Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter etc, please don't sue me!
Warnings: AU, OOC, and character death.
A/N: A short story about Draco - Happy reading! Now on with the story...
Draco sat in the Great Hall shuffling his food around his plate while doing his best to keep anything from returning up his throat. The smell made him feel nauseous, despite the hunger pains stabbing in his stomach.
He was exhausted. The constant stress, late hours, and lack of appetite had left him with near translucent skin, lank hair, ill-fitting robes, and dark circles under his eyes. Very much not how Malfoys should present themselves, but he couldn't summon the energy to care.
He was surprised that he hadn't been hauled into the Hospital Wing yet by a teacher – not that he could go near there thanks to the tattoo emblazing his arm.
But then again, Slytherins are beneath the notice of most teachers – even when we look like shit, he mused with disgust. And Snape knows about my mark so he wouldn't take me to be caught.
Draco glanced up at the Potions Master to find the man's black eyes watching him intently.
Dropping his eyes back to his plate, Draco avoided the probing occlumens's gaze.
He knew the other Slytherins were also watching him with confusion. Could feel the prickle that told him that he was being scrutinised on all sides.
The death eater children knew he was marked. Knew he had an important task. And couldn't figure out why he was so distressed. It was, after all, an honour that he had been marked so young. Chosen from so many and given a task by the Dark Lord himself. Draco scoffed to himself at the thought.
The others were confused that one of their most prominent members was skulking back from confrontations, distracted, and looking so decided dishevelled.
Only Blaise realised the true reason for his condition.
The two boys had been friends before Hogwarts. Their parents had attended the same parties and that threw them together with enough frequency that they knew each other well. Draco put up with the hangers on, but they really just bored him. Blaise however had his own mind and demanded respect. It forged a friendship and trust between the two which no other Slytherin had managed to breach.
This year, Draco had reluctantly distanced himself from his only true friend. Blaise made no secret that he was neutral in this war, so to be the obvious friend of a distinct Dark Lord servant was not good for either teenager.
Despite the distance, it was thanks to this history that Blaise knew the reason Draco felt constantly ill and was desperately trying to follow the Dark Lord's orders, despite a hatred of the man and what he stood for - well, mostly what he stood for.
Like Blaise, Draco believed Muggle-borns and Muggles were a threat. That the former knew of the magical world and did not integrate – instead they tried to make the magical world more like the Muggle one. That they told their extended Muggle families about the magical world despite the secrecy regulations. He understood it was probably hard to keep secrets from family, but the law was in place for a good reason – Muggles were frightened of what they didn't know and generally lashed out in response instead of trying to learn to understand, and while some of their technology was useful (like mobile phones and internet), the technology also came with loss of privacy and significantly increased the wizarding world's risk of exposure. He also believed that thanks to the Muggles lack of magic, they just weren't as advanced as magical folk – how could they be when they polluted the world just to light their homes, travel, and communicate. Muggle-borns also generally didn't integrate into their world well, often marrying Muggles which did reduced the likelihood of the magical gift being passed on. This was partially to blame by the school curriculum, after all it would be useful for Wizarding etiquette to be taught if they were going to teach Muggle Studies – only having one was not integrating any new magical folk.
But he most certainly didn't believe that Muggles and Muggle-borns needed to be wiped of the earth. He didn't like torture, murder, or any of the other depravities that the Dark Lord and his eager followers seemed to desire with an unstoppable, unquenchable thirst.
Since taking the mark in the holidays, he had been forced to watch the revels, partake in them (although he stayed against the shadowed walls as much as possible). His invitation there was as much an attempt to indoctrinate him as it was to warn him. What the Muggles there were subject to, was what his family would receive if he failed his task. He understood this. The Dark Lord understood this. His terrified mother understood this.
What was the life of Dumbledore when compared to family? The headmaster was, of course, a formidable foe against the Dark Lord, and if he rid the world of his presence it would be hard to take down the Dark Lord. But that man wasn't worth the death of his mother in a revel. And it was most certainly not worth the death of his five year old sister in one.
Not many knew the Malfoy's had a second child. It was thanks to the discovery of the Dark Lord looming in Professor Quirrell's head during his first year that made his parents decide to keep the child a secret. Severus Snape had let the little Quirrell detail slip to Lucius one evening during dinner, a dinner that they had intended to announce the birth of little Cassiopeia – Lucius had immediately found a different, plausible excuse for the celebration.
Lucius had put a Fidelius Charm on Cassie that night, making Narcissa the secret-keeper. Only Draco, Lucius, Narcissa, and the house elves knew of the child thanks to the nifty little spell.
Unfortunately, the Dark Lord's immense magic sussed out there was a secret when he took up residence in Malfoy Manor. He had arrived at the stroke of midnight in a brutal storm – always the one for a dramatic entrance – and barged inside to take over. Cassie was in the room that he entered, and the Dark Lord felt the magic hiding something.
He had broken the Fidelius through blood magic – namely the blood of Draco and Narcissa which had flowed quite freely that evening.
When the Dark Lord finally discovered that his loyal followers had been hiding the child from him, his fury was immense. Draco and Narcissa had barely survived his wrath; this discovery, on top of Lucius' failure, made the Dark Lord's punishment swift and cruel.
When the Dark Lord turned his attention to the innocent, bewildered child, Draco had done as required; kneeled at the thing's feet, kissed his robes, and pledged unfailing loyalty in return for the safety of his mother and Cassie.
After burning the mark into his arm, the Dark Lord gave him the suicidal task of killing Dumbledore, and Draco pretended to be happy and thankful for the privilege.
The Dark Lord had banished Narcissa to share Cassie's room while Draco worked to complete his task at Hogwarts. He had decided to keep the leverage over the family quiet – no need for anyone else to discover that particular control and utilise it for themselves.
So now Draco sat at the dinner table, pushing around food provided by the headmaster that he was trying to kill. For every additional day the task took, was another day his mother and Cassie had to dodge the Dark Lord's foul, sadistic temper. Who could eat food offered by the person you were hunting while your mother and sister were being terrorised.
The food vanished off the table with a pop and Draco pushed himself up with weak arms. The day was done and now he needed to sit in the Slytherin common room until it emptied and he could spend the night working in the Room of Requirements.
He felt eyes watching him once more. Shifting his gaze, he saw Potter examining him with a foul expression and glare.
Bloody Potter, useless twat couldn't kill that thing properly.
He saw Granger snap something and drag his adversary away. Draco moved slowly with a blank expression. Crabbe and Goyle lumbering up behind him, hands stuffing rolls of bread into their mouths.
'Whareeoinonight?' Crabbe asked
'What?' Draco snapped, tired and irritated they could eat when he couldn't stomach the thought.
Crabbe took another bite of food and started to speak again.
'Don't talk to me when you have food in your mouth,' Draco snapped and stalked away from them at a faster speed.
His two goons shared a confused look and stumbled quickly after him.
When he stepped out of the warm hall and started to make his way down the corridor, he caught sight of the trio having a small scuffle in the corner and sneered.
Potter saw him and strode forward, fists clenched white at his side.
Fantastic, the-boy-who-failed-to-kill, just what I need.
'I know you're up to something and I will find out what. You will be able to join your daddy in Azkaban soon,' Harry spat.
Prick.
Granger tugged at Potter's arm and hissed something he couldn't hear.
'I daresay he will be released soon enough,' Draco sneered.
After all, the Dark Lord will want my whole family immediately available if I fail this task. The Dark Lord doesn't believe that revenge is a dish best served cold - unfortunately.
'What do you know, Ferret,' Potter snarled, stepping closer.
Goyle and Crabbe grumbled and shifted at his side and Potter cast a wary eye at them.
'What – can't fight your own battles, Ferret?' Potter snipped.
'Why bother when I can get others to do it for me?' he replied imperturbably. 'Now if you will excuse me, I have better things to do than hang around the stench of her and that blood traitor,' Draco added with a nod towards Granger and the Weasel.
'Don't say that about Hermione,' Potter threatened.
'But it's okay to say about the blood traitor. Hmm, looks like you have some competition for the bushy-haired beaver, Weasel.'
'Say that again, I dare you,' Potter all but growled.
'What is going on here,' a silky drawl interrupted.
Draco glanced at Severus who was watching the group with a dangerous glint.
'Surely you have better things to do than chat with these three, Draco.'
Draco hid his distaste at the reminder that he had the task for the Dark Lord to still complete.
'Of course, Sir,' Draco replied smoothly and led his two moron followers away from the group. Snape walking behind them, as if ushering them.
'Mr Goyle, Mr Crabbe, please return to your common room, I need to discuss Draco's last essay with him in private.'
The two boys immediately toddled off, much to Draco's chagrin.
Severus twitched his head, silently demanding Draco follow him. The command chaffed, but he started to run over his occlumency training to calm himself and prepare to halt the man's attempt to use legilimency on him.
When they were ensconced in the potions classroom, Severus sat at his desk and waved Draco towards a student desk.
Trying to assert dominance are we – since I doubt we are here to discuss my work as a student, I'll pass.
Draco instead leaned against the desk.
Severus' lips twisted with irritation.
'Was there something wrong with my essay on unicorn hair use in potions?' Draco asked.
'You know very well I have no wish to discuss your school work, Draco.'
'It seems the only plausible assumption, as I can't think of anything else we have to discuss.'
'Don't be a fool, Draco, it doesn't suit you,' Severus commanded.
Deciding not to help his professor, Draco rested his arms on the tabletop and leaned his weight into them.
'Have you almost completed your task?'
'What task is that?' Draco asked with a raised eyebrow.
He felt the light push of legilimency on his mind.
So predictable, he thought as he brought up a pre-prepared image of frustration that he hadn't yet achieved what his glorious master desired.
He allowed Severus to view it, pretending he didn't notice the intrusion.
Really, my ancestors developed this skill and I have been perfecting it since I was eight!
He felt Severus start find other images.
'Sir?' he prompted to distract the professor.
Severus withdrew from his mind. 'Killing Dumbledore and helping death eaters enter the school.'
'I'll manage, it is my task and I'll not let you take any of the glory,' Draco said with false pride and hauntiness.
And if you help me then technically I didn't complete the whole task and they will both die in a revel.
'Draco, I can help,' Severus pleaded.
'I don't need nor desire your help.'
'Fine,' Severus snapped. 'Get out then.'
Draco stood up, a wave of weakness overcoming him and causing him to stumble slightly.
Severus' eyes narrowed on him.
'And for Merlin's sake eat something – if you die you will fail the Dark Lord and your mother.'
Draco shot him a bitter look as he righted himself and sauntered out.
When he was around the corridor, he leaned against the wall, trying to gather strength to get back to the common room without any further shows of his condition.
Maybe I should use a glamour charm.
'Hey mate,' Blaise said stepping out from the darkened doorway nearby.
'Blaise, what are you doing here?' Draco asked tiredly.
'Checking you're still alive. The round twins said Snape summoned you about some essay.'
Draco scoffed.
'Some other reason I take it.'
Draco sent him a withering look and Blaise nodded at the silent confirmation.
'You look like shit, mate,' Blaise commented. 'Very un-Malfoyish. When was the last time you sleep a full night or ate a full meal?'
'No idea,' Draco replied honestly.
Blaise looked at him with concern.
'When the year ends, I'm going to head for Italy. I have a new place all set up that I bought under a fake name. My mum is going somewhere else. You want to join me?' Blaise offered.
'If I leave, my family will die – slowly.'
'Your parents wouldn't want you under that monster's thumb for anything.'
Draco just look morose in response.
'They can come too,' Blaise added.
Draco stayed silent.
'What am I missing?' Blaise probed with concern.
Draco glanced up and down the corridor. 'Follow me.'
Draco then wound his way through a maze of corridors until they were in a completely isolated area. Flicking up wards and charms to ensure they couldn't be overheard, Draco slumped to the floor – drained from the advanced magic.
'I didn't tell you before, but the Fidelius is now broken so I suppose I can…'
Blaise slid down the wall and sat by his slowly dying friend.
'I have a five year old sister and the Dark Lord found out. She is the leverage he now has over us. She and my mother are locked up in Malfoy Manor until I complete this wretched suicidal mission for that creature.'
'You have a sister,' Blaise whispered in comprehension.
'Yeah. She's five.'
'Well bring her too. We just need a plan to get her and Narcissa out of the Manor – are you sure they can't leave at all?'
Draco felt a rush of gratitude and relief towards his friend, before he remembered the futility of the situation and released a half sob.
'It's impossible. I can't communicate with them and they can't leave – the Dark lord was very clear about that before I left.'
'But you've been getting your weekly letters from your mum since you arrived,' Blaise commented, puzzled.
Draco scoffed. 'No, I've been getting threats and reminders that the clock is ticking from my master.'
Blaise paled.
'We'll figure this out, mate, I promise. Now to keep the monster distracted, what is your task?'
Draco felt bile rising, but pushed it back down brutally.
'Get Death Eaters into the school and kill Dumbledore.'
'What!'
'It's true.'
'Does he want you to die!'
Draco looked at his friend with a blank, unblinking look.
Realisation dawned on his friend. 'That twisted maggot!'
Blaise always did have a gift for understatement.
Draco smiled feebly.
'Alright, fine. He wants into the school, we can do that – we'll set a trap for the bastard. And Dumbledore – well he'll just has to believe you are trying until we get Narcissa and your sister out.'
'If he thinks I'm not working to complete the task or will screw him over, then my sister and mother will die - gruesomely.'
'He won't, it'll just be between us. You can trust me.'
'I know, I wouldn't have told you otherwise,' Draco answered.
'Now, first things first – you can't plan to outwit the Dark Maggot on no sleep.'
Draco shook his head. 'I've got to go and work on something.'
'No, you've got to sleep. You can sleep or I can hex you to sleep – your choice.'
'Blaise,' Draco groused.
'Your choice, I don't mind which you choose, although I do need some wandwork practise, so I'm happy if you choose the second option,' Blaise replied, juggling his wand in his hand.
'There isn't any point, I can't sleep knowing Cassie and mother are locked in the Manor with the twisted prick.'
'Cassie – after Cassiopeia I pressu—wait did you say the Dark Maggot is in your home?'
'Yeah, moved in during the Summer break,' Draco answered wearily.
Blaise looked at him searchingly.
'What?' Draco asked.
'How pissed was he to find out about Cassie?'
'Delighted – what do you think,' Draco answered with a sarcastic snark. 'Father had just been pinged thanks to a bunch of school kids and failed his mission, and the Dark Lord comes in and finds secrets.'
Blaise looked at his friend with understanding and then levered himself up, grabbing Draco's arm, he pulled his friend up too. They split up before entering the common room so no one would suspect their renewed friendship: Draco going in first so Blaise was assured he wouldn't wander off and stay awake all night.
Blaise slipped into the shared room a short time later and passed him an extra strength dreamless sleep potion, forcing Draco to drain it all before sliding silently out the door once more.
Draco woke the next day feeling lethargic.
Too much sleep for my deprived body, no doubt. Would be that I get a decent amount of sleep and it makes me feel rotten.
He checked the time on his wizarding watch: You're in luck, it's Saturday.
Ugh, probably missed breakfast then.
The thought made his stomach roll.
Guess that isn't an issue.
Levering himself up, Draco found a vial by his bedside with a note.
Don't make me force this down your throat.
B.
Draco scoffed.
Like I'd trust a vial of potion lying around in Slytherin.
Rolling out of bed, Draco padded to the showers and had a long, steamy shower. When he was dressed, he felt better than he had in a while. Figuring it was best to continue with his normal routine, he put in wand in it holster and left his room to go to the Room of Requirements.
The common room was empty when he swept through.
Weird.
Shaking it off – probably a nice day outside, or people are playing a quidditch pick-up match – he continued higher into the castle.
'Malfoy,' a voice hissed as he passed the fifth floor east corridor.
Turning, Draco saw Potter and his two side-kicks in the corridor. Granger was holding Potter's arm firmly.
'Late night last night?' Potter continued.
I wonder if I can focus my magic enough to just wish him into existence no longer.
'Something you need, Pothead?'
'You must be jumping for joy. But they'll find them soon and daddy will be back in Azkaban before school's out. So sad you'll miss the reunion – although the aurors will probably take you away for helping.'
Backin Azkaban? Oh Hades, has the Dark Lord broken him out already? Dammit, he's getting impatient.
'Upset, Pothead?'
'I knew you were involved,' Potter snarled.
Draco rolled his eyes.
The one night I'm not actually doing the Dark Twat's bidding – and I'm getting accused of helping a break out.
'You didn't think they'd stay there forever, did you?' Draco taunted.
Potter's fist clenched.
'They deserve it!'
Draco shrugged. 'Hardly up to you.'
Draco continued up the stairs, but a hand clenching his robes halted his steps.
Draco sneered at the offending limb.
'I'll figure out what you're up to, and then you'll be done,' Potter hissed.
'If you say so,' Draco replied indifferently and, after prying Potter's grip open with deftly unforgiving fingers, continued on his way.
Draco couldn't get into the room when he arrived, so abandoning that idea, he headed to the library to figure out some alternatives to try against the old headmaster.
That evening at dinner, Draco felt the mass of glares aimed towards the Slytherin table keenly. Fortunately, the hatred was being shared around.
He had gotten hold of the latest paper in the library and discovered the dementors had abandoned Azkaban and the 'loyal' followers had been released. His father was amongst the number. No doubt the man was now at the Manor, punished and up-to-date about Draco's suicidal mission to save his mother and sister.
Draco knew his father would be devastated to hear he had been dragged into the war, especially as punishment. It would be particularly harsh with the information coming from the sadistic Dark Lord.
'Hey, Draco, I'm glad your dad is out,' Theo said in a hushed tone by his side.
I'm not.
'Thanks,' Draco replied dutifully.
'Will you see him at Christmas?' Theo continued, a glint of hope in his eyes.
Draco stiffened marginally.
Prying – too prying for a Death Eater's Slytherin child, especially in the Great Hall.
Draco looked at Theo carefully, eyes narrowing on his knife and fork.
Theo's left-handed. So why is he holding his utensils like he's right-handed? Could he—no way! Dumbledore wouldn't, would he?
Doubt seized Draco as he looked at his curious friend.
A test then – just to be sure.
'I, obviously, don't know where he'll be,' Draco drawled. 'Hey did you figure out the answer to Sprout's plant riddle yet?'
'Nah, I was hoping you had,' Theo answered promptly.
Son of a—
Sprout hadn't assigned any riddle to solve – it was an imposter playing Theo, an auror or not-so goody-goody Order member, pumping him for information.
Well that is entirely underhand.
'Are you sure you don't know?' the Theo-imposter continued.
Deciding to teach whoever it was a lesson, Draco replied, 'No idea to the answer of the riddle.'
'No, I meant about your dad.'
'Why would I know where he is?' Draco asked coolly. 'And why do you care?'
'I want to talk to him about helping: I want to meet V—the Dark Lord.'
Draco barely restrained his eye roll at the stuff up, but managed to pretend he was dim and missed it.
'I could help you,' Theo prompted.
Oh hades no am I going to give you a confession.
'I don't need help with my school work, Theo.'
'No, with your task for the Dark Lord,' Theo whispered.
'I don't have a task from the Dark Lord, Theo,' Draco replied casually. 'Why would you think I did? I'm in school and neutral in this war.'
Theo chuckled quietly. 'Come on, you can tell me – I'll help.'
'Theo,' Draco said seriously, turning to face his friend.
Wonder if I should attempt legilimency to see who this is… best not, no idea of their skill.
'I don't know what potions you've been ingesting, but you are way off in your assumptions.'
Theo looked unsure, so Draco turned to face Pansy who was on his other side and started to flatter her. Pansy responded immediately and leaned against him, glaring at Theo when the boy tried to reclaim Draco's attention.
Sometimes Pansy has her uses, Draco admitted with a small smirk.
Theo disappeared from the masses of students heading towards the Slytherin rooms after dinner.
Probably to switch back – hmm… what did they get out of Theo and what exactly he agreed to? Best be careful around him in the future.
Draco dragged himself into the Great Hall the next morning. He had spent most of the night working in the Room of Requirements – thanks to whoever took it over earlier the previous day.
Blaise made a tsk as he walked by. It was late for breakfast, but since it was Sunday most students were trickling in.
Draco slumped in his seat and put some food onto his plate that he immediately began to stab with his fork.
The students were continuing their glaring practise from the day prior, but the teachers seemed unconcerned. The Slytherins around him refused to be bowed by the scrutiny and the arrogant tilt to their heads and hard eyes dared the other houses to say something in their hearing. None dared until Ron Weasley opened his mouth during a lull in the conversation that would normally have covered his obnoxious voice from the Slytherins on the other side of the hall.
'Dumbledore should chuck the lot of them out on their asses right now – all the evil wizards are from Slytherin – might as well get the jump on them and toss them in Azkaban right now.'
The hall stilled, the tension could have been cut by a sword as Granger hissed 'Ron!'. The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws slouched in their chairs, ready to duck to safety should hexes start being thrown across the room.
'You want to say that again, Weasel,' Theo snarled.
The Weasel opened him mouth, the tips of his ears red and an ugly look on his face. 'I—'
Pop.
A crouching house elf appeared near the doorway with a large bundle beside it.
The house elf staggered upright in a green pillowcase with silver trim. Blood smeared its pillowcase, but a distinct symbol was visible on the top right of the cloth.
Draco felt his stomach plummet when he saw it.
His eyes moved to the bundle. A woman in torn robes lay unmoving, her blond hair spread from her like blood.
Mother?
Screams erupted around the hall and the teachers started to call for order. Draco staggered to his feet with wide eyes, complexion like death.
He stumbled forward, barely aware of teachers also moving from their table; a few first years fainted and the heads of houses' converged to their respective students, while Dumbledore strode towards the visitors.
Arriving next to the woman's body, Draco drank in the details. Her body was battered – like she had desperately fought for her life. Checking her pulse, hoping she was just unconscious, Draco found no pulse. A glimmer on her hand caught his attention – his mother's Malfoy ring. His throat clenched.
Not a warning.
Only blood family members or their partners in marriage could wear the Malfoy jewellery, magic disallowing the jewellery to attach to any other.
No doubt then. My mother is dead. Why would Voldemort do this?
The elf moaned and Draco turned to look at it. Dumbledore was standing over the elf, chanting with his wand trained on the elf. Draco bit back a sneer that the man had gone to help the house elf before his mother.
The elf's eyes opened and caught his – it held out its hand and offered him a piece of parchment. Draco took it and read the note. It was stamped with his father's Malfoy crest ring.
Draco,
Run and keep them safe.
Love always,
Your father.
Draco looked back at his mother's lone figure in confusion.
Where's Cassie?
Movement under his mother's robe caught his attention, and he rolled her gently to the side.
Cassie lay underneath, drowsy and blinking.
Merde.
A hand clasped his shoulder and he chanced a look at the attached person. Blaise. The hand squeezed his shoulder and it pushed Draco into action.
I can still save Cassie.
Leaving the elf to Dumbledore's ministrations and his dead mother behind. He quickly picked up Cassie's limp form and started to the hospital wing.
Mother is dead. Father likely to have already joined her, or he will soon. Only one thing left for me now – keep Cassie safe. I swear to you Cassie, on my magic, I'll never let the Dark Lord near you again. I'll keep you safe. Whatever it takes, you'll be safe and I won't let anyone take you away.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the story! I'm thinking of making this a two-shot by adding on what happens next. Do you want a follow-up?