McGonagall decided to promote Muggle electronics in Hogwarts. She put up Internet service and allowed students to bring any laptops or cellular devices into school. She even set up a website, Hogwarts Online, to encourage students to socialise. She was proud of herself for even being able to create one like this. Thank Merlin for Dumbledore teaching her how to work one of these computing devices years ago.
Draco Malfoy was walking around Muggle London. He had no idea what was even possessing him to do this, buying a Muggle device, that is. Thank Merlin he had a glamour on, or he would be publicly shamed for this one. Buying a Muggle laptop with his Muggle money.
He's excited to go back to Hogwarts for his eighth year. Ever since he heard about the new pro-Muggle act made by McGonagall, he couldn't resist rebelling against his parents' beliefs for once by following his own. It felt good, even if he was doing it secretly.
Draco stepped into the store with a big luminescent apple on the front. He saw many ads for the best kind of laptops, and they were in this store. He browsed through the different types of electronics. He definately misunderstood these Muggles for sure. He looked at an "iPhone" and couldn't believe all it could do.
Draco chuckled as he saw a child next to him telling her father that she wanted one of these. The father only rolled his eyes and told her she could get it when she had enough money to pay for it herself. The little girl clapped her hands joyously, and Draco couldn't help but smile at her antics. He made eye contact with the father and they both chuckled at the girl's expectations.
Draco turned around and started looking for an employee. He definately needs to buy one of these "Macs." They were the same ones he saw in the ads.
A man came over to him and smiled. "Hello, sir, how can I help you today?"
"Umm... I'd like to buy one of these Macs here," Draco said a bit awkwardly. He has no clue what he's even doing.
The man smiled encouragingly at him. "Well, I can do that for you. If you'll follow me, I can get your order placed right away." Draco nodded and followed the man to a machine on a desk. The man pressed the buttons on it and asked for Draco's information. Draco narrowed his eyes a bit, but remembered that this was probably how Muggles do things.
In the end, Draco bought the laptop and carried it outside. He went to the Apparation point and Apparated himself to Malfoy Manor.
As soon as Draco walked in, he was relieved that he got no reply when he yelled, "I'm home!" He went into his room and unpacked the electronic device. It took him hours to set it up, but he was finally able to access the Internet. He never knew that the Manor was equipped with wifi.
When Draco finally got tired, he shut down his new device and took a shower. He vowed himself to never speak of this to anyone. He didn't want everyone to think he was doing it because everyone else was. He is an independent man and could decide things on his own, but people still thought he followed his parents' expectations. He also made a vow to stop bullying, for it would at least get his point across that he wasn't a prejudice git anymore. Draco might even compensate with Potter, who knew.
The next week before Hogwarts Draco packed all of his books, parchments, quills, clothes, and miscellaneous items into his trunk. He got a little white kitten to keep him company, for he knew that he was going to be one of the loneliest students in Hogwarts this year. The Slytherins all hate him for going against the Dark Lord, and everyone else hates him for going with the Dark Lord. He couldn't get anything right with these fuckers. Not that he cares about what they think of him.
On the first of September, Draco was set off for Hogwarts. He went on the Express and picked a random empty compartment to sit in. He hoped that nobody would come by. He really didn't want any company.
He threw all his trunk on the ground and sighed. His little kitten, which he named Dracul, was meowing on the seat. Draco sat down next to him and stroked his soft fur.
Draco found out that "dracul" means dragon, and evil. He knew that the little fuzz ball was anything but evil, but he loved the name and the history of the House of Drăculești, so he decided on Dracul.
Draco quickly looked up when he heard the compartment door open. He sighed in relief when he noticed that it was only the witch with the candy trolley.
"Would you like anything, dear?" she asked kindly. Draco shook his head. "No, thank you."
She nodded and closed the door, continuing on her journey down the Express. Draco sighed and closed his eyes, leaning his head against the back of the seat. He stroked Dracul and smiled slightly when he purred. This was going to be a long and stressful year, Draco could just tell.
Draco was relieved when they finally pulled into the Hogsmeade station. He grabbed his trunk and held Dracul in his arms as he got off of the train. He followed the rest of the students to Hogwarts and was relieved when he found out that he didn't have to room with anyone this year. Since they rebuilt some of Hogwarts, they made some extra single rooms. Draco couldn't be more content.
The Sorting Ceremony went on and then McGonagall did a welcoming speech, informing the same old, same old. Only when she mentioned the new electronic rules did Draco's ears perk up.
"The Hogwarts staff and I have decided to create a website where students can chat with others here at Hogwarts. The website address is posted in everyone's common rooms if you are interested..."
McGonagall then droned on about other shite Draco didn't care about, and the food appeared on the plate Draco had been staring at. He sighed in relief as he began to eat. He really missed the company of his friends, for lack of a better term, but decided to get used to the loneliness, for he must endure it if he wanted to ever get a job with his family's reputation. He knew that sooner or later his parents would take the Malfoy vaults from him, so he needs to get an O in every subject's N.E.W.T.s to get a decent job.
Draco thanked Merlin when the first students started to leave. He got up and went back to his room, ignoring all of the glares he felt as he walked through the hall. Draco walked into the Slytherin common room and quickly memorized the web address before heading to his room.
Draco was greeted by a purring Dracul and he smiled at the kitten before picking him up and smiling. He closed the door with his foot, and held the kitten in front of him. If this wasn't the cutest thing he'd ever laid his eyes on...
Draco snuggled the little ball of fur and then started his laptop. He couldn't wait to see what this website was all about. He grinned as he logged onto the Internet. He typed in the web address and the website popped up below.
"Hogwarts Online," it said. There was a Hogwarts crest behind the letters and the website had a black background. Below that, there were two options: "Sign Up," and "Login." Draco clicked the "Sign Up" button and it led him to a page with a lot of blank spaces. He started on the first one.
"Which House are you in?" Draco clicked "Slytherin."
"What is your gender?" Draco clicked "male."
"What is your age?" Draco frowned; he wasn't sure if he should reveal that. But he is one of the younger students in eighth year because of his birthday, so he figured that it wouldn't hurt. They may think he was an older seventh year. "18."
"Type in a username you would like to use. Please include at least one number." Draco thought about it for a bit. It couldn't be too suspicious, but it had to be meaningful to him. He decided on "VerdeBalaur658." Draco smirked. Verde balaur means "green dragon" in Romanian, and the numbers represent his birthday. He didn't imagine that anyone would ever think about it. It sounds all smart and what-not, so he was satisfied.
Surprisingly, those were the only things anyone needed to put in to access the website. Draco thought it was weird, but shook it off. At least no one could figure out his identity.
Draco clicked on a chat room and there were tons of people on there. Each person's name was in their house color. Most of the people here were Gryffindors, but Draco didn't care. He could be himself for once when using this. He smiled as he joined their conversation, quickly getting friend requests from the students in the conversation. They all seemed to like him, which was surprising in itself. Draco never thought that Gryffindors would be accepting of Slytherins, but he guessed people change. Some of the people were even private messaging him, and he honestly had a lot of fun chatting with the cheerful Gryffindor lot. This was definately going to be his closure for as long as he was here.
Finally, Draco got tired and shut down his laptop, placing it on his desk. He picked up Dracul and snuggled with the little ball of fur in his bed. Draco dreaded tomorrow when he would have to start his classes. He can't have a conversation with any of the Gryffindors in person like the ones online. The ones online didn't know that they were talking to Draco Malfoy, ex-Death Eater, Muggle-hating, snobby, rich boy who pleases his parents' every whim. They were only talking to a seemingly ordinary eighteen-year-old Slytherin boy. He was glad that his identity was not on there. Everyone would hate him like they do in the real world.
Draco giggled when he felt Dracul licking his face. He opened his eyes and smiled at the little kitten, placing a kiss on his little head. Dracul purred and rubbed his head against Draco's arm. Draco's heart melted at the sight. He was so glad that he decided to buy the little frisky kitten. Draco already loves this thing to death, if he should use such a profound word to express his emotions.
Draco got up and started getting ready for school. He showered, got dressed, and combed his hair. Draco decided to let it hang loose to show that he is more relaxed and laid back than before. He didn't want everyone have the same impression that his parents drilled onto him.
Draco pet Dracul and Conjured some food and water for him. The kitten meowed in appreciation and Draco left the little kitten there. Draco would check on him during lunch.
Draco's first class was Double Potions with the Gryffindors. He inwardly wanted to shank himself. Honestly, if Slughorn was going to pair him up with a Gryffindor then Draco will have to murder him.
Draco got there a bit early and was surprised to find the Golden Trio there. They all looked at him when he turned the corner towards them, but didn't acknowledge him. Draco inwardly sighed with relief. If the Golden Trio wasn't going to kill him on the spot, he should be able to survive the rest of the year without a casualty.
Slughorn arrived and opened the door for all of the students gathered. Draco slipped to the back of the class, and already knew that no one was going to sit next to him, not that he minded. He just sat there patiently, waiting for everyone to sit and settle so class could begin. Evidently, no one sat next to Draco. He was a bit relieved at the fact.
Slughorn stood and began talking about what they were to learn this year. He said that he is going to start with a big project right away. Draco inwardly groaned, knowing that a big project means assigned partners. At least he didn't have to awkwardly sit there and watch everyone else partner up with their friends while nobody even cared to glance at him.
Slughorn then announced the partners for the project and Draco wished that he could kill himself right then and there when he said, "...and Mr. Potter, you will be working with Mr. Malfoy." Draco's face remained impassive, however, while Potter blew up like a mofo. He knows that Potter still hates him, and he can't blame the poor boy, either.
Slughorn stopped Potter's tyrade with a stern look. "I meant what I said, Mr. Potter. No ifs, ands, or buts, is that clear?" Potter stopped in mid-rant and nodded weakly, Slughorn continuing down the list like nothing had happened. Draco felt Potter's glare, but he didn't care one bit. It was something he was already used to by now.
Finally, Slughorn made everyone move to their partners. Draco sat there, still looking at the teacher's desk, when Potter came over and ungracefully plopped down in the seat next to Draco's. Draco didn't even spare Potter a glance. Then Potter spoke up, "Listen, Malfoy, I know that you don't want me to be here behind that mask of yours, so just drop it."
Draco looked at him with a bored expression. "I really don't care, Potter. Sorry you assumed otherwise. Guess you're not that special after all." Potter glared, but Draco only raised an eyebrow at him. Draco finally sighed and turned away from him. "I'm trying to amend what I did, Potter, and hating you doesn't fit in with that. So excuse me for trying not to be a total prick anymore."
Draco heard Potter shifting awkwardly beside him but didn't say another word or move another muscle. He told Potter the truth, and if Potter doesn't believe it, then he can suck Draco's dick like the bitch he is.
Potter was saved by the bell there, as Slughorn started talking about the potion they were making. It was Polyjuice. Since it takes months to brew, that is why Slughorn decided to start the potion now instead of waiting until after Christmas break.
Draco stood up and started getting the first ingredients from the cabinet, and left Potter there to start the fire under the cauldron. He came back and thankfully Potter did what he was supposed to do without being told. Thank Merlin he isn't a total imbicile anymore.
Draco started chopping up the first ingredient, and he felt Potter's stare on him. He pretended not to notice. Maybe he was contemplating whether Draco was telling the truth before, or not.
But Potter never answered, so Draco let him be. He really doesn't need the Chosen One's heroism to ruin his year. He's had enough of that in the past.
As he continued the potion, Potter just sat there watching his every move. Draco resisted the urge to roll his eyes or even smack Potter upside the head. The latter actually sounded pretty good, but he promised himself not to be a bully this year, so he begrudgingly dismissed the thought.
Draco finished today's work with time to spare. He cast the appropriate spells on the couldron so he could continue next class. He set it in the back of the classroom with some others, and engraved the initials "HP" and "DM" onto the couldron so they could easily tell that the couldron was theirs next class. Draco sat back down at his desk, and Potter was still sitting there. He pointedly ignored the boy and pulled out some parchment and a quill. Draco immediately started sketching some random magical creatures. For the moment Draco forgot that Potter was next to him. He was so lost in his drawing that he didn't even notice Potter's gaze on him anymore.
Draco just finished drawing a dragon hat was next to his previously-drawn hippogriff. He put the feathers of his quill to his lips as he contemplated any details he may have missed. Draco drew in some extra scales on the dragon's body and deemed it suitable. He didn't think he was the best drawer in the world, but he thought he was half-decent. Maybe he could get a job drawing creatures for some famous book some day, who knew.
Slughorn finally dismissed the class, and Draco shoved his shite into his bag before scuttling out of the room with the other students.
Draco's next class is with Ravenclaws, and he thanked Merlin that it was Herbology. Draco knew that the Ravenclaws were brilliant with the plants, so if he got paired with one it wouldn't be too bad.
Draco waited outside of the greenhouse with some other students. He saw Professor Sprout walking through the greenhouse before opening the door and beckoning in the students in with a smile.
Sprout immediately announced that, since there was an even amount of Slytherins and Ravenclaws, they could all pick a partner from a different house. Draco damned the old lady to Hell. He sighed as he sat down, watching the other people pair up with each other. When he felt a soft tap on his shoulder, he looked over to see Luna Lovegood smiling dreamily at him.
"Hello, Malfoy," she chirped. "Would you like to be my partner?"
Draco eyes her a bit warily but realized that this was a genuine act. He smiled curtly and answered, "Yeah, sure, no problem."
She beamed as she sat down next to him. Then her expression immediately turned somber.
"How have you been?" she asked softly. Draco sighed.
"Been better, but I'm doing fine for someone who's hated by everyone," Draco answered truthfully. Luna smiled softly at him.
"That's good to hear. I was worried about you. I know how it is to not have friends," she whispered. Draco's eyes softened a bit and he smiled slightly.
"Attention, class! Today we will be working on picking the Wolfsbane flower," Sprout announced.
After the class finally finished, Draco was exhausted and went to the Great Hall with Luna. He quickly remembered how kind and helpful she was at the Manor when she was kept there.
Draco said goodbye to her as she went over to the Ravenclaw table. He went over to the Slytherin table, snagged an apple, and headed to his room to check on Dracul.
Draco softly opened the door and smiled lovingly at the little kitten that was already purring and rubbing against his leg. He threw his apple on his bed and picked up Dracul, closing the door behind him. The ball of fur purred and nuzzled into his neck.
"Hello, little guy. How are you?" he asked Dracul softly. The kitten purred again and Draco stroked his soft fur and set him down on the bed. Draco started eating the apple as Dracul laid down on his lap, purring. Draco pet the little kitten and chatted to him about his day. It looked like Dracul was listening to him.
Draco sighed as he saw that it was time to leave or he would pay the consequences with the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher he didn't bother to pay attention to at the Welcoming Ceremony. Draco snuggled Dracul, showering his head with kisses, before he walked out with the little ball of fur looking at him sadly. Draco sighed as he closed the door. If he didn't have any homework, then he could play with the kitten more.
Draco stepped into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and groaned inwardly when he was reminded of the Gryffindors that share this class with him. He again sat in an empty desk in the back, feeling the glares that he missed at lunch. Draco only pulled out his parchment and started sketching Dracul. Not long after that, class started, yet the professor was not to be seen anywhere. Draco stopped sketching when he heard the opening of the door. He looked up and saw his father striding in without his usual arrogant tone. The classroom turned quiet. Draco blinked quite a few times before realizing that his father was indeed standing in front of the classroom. Why was he here? Is this some kind of sick joke someone was pulling?
His father's eyes scanned the room of students before smiling. Draco took a double take; his father never smiles. But there he was, smiling away. Is this real life?
"Hello, class," his father drawled after losing the smile. His voice only clarified the fact that he was actually standing there. "I am Professor Malfoy. As you all know, I am taking the position as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I am not out to harm any of you, if that's what you're thinking. I do not believe that the Headmistress would hire me or appreciate it if I did."
Draco only wanted to strangled the bastard. How the FUCK couldn't he have known that his own fucking FATHER was filling in for the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? Draco's forehead hit his desk with a thud, his arms lying in front of his head. Maybe if he hit his head hard enough he could get himself out of this dream. Draco heard the sound of people turning around in their seats, but didn't take notice to it, too lost in his thoughts. Until he heard the voice of his father, reassuring the fact that he was, indeed, still there and this was not a dream by any chance.
"Is there a problem, Draco?" His father's tone was surprisingly cool. Draco immediately shot up as he met his father's indifferent stare. Draco knew that on the inside, his father was pissed.
"No, sir." Draco answered with the same tone. His father raised an eyebrow at him. "I would not like any more interruptions, do you hear me, Draco?"
Draco maintained his composure. "Yes, sir. Sorry, sir," he answered.
As his father again started speaking about the lesson plans for the year, Draco couldn't help to not listen. Wasn't his father put in fucking Azkaban? What the fuck made him turn against his own beliefs besides the fact of being on the good side of the Ministry? What made McGonagall believe the scumbag? Why didn't he even tell Draco about this before the fact? Does his mother know? Why didn't she tell Draco?
"Draco, why don't you come up and do a demonstration?" his father asked.
Draco looked up and met steel grey eyes. What the fuck was he even asking Draco to do? Draco only nodded before stepping in front of the class next to his father.
"Now would you please do the spell?" Draco looked at his father's expectant grey eyes.
"I- I wasn't paying attention, sir," Draco mumbled. His father shook his head in disappointment. Draco heard some of the Gryffindors chuckling under their breaths.
"Of course you weren't," his father said, rolling his eyes. "I was explaining how to cast a Patronus. I am pretty sure you are capable of that casting the spell?"
Draco blinked and replied, "Yes, I am." What made him happy? Dracul. He was the only thing Draco could say he loved. Draco kept the image of the kitten purring in his lap and said, "Expecto Patronum." To his surprise, the result was a shimmer of light. Draco heard the laughter of the Gryffindors now, and saw his father shake his head in disappointment in the corner of his eye. Draco took a deep breath before thinking of an actual memory that was happy. His mind drew to a blank. He couldn't think of a single memory that had even a hint of happiness. Maybe riding on a broom for the first time, but it didn't work the last time he attempted the spell. The last time he succeeded he used the image of his father, but that won't do any good for him now. Draco put his wand down and looked at his father's disappointed face.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I don't have anything that'll work with this spell," Draco said softly but clearly.
Draco noticed something that seemed like guilt flicker in his eyes. He only nodded and said, "You may take a seat, Draco."
Draco almost passed out in relief and nodded before heading back to his seat, not making eye contact with a single soul. He didn't even care to see what their expressions would look like. As he sat, he felt eyes still on him.
"Alright, then, Mr. Potter, would you like to demonstrate for us?" his father asked hopefully. Draco saw Potter nod and stand up in front of the class.
Potter easily said, "Expecto Patronum," and a brilliant stag flew out of his wand. Everyone clapped with enthusiasm, the two Malfoys excluded.
"Very good, thank you, Mr. Potter. You may now take your seat," his father said with a small smile to Potter. Potter smiled back at him. Draco wanted to strangle both of the fuckers to death. What the fuck was wrong with both of them?
Draco was so angry about what happened. His father embarassed him in front of all of these motherfuckers who hate his guts, and seems impassive about it. Draco listened as he talked about the three Unforgivable Curses and their affect on several different magical creatures. Some died when afflicted to the Cruciatus and/or Imperious. Draco half-listened to his father for the rest of the class, which was only about five minutes.
At the end, his father dismissed everyone but added, "Draco, would you mind staying after class for a bit?" Draco shook his head as he shoved some parchment and a quill into his bag slowly. Every other student walked out, and Draco noticed that the Golden Trio was whispering aggressively to each other. He shook it off as he slung his bag over his shoulder and walked up to his father. The door closed to the room and left only Draco and his father there, staring at each other.
"Yes, Father?" Draco asked warily. His eyes shifted every now and then, waiting for his father to say something along the lines of being disappointed.
His father let out a long sigh before replying, "Were you serious about that?" Draco didn't have to ask what he was talking about.
"Um... Yeah." Draco answered evasively. His father had a curious look in his eyes.
"I know that you used the spell before. What memory did you use and how old were you?" his father asked slowly.
"I was fourteen and used... you." Draco blushed a bit and cursed himself, looking away.
"And what did you try this time?"
"M- My... cat," Draco answered awkwardly, set on looking at a crack in the floor. He heard his father snort.
"Well, if your cat was the best thing you could come up with, then you need to work on something else."
Draco only nodded, shifting awkwardly, still refusing to meet his father's eyes. He didn't want to know what he would see in his eyes. He heard his father sigh in defeat.
"You may go now. Tell your next professor that I kept you late," his father said. Draco chanced a look at him an only saw indifference. He nodded and then walked out of the classroom, breathing out in relief when he finally closed the door. Why was his father acting so... strange?
Draco walked outside for his Care of Magical Creatures with the Hufflepuffs. Thank Merlin that he wasn't with the Gryffindors. At least Hufflepuffs were more civil towards him, since it was in their nature.
Draco saw the students lined up in front of Hagrid and what looked like a centaur. As he came closer, he realized that it was a unicorn. Draco raised an eyebrow.
Hagrid looked over to him and frowned. "Malfoy, why are yeh late?"
"Professor Malfoy talked to me after class, sir," Draco replied. Hagrid nodded and then smiled, addressing the whole class.
"Now, this unicorn is very special. Its hair is especially powerful, giving off a more powerful aura in any potion..." Hagrid rambled. Draco didn't care and only half-listened.
After an uneventful Ancient Runes class, Draco finally went to dinner. He was starving and couldn't wait to get back to Dracul. He really missed the ball of fur.
Draco ate in silence at the end of the table as usual. Everyone hates him, so he really didn't see a point in trying to talk to anyone. When he finished, he got up and went into his room, ignoring every glare he got, which seemed almost impossible.
Draco opened the door to an overly-excited Dracul waiting for him. Draco instantly smiled as he picked the kitten up, rubbing his nose and cooing over him.
"Hello, little one. Were you good for me today? I know you were, you're such a good boy aren't you?" Draco smiled. He closed his door and set Dracul on his bed.
"I have some toys for you," Draco said with a grin. Dracul meowed in excitement. Draco went over and dug into his trunk until he found a little mouse toy. The kitten immediately perked up at this.
"You want it?"
Dracul stood up and swooshed his tail around excitedly. Draco threw the mouse at the kitten and he went ballistic for the thing. He batted it around with its little paws and meowed. Draco smiled as his heart melted at the sight.
Draco watched the entertained kitten for a bit before he started his laptop and sat on his bed. He logged onto the Hogwarts website and started talking to some people. He eventually got bored and tired, and shut down his computer after only about a quarter of an hour. He set it aside as he looked at the kitten.
Dracul noticed Draco staring at him and stopped playing with the toy to come over and cuddle Draco. He purred as Draco smiled and pet him.
"I loathe my father. He's such a bastard. He's all sweet and smiley towards the Gryffindors but fucking hates me. I'm his son, he should love me more than Potter. But he can't love, so let's use the word like. He had the fucking audacity to smile at Potter. Honestly, I think he's planning something fishy and it's bothering me to no end. Any ideas, little kitten?" Draco rambled. He then sighed. "But of course you don't because you're a cat, and you probably have no idea what I'm even talking about."
Dracul only purred as he licked Draco's hand soothingly. Draco soon fell asleep and his dreams were void of anything.
Thanks for reading! Idk when the next chapter will be posted, but if you like it, follow or whatever! (:
-HarrehPottah196