This is actually my second attempt at this plot. The first time I had it in third person and somehow focusing more on Hermione….then realized this is more of Draco's story and switched it to first person. The joy about that is, you only know as much as he does. Rated T for language and some violence. But not much. So far.
Oh! And before I begin I would like to take a moment to say that this is an AU story. There will be some major changes in here form the books; obviously. Most I won't say now, but the ones you should know before reading is: it's their seventh year, the war is going on but not important for the sake of the plot, and Dumbledore is still alive and well.
And now, on to the story. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Everything and everyone is owned by J.K. Rowling. Unless of course you don't recognize it…then it's mine.
To Begin Again
Chapter 1: A Serious Case of the Mondays
August 18, 1997
It's quiet. Too quiet. The kind of quiet where you can hear the silence. That whirr you get in your ears when nothing is going on. Usually in this kind of situation I would welcome it. I've had this horrid headache since I woke up two days ago. But this, this is just plain creepy. Is anyone still here?
"Malfoy, you awake?" Damn it. I didn't want this. I didn't want her. Next time, I've got to be more specific on my wants. Like a decent sandwich. Oh, yeah. That sounds good. Maybe I can get the mudbl—is she tapping her foot— at me?! She's being impatient with me?! She can just forget about me answering her now. That incessant tapping though, seriously, I could do without it.
"I know you're awake. Your heart rate's gone back up." Her voice is very matter-of-fact. Alright, miss the silence already.
"What do you want?" I still haven't opened my eyes. I don't want to see her. Maybe this way she'll leave faster.
"I have something for you. A note." Her voice is full is irritation, and mine's about to be. Why does she feel she needs to bug me for a stupid note? Ugh, and she's suppose to be the smart one.
"Just leave it and go." I'm done with her being here. Hermione Granger does not bring out the best in me. In fact, she brings out the worst; and she's still tapping her damn foot. "Must you do that?"
She ignores my question. "If I was just going to do that Malfoy, I wouldn't have started this nice little chat now would I've? Just open your eyes and take it already. It's from your mother, and she wanted this to get to you. Now." I jerk up. Mother? They know I'm here. I snatch the letter from her. I've haven't seen or heard from her since that night last week, when Lucius decided to go psycho on me. I still don't know why. One minute I'm walking down the stairs and the next thing I know, I'm halfway across the parlor, bleeding. He was pissed that night, and the three broken ribs, fractured arm and concussion gives me something to show for it.
I undo the green silk holding the parchment; and watch as words appear across the page. Apparently it was charmed.
Draco,
I'm sorry for the way this has turned out. Lucius wasn't supposed to find out until I was able to get you out of the house; but he found the note. You are not our biological son. The doctor's switched you at birth. Our rightful son is coming soon. I am only writing this to you because I felt you should know, but do not try to contact me. Now that you are out of the house, you are no longer my concern.
Narcissa Malfoy
I freeze. What the hell is she getting at? My eyes drift upward to see a very irritated Granger staring at me; and I feel my face go blank. If there is one thing Lucius taught me, it's how to hide your emotions—to never show weakness.
"You mind?" I growl. "I don't need you mudblood, why don't you go pester someone else." I watch the anger cross her face, and she starts that relentless tapping again. I am going to kill someone if she doesn't stop.
"Nurse Granger, please report to the main desk, Nurse Granger to the main desk." I look around. Where in Merlin's name does that voice keep coming from? I still haven't quite figured it out and I'm not about to ask her.
I look around at the same surroundings I've had since I woke up. Everything is white or a version of it. White walls, bed, floor. Even the table next to me is a off white. But what is this thing in my arm? How did I not notice it before? I reach for it; trying to yank it from the crease of my elbow when Granger grabs my wrist.
"Malfoy, the IV stays in."
"IV?! What the fuck is that mudblood? And Merlin help you if you don't answer me. What the hell is it doing to me?!" She groans and pulls my hand away. I wince; fucking muggle technology. I don't have the time nor the strength for this. I look down at the parchment in my lap.
"I'm going to get another nurse in here to make sure you don't do anything stupid. And be careful." She continues. "No one knows who you are here." With that warning, she walks out.
As promised, moments later an old woman walks in. She has to be at least 60: grey hair, balding, the whole bit. Incompetent mudblood, couldn't even get me a female my age so I could have something to do.
"Nurse Granger tells me you're a bit of trouble." She smiles. "But a handsome boy like you couldn't be any of the sort." She walks up and I raise a brow.
I could just tell her to sod off, but Mother taught me better than that. I open my mouth, and then shut it. Damn. I nod and her smile widens.
"Now, who's hungry?" I nod again. "Great to hear! I'll be back in just a moment." She claps her hands and walks back out the door.
I read the note again and the words haven't changed. I crumple it and debate throwing it across the room, but don't. Again I open it and again the words still haven't changed.
The nurse returns with the tray in her arms, and I only watch as she looks down to see the shreds of paper covering my lap. She doesn't say a word as she places the tray down next to me.
"If you need anything else young man. Just press that button." She points to the device next to my left hand; on it is a large button. "I'll be back later to check up on you."
As she shuts the door behind her I throw my head back onto the pillow.
"This is it? This is everything?" My voice comes out in a whisper. "I'm stuck in this hospital, with no family, no contacts? And all I have is this stupid fucking letter?!" I pick up the pieces and fling them across the room. "Fuck this, and fuck them. I'm out of here."
I fling off the covers and before they could hit the ground, I yank the stupid I-dohicky from my arm. The pain is sharp and immediate, but disappears quickly. I swing over the railing and knock over the tall metal pole holing a bag of clear liquid. As it hits the tiled floor, I hear my own moan of pain, along with someone else.
"What the—" There is an explosion and more screams. My eyes are drawn to the door. I'm on my hands and knees; apparently I can't quite walk yet. I look over and my eyes catch sight of the tray that apparently was also brought down in my fall. Lying in the middle of the lid is a glorious sandwich. That woman is a saint. First things first. Whatever is going on I can't worry about on an empty stomach. I quickly take a bite. Heaven. Pure and simple. But as more shouts and another explosion come from out in the hall, I realize that even with a full stomach, I have no defense against whatever is out there.
I drop the food as the door bursts open and Granger comes through. Her clothes are torn, hair is more of a mess than normal, and her wand is nestled in her right hand. What in Merlin's name is going on?
"Granger, what are you doing?" She doesn't say a word as she sprints toward me, and the door behind her disappears in a cloud of smoke and shards of wood. She wraps her arm around my waist, and the figure of my father immerges.
"Boy, you will be dead." Then that obnoxious pull.
We arrive in what I can only assume is her living room. It's small, but cozy, if you're into the plain sort of things. She doesn't say anything; just lets me go and walks away. Underneath the staircase, she opens up a small closet and pulls out a pillow and blanket.
"You're sleeping on the couch." She says. I cross my arms and step back.
"Sod off Granger. I don't need your help. I'll be taking my leave now." I turn and look for the front door. I'll figure out what I'm doing once I'm out of here.
"Malfoy. Don't be daft. Where exactly do you plan to go? No wand, no money, no friends, or from the looks of it, family. Hell your not even fully healed. I bet your feeling pretty woozy right now." I stare at her with my back to the door. Damn it. She's right. Lucius is obviously out to kill me over this, I guess to clear the 'tainted' name, and now I'm cut off from everything. I try to focus my eyes on the couch as everything begins to spin. Damn it. She's right about that too.
I take a step back towards her and my legs buckle. She calmly walks over after finishing the bed, and even though I am clearly a foot or so taller than her, she helps me up and halfway carries me to it. My head starts to pound as I sit and close my eyes, willing it to stop.
"Take this. It's a sleeping draught." I try to focus on one of the three small bottles but fail. I reach out to one of them but my hand goes through it.
"What in Merlin's name…" My voice is distant. I reach for it again, this time feeling something soft. I tighten my grip. This feels nice.
"Malfoy, let go of my arm." I look closer and I am, indeed, holding her arm. Damn it. "Here. Just drink it."
She brings the bottle to my mouth and pushes my head back with it. I swallow the bitter liquid quickly and my head starts to spin worse. I fall back. Mmm, this is nice. Then- nothing.
Review, please! :)
