Another first chapter, this story however, will actually have a sequel... and maybe even a prequel, we'll have to wait and see...
Anywho, on to the necessary info;
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, J.K. does and I am not her.
Warnings: umm, slash, H/D of course, maybe others. Language, violence, semi-gory descriptions, mild adult situations ;)
That's all I think, so here you are!
"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."
- George Bernard Shaw
"It would seem that your wife and son no longer find my presence to their liking, Lucius."
The man in question looked up from his kneeling position, in the dark room lit only by candle light, he could barely see his masters figure, only the malicious glow of his red eyes.
"My Lord?"
Those red eyes narrowed, "Must I repeat myself Lucius? Your wife and son have disappeared, and we have yet to find them. Or has Azkaban made you so daft that you can no longer follow the subtle nuances of conversation? Perhaps I should return you to your cell, if you are no longer able to serve."
Lucius Malfoy's gray, bloodshot eyes widened and he groveled, "No my Lord, I can still serve you, I will find them my Lord, I swear to it, and they will rue the day they betrayed our practices."
Narrowed red eyes displayed a muted satisfaction, "No, Lucius, do with your wife what you will. But I have uses for young Draco, he possesses a wonderful potential to serve."
"Of course, my Lord! Whatever you say, my Lord!"
"And Lucius? Use whatever means necessary."
The smooth ivory keys were a blessing beneath slender alabaster fingers. Those elegant hands flew over the keyboard of the shiny black grand piano as if they were born to do so. Sunlight flooded into the large room through the wall of ceiling high windows, shining off the marble floor and the silvery blonde hair of the musician. Large bouquets of creamy roses and pure white belladonna lilies rested in crystal vases atop deep brown antique furniture. The sunlight bounced spectacularly off the magnificent crystal chandelier hanging from the center of the ceiling, casting small rainbows over the walls and emerald green drapery.
A tall, slender woman sat on a plush emerald sofa. There was a forgotten book in her relaxed hand, resting softly on her silk clad lap while her other hand lightly traced a delicate china cup holding tea absently, her elegant fingers so like that of the musician before her. Indeed, they were very much alike, musician and observer. The same moonlit skin, the same silky, silvery hair, and the same slender, delicate frame. There were many times when she would count her blessing that the young man sitting before her took more after her than his father, and not simply in physical appearance.
But those contemplations were the furthest things from her mind, at the moment the only thing she did was listen and feel. Her ice blue eyes were soft, her face and body completely relaxed with a fond smile stretched across her lips. Her son was so talented, the song he was wringing from the piano was among her favorites and never failed to calm her, even in her worst of times.
The mother examined her son, it seemed that he had grown up without her knowledge and certainly without her permission. How long ago was it that he was just a babe in her arms? It seemed like mere days, yet here he was, a beautiful seventeen year old boy. Her dragon's hair had grown out over the last year, the silvery strands just brushing his slender shoulders, he was long elegant lines, a small waist, delicate wrists and a swan neck. She couldn't see his face at the moment, but she knew it by heart, knew the thinly shaped eyebrows, just a little darker than his hair, knew the almond shaped mercury eyes framed my long black eyelashes, knew the delicate nose, high cheekbones, and pouted pink lips. She knew the features of his face better than her own, she had seen it drawn in sadness, in happiness, she had seen desperation, disappointment, and anger. There weren't many that could detect the play of emotions across Draco's face, but what kind of mother doesn't know her own child?
The musician let a small smile play on his lips, he could feel his mother's mind working, knew that she was being nostalgic and sentimental. His hands never stopped, he adored the feeling he obtained when he played, it was very similar to riding a broom, the absolute exhilaration, and it came to him just as easily, his hands moving almost to their own accord. The song was sweet, simple, relaxing and more optimistic than he could ever remember feeling. His smile grew and he was at once assaulted with the feeling of complete freedom.
'This would not be possible if Lucius were still here.' Draco let the thought go as quickly as it had come, a small smirk replaced the growing smile, the expression feeling much more familiar to him, 'But Lucius isn't here, he is locked up in Azkaban, and he won't have a iron grip of control on our lives ever again.'
The music that filled the room soon reached a soft crescendo, falling into a dulcet rhythm. The last note lingering as Draco let out a soft sigh.
"I wish you did not have to go back this year my dragon, I rather enjoyed having you around so much this past year."
Draco turned around on the bench and gave his mother a soft, small smile. "As have I mother, but you know I have to return. Now that our affairs are in order and I know that you are safe, I can offer my aid to the Order without worry. Besides, I have a duty to my housemates to complete."
Narcissa raised an eyebrow in question, an expression she passed on to her son, "Do you think that they will listen to you? You have been gone for a year."
Draco's eyes narrowed slightly, a small smirk in place of the former smile, "Mother, you underestimate my influence and prowess if you think a mere year is enough for someone to usurp my position. I sent a letter once a week, enough for my presence to still be felt. They look up to me mother, I believe that if anyone has the ability to sway their opinion it would be me."
Narcissa let out a small laugh, "I have no doubt in my mind that that is the truth my dragon, I merely would like to remind you that this is an extremely delicate situation. If they decide to be neutral, or to fight for the side of Light as you have, most will not have anywhere to go."
"Then they will stay here."
"I see you have this all planned out, and here I thought the change in location and added security were all for my sake." Narcissa put a hand to her heart and placed a disappointed expression on her face.
Draco's answering laugh proved her success, "It was for your protection, as well as my own, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared."
"Then I take it that you have already taken measures to meet with Dumbledore?"
"Yes, all the necessary arrangements have been made, Pansy has arranged a meeting with Dumbledore after the welcoming feast and Severus knows all about this of course." Draco sighed once more, facing the window with a pensive look on his face.
Narcissa raised an eyebrow, "What is it dragon. What's on your mind?"
Draco turned back to his mother, "I don't know if Dumbledore's support will be enough."
"No, in fact, I seriously doubt it will be. Not for what you are planning. But I have no doubt that you have a plan for that as well. I only hope that you know what you are doing."
Draco gave his mother a small smirk, his silver eyes flashing with mischief, "Mother, I am the reigning Prince of Slytherin, you can put money on my plans working out."
Narcissa looked at her son, quiet for a moment, before speaking again, "I was not commenting on the success of your plans Draco, I worry about you my dear, you are putting a lot on the line," she gave Draco a look as he was about to interrupt, "I know this is a war, Draco, I know that there are countless people who will sacrifice their lives, but you are putting yourself in a position in which you are responsible for a very large group of people. Besides that, the state of our world after the Dark Lord is killed will be chaotic. I fear that the day will come when you are surrounded by enemies and our people are persecuted as they were in the past for simply existing."
Draco looked at his mother, his eyes softened, his face completely vulnerable and relaxed. Narcissa had the sudden urge to cry, she had not seen his face and eyes express emotion so freely in years.
"We will fight, as we have always fought. The world is changing, I can feel it in the air. There will come a day when we are completely free."
The fey teen smiled at his mother playfully, "Don't worry about me, Mère, I know my limitations and all risks involved in my actions, I can assure you that I will be fine. You, however, are another matter entirely. You promise to stay out of trouble right? I won't have to worry about you while worrying about everyone else will I? My poor Slytherin heart simply could not take it!" Draco leaned back slightly, a hand to his forehead and a mock dismayed expression on his face.
Narcissa laughed, "Your theatrics are something to be admired, my dragon."
"Yes, well, I did learn from the best."
"You do your godfather proud indeed."
Draco gave a small laugh and Narcissa allowed the change in subject with out press, she would simply have to insure that Draco was taken care of. Their conversation continued until it was late afternoon, Narcissa noticed the time and told her son to go and get ready, they would be taking many precautions in having Draco travel to Hogwarts, he would need to be prepared.
She watched him go and then stood, she had letters to write to a certain Zabini and a certain Parkinson.
To say that Blaise Zabini was only mildly dissatisfied would be a gross understatement. To say that he was simply irritated would be terribly erroneous. And to say that Blaise Zabini was a tad bit embarrassed and disgusted would be wide off the mark.
No, Blaise Zabini was monumentally dissatisfied, wildly irritated and disgusted, and though he would never admit it, a cringe of embarrassment may have made itself known at this extremely abhorrent display.
"Really, this is the very first night, and we are already squabbling amongst ourselves."
Blaise gave a nod of agreement, curly brown hair falling forward into intense cinnamon eyes, he could hear every emotion he was feeling in Pansy's exasperated tone.
"I knew there would be distress, I did not think they would lose themselves enough to have it out in front of everyone." Millicent spoke quietly, calmly continuing to eat her dinner.
"It is most distasteful." Theodore had his eyes trained on the section of the Slytherin table to his right, his face a mask of indifference, but Blaise could detect the caution, knew that he was not the only one who would interfere should the situation get out of hand.
Tensions amongst the Slytherin house had been growing over the past year and a half. The students had faith in their house, had faith in each other and their leader, but they were all under huge pressures and very real threats, and fear can sometimes get the best of anyone.
"Snape is not going to be too pleased."
Blaise followed Vincent's line of sight, Snape was glaring at his house, annoyance and disappointment rolling off the Potion's Master in waves.
"He's not the only one who's going to be upset." Gregory muttered before taking a gulp of pumpkin juice.
Blaise let out a small frown. It was true, Draco would be quite displeased. However, while Blaise and the others that made up their main group commanded a certain amount of respect, they simply did not hold the kind of authority that Draco did and the blonde had yet to arrive. Fear over where their blonde leader was and why they had not heard from him in the past month made the entire house even more on edge and nervous. If things escalated, they would get involved, until then they would simply show their displeasure.
"YOU"RE A USELESS COWARD, A DAMN TRAITOR TO EVERYTHING SLYTHERIN STANDS FOR!"
Urquhart had stood up sharply while saying this, and Blaise sent a glare his way. If the rest of the Great Hall wasn't paying attention to them earlier, they were now. But still, Blaise felt an inch of sympathy well up within him, Urquhart was a pure-blooded wizard, his parents were arrested over the summer as suspected Death Eaters, and the boy looked haggard. Every Slytherin knew why.
His quarreling partner stood up as well, Vaisey had a sneer on his face, his eyes set in a glare that was shooting fire and spoke in a clear cutting voice, "You possess some serious misconceptions if you think THAT is what Slytherin stands for, if anyone is the traitor and a coward here, it's you. Tell me Urquhart, how are Mummy and Daddy after their summer stay in Azkaban?"
Urquhart drew his wand, Blaise and Theodore about to stand and interfere while some of the teachers had already stood, but before any action could take place, the familiar screech of the huge Great Hall oak doors being opened sounded and everyone turned in curiosity. Blaise had to hold back a smile.
Remus Lupin stood in the entrance, an interested expression on his face and beside him stood Draco Malfoy. A very different Draco Malfoy than most of the houses were used to.
The Draco Malfoy most people were used to was raised to be the perfect picture of pureblood aristocracy, and there was no doubt in anyone's mind that he filled the role flawlessly.
He moved with a precise grace, his movements were never needless, and never unnecessarily wistful. His pale skin was impeccable, his hair always pulled back, never a strand out of place, his clothing was always meticulously cut to fit his body and only of the most expensive material and design.
But besides his appearance, Draco Malfoy simply had the charisma of pureblood aristocracy. His steely silver eyes flashed in warning if displeased and had a mocking quality more often than not. His voice was habitually elongated into an indifferent drawl that simply exuded superiority and indeed, even his behavior reflected a spoiled, prejudiced and privileged lifestyle.
Yes, Draco Malfoy had that rare ability that allowed him to insult people endlessly and mercilessly and yet still have sway over their opinions. The ability to have people hate him and yet still admire him.
Insufferable, prideful, arrogant, cruel, Draco Malfoy. That is who the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and Gryffindors knew him as.
Which is probably why every student from any of those three houses blinked in surprise and incredulity at the boy who had been missing for the past year.
Insufferable, prideful, arrogant, cruel, ever so prim, proper, and perfect Draco Malfoy stood with most of his weight centered on one leg, his hips shifted slightly to the side to ensure his balance, and his arms crossed over his chest. Black fitted slacks adorned his long legs, as always, but the accompanying dress shirt was anything but ordinary, the deep green material was a simple button up, the top two buttons undone revealing the slender neck and collarbone, and the bottom button undone so the shirt flared around his hips slightly. The long sleeves messily rolled up to his elbows. The silvery blond hair that had, in his fifth year, been cut short and slicked back hung down to his shoulders freely, an indifferent look graced his face, but his silver eyes narrowed into a glare cast upon his house's table.
Blaise relaxed in his seat, knowing Theodore was doing the same, and watched as Draco said something quietly to Lupin. Blaise could read lips well enough to know it was a sincere thank you.
Draco sent a look Blaise's way. Knowing the question for what it was, even if no one else did, Blaise gave a miniscule eye roll and tilted his head slightly in the direction of Urquhart's left arm, the arm that currently held his wand offensively, even as the boy himself watched Draco warily, as if the blonde was really a cobra disguised, ready to strike at any second.
Draco's eyes darkened, a stormy expression overwhelming his face briefly. But as brief as it was, it was enough to send Urquhart and Vaisey to their seats once more.
The blonde boy walked gracefully over to his seat, ignoring the stares of the Great Hall and sat down in his position between Blaise and Theodore. It had been their seating orientation since third year, situated in the middle of the table, Draco seated between the two of them, Pansy on Theo's right, Vincent, Goyle and Millicent across from them with their backs to the rest of the Hall. The familiarity was enough to make Blaise feel lighter than he had all of last year.
Their group resumed eating once more, as if nothing had just happened, and the rest of the Slytherins soon followed suit. Even Blaise was slightly impressed, after all these years, with Draco's effects upon their house. The students were subdued, even Vaisey looked calmer than he had moments before.
Blaise cast a glance around the Great Hall, it had exploded with noise as soon as the Slytherins had continued to eat. They looked confused and suspicious for the most part. However he was quick enough to catch the briefly impressed expression on Potter's face. The teacher's had settled once more, Dumbledore was looking at Draco with an unreadable expression, but those blue eyes twinkled as always, so Blaise was not too worried. McGonagall had a distinctly curious, suspicious and slightly impressed look as well. And for the most part, Snape looked placated.
"So, Lupin is back as the Defense teacher?"
Blaise focused on their group once more. Theo had asked the question, Vincent and Greg were still eating, while Pansy and Millicent were discreetly scanning Draco, looking for any sign that he was unwell or injured.
Draco's lips pulled into a small smirk, the closest thing to a smile they would get while in public. "Yes, he escorted me. Pansy, Millie, I believe you will find that I am unharmed, so stop your worrying."
Pansy scoffed and gave him a pointed look.
"We'll discuss it later." Draco's voice was firm, and Pansy gave a sigh.
"This is going to be a hell of a year."
Blaise had to agree.
"Ronald, honestly, you act as if you have never seen food before in your life."
Harry Potter grinned at the female portion of the Golden Trio, as people called them. Hermione Granger had a look that suggested that she was quickly losing her appetite the longer she watched their tall red-headed friend eat.
"Ymph dun ndstnd ah grumphing bosh Mionphe."
Hermione's disgust seemed to intensify along with her confusion as she spoke in a wry tone, "I'm sorry, I missed that."
"He said, 'You don't understand a growing boy, Hermione.'" Harry translated with a smile, it was rare that they got these moments of relaxation, and he enjoyed them immensely.
Ron nodded enthusiastically, "See Mione! Harry gets it, don't you Harry?"
Harry looked down at his own mountain of food, his growth spurt over sixth year and this past summer not only left him much taller than he had been, but also constantly hungry.
"He's right, Mione, and in all fairness, it is the Welcoming Feast."
The girl simply scoffed at them and went back to talking to Ginny, a small smile of fondness on her lips.
Harry was immediately brought into a discussion with Dean, Seamus and Ron about Quidditch, translating each others speech through food.
"YOU"RE A USELESS COWARD, A DAMN TRAITOR TO EVERYTHING SLYTHERIN STANDS FOR!"
Harry tensed immediately and whipped around to face the commotion. In his experience, screaming was never a good thing, nor were the words 'traitor' or 'Slytherin'. Now facing the Slytherin table with the rest of the Great Hall, Harry noted the continued absence of a certain blonde Slytherin and felt a bit disappointed. He would never admit it, but the fights between himself and one, Draco Malfoy, sometimes grounded him to reality better than anything else. Loath as he was to admit it, he missed the little brat.
A rather large Slytherin was standing across the table from another. He did not recognize the boy who screamed, his skin was pasty, there were dark circles underneath his eyes and he looked as if he had not eaten a thing in months. The other boy, Vaisey, Harry thought his name was, a Chaser on the Slytherin Quidditch team, did not yell like the other boy, but Harry could still hear him clear as day from the other side of the Great Hall.
"You possess some serious misconceptions if you think THAT is what Slytherin stands for, if anyone is the traitor and a coward here, it's you. Tell me Urquhart, how are Mummy and Daddy after their summer stay in Azkaban?"
Harry was slightly bewildered that this argument was taking place between members of the Slytherin house, and belatedly he realized that he had never seen inter-house arguments among the snakes. Then several things happened at once, Vaisey's opponent drew a wand to attack, several teachers stood and started forward, two other Slytherin boys that Harry recognized as Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott moved to stand as well, and the Great Hall doors opened.
All movement stopped, heads that had been turned toward the Slytherin table were now turned toward the entrance. Harry was pleased to see Remus, the man looked tired but he was blinking at the attention and commotion going on in the Great Hall, and beside him stood the missing blonde Slytherin.
He looked different, and not just in appearance. Distantly, Harry reluctantly noted that his blonde rival had indeed matured quite nicely in his year of absence, the Slytherin was beautiful. But physicality aside, for some reason Malfoy seemed lighter and yet more burdened then ever. It did not even make sense in his head, so Harry dismissed his thoughts and watched as the reigning Slytherin Prince inclined his head and spoke to Remus briefly before making his way to hold court over his table. Harry was slightly impressed despite himself, at how all the Slytherins, including Vaisey and the boy about to attack him, suddenly calmed and took their seats before continuing to eat.
"Does anyone else know what the bloody hell just happened?"
Harry shook his head clear and drew his attention away from Malfoy and back toward Ron.
" I don't know mate."
"It is strange though isn't it? I don't think I've ever seen Slytherins fight amongst themselves before, and then Malfoy shows up after a years absence and everything is okay again?"
Hermione was talking in that tone, the tone that said that she had found a puzzle, and she was going to figure it out, no matter what.
"Where do you suppose the King of the Gits was last year anyway?" Ron had barely gotten the sentence out before biting a chunk out of a chicken wing.
"Ron, he's a Malfoy, and the reigning Prince of Slytherins, where do you think he's been?" Ginny had said it in exasperation, like it was a well known fact, and for some reason, it made Harry angry.
"That's a serious implication Ginny. You can't just go around accusing people of being Death Eaters, especially not now, the school would end up in chaos."
Harry relaxed, leave it to Hermione to be the reasonable one.
"Well, whatever the reason, I'm sure we'll find out eventually. Until then, we have more important things to worry about."
Harry's words seemed to have placated the surrounding Gryffindors at the moment. and they went back to their chatter. Conversations about Quidditch continued, complaints about the prospect of going to Potions class, homework and exams could be heard every now and then. Harry savored the normalcy while he could.
He had meant what he said. Ron, Hermione, and himself would be having a very busy year. Between school, Quidditch, training, and their secret mission, it would be a wonder if they had any time to breath at all. Dumbledore's Army was finished, the only reason it was employed in the first place was to compensate for the lack of teaching in Defense. But in its place they had decided to continue training with a very select group. Himself, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Ginny, Neville, Dean, Seamus, and the Weasley twins who were staying in Hogsmeade to be closer to Hogwarts, would be training to fight.
The time was drawing near, Harry could feel it, a sort of tautness inside of him, like a violin string tightened just shy of the point of no return, and he expected that it would be released in maybe as little as a year.
Combine that with the mission that would more than likely consume the three of them, well…. Harry looked back over the blonde Slytherin, not expecting said boy to already be studying him, and looked away. Those eyes, he could have sworn that the other boy's eyes had been a dull grey the last time he saw him, why were they all of a sudden a molten silver? Harry shook his head and tightened his jaw. Even if he had wanted to figure out what was going on with the Slytherins and more importantly, Draco Malfoy, he just did not have the time.
And there is the wonderful prologue/first chapter thing haha
Hope you enjoyed it and I shall try to finish the second chapter this coming weekend, hopefully to be put up by Saturday at the latest.
Extra points for whoever translates the Title and guesses what "language" it is!
Review please! It would make my day.