A/N: I'm sooooooo sorry this took so long to upload. I was out for the week coz my mom dragged me to our province. *Wow! Over one review!* Thankies are at the bottom.

This chappie is both a dark and light chappie. I hope I did a good enough job in it. please take note that in the events that would follow, I would switch points of view—sometimes omniscient, sometimes first person (Draco) ok?

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and its characters; Ms. Rowling and affiliates do. *It was on my wish list to Santa oh well*

Being Draco

Chapter Two: Father Figure

Life is a waterfall

We're one in the river

And one again after the fall

*~*~*

"But Dad! I don't want to stay in America! I don't know anybody there! Why can't I just study here in London? What difference would it make?" Draco protested. He and Lucius had been fighting about Draco's transfer to US for the past hour now and from the sounds of it, the latter is getting the upper hand.

Lucius looked at his son grimly and sighed exasperatingly. He was still the bloody git he used to be years ago when Narcissa brought him in. He was still that stupid, stubborn prat he used to be years ago. And today, he just had to teach him another lesson.

"Draco," he started slowly and calmly, "how many times do we have to discuss this issue? It's been settled and everything is in fact, arranged. Won't it be a pity if you would neglect all those work *I've* done for you?" he walked around Draco like Draco was some criminal being interrogated and clapped his hands on his shoulders. He turned his back on him and paced on.

Draco jumped in his seat, his heartbeat racing for he knew what was coming. He'd either get beaten up or mentally tortured. His father wouldn't let a day pass without getting his hands on him. Lucius just *loves* him so much.

"W-Well…I appreciate all the work, Dad," he felt Lucius shiver at the mention of that term. He told him that he'd rather hear Lucius than Dad from him. It sounded more… domineering. "but I love it here in London. I have so many friends and I get to go to the most wondrous places. I can't just leave London just like that." He knew his father was at the brink of his patience now and he had to brace himself for what was to come.

Lucius stopped pacing around and tightened his fists. "Very well, Draco. I understand how much you love London. I, too, share the same affection. But there's one slight problem." Lucius faced him with a grim façade. He sauntered to Draco until he was only a meter away from him.

Draco almost gulped but maintained the stare with his so-called father. "What is that, Lucius?"

He leaned his face in front of Draco and said "You. Don't. Have. Any. Friend."

Draco hung his head down but Lucius forced it up, holding him fiercely by the chin. It was true he had no friends in this side of London. In fact, his social skills had been limited by his father's orders. All his friends had left him since that incident happened. His skin was as pale as a vampire's due to the lack of outdoor activities. Since his mother died eight years ago, Malfoy Manor—as his father would call it—was his hell. There was no radio, no television, no computer nor any piece of technology in the mansion. It was a clear illustration of Lucius's self. Grey, callous and sober..

"Listen, boy, you follow my orders if you still want to see the daylight! You don't go kidding me with your bloody jokes because I don't buy it. Understand me Draco?" his eyes looked at him menacingly and Draco barely nodded his head. Lucius let go of his grip. He never liked calling him 'son'. Their relationship is beyond father and son. It's more of mentor to student.

"You better mind your attitude, Draco. It will lead you to trouble." He glanced at him and dusted his black coat. "Your reward will come tonight after I return for work. I still have a meeting with Mr. Fudge. Enjoy yourself until then. But don't try to escape me, I know where to find you." He smirked, feeling like he has won a very important award and left Draco.

Draco let out a sigh of relief. 'Torture is my middle name' he thought. He stood up and glanced around the room.

The room where Lucius had beaten him up for the past eight years. He knew too well the walls, the floor, the ceiling and the windows. How he loved to stare at the ceiling and make it absorb his pain, as if it could, as Lucius whipped him or punched him until his fist was red or cut him as if he was some frog for dissection. Those walls that he hated so much for they locked the sounds, muffles, cries and pleads escaping from his mouth, which was sometimes bloody or swollen. The windows that he often thought of breaking just to run away from all the pain Lucius has caused in his whole self—physically and emotionally.

He sighed. Tonight, at least, he's going to have his last beating.

'Oh, mother, how I wish you were here.' He thought all of a sudden as he stared out the window, watching Lucius as he drove away with his sleek black convertible. 'But then again, you wouldn't have done anything. It wouldn't matter.'

As he stared out, he saw her standing there, glaring at Lucius' car. She. Ginny Weasley. The red haired, 17-year old daughter of one of Lucius' mortal enemies, Arthur Weasley, his officemate. Virginia Weasley—the only reason why he loved London. What he told his father was all a lie. Who needed a friend when all you could ever want was in front of you? Who needed the most sought after tourist spots at London when being here meant seeing her?

Lucius degraded the family so much because Arthur won the Most Outstanding Officer last year. He remembered Ginny's sad face that glared at him—the face he wished he could hold someday—when his father insulted their family from head to toe. But there was nothing to loathe about the family. Draco saw how each family member loved one another, how they cared for each other, how perfect they are even if they were struggling financially. He wished he too could be a part of them. Part of that perfect family.

He sighed again. 'She would never know,' he said to himself. 'At least, she's safe. At least she has a family.' He dug his hands in his pockets and left the room.

*~*~*

"…And my dad always told me never talk to strangers. So if you don't give me your name I'm sure my pop's gonna sue you…"

As if. Malfoy. Really the best liar around. How I wish he'd taught me something to live by in life. Oh wait, he did. It doesn't hurt. I'd chant that mantra over and over again when he'd beat me up.

Oh enough about my father! He's not *fun* really to talk about. Let's move on ok?

So here I am skidding off to the Lumiere Wing *after inhaling about ten sticks of Marlboro, it's where the flavor is* about a hundred steps away, to meet up with my second daddy.

Severus Snape.

Yeah, the Chemistry professor from hell who never passed any student of his except for only *ehem* yours truly and some geek named Susan Bones.

That gloomy looking, definitely sullen fellow who'd win 2nd Place at any staring contest (because I own the 1st Place, darling) is my second father.

Since my first week at American University, Snape claimed my father's title, which I was only too glad to accept. I don't know what was with him then *maybe some shots of peps* but I think he thought he could change me by being concerned about every little shit I did or basically everything that concerns me (Unfortunately, EVERYTHING concerns me.)

I don't mind it really, at least I know somebody cared. Even if it meant I had to be scolded every now and then.

I have withstood more than what he does. And if he beats me up, it won't be a problem, I have programmed my body to be numb to such.

He's always told me to sod off fraternities or any kind of brotherhood because they might "harm me". I've often told him that torture is my middle name. Even if they fed me poison, I would not react to it because my father had tried to kill me for so many times that the taste of poison is like salt to my taste buds. I remember he'd cringe by such "morbid statements".

I'd like to tell him "Snape, sorry, dadd-ay but this *is* reality".

I shook my head as I entered his classroom. He looked at me the same way he did to any of his students with the only difference that he bothers to call my name when I enter his class. I lifted my eyebrows at him as he said my name in his usually gothic voice. He stared at me with that I-Know-You-Smoked look. Oh well.

"So," he began and I noticed Susan preparing her stuff to write. I'm not that type. I usually listen during the discussion and when I can't understand it, I fly off to Neverland.

Snape's the kind of teacher whom you wouldn't neglect. Believe me. I had downhill grades during the first quarter in his class and he didn't let me be. I met with him after classes for me to understand the lesson. He'd keep bugging me until *EVERYTHING* was through.

As Snape was nearing his 15 minutes lecturing, I felt a hand moving down my thigh. I froze and knew only one person who could and *would* do that to me.

Pansy.

"Hello, Sugar Plum." She whispered sexily in my ears. I had goosebumps all over and I bet something else also "bumped".

Though it is quite embarrassing, she does call me Sugar Plum whenever we fuck and play games. And I call her my Prissy Princess. She doesn't mind because if she does, she won't get...you know. "Hello, Pansy. As far as I can remember we're not classmates in Chem."

"Well, we are now. Isn't it great?" she said excitedly as if it really was something to be excited about. "I exchanged schedules with Angelina Johnson and she obliged willingly." She explained.

I bet she paid that girl a 100 bucks or threatened her to be pounded until her last year at the university. "Interesting. You never fail to surprise me, Pansy." I said awkwardly. She really was a stupid girl. She knew that I shouldn't be clowning around during Snape's class or else…

"You know Pansy, you have such the wildest and most unprepared schemes that you forget the consequences of your actions." I said and I bet for a million Euros that she didn't get a word I said. Pansy likes actions than words because she can't understand my words. Except in certain circumstances.

"What are you talking about, Draco honey?" she fluttered her eyes at me, thinking I was only flirting. Now, I know my conclusion is right. She's only good as a fuckmate.

"Well, this is Snape's class and you know how things work around here, don't you?" she instead, licked my earlobe and god, was it getting hot in here. (yeah, I-not the roof-am on fire.)

"I don't care." She said huskily. Shit, this lady's dripping and she's spreading her disease to me.

Snape darted a knowing glance at me and I avoided it—almost. There goes his father's instincts again. He paused lecturing and walked over to my seat. Oh, are you fucked Pansy.

"Ms. Parkinson, if my memory does not fail me, I remember you as being my student later this afternoon. Now, can you tell me why I am disturbed seeing you at this time of the day, groping at Mr. Malfoy here?" he said slowly, as if making Pansy absorb every word he said. He raised an eyebrow at her and I almost heard her gulp.

"Well, P-professor, I…uh…exchanged schedules with Angelina Johnson." She stood up, stuttering. I didn't know she could stutter. Well, there's always a first time for everything right?

"I know, of course you exchanged schedules with somebody whom I don't give a damn on but what I'm asking is why?" Snape shook his head and glared at Pansy. Man, was she sweating! I had to suppress my giggle though.

Pansy was stumped for a moment but began to speak when she had had a good alibi. "Well…you see, Professor…I work best in the morning… (Draco: that is soo true, she makes me forget where I am in the morning) I mean I noticed that I'm getting the best grades during my morning classes and so I thought that since I am failing in your subject, I'd exchange schedules with someone who is well-off your subject. That's why I am here now." She smiled, seemingly satisfied with her answer.

I shook my head. Nobody can fool the mighty Severus Snape. Even I failed, which meant that if your name is Nobody, you can fool Snape. Maybe when I get married I'll name my son Nobody so he can fool him.

Snape sighed and nodded. "What great thinking and observation, Ms. Parkinson. I'm glad you're beginning to mind your studies. And to think that now, you're so concerned about passing my subject. Isn't it such honor for me?" Pansy was nodding her head strongly the whole time, feeling as if she had gotten Snape.

"But then, since you've mentioned exchanging schedules with someone well-off my class, I remembered that only two, listen, two students have passed it. They are namely Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Bones. So if you really want to pass my subject, you would just have to exchange schedules with one of them. Oh wait, I'll just decide whom you'd exchange schedules with."

He paused, as if to ponder then said, "Mr. Malfoy perhaps? If he doesn't mind?" Snape looked at me. Pansy did too, in a begging manner for me to say "yes".

I shrugged. "I don't mind. Not at all." Pansy's face fell. Snape smirked.

"Well then it's settled. Mr. Malfoy will take my class in the afternoon and you, Ms. Parkinson will be with me in the morning. Is that clear?" I nodded and Pansy did too, weakly. "You may sit down. So much for that, let's proceed." He sauntered to the board and began blabbing again.
"Why didn't you defend me?" Pansy said to me, hurt and embarrassed.

"It was Snape, Pansy. Everybody knows what would happen to you if you messed up with him." I reasoned innocently. Pansy sighed, exasperated. I smirked to myself.

After classes, I met up with Snape (since it was both our vacant periods) as Pansy skidded off to her Arts class.

"Nice show there, Snape. You really amaze me with our sarcasm." I commented while he crossed his arms on the table.

"Draco, I am a bit—to be honest—really bothered with that *girlfriend* of yours." He looked as if he had just ate a chocolate ice cream with vinegar on it.

"She's not my girlfriend. How many times do I have to tell you that? Or are you becoming forgetful already? I knew I saw a white hair there somewhere." I looked at his hair and he dismissed me.

"Well if she's not then what is she? Your groupie? Or someone you hire to grope you?"

"Now, you got one thing wrong there. I don't hire women to grope me, they *volunteer*." I rolled my eyes.

He shook his head. Sometimes, actually most of the times, my answers baffle him. "Whatever, I want to know what she is in your life because I tell you, your taste in women is getting worse by the minute."

"Well you should be proud of her, she makes me scream her name." I noticed he suppressed a cringe there. Snape could pass as a monk with his morality issues.

"I don't care if she makes you scream or she makes you act like a chicken or dance like a cow, she's not the woman for you. Really Draco, you have to be serious with women already. You're not getting any younger. If you get by your 20th birthday with such attitude, no one's going to respect you."

"Then how do you want me to act around? Be a bloody gentleman and found a 'Sex is a crime!' organization?"

Snape shrugged. "It could be plausible."

"What? Are you insane? Life ain't worth anything without snogging and sex and all that fun!"

"It is, Draco. There is such a thing as love, respect and justice. And from what I'm seeing, you have none of those. You obviously don't love Pansy nor respect her and you're not doing her any justice. I'm not telling you to do so since she's not that kind of a woman but I'm just saying that when the real *woman* comes around for you, you have to love her, respect her and give what is due to her. Did I make myself clear?"

I lifted both my brows. "That is all. You may go now." He said. I took my bag and stood up while he fixed his materials for the next class.

"Uh, Snape since when did you become Mr. A Cross between a Social Worker and a Desperate Guidance Counselor?" I asked.

"And stop the name callings Draco, it's really insulting."

"Whatever you say. But really, since when?"
"Since I realized that your theme song and goal in life is '18 Til I Die'"

"I didn't know you liked Bryan Adams."

"My brother did. Now go on and scurry off." He dismissed me by fanning his hand. I smirked and went to the canteen.

There are some things you'll like about Snape even if he was sarcastic and dark, he made sure that he reserved a soft spot for those he care about.

What the…? Am I losing my touch, getting all mushy and all? Grr…I'm getting old.

He got one thing wrong again. My theme song ain't "18 Til I Die", it's "Endless Love". Harhar. Puh-leaze?

A/N: Thank you for reviewing!

Serpent de Feu- thanx for that one overlooked fact there. Hmm, well, you'll find out in coming chapters that Draco's not a conventional perv. Thank you too for the tip! Hope you review this chappie!

Blue Butterfly-thanx so much. I hope you review next time.

Elodave-Gee, thanks for the review. Hope to see your review next time.

Ameru43-Dontcha worry, I reviewed all your fanfics, they're all nice. Hope to see your review on this chapter.

I hope you liked this chapter. It's quite short really and basically nothing happened but I hope something did make sense. Next chap's still an introduction to Draco's life. By chapter four, you'll get to meet someone special but I'm not telling.