((Ack, sorry for the wait.))

Lucius smirked as Charless face contorted in response to the bite of the drink. Must be a good brew, then. The Head Boys voice changed, however, after that swallow, and Malfoy knew the drink could not have addled his companions brains that swiftly. Call it a vote of experience. So instead he allowed a curious frown to crease his slender brow, ears practically perking up to catch the words. Something was amissperhaps something threatening to the secrets they both bore.

Call it my way to kick back the stress of this secrecy, Lucius. It is a pitiful vice, I know, but I would rather indulge it than cave beneath the pressure of this.. this

Charles Montague paused, his voice momentarily breaking. Lucius could not prevent his thin brows rising in surprise, then furrowing deeper into concern. The burden bothering the young aristocrat was something great, possibly soul-breaking, if it could cause even this most minute of hesitations in his comrades words. But he waited, and not more than two seconds passed before the revelation was made.

"Lets call it a situation. I have a problem in the castle. There is a girl - Morgan - who knows of my loyaltiesAs well as an unusual amount about our operations. I would even say too much. Merlin knows how she might have obtained this information, though as you understand I can't permit her to share her knowledge with Dumbledore. Or anyone, for all that matters. Though as you are well aware of, the circumstances at Hogwarts makes it impossible for me to deal with her without blowing my cover. II know she needs to be silenced, though ever since last summer - and especially given my position at the school - I am practically living in a glasshouse. I can't as much as touch her without ending up in Azkaban. JustJust how do you propose I handle this, Lucius?

Slowly, Lucius leaned back in his chair, the familiar mask slipping back over his features. So, he was to play the mentor then? Very well. He considered the problem presented to him, absently drumming his slim fingertips atop the table. A fair breath of silence passed; nothing near a minute, but still a decent-sized pause; before Malfoy stirred and snapped his cold gaze up to meet the eyes of his confider.

You need to discover how she has found out so much. I assume you havent been the leak, because otherwise you would not be so disturbed by this problem. Does this Morgan have a job? Any hobbies to speak of? We need to get some angle on her to ensure her silence, but until then you must act as if you already have this handle. If she seems genuinely curious, do not hold back on your answersbut, if she gives any hint toward alternate motives, make her sincerely aware of the consequences of this knowledge. If she has any uses to His cause, the final step will be to recruit her.

Lucius gave his answer in a quiet, sober voice that matched Charless own. He paused, sending a quick consideration over that advice, then added another question. What is her full name, and her parentage?