As the minister of magic held his annual conference in the great hall, respected aurors and ministry staff could be heard discussing the latest developments in the wizarding world. Whispers arose about how the minister had actually approved of an ex death eater joining the ministry, and as an auror at that. Plenty of witches and wizards coating their words with politeness as they tried to protest against Kingsley Shacklebolt giving someone like Malcolm Vexley a chance.

"Sir, respectfully...haven't you heard his parents used the cruciatus curse on a whole village of muggles ?"

"Oh and I heard he still has the death eater mark as well, wouldn't that be a cause of concer-"

Suddenly the room went silent with no particular interruption, except for the sound of quiet but heavy footsteps from the finest leather boots. A figure with messy black hair that hangs over pale eyes that cut like ice. His ministry badge a reminder to everyone that he was exactly where he was supposed to be, despite anyone's doubts of his loyalty.

"Strange. I had received word that the meeting would start at midnight."

Malcolm stated in a matter-of-fact manner, the underlying tone signifying to anyone in the room that he was well aware of their plans to not include him as much as they could. And as unbothered and stoic as Malcolm looked, the whispers calling him a "death eater" as he walked to his seat would not go unnoticed. He'd practically have to grit his teeth to refrain himself from telling them he was nothing like his father and mother. But with the Vexley family being related to The Blacks and The Malfoys, and their name already being tarnished by his parents' alliance with the dark lord, Malcom's chances of proving himself was very slim indeed.