Author (Koiame): Ya'll probably hate me for the last chapter. Sorry I had to do it. I did warn you about the angst, and it's not going to get any better. But I promise to inject some of my odd humor in every once in a while. Please don't forget to review! :)

Reviewer 'Thank-You's to: No one. :( But I understand; the last chapter was too short to be worth reviewing I guess… but this one is long so please review. Please and thank you!

Disclaimer: I do not own the books that my fanfic is based off of or most of the characters in this story. They belong to the goddess JK Rowling.

Content Warning: By reading this story, you certify that you are at least 18 years old and will not hold the author or anyone else accountable if you truly are not. Contains strong language, may contain strong sexual content, may contain strong graphic violence, angst, and a ton of other things that persons of weak constitutions would not find suitable… and parents would not find suitable. Please keep this in mind and stop reading if you feel like it is too much for you.

Enjoy.


Chapter 7: Ominous

"Mrs. McGonagall", the pale face of a widow emerged from a curtain of luxurious blonde hair. "Can I come in?"

Minerva McGonagall, clad in flowery nightgown, matching slippers, and poofy cap, was surprised to meet Mrs. Malfoy at her door. After a moment's pause, the professor made way for her guest to enter. "What brings you here at this hour, Mrs. Malfoy?" But Minerva had already guessed. Not a single soul in Hogwarts was unaware of Lucius Malfoy's fate.

The black robe of Narcissa Malfoy billowed behind as her graceful steps ushered her forth. The office of interim Headmaster Minerva McGonagall felt like a librarian's home; bookshelves lined the large chamber and books lay open on every table and decorative chair. But with the convenience of magic, not a speck of dust haunted a single corner of her home. Pictures and paintings dotted the room, often obscured by parchment and small cages of sleeping animals.

A single wrapped package lay on a high window sill; its presence like an old battle scar. 'To a be-speckled cat from a crooked-nosed old bat', read its gift tag. The dim light of the waning moon gave it a ghostly glow.

The chair in front of McGonagall's desk made a modest creak under the weight of Mrs. Malfoy. The professor neglected her plush desk chair to take a seat beside the grieving woman. After watchful hesitation, Professor McGonagall spoke.

"I was very sorry to hear about Mr. Malfoy." The transfiguration professor began. Narcissa Malfoy nodded weakly in acknowledgment while trying to keep her fragile composure. "We did not always meet eye to eye, but we both shared a common goal… in supporting Hogwarts." The brown-haired witch stretched the truth a little to console the other woman. In fact, McGonagall thought to herself, there had been many times when the late Mr. Malfoy attempted to destroy the school as she knew it.

But with that aside, Minerva McGonagall continued. "If there is anything any of us can do to help you in the arrangements…" Narcissa sniffled back tears as the professor spoke. "I have already spoken with Draco and if he needs time off to be with you during this difficult…"

"No!" Narcissa suddenly yelped out of panic.

Not for the first time that night, the Griffindor Head was taken aback. The wide, frightened eyes of Mrs. Malfoy begged her understanding; her body straightened and leaned forward as to take Mrs. McGonagall into her confidence. The room was silent as Draco's mother searched to find the courage to speak again.

"My son needs to stay here, no matter what happens." The blonde's words weighed heavily in the air.

A moment later, Narcissa Malfoy was on her feet, backing towards the door.

"I shouldn't be here. Please promise me…"

"Mrs. Malfoy…" McGonagall slowly rose from her seat; jaw slightly slack, and eyebrows raised. "I don't understand!" she pleaded.

The blonde witch's face was pale as death; her whisper almost inaudible. "My son… we are all in great danger."

Narcissa dashed for the door.

"Wait! What danger?" The shrill cry of the professor tried to catch the fleeing woman as it had so many rule breaking students in the past.

Without explanation, Narcissa Malfoy was gone. Hand clenching her open door, Professor McGonagall looked futilely down the hall. Confusion and a sense of alarm filled her.

'What should I do? Call the ministry?' she scoffed at the thought. 'What would you do Albus?'

There was no one left to turn to. Dumbledore, Snape, Moody, Lupin… all the people Minerva had always counted on were gone. But things had changed since then. With an inkling of a plan forming, the resourceful witch gathered her resolve.

With a 'click', the door was shut and Professor McGonagall was hard at work at her desk.

The quill decisively scratched the parchment with every stroke.

'Dear Mr. Potter,

It is with great pride that I ask you, a graduate of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, to return to our halls as Professor in the subject of Defense Against the Dark Arts this Fall…'


Koiame: That chapter took forever! But I think it is the longest one for this story. I know that all the Harry/Draco stuff hasn't gotten going quite yet, but it will. The back story/wait makes it that much better. :D Please review and let me know what you think!