Chapter Three

Draco scowled as the seamstress finished measuring him for his new robes. He was glad this was the last time he would have to go back to Hogwarts, although he did feel a slight pang at the thought of never seeing some of his friends ever again. He shrugged it off; most of them would still be standing beside him, or behind him he thought with a wry twist of his mouth.

Lucius entered the shop. "Ready my boy?" he asked.

Draco nodded and stepped off the stool.

He followed his father out of the shop and down Diagon Alley to Knockturn Alley. Draco had been here a few times before. But as Lucius led him down the alley and to the left, he'd never before seen the shop they now faced.

The shop front was unassuming enough but as they went inside the nature of it became apparent. It was packed with everything to do with the Dark Arts. Twisted creatures yelped from cages, dark crystals glimmered, weapons shone and every-so-often a clock on the wall would yell a name, different each time. To one side a rack of robes stood and behind the counter, jars of contraband alchemy products were packed on some shelves.

Lucius turned to face his son. "Do you like what you see?" he asked, the ghost of a smile entertaining his lips.

Draco nodded, still glancing around, "Why are we here, Father?"

Lucius smiled, "It is time for you to get the Malfoy mark and then a few of your own choosing. Then you may buy anything you desire."

Draco looked hopeful. "Malfoy mark?" he questioned, holding his breath slightly.

His father pulled his cloak and shirt away from his right shoulder. The Malfoy coat of arms was tattooed into the chalky skin, Lucius' name below it. "The mark that every Malfoy heir receives, to show that he is now a full part of the family."

Draco let out his breath and smiled widely. "Thank you Father!" he said, not faking the happiness. He was excited, he'd been waiting for his father's approval and now, it seemed, he'd finally lived up to his father's standards.

Lucius looked pleased. "Along with this you may choose a variation." he said, pointing out the snake that wrapped around the coat of arms, "The snake was my variation. But do look at the tattoos that Hélène will show you, you may get whichever you want in addition to the mark."

Draco's eyes shone as a young woman, mid-twenties, entered the room with a large book. She motioned to a small wooden table to one side, surrounded by some chairs. She put the book down on the table.

"Have fun." she said and left the room again.

Lucius took out his pocket watch, "Sorry to have to leave so soon, but I have a meeting shortly. I trust you will be able to continue yourself?"

Draco grinned wryly. "Yes Father." He watched as he disapparated.

Draco's head spun. This was so cool! He couldn't help but use the Muggle term; it seemed to be the only one that fit. He'd often dreamed of receiving the mark, although unsure of his suitability. He and his father had disagreed over lots of things over the years.

Flipping through the book idly, Draco pondered on what he'd choose to change on the coat of arms. He smiled as he thought of the perfect thing. He then started to really study the tattoo designs in front of him. He found a section of quotes and nodded thoughtfully, he would get a line of a quote his mother had often spoken to him. He continued to look through the book and stopped at some Celtic designs. He'd often been fascinated by things of Celtic origin. Spying an intricate knot, Draco fell in love with it. He'd have that too. He continued to go through the book but didn't find anything of interest.

Not sure on what to do next, Draco shut the book and got up, moving to the counter. It had a glass panel in the top and beneath there were bars for piercing. Draco studied them and rubbed his ear. He'd often thought about an ear piercing. He looked at the jewellery glittering and held his breath as he saw an intricate stud bearing a gem that was green and shot through with silver, fashioned into the head of a dragon. He nodded, he was certain now.

The woman, Hélène, appeared again and noticed his interest in the bars. "Want one?" she grinned.

Draco nodded and pointed to the dragon. "Perfect." she opened the glass and took out the piece, her grin widening. "Good choice. Now, have you chosen the designs for your tattoos?"

Draco nodded again; all of a sudden he was nervous. Hélène giggled and motioned him towards the back room.

About an hour later he was led back out into the room. Hélène smiled, "How do you feel?" It was a silly question because a spell had been used to heal the sites completely and remove the pain.

Draco smiled, "Alright." He fiddled with the dragon for a bit but Hélène slapped his hand away.

"Don't play with it." she scolded.

Draco frowned at her presumption but let it slide.

"Have a look around while you wait for Lucius to return." she smiled, "I'll be in the back room if you need me."

Draco nodded, still slightly overwhelmed. He looked around. He moved over to study some of the weapons, admiring a golden crossbow and the intricately carved handle of a very nice broadsword.

He wandered around, looking at whatever took his fancy. He rifled through the robes, admiring a very nice green set of dress robes. He moved on to an open-faced cabinet that held rings of all description. His eyes were drawn to a ring that seemed to be made of the same material and gem that his earring was made of. It was shaped to resemble an egg, clutched between two silver dragon feet, branching out from the braided band of the ring. He picked it up and slid it onto the third finger of his right hand. It fit perfectly. It was also very warm, unusual for metal. Draco smiled and continued to look around the room.

Soon, Lucius reappeared. Draco removed his robe and shirt, allowing Lucius to inspect the tattoos. He smiled as he studied the Malfoy coat of arms.

"Fitting as always, Draconis." Lucius said, his eyes glittering with rare approval.

Draco put his shirt and robe back on, straightening his collar and tucking his jaw-length hair over his ear. Lucius' attention was drawn to the earring and matching ring. He nodded his approval. Heleen heard them talking and reappeared.

"Found everything you want?" Lucius asked.

Draco nodded, "Yes Father."

Lucius got a few potions ingredients and paid Hélène for the tattoos, piercing and ring as well. As they left the shop, Draco could hardly keep the smile off his face. He'd finally done something right.