Moving slowly, Draco began packing his trunk. It was almost a week since his "punishment" and he was still feeling pain. There were no outward signs, no bruising, broken bones or scars, but the pain was real. A new spell created by the Dark Lord to help keep the death eaters in line. The pain won't stop for another few days.
He had known he would get in trouble for going out. But he wanted one night off, one night of freedom from the Malfoy name, and the only place he knew he could do that was amongst the muggles.
Draco didn't really care either way for the muggles. They were just another being inhabiting the same earth. But they did know about music… and alcohol, he smirked. He'd had fun, kissed a girl… and a boy (that was awkward, but not completely bad), he danced, he drank, he even made a few friends. Not that he would ever see them again, but for the first time, he glimpsed freedom, happiness, fun (of the not killing/torturing variety) and he liked it.
"DRACO!"
Draco spun around in shock "Blaise, mate, what are you doing here? I thought you were in Brazil with you Mother and new… Daddy." he drawled. A smirk appearing on his lips, "He dead already?"
Blaise snickered, "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about. But if he were, I wouldn't know. I am to stay here for the next two days to prepare for school."
Draco, "Books, Brooms, and Butterbeer, what else does one need?"
" Galleons, Games, and Girls."
Draco raised an eyebrow, "Galleons? Having money issues? Don't know if I want to hang around a pauper."
Blaise laughed, "No, but I couldn't think of another G-word and girls was a necessary noun. Besides, the way my mother goes through men, we'd never run out of money."
"I suspect you'll want to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow. Perhaps take a little side-trip while we're there? I need to stock up on some… things."
"HA! Should we begin planning the demise of a few certain Gryffindors?" As he clapped Draco on the back.
"AAhhh!" Draco screamed and fell to the floor, his back now throbbing. "Don't touch me!"
"WHAT HAPPENED? WHAT'S WRONG? MATE?" Blaise yelled. Draco just shook his head and tried to catch his breath. Part of the spell, beyond the constant dull pain, was to make the body very sensitive to the touch, thereby, making it easier to punish.
Once the pain dulled again, Draco explained the spell to Blaise. He knew Blaise wasn't fully trustworthy, but Blaise would not abuse him. He was his best friend and, besides Pansy, only friend. Pansy, Draco though, we should invite her out. She'll want to hear my plan… she might even want to join in. Blaise's family is neutral, so he doesn't have the same pressures as Pansy and I. Blaise would help, Draco knew without a doubt.
The next day… in Diagon Alley
"So, what you're saying is, you'd rather date a pretty idiot, than a smart dog?" Pansy asked Blaise. Draco knew she had a crush on him, she'd tried to use Draco in the past to make Blaise jealous, but it didn't work. Blaise was clueless.
Blaise, "Uh… not necessarily, it depends on the amount of stupidity and… uh… dog-ugly-ness." He looked to Draco for help, but saw he wasn't paying attention.
"Draco, what do you think?"
"Yeah, sure, ice cream sounds good."
"Huh?"
"Uh… let's grab some lunch. I wanted to discuss something with the two of you."
Blaise and Pansy exchanged glances and turned to follow Draco into the restaurant.
After they had placed their orders, Blaise and Pansy looked at Draco, one with mild impatience and one with boredom, thinking this was just another master plan to get at the Gryffindors. "What is it already?" Pansy said.
Draco sighed not sure how to begin. Guess I'll start at the top, he thought. Draco went on to tell them about his trip amongst the muggles, the interesting music, the intoxicating liquors, and the euphoric feeling of just being himself without judgement. Pansy gaped, Blaise smirked, and Draco looked terrified but determined.
Blaise, "If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were about to do something all together too Gryffindor."
Draco, "Blaise, I hate to admit it, but I think you're right."
Pansy, "What does that mean? Draco, what are you doing?"
Draco, "I've been given a choice, though that's not how my Father sees it. I can either live miserable, as a Deatheater for an undetermined amount of time… or…" Draco took a deep breath, this is the moment of truth, "I can live this final school year as myself and be happy."
"Your Father's going to kill you."
"Yeah" Draco said with a soft smile.
Next Chapter - The Agreement – A run-in with the Golden Trio leaves them suspicious. Draco, Blaise, and Pansy talk more on the train. And the rest of the Slytherins are called to a vote: Be Deatheaters for life? Or be happy for the year?
Author's Note: So, I haven't decided if Draco is going to have a love interest or not? Any ideas on who it should be? I'm not gender-biased.
Reviews are appreciated. This is the first fanfic I've ever written.
