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Did everyone have a good Holiday?

Slytherin Prince: The Lion and the Snake

The trees whined as the wind twisted them in the evening air. The looming estate beyond the Iron Gate seemed abandoned at this hour however there was a frantic decision being made in the bedroom of a certain man. The hardwood floors had been recently polished and not an artifact was out of place. Every living creature was asleep. The halls were dark as if nothingness was the resident of this enormous place. None the less a soft glow can be seen flickering in the window which overlooks the garden.

Perhaps it was the growing Darkness in his heart at knowing she was alone. Maybe it was his bloody annoying curiosity. Or the fact that he was completely infatuated with her intelligence. However his nightmares had in fact been true and his father would not be happy to know of this. Slamming is fist on the table he read the letter again and removed a picture of her.

Dear Mr. Malfoy

I am shocked to hear from you so many years after our schooling. Never the less I have the information that you have requested, and I am sorry to say that it is indeed a truth. Ronald Weasley has in fact fled the ministries authorities' and proceeded into hiding. His violence escaladed into an unforgivable act upon Miss. Hermione Granger.

Rest assured she has been placed into protective custody and will remain there until Mr. Weasley is located. We understand your concern and will use our utmost discretion when sending you information on this matter.

Hermione has refused to see Mr. Potter and all others whom would normally be the ones she should trust. He is now a suspect in our case as well. At this time we are restricted from giving you any details to the events that took place involving Ms. Granger. Even to you my dear old friend.

I have enclosed a recent photo of Ms. Granger considering the effect this must be having on you as well.

Your friend,

Pansy Parkinson

Head of Magic Law Enforcement

(Ministry of Magic Level 243)

Running his thumb over the photo he removed some of the dust that came from the parchment. His eyes widened as he notices the way her hair has grown so much since the last time he laid his eyes on her. The beautiful mahogany curls seem to surpass even the perfection that was silk. Her skin was flawless and looks to be made of the finest porcelain. How in that moment he longed to caress her beautiful face in his hands and run his fingers through her hair. While staring into her large ivy colored orbs that seemed so filled with agony in this photo. How he wanted to remove her pain and take it into himself.

Once again slamming his fist into the table he stands and reaches for the black robe. Sliding into the robe he secures the belt around his waist. Looking into the mirror he sees the dark circles that began to form after receiving this information a few days ago. Knowing now that he would have to consult his father to get something like this handled in a legal way. Grabbing the envelope he gingerly places the letter and photo inside and reaches for the candle. Finally making his way towards his fathers study and hopefully the darkness he felt growing inside of him would cease. Throwing open the door he didn't bother with trying to remain silent.

Draco felt his heart hurting and knew his father would make it end. The candle stick forced shadows to dance across the walls as he frantically made his way towards his father. Finally ascending the stairs he found the doors already open, and the fire crackling inside. The information he had received was far to disturbing for even the Malfoy family to ignore. Especially since the little letter he clutched in his hand in fact did involved a certain witch that his entire family found to be brilliant. Stopping himself from barging through the doors he lightly tapped his knuckles against the ancient wood. It was silent for only a moment as Draco felt his impatience begin to grow. However his father soon met him at the door with a worried expression plastered on his face.

"Draco." Lucius whispered as he motioned for his child to come into his study. Quickly sealing the doors behind them and turning to meet the most haunting silver gaze.

"I have a problem, and you must help me resolve it." Draco said as he thrust the envelope towards his father. Silver eyes clashed in a moment of understanding as ice-cubes were dropped into separate glasses and scotch was poured.

"What is this?" Lucius said as he began removing the letter from the envelope and allowed the photo to fall to his lap. Draco held one of the glasses towards his father as he sat down across the coffee table. The fire was the only light source at the moment and in lighting like this. The old Lucius Malfoy that everyone seemed to fear would appear again. Draco watched as understanding flashed into the eyes of his fathers and then there was silence.

Silver eyes watched as the older Malfoy drank his scotch and stared into the fireplace. Draco took the rim of the crystal to his nose and inhaled the aroma from the scotch. Soon he took a small amount in his mouth and allowed it to burn down his throat and warm his heart. Allowing his eyes to flutter shut he could remember her reading in the library and trying very hard to ignore him. Opening his eyes he noticed the burning gaze his father sent his way and almost shrunk into his chair has his father began to smirk.

"Son." Lucius said as he allowed a mischievous grin to come across his face. Lucius quickly downed the rest of his scotch and slammed the glass onto the table. Draco leaned forward in his chair in anticipation of what was to come. The elder Malfoy noticed the hope in his only son's eyes. Suddenly the realization hit them both. Not only was this important to Draco, but Lucius as well.

"I have a plan." Lucius announced as he stood and quickly retrieved his quill, ink, and parchment from his desk. Silver eyes clashed once more and a rare moment of love passed between them.

"Father." Draco whispered into the air as he reached for the photo. Holding the photo in the air as his father looked up into his face.

"Thank you for this." Draco said as he began to walk towards the doors preparing to leave. Only turning at hearing his name whispered.

"You're my only future Draco, and she is yours." Lucius said with a secret hidden behind his words that Draco couldn't process this late in the evening.

Silver eyes connected for the last time that evening as the door lightly shut behind him and he began making his way back to his bed chambers. His faith resting completely in his father and his abilities to influence people into doing what he wanted them to do.

Talk to you guys soon!

~Paundrea Sciffo