Prologue
Written by Elluxion
"You have disappointed me."
The sentence was heavy with import, each word dripping with venom, laced with evil, yet curiously refined, intent. Draco Malfoy lowered his head, feeling despair and dread sweep through him, yet keeping his face impassive and bland.
"I understand, Father," he replied simply, carefully emotionless.
Lucius Malfoy shook his head, slowly, staring down at his son.
"One too many times, Draco," he said heavily, almost harshly. "You have failed twice. Why?"
It wasn't a question. Not really. More a demand for an answer.
"I missed my opportunity, Father," Draco murmured smoothly. "It isn't entirely my fault. The conditions did not tip in my balance or favour me in any way at all." Glibly Draco continued to lie. "Pansy Parkinson will die, I assure you, directly after I re-enter Hogwarts."
"You understand why you have to kill her? That it's not only because of the reasons I had provided for you beforehand -- but more of the fact that this concerns your entire future? The Dark Lord is watching, son. He is pleased with the progress you have made until this blunder!"
"I understand why Pansy Parkinson has to perish." Lucius hated unanswered questions, a trait that Draco shared. "To remove her from our rise to power. As an only child, she is the hireress of the Parkinson family. Her mother is a widow and traditions disallow her to marry again. Without Pansy, it removes another candidate for the four empty spaces in the Death Eater's ring." Every word came out fluidly, easily, technical terms Draco had imprinted on his mind, indelible because of the ruthlessness in the way he had to proceed.
"Detailed description, Draco," Lucius returned calmly.
Draco dared to glance up fleetingly. His father caught his gaze and the Slytherin had to gamely stare into cold grey eyes, constructed of steel and iron, brimming with business. Eyes that felt only amusement, power, and sometimes when it came to his family -- disappointment and approval.
"However I wonder if this is merely a certain affection for Pansy that is holding you back."
Draco stiffened physically. Sometimes he swore that his father could penetrate his mind. He took the plunge, allowing honesty to emerge at last.
"She is a childhood friend."
"This won't do." Disapproval flooded Lucius's tone. "Friend or not... Malfoys are not made to feel, Draco. And sometimes you're a little too close to your emotions. No. This wouldn't do at all."
"I apologize, Father."
Lucius waved the apology aside, concentrating on Draco instead. "Apologies matter naught. You must remain in the Dark Lord's good graces. I will be inflicting the Frost Curse upon you. You will feel only certain, minor feelings -- amusement, curiosity, irritation. You will not have possession of stronger feelings. You will learn, however, to hate, to feel bitterness and such, and I expect you to fit into the Malfoy mould within the next year."
"The Frost Curse... " Draco repeated, horror filtering through him. Incapable of feeling. "I would rather not -- "
"Honestly, Draco, shut up. You talk too much!" Lucius tossed a look of annoyance at his son, the son he was about to curse.
"Father, please -- "
"Iycines!"
