Our journey to the Ministry was, thank Merlin, without disaster or catastrophe; Draco was so overwhelmed by the outside world, he simply held tight to my arm and stared fixedly down at the pavement, as though fascinated by it.
I had been concerned that he may try to run away, but it seemed that either he was too scared to wander off or my…threat of what would happen to him if he did try any nonsense had made a significant impression upon him. Either way, he was completely docile, the perfect pet, on our way through the centre of London.
When we enter the ministry, however, Draco dashes away before I can grab a hold on him and speeds directly towards the Fountain of Magical Brethren, obviously entranced by the enormous golden statues. Of course, every child who walks through the foyer, no matter how well brought up they are, want to touch the water and get a closer look at the statues. But, unfortunately, Draco has never been the most cautious of children or the most agile, and I could see disaster coming a mile off.
I run after my boy in a most uncharacteristic fashion, but he had already had enough of a head start to make it impossible to catch him in time.
By the time I had reach the fountain, Draco is standing miserably in the water, utterly soaked, his new, crisp clothes now limp and dripping. I haul him out of the water and, holding firmly onto his arm, march him briskly up to my office, determinedly ignoring the curious looks that we are receiving.
Draco is getting restless now, twisting and wriggling in my grip, wanting to get away and see more of this strange, new place. I am starting to regret bringing him out so soon, so unprepared. The last thing I want is to draw unwanted attention to my Boy, but he is getting too excited, out of control…I can't handle him.
I shove him into a corner as soon as we reach my office and the door is shut securely behind me, but no sooner as he touches the ground, he is up again and clawing at the door, pleading to be released. His behaviour troubles me, never have I seen him so frantic, so blatantly unaware of my presence.
He has seen a new world and he wants it.
But he shan't have it. He is mine and I shall say what he can have and when he can have it.
I take hold of his shoulders and give him a hard, teeth rattling shake, reminding him of my power over him and what I could do, should the mood take me, should he decide to push me just that little bit too far.
The message seemed to have got through to him as, when I release him, he cowers away from me; shoulders hunched and staring up at me tremulously.
I crouch down and pull him towards me, my grey eyes holding his own firmly, daring him to look away. He doesn't.
"You are welcome to go," I murmur into his ear. "I shan't stop you, but just don't expect me to be here, should you change your mind."
Draco looks past me towards the door and then back at me- weighing up the options in his young, inexperienced mind. Then his bottom lip trembles and he wraps his arms around my neck, placing an awkward kiss on my check.
"I don't want to be on my own…don't make me go…"
"Well, then I suggest," I hissed pushing him off me. "That you go and sit down, in that corner there, and keep your mouth shut. I am not going to stand any more nonsense from you today, do you hear me?"
"Of course Father." He ducks his head and darts to the corner, curling up so that he is as inconspicuous as possible.
I smirk-this is how he is supposed to b, this is how I like him; subdued and subservient. Not daring to even breathe without approval.
I get a good couple hours of work done before I feel the need to eat. Draco is asleep in his corner, curled up like a cat, and I doubt he'll wake before my return. It would be safe to leave him on his own for a few minutes, as long as he doesn't wake, as long as no one comes in…
But what if he does awake? He'd panic and probably destroy my office, maybe even escaping.
I tell myself quickly and sharply to stop worrying, but that didn't stop me from locking the door on my way out.
