First Year
Chapter 7—Snape and Snakes
Draco was biting into a roll at the Slytherin table when his Eagle owl dropped off his usual package of sweets, along with the long awaited letters from his parents. He tore open his father's letter first, wanting to know if he was allowed to keep Thuban in the Hogwarts' Owlery so he himself did not need to venture up there whenever he needed to send a letter. He felt a little guilty for subjecting his owl to a horrible life in the Owlery but he was a Snake and he had to look out with his best interests at heart, right?
Dear Draco,
I was quite impressed with your argumentative essay on why you should be allowed to keep Thuban with you at Hogwarts (although 'Potter gets to keep his' is not a valid reason) and since you said you've already adjusted to Hogwarts life, I'll take your word for it and allow you to keep Thuban with you. However, do not let him be a distraction for if your grades are less than perfect, this luxury will be revoked.
Congratulations on getting into Slytherin, your mother and I are proud of you. Hopefully you would take control over your house within a matter of weeks. I look forward to your good news.
As for Mr. Potter, it really does not matter if you are not his friend. You've already got enough influence to rise up in the ranks of Hogwarts. Include your intelligence and natural Malfoy charisma and you are already on your way to the top. No matter how many glorified stories of Potter your mother fills your head with, remember that he is still beneath you and is therefore not worth your time. Although it would probably be for the best if you do not antagonize him for there are still many fools that exist in this world that worship him and for what? For an act he had performed when he was a baby! The mixture of pure blood with mud blood must be rotting people's brains.
About your question on Mr. Potter's home life: He was sent (it was authorized by that idiot Albus) to live with his Muggle relatives. 4 Privet Drive in a place called Surrey I believe, but that is not the main point. What is important is that you see that he is clueless on everything to do with the wizarding world. Mentally, he is no better than a Mudblood. Maybe this piece of information would make you feel better. Clearly, Potter has poor judgment. It's obvious if he chose a whimpering Weasley over a Malfoy.
I hope you are having a good time at Hogwarts.
Love,
Lucius Malfoy
Lord of the Malfoy House
Draco smiled triumphantly and called for Thuban to go to the Owlery. Thuban nodded and flew off, leaving Draco to contemplate the contents of the letter.
Parts of it bore great new, of course, Draco could keep Thuban with him, he now knew why Harry declined his friendship (he also knew where Potter lived, maybe he could send a Howler during the holidays?), and his parents were proud of him. Besides, Draco knew his grades would never fall below absolute perfection. But there was something that bugged him.
His father did not want to exact revenge on Potter? After he had scorned the Malfoy name by choosing a Weasley over Draco? Draco could not accept this.
A Malfoy should never take such obvious disrespect lying down. So, Draco was going to continue making Potter's life terrible. He had already started after all and Malfoys always finishes what they start.
Narcissa had sent him a book with letter and Draco's curiosity was immediately peaked. However, it was pages and pages of nothing! Why would mother send me a book full of blank pages?
As Draco read his mother's letter—advice on how to get Potter (which, in Draco's opinion, arrived a tad bit late)—he understood. I'm not a girl, Draco thought indignantly, I do not need to 'express my feelings in a diary'.
But maybe a journal would be acceptable…
Mother must be off her rocker. For not only had his mother suggest writing letters to Potter—not to be sent, of course—in his newly received book, she had also suggested being nice to him. Been there, done that mother.
Really, did she even read his letter? Draco was certain he had mentioned that he had been friendly, only to receive a figurative slap in the face when Harry decided against befriending him. Besides, it probably will be very, very hard to change Potter's impression of him. In addition to that, Draco was still mad at Harry.
However, he might consider the journal idea since he couldn't really express himself to his friends. Not yet anyway. Draco had an ongoing plan to ensure that his friends would stay true and trustworthy and, well—real.
It was just a matter of time.
Talking about ongoing plans, Draco has been plotting all night, trying to find a way to get Severus to spill the beans on why he disliked Potter so much, and so suddenly too.
And how convenient! It was a Saturday, which meant no classes, and he had scheduled a tea session with his godfather. He could use this time to squeeze the truth out.
Nothing would be better than solving this mini mystery that had been brought to his attention. I bet Potter doesn't have such great adventures…
But that thought aside, it was teatime!
Draco returned to his dorm to hide his letter and journal before heading to Snape's office.
Severus Snape was not happy.
He loved his godson (Godric knows why!), but really, if Draco continued yapping about Potter and trying to pry information out of him, Severus was going to wring his neck.
He set down his cup of tea and released a deep sigh. "Draco. I pray please shut up about Potter already."
Draco stopped abruptly, staring at him with a shocked expression on his face.
Oh, so he really expected me to indulge him did he? I've been way too kind these past few years.
"Severus! Would you just please please tell me why you despise Potter so much? I understand Potter is very hate-able; I hate him too, but what's your reason specifically?" Severus wasn't going to answer but Draco threw his puppy look at him and the next thing he knew, he was spewing out about Potter Senior and his despicable friends.
Oh Merlin, he had to build up immunity to that infernal pouty face.
Draco was surprised, and a bit mortified, to find out that Snape had been bullied by Harry's father.
So, the Potter family think they are so high and mighty, too good for a Malfoy huh? I'll show him. I'll bring him down. For Snape as well.
And so Draco continued sipping tea, the fragile teacup hiding the blond's devious smirk, as he made another plan to make Potter look like a fool.
