered "Unfortunately so." Neville rubbed his aching fist agitatedly and swiftly ended the muffliato with a sharp nod at Samael. "We're done, Lestrange. I do not want to be part of your machinations ever again." His stare was heavy and unfaltering, the air thick with Neville's barely controlled rage.

"I understand, Longbottom," Samael easily agreed. "And thank you for your silence." Neville turned away but he was only a couple of steps away before Samael called his name.

"Yes?" Neville answered curtly.

Once he had Neville's attention, Samael bowed shallowly at the waist with a strangely genuine look of remorse on his face. "I am sorry for stripping you of your view of the world, and for ever involving you in matters you find ethically distasteful."

Neville paused. He didn't tell Samael that it was okay, because it really really wasn't. He merely jerked his head and strode away, leaving a thoughtful Samael in the corridor alone.

It turned out to be quite a simple matter to find a replacement for Umbridge. A mere two days after Umbridge's death, Madame Iolanthe Edgecombe was installed as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. A former Hufflepuff, and elder cousin to the seventh-year Ravenclaw, Marietta, she was a qualified Duelling Master with experience assisting the Department of Mysteries. She was, Samael mused, the only instructor who actually held any relevant qualifications and experience for the position. Well, at least, since he started four years ago.

To the students' surprise, Madame Edgecombe's lessons were a nice balance between practical and theoretical, and allowed Samael, on several occasions, to gain an insight into individual students' political opinions via several debates held on the classification of 'dark' spells.

Following one such lesson, Samael and Draco were walking towards the courtyard when Samael's attention was caught by the figures of Hermione Granger and the Weasley twins, who were standing near a small fountain. It looked as if the twins had, once again, managed to upset the witch who was now storming away from the elder boys.

"I must give credit where credit is due," Samael murmured to Draco softly.

Draco glanced where Samael was looking and snorted rather inelegantly. "They're very dedicated, I will give them that," the blonde admitted. "Though, I wonder how many more times they will scupper their progress before they finally admit defeat."

Samael paused in thought, before grasping Draco's hand and leading him towards the twins, much to Draco's displeasure. "I admire their efforts, Draco," Samael informed his partner with a small smile, "I think they will be a well-suited and powerful triad."

Draco smiled smirked at the other Slytherin. "And I suppose, you would rather they think of you fondly for bringing them together?" He pondered, admiring the sparkle of cunning in Samael's eyes.

Samael's knowing smile was the only answer Draco received since they had arrived in front of the Weasley twins.

"Weasleys," Samael greeted as politely as usual.

The twins grinned at the two younger students, especially Samael, who had often collaborated or assisted them with a few pranks over the years.

"Samael! Malfoy!" They greeted enthusiastically and in unison, sandwiching the two Slytherins between them by wrapping an arm around each of them. "Your presence has brightened our lowly day!" Samael and Draco only allowed their contact since they had learned, unfortunately, from experience that trying to extricate themselves from the Weasley twins' grasp resulted in some form of embarrassing retaliation, which inevitably devolved into some form of covert prank war.

Fred bumped Samael's side, careful not to knock Samael's cane too much. "What have you two love-birds been up to?" he enquired with a waggle of eyebrows.

Samael and Draco immediately stiffened and shared a mildly-panicked glance, unsure of if the other was comfortable with their relationship status being known to the Hogwarts' populace. Samael tilted his head to the side in silent question and Draco, seeing the worry in Samael's eyes, smiled softly and gently rubbed his thumb against Samael's, which was still clasped tightly in his.

Instantly, the tension left Samael's body and a small smile graced his usually stoic features.

Draco decided to answer the waiting twins. "Oh, you know us-" Draco wormed his arm from where it was trapped against George's side and waved it in a lazy, noncommittal, gesture, "this and that.".

The Weasleys only grinned wider at Draco's rather playful response - themselves oddly fond of the Heir to the family they had been raised from birth to detest ever since Draco had accepted Ginny's apology three years ago. Since then, she had been quickly accepted within the Slytherin fold due to her close friendship - and now courtship - with Andras and the twins, by association, became better acquainted with the Slytherins who had largely avoided them beforehand. Fred and George soon discovered that Draco wasn't as bad as their parents had led them to believe and he was, in fact, quite a fun wix, if a bit of a snobbish one, to be around.

George ruffled Draco's hair in response, and everyone chuckled at the indignant noise that escaped Draco's mouth. "It's nice to see the two of you get your act together," Fred commented mildly on Samael's right.

The Lestrange quirked an eyebrow at Fred, not that the older boy could see, but both he and his brother could obviously sense Samael's questioning gaze for George continued where Fred left off. "Yeah, it's been obvious to us that you've been pining for each other for years. We're glad to see you both happy."

It was only the tone of genuine affection in both the twins' voices that spared them from Samael and Draco's hexes, though both Slytherins had stiffened with wounded pride. "You are lucky that I like you," Samael hissed at the Gryffindors, who only grinned maniacally in response.

"Of course you like us!" Fred declared waving his spare hand dramatically over his heart. "We're Hogwarts' most infamous pranksters!"

"And, hopefully, entrepreneurs extraordinaire!" George added.

Draco's ears perked up at George's words. "Entrepreneurs?" He queried with interest. "Are you investing in stock?"

Fred snorted at Draco's question. "Nah, we're trying to purchase the free space next to the Three Broomsticks to open a joke shop."

"We're going to rival Zonkos!" was George's exuberant addition to his brother's explanation.

"That is certainly an ambitious prospect," Samael murmured softly.

The twins immediately deflated at Samael's words. "We know," Fred muttered despondently "we've only barely scrounged the capital to lease the property and to produce a limited range of our products."

"Nosebleed nougats?!" Draco queried rather eagerly, already familiar with the twins confectionary, having tested the nougat last month when wanting to skip his late-night Astronomy lesson so he could spend time with Samael.

"Yeah!" George agreed, turning the group away from the direction of the Black Lake when a curious tentacle suddenly rose from its depth. "As well as some other sweets that you didn't test out. We're thinking of making a variety bag - 'skiving snackbox' or something."

"Oohh, that's a great name for it, Gred! Remember that later!" his brother enthused.

Samael hummed softly at the discussion. "What if you had an investor?" Samael questioned. "That way you could open in a better location because whilst a shop in Hogsmeade would be beneficial, surely your primary location should be Diagon Alley? That way you could continue to gain custom during the school-year from younger siblings and adults, and you could also have an owl-order system for Hogwarts students so that you do not lose their custom during the school-year."

Draco nodded enthusiastically at Samael's advice. Fred and George were nodding along less enthusiastically.

"That would be the dream," Fred agreed rather, his voice rather hollow, "but finances being what they are, I'm afraid we have to dream small for the time being."

Draco was practically vibrating between Samael and George, and Samael knew instantly what Draco was about to say.

"I'll invest!" the blonde cried, bursting away from the others to stand in front of them, his eyes shining with ambition. "I have plenty of galleons to spare and I've already tested the nosebleed nougats, and seen some of your other products in action! I know that your products are going to sell!"

Fred and George shifted uncomfortably, both releasing Samael so they could huddle next to one another. Samael took this opportunity to regain his place next to Draco. The twins stared at one another for several moments, seemingly in some form of silent communication. Eventually, they both focused on the blonde.

"Malfoy, we really appreciate the offer but we could not accept your money."

"We're just beginners, we wouldn't want you to was your galleons on a venture that doesn't take off," George continued uneasily.

Draco reared back, almost offended at their lack of ambition. "Nonsense!" He declared, "Everyone takes risks in business, otherwise you do not gain anything! Plus, I know you will be successful. If not just because of your products, but your energy and drive! Just imagine it, your imagination and my capital, you will be raking in the galleons within your first month of sale."

The twins continued to look uncomfortable at the prospect, so Samael decided to intervene. "Fred, George," he caught their attention with his serious tone. "Please think about what Draco is offering. He would not make this offer if he did not think you would be successful. How do you think the Malfoys gained their wealth? Lucius has practically raised him from birth to spot excellent investment opportunities." Draco's smirk just confirmed what the twins already suspected was true. "Plue, from what little I have seen of your products, you truly have something that Zonkos cannot even dream of competing against and I have no doubt that you will have made back what Draco invested within your first year. After that, you can then decide if you'd like to buy Draco's shares or continue with him being a silent partner."

Draco nodded. "I imagine that you'd soon have others salivating at the prospect of shares in your business!" Draco was practically gleeful at the thought of the galleons he could gain from such a successful business opportunity. "Please, just think about this!" Draco implored them, which went completely against the Malfoy rules he was raised with.

Samael idly wondered if part of Draco's eagerness to invest was partially from some subconscious form of remorse for Lucius' involvement in Arthur Weasley's death. Not that the world knew he was dead after all, for all they knew Arthur had simply abandoned his family in shame after being fired from the Ministry for repeatedly absconding from work to toy with, and enchant, Muggle objects. Lucius did not even have to fabricate evidence for Arthur's termination of employment, a look in the man's garage was evidence enough.

The twins spent a few more moments in silent communication before nodding to themselves. "We will definitely think about it, Malfoy, thank you. We will need to give an answer to the property in Hogsmeade by the end of the week so we will let you know before then."

Draco was slightly disappointed in the twins' response but was mollified by the promise of having an answer soon. "Very well, I understand that it is something that must be discussed," he admitted.

"Plus," Samael glanced at the twins with a small smirk. "I imagine Granger would take your suit more seriously if you informed her of your business venture." The twins instantly turned to Samael with renewed interest.

"Go on," the twins spoke in unison.

Samael's smirk grew larger at their attention. "It has been obvious to Draco and I that you have been pining after her for years," Samael could not resist parroting their words back to them. "She is not unaffected by your efforts," he added to soothe their egos. "After all, I saw her reaction to you at the Yule Ball last year and when you comforted her after her parents' confrontation at the station. However, she is definitely unsure of your seriousness." He explained. "Whilst you have shamelessly flirted with her, invaded her personal space, and embraced her you have not shared with her your academic achievements, your business ambitions, your plans for the future. Granger is a wix who values evidence and logic and all she knows is that your words and actions do not seem sincere, and if most likely confuses her greatly."

The twins stared at Samael in shock at his explanation before punching one another on the arm. "You idiot!" they both shouted at one another with obvious irritated shame.

Samael smiled softly at their reaction. "I recommend that you share your business ideas with her," he added, "She has more ambition in cunning in her then many Snakes I know and will certainly appreciate, if not straight-out admire, your entrepreneurial endeavours."

"She is also familiar with wixen courting customs," Draco interrupted suddenly, "She was witness to Samael receiving one of my courting gifts and knows that courting is what wixen do when they are entering a serious relationship."

Samael grasped Draco's hand in an uncharacteristic display of affection, and hummed in thought. "Yes, that most likely confuses her as well," the Lestrange murmured to the twins "whilst you have been whispering Merlin-knows-what in her ear about love and admiration, and kissing her neck and embracing her in public, which is all perfectly acceptable during a courtship, she knows that wixen begin courting with a gifts and letters. Your lack of engaging in courtship customs most likely enforces her belief that you are not serious about your attentions to her."

Samael was quite impressed with the variety of expletives that came out of the twins' mouths as they angrily paced in circles in front of the two Slytherins.

Draco leaned his head close to Samael's, "I think you will definitely have their thanks if Granger suddenly becomes more receptive to their attentions," the blonde murmured with amusement, watching the two usually self-assured twins mentally, and physically, punish themselves for their idiocy.

Samael squeezed Draco's hand and smirked in smug satisfaction. "I believe that my one good deed of the day has been successfully fulfilled."

"I would say so, yes," Draco easily agreed, relishing in the easy, affectionate, contact with Samael that he had been longing for for years.

"I also imagine that she is unfamiliar with how a triad relationship functions," Samael called out to the twins who were still punishing one another. "In the muggle world, triad relationships are against the norm and are mostly frowned upon. Whilst, triads are rare in the wixen world, they face none of the stigma that Granger will be familiar with from her upbringing. She may feel ashamed of her feelings towards you because of this."

"Plus, I imagine the lack of literature on triads will have confused her since it is something most wixen learn from their families," Draco added helpfully.

The twins groaned in despair, realising they had approached their witch in completely the wrong way. "We did not think she would want a wixen courtship," Fred bemoaned in shame. "But she fucking deserved one, Forge," he whispered despondently.

"Fuck!" George yelled into the sky.

"I have a book on bonds that my brother gave to me," Samael interrupted them before they began their punishing pacing again, "I believe it explains triads in a fair bit of detail. Would you like to lend it for a while to show Granger?" He enquired, rather redundantly given the twins immediate effusions of gratitude and acceptance. "Wonderful!" Samael enthused, "The only thing I wish in return is that you think over Draco's proposition," the twins nodded eagerly and an idea suddenly appeared in Samael's brain. "Oh, and give me a few of your pranking products. I believe Uncle Rabastan has grown complacent now he is no longer teaching you Defense Against the Dark Arts."

The twins' smiles suddenly turned rather predatorial as they reminisced on the many prank wars they instigated against last year's Defense professor. "Oh, Samael, Samael, Samael," they sing-songed, and once again sandwiched Samael and Draco between them, "It would be our pleasure."

A/N: Hello! So, it's been a while? I decided that I couldn't bring myself to give up this story to another author, so I am making a conscious effort to try to finish it when I get the free time to write. I managed to write this chapter in 24 hours after a burst of inspiration, so I'm hoping as long as the real world, depression and anxiety do not strike with a vengeance I may be able to post on a semi-regular schedule. Thank you so much for sticking with me if you are still reading this. Much love to you all.

Also, I apologise for any spelling or grammar errors, I wrote this very quickly.