Facing the Inevitable


Disclaimer: The characters do no belong to me, only the Plot. All characters are property of J.K. Rowling.

Rating: PG-13

===Note===

Welcome to my 3rd attempt at a short story or novel. Right, let me see if I can stick with this. I hate giving up on stories. Okay, so the first chapter mostly just gives you a idea of what the situation is. Promise things will get more exciting later.


Chapter 1: Predetermined Destiny

It was inevitable that he should be asked to join his father. Draco had always known his path had been predetermined from birth. Throughout his life he had accepted this passively with the knowledge that it was unavoidable. The dark arts were as a part of him as his heart or mind. And, he knew that any efforts to suppress it would only result in failure.

He had discovered his father's alliance with Voldemort at that naïve age of nine. It wasn't really a discovery, but more a conversation resulting in new knowledge. Lucius had summoned his son to the study in order to reveal the family secret. Draco recalled thinking that it could hardly be considered a secret at all. The Malfoy family was, and had been for generations, a faithful servant of the Dark Lord.

Draco had listened patiently while his father explained the circumstances of their association. They were not merely followers, but trusted employees, so to speak. He learned that night that the eldest of each generation in his family line was expected to become a Deatheater on their eighteenth birthday. He remembered believing that to be an eternity away.

Looking back now, he saw how foolish he had been. After the conversation which opened his eyes to the future, Draco's childhood had passed fairly quickly and without significance. He had begun his education at Hogwarts, as expected, and passed his courses with ease. The past few years, he realized, had been almost idyllic.

His eighteenth birthday was fast approaching in a month's time. Draco had had years to build acceptance for what was to be next, yet he found himself entirely unprepared.

At times he wondered what career he would have chosen if his destiny had not already been determined. But usually it just seemed as if the world was closed to him and the only option he had remaining was to enter the family business. Draco only wished he knew how he would adapt to killing without feeling a sickness in the pit of his stomach.

Lately, his grades had been dropping. With his birthday nearing, Draco realized it didn't matter how well or poorly he did. After all, he would not need to find a job after school. His position for life had been secured long ago. Unfortunately however, his sudden disinterest in his studies drew the attention of the professors. Meetings were arranged to discuss his behavior and he heard the words "I know this is not the best you can do" more times than he could count.

Draco then found himself in the unhappy situation of having to enlist the help of a tutor. He knew it was unnecessary since intelligence was not what he lacked. But, after receiving much encouragement from the Professors, he realized it was easier to simply do as they asked. So, a young witch was selected for the task. He couldn't say she hadn't been eager, but her efforts were fruitless and caused him much irritation. He couldn't count how many times he snapped at her during a study session, until one day she simply refused to see him. This he accepted without protest and was satisfied to be rid of something he never wanted in the first place. The teachers however, were not the least bit pleased and arranged for another tutor as soon as possible.

If Draco had known who the replacement would be, he most likely would have gladly accepted the first witch's help. But he soon found it too late, when Hermione Granger was assigned the job.

Of all the students in Hogwarts, Draco found Hermione to be the most irritating. It wasn't simply because she was a mudblood, for that hardly mattered to him anymore, but because she had true intelligence which rivaled his own. He had been warned long ago by his father to watch the little witch who knew more than was good for her. Draco fully intended to do so and prevent her from ruining any future plans.

Year after year, Hermione had assisted Potter in temporarily defeating the Dark Lord. They had delayed his return to power, but could never halt it completely. Lucius had watched their attempts in near amusement because he knew Voldemort's rise was inevitable. Draco had watched fascinated because he didn't know what they were doing had been possible. His fascination had died abruptly when Lucius told him that they were impairing Voldemort, and in turn harming their family.

Draco knew from that point forward that his family's survival depended upon the Dark Lord. They were connected in a way that guaranteed glorious things to both if successful, and certain destruction if not. That was how it had always been, and with something close to bitterness, Draco realized there was nothing he could do to change it.

==========

Draco entered the library that evening prepared for an hour of tortuous company. He wondered at the cruelty of life and why he was being forced to listen to a tutor he didn't need about things he already knew. Draco decided he wouldn't fake stupidity with this witch as he had done with the previous. He knew Hermione prided herself in being the brightest student of her age, and he refused to give her the satisfaction of flaunting it.

Finding an open desk near the back of the library, Draco settled himself and waited for Granger's entrance. He knew it hardly mattered what she said since his academic difficulties were due to a lack of will rather than a lack of intelligence. But, to humor the Professors, he would endure the study sessions and prove to them that it was a worthless effort.

Seeing Hermione appear at last, he smirked and imagined how to make their time together hell simply to spite her. He knew she was easily angered and planned on taking full advantage of that flaw.

He watched intently as she discarded her book bag on the desk without care and pulled out the chair opposite him. Hermione seemed to notice his smirk only after she had sat and responded with an exhausted expression. Draco found it not as amusing if she was already too tired to bicker with him at first opportunity. The smirk vanished at this new disappointment.

"I really wonder, Malfoy, how it is possible that you should be failing all your courses." She said this with a raised eyebrow and Draco knew she was skeptical about what the teachers told her, that he was desperately in need of a tutor.

"Really now Granger, you don't really believe there is anything that you can teach me do you?"

Draco didn't see any reason for them to pretend. He had no need or desire for her company, and was pretty confident she felt the same. Why waste both their time?

"As you know, I am hardly a fool, and I really do not need or want your help."

He had hoped this statement could simply offend her enough to leave him be. But, he was disappointed when he saw she had no intention of moving.

"Perhaps you shouldn't fail all your classes then. That might show you're not a fool. Or it might just prove you're an excellent cheater." She spoke with biting sarcasm.

Draco narrowed his eyes in an attempt to look menacing. If she refused to be insulted into submission, then he would frighten her away.

He stood abruptly causing his chair to fly back. He laid his hands on the desk and leaned in toward her. Stopping inches from her face, Draco presented her with a threatening sneer.

"As I said, I don't need your help." He watched his words take affect as surprise came over her features.

Draco withdrew when satisfied that Hermione had been thoroughly alarmed at his action. She sat unmoving as he stood back and admired the lack of response he was receiving. It had been easier than he expected. For some reason, he had thought Granger would put up a fight, perhaps bicker with him some more before retreating.

Abruptly, Hermione stood. Gathering her book bag in her arms, she looked at him with resentment before turning away. She walked toward the exit hastily and never looked back.

With a sigh, Draco allowed his contentment to settle in. Not only had he rid himself of the irritating witch, but he had possibly terrified her away permanently. His good mood was dimmed slightly at the realization that the Professors would only assign another to take her place. But, Draco decided any other would be an improvement from Granger.

After a moment, he too stood and left the table. There was no need for him to remain after all. The study sessions were and had always been a waste of time. Other things occupied his mind, and he wouldn't lose another second musing over the witch.

Leaving the library, he followed the familiar path to the Slytherin Common room. He passed the dungeons and ignored his housemates as they walked by. These days, Draco had no interest in seeking company. He was generally followed by his usual friends, whom served the purpose of protecting rather than amusing him. But, besides Crabbe and Goyle, most people he found simply irritating. This was mostly owed to the fact that he was too distracted by his own future to worry about others.

Entering the Common Room, Draco was displeased to see it occupied. It hardly mattered however, since with the wave of his hand he could dismiss most intimidated young wizards. The members of his house who were in the same situation as him, that is to say privately aligned with the Dark Lord, knew full well the position his family held in Voldemort's inner circle. This they never openly discussed, but it was an understanding that all were aware of.

"Leave," he said simply and watched the small group of people stand to obey. Once left alone, he settled himself in the armchair closest to the fire. He rested his head on the back of the seat and watched the fire with intensity. He didn't blink as he stared at the dancing flames. Patiently he waited for what was to come.

Lucius Malfoy's head appeared suddenly in the fire. The flames licked his face but caused him no harm. Draco saw instantly that his father was in a very agreeable mood this evening. His severe features formed somewhat of a smile. It didn't suit him at all however, and resembled more of a sneer.

"Well, my son. I believe you are aware of your nearing birthday?" He didn't wait for a response before continuing. "Remember what is to be expected of you once you turn eighteen. Don't disappoint me, boy. It could result in horrible things for you and this family."

Draco replied with nothing but a nod. This seemed to satisfy his father however, and Lucius' head disappeared from the fire without another word.

Once certain that he was gone, Draco stood and left the common room. He retreated to his dormitory exhausted but unsure what had caused him to be so.

His father was not an easy man to displease, Draco thought, as long as you gave him exactly what he desires. And, often he found it easier to do just that rather than oppose the man.


===Note===

As I said, things will get more interesting later on. You know, once I get more ideas and map out a plot...

Review please. =)

-Captive