Chapter 14

The dog days of summer were truly upon them, and the City was steaming. Muggle news complained of another heat wave and the overall impact of climate change, while ads promoted water parks, fans and air conditioners. Even the wizarding community felt the ennui that accompanied things being too damn hot outside, and self-cooling charms and runes were in high demand at Seaway.

Altair and Draco even slowed their general pattern of debauchery, cutting back the club scene to merely a few times per week, instead of every night. As Altair drawled one evening over martinis at the Empire State Building viewing station, "Even body glitter as clothing loses its appeal with all that sweat."

Being home and sober more often than not, therefore, Draco had time to ruminate on his plans. He would miss his new friends Altair and Capella, but he had a feeling they would understand; and, after all, they were wizards, what was a bit of distance. It was that last thought that had him coming up short. The distance, in truth, was illusory and meant nothing. If his father remained intent on guiding and controlling his life, it would not be enough. Draco therefore decided that he would need a private audience with Gemini, and soon. He laughed to himself, if I chicken out, I can just work on bringing her around to Capella's idea about a Wiz-Tech school.

~~~~~DM~~~~

Capella had shown up one week, with her bag bulging with more tech. After a few moments of flicking her wand, and what Draco thought was as thoroughly undignified, but enjoyable to watch, wiggle to connect wires underneath a low table, he had multiple video-game systems hooked up to his tv. She had smiled, in evident delight at her accomplishment, and turned to face him. "Well, what do you think?"

He blinked at her, and said, "It's fantastic?" The questioning lilt at the end doing nothing to disguise the combination of confusion and bemusement that he was feeling. A pillow hit him across the back of his head.

"Darn straight it is fantastic!" She proclaimed, tossing her blond hair over her shoulder. Draco noticed that it had been getting longer, the polished page boy from earlier in the year, giving way to soft waves. Not curly enough, but still attractive. "Look Malfoy, I have you set up with the best, you have got an Xbox 1, Sony PSA 4, and a Sega Genesis. With these you can play the best classic and modern games there are. With a little practice, I suspect you will make an acceptable online competitor." She grinned wickedly, "I mean, you won't beat me, but at least you trash talk will be more inventive than the 12 year old boy I have been playing in Hong Kong lately."

Capella spent the rest of the afternoon teaching him the basics, before switching to a forth system which she hadn't mentioned earlier. "I saved the best for last, Nintendo!" She practically squealed in delight. The next hour, Draco found himself thoroughly pwned at Mario Kart and not minding one bit.

~~~DM~~~

Draco was playing Call of Duty, kicked back in an oversized black leather arm chair, his eyes were focused on the screen and his fingers frantically manipulating the controller. His opponent, someone from Thailand, based on their accent, was keeping up an incessant monologue of yo momma jokes and brags about the size of his dick. As his avatar ducked behind a wall and he checked his ammo supply, Draco idly wondered if you could curse someone halfway across the world based merely on a computer connection. It would be hilarious irony if the talkative teen's dick suddenly was bigger than a whiffle ball bat.

Without warning, Altair apperated directly in front of Draco, blocking his view of the screen. "Dude!" Draco shouted in surprise and annoyance; then he felt the tell-tale vibration through his controller, followed by his opponents laughing and his avatar's death rattle. "Dude, frak!" He tossed down the controller and ripped off the head-set, glaring at Altair.

Altair chuckled. "You should be thanking me bro. I can't believe Cappella has gotten you hooked on these games…you use to be cool." His chocolate eyes sparkled with good humor. With a swift move he toss something at Draco's center mass.

Still stunned by his cousin's unannounced appearance, and subsequent video game death, Draco let the object hit him. "Oufffff!" His hand went to the spot in the chest where he was hit and rubbed it gingerly. "I say for a third time, DUDE!" Draco reached into his lap and picked up the offending object. A silvery key affixed to a small black plastic fob with several buttons. He turned it over quizzically.

Altair rolled his eyes dramatically, and in a mocking tone said, "Car keys, Duuuude." Grinning, he walked over to Draco and placed his big hand on Draco's shoulder causing the two to apperate. They reappeared in a subterranean cell, lined completely in cement on three walls, with a large steel door on the fourth. The only thing in the cell with them a low slung, sleek white, Porsche 911 Targa 4S.

Draco immediately pulled out of Altair's grip and whacked him across the back of his head. "Someone needs to teach you a lesson in manners." His voice was dangerously icy. In truth, Draco was livid at himself, not his exuberant cousin. Altair, was being Altair, and likely hadn't given any thought that Draco might not be fully onboard with whatever scheme and diversion he was planning for the day. Draco rubbed at his arm where the Dark Mark still tattooed his skin. The war hadn't been so long ago, and yet, he had allowed someone to apperate into his personal space, allowed himself to be hit with a projectile, and then, then allowed himself to be kidnapped, all without the slightest resistance, defense or counter-curse thrown. It was sloppy and inexcusable, and in another time, would have meant his death. Draco resolved to reapply himself to the study and practice of defensive magic. Just because the Wizengamot had basically let him off, didn't mean that some wizard with a grudge wouldn't track him down to exact his own punishment. After all, it is what I would do.

He came back to awareness of his surroundings slowly. His hand was clutching his wand tightly and pointing it directly at Altair. Altair looked more serious than Draco had ever seen him. His wand held loosely at his side, but obviously ready for use. Altair started speaking softly, his baritone a calming rumble in the chamber. "You back with me cuz?" His brown eyes locked on Draco's blue, which were starting to clear, the internal rage fading. "You know I meant no offense."

Draco lowered his wand, stuffing it in his pocket, and he visibly shook himself. He forced a wan smile at the other boy. "I know, sorry there chap, I over reacted." Draco made a show of looking around, deliberately turning his back on Altair in a wordless expression of trust. "So where have you dragged me? His smile on facing Altair again was more genuine, and his cousin casually sheathed his own wand.

"This" Altair said expansively, gesturing to the room in general and the shining car, "is my private garage. I made a pocket space under the apartment building. Not only free parking, but it is totally secure, no one can get close to my baby to ding her paint, or even look at her with impure thoughts." Altair had walked over to the car and was stroking it possessively, and in doing so, the roof appeared to fold in on itself and disappear.

Draco grinned, he looks like I did with my first broomstick, and if anyone is having impure thoughts, its Altair! "Ok, that covers the where…but now, the why?"

"Isn't it obvious? Today, you are going to learn how to drive!" Altair grinned at him. "Come on, you are in America, you honestly didn't think you were going to be able to get around on a broom everywhere did you?" His grin only broadened as he took in Draco's confused face. "Ha! You did! Cuz, you are lucky that I am a merciful man, and that I will merely keep that knowledge for taunting you. Over here only children and quidditch players use brooms."

Draco grinned at Altair, and started walking towards the Porsche. "Let's get to it then…" Altair moved protectively in front of the driver's door.

"You don't think I am letting you behind the wheel of my baby do you?" He sounded mildly offended, "I may have all the anti-damage charms on it I could think of, but I am still not going to let another man take her for a spin. Get in the passenger seat. We are going out to Gemini's country place in Jersey, there are a few old beaters there that we can teach you on, before going shopping for something more appropriate."

Draco shrugged with good humor, still fighting off the lingering effects of the rage over his own lax security that had gripped him. "Shake and bake then."

Altai grinned back at him, turning the key and bringing the car to life, "shake and bake."

~~~DM~~~

After a few weeks of lessons, Altair pronounced him fit to drive, and started dragging Draco to various luxury auto dealerships. After leaving the BMW dealership, Draco sighed, "enough cuz, enough." They popped into an alleyway behind a coffee shop. Draco continued unabated. "I mean they are all fine, beautiful machines…."

"Then what is the problem?" Altair rolled his eyes, "They aren't like women, you can take home as many as you like."

Draco smirked back at him, "you mean women for you." The pair laughed. "I don't know though, I think I just want something more American…like a pick-up truck, or a Camaro."

Altair nearly spit his coffee out, "You? A Camaro?" His laughter overtook him, and other patrons shot them looks ranging from questioning to dirty.

Draco's look was in the dirty category. "Yes, why not, I think a classic muscle car would be just the thing. Strong lines, unapologetically powerful, yes, it would do quite well." He sipped his expresso, still looking surly.

Altair looked thoughtful for a while, and the pair drank their coffee in silence. Without warning he put his mug down and stood swiftly. "Come on then."

Draco looked at him suspiciously. "One last car lot today," Altair's habitual grin had returned in full force, "just trust me."

The pair returned to the alleyway, and Altair grabbed Draco's shoulder in a tight grasp. They came back to earth in a sun-drenched valley. The oppressive heat drying than the sweltering weather in New York. Draco gasped for breath, and Altair slapped his back happily. "Welcome to Las Vegas! Pity we don't have time to truly indulge, but we have a mission." He spun Draco around and pointed him at a gaudy neon sign, its flashing lights trying to compete with the glare of the desert sun. Big Sal's Muscles.

"Best place in the country for classic muscle cars!" Altair led them across the street and onto the lot. Row after row filled with shining steel testaments to American superiority. He unerring stopped in front of a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, its paint a bright cherry red. With a flourish and mocking bow, Altair proclaimed "Your Camaro sir!"

Draco only half noticed the antics. He was walking slowly further down the aisle. His eyes were fixed on a shining black 1968 Shelby GT 500 KR. The King of the Road was pristine, the chrome gleaming, and the leather looked like butter. As he got closer, he could read the taped paper information sheet. 3 owners, all personal friends of Carroll Shelby, less than 100,000 miles, no rust. Altair, realizing that his audience was not giving him the attention that he deserved caught up and gave a low wolf whistle. "That is a quality piece of American."

Draco's hand touched the hood almost reverently, not pulling away despite the scorching temperature. "That is my piece of American."

Altair glanced at the price tag, "$225,000.00, that is pretty steep, gonna," he wiggled his fingers discreetly, "negotiate."

Draco sniffed, "The price is completely fair, I wouldn't sully this beautiful beast by tricking a muggle." He finally turned and smiled earnestly at Altair, "so you will show me those anti-damage charms, right?"

Altair grinned back, "as soon as you own it Cuz. Go seal the deal."

~~~DM~~~

The pair had opted for magicing the car back to Altair's underground garage. Draco's cousin having already expanded the space to accommodate a second vehicle. Altair smiled, "This fall we should plan on a proper road trip, maybe back out to Vegas and really test this baby out. Well done, Malfoy, well done."

~~~DM~~~

Now that Draco had another way to occupy himself, and one that involved being out of the apartment, he saw his father less and less frequently. When he did, the older man was all dark looks and angry muttering about how Draco needed to be stepping up to his responsibilities. Draco ignored him, and realized that perhaps for the first time in his life, he was happy.

After a quick breakfast, he grabbed a stack of letters that had come by owl, and instead of popping to the observation room, went to the garage. Altair had taught him the complicated spell that allowed the door to act as a portal to virtually any highway, or street in the city. Neither of them had found a way to expand the capabilities beyond the five boroughs, but it was still a handy trick for avoiding traffic. Draco therefore pulled out on the expressway heading to the green mountains the framed the Hudson Valley and upstate, reveling in the power responding under his controls as he speed around curves and up and down hills.

Draco finally parked in a lookout area and got out of the car. Taking a deep breath, he appreciated the colder air, untainted by city pollution, and the view of the river below, and more gently rolling mountains in the distance. He laid on the hood, back pressed to the windshield. With a flick of his wand, a cold drink appeared by his side. This is the life, no strife, no contrived conflict, just the open air, a cold drink and a beautiful day.

He pulled the stack of envelopes to him and began to read. Hilde's message, while short was sweet, and full of a certain tender caring, about whether he was eating enough and if he hadn't meet anyone special yet, that he felt his eyes water slightly. The next was from Crabbe, who was apparently flourishing as Helmut Hummer. His old friend had been taken on as an apprentice dragon trainer, and was enjoying life immensely.

Unexpectedly, the third in the stack from was from Blaise Zabini. He had been staying at his mother's home in Rome for the summer, but would soon be traveling to New York. It appeared she kept an apartment in their building, albeit on a lower floor. Zabini's letter indicated that despite their somewhat cool relationship during school, he would have no objection to continuing their acquaintance in New York. Draco frown slightly, he didn't really want someone from his old life hoovering about, it didn't go along with his plans, or the comfort that he had been finding with his cousins. Despite that, he penned a quick reply, letting Zabini know his delight at his old friend's impending arrival, and promising to arrange for diversions worthy a prince.

That unpleasant task done, Draco turned to the envelope he had saved for last. The thick cream paper, and now familiar calligraphied scrawl. He tore it open carefully, protecting any contents from the light breeze that was toying with his hair.

Draco,

Harry knows.

His heart jumped, and he felt his hand clinch involuntarily. Potter is going to spoil it, isn't he, the prat protector of all doesn't understand…

Harry knows. I didn't tell him, but he really is quite cleaver, and maybe too suspicious when it comes to you. Once he realized that there were absolutely no strings on Teddy's trust, and thoroughly checked all the mysterious packages for latent curses, he had to admit that he could figure no evil intent behind your actions. While, it would be a stretch to say he would welcome you with open arms for dinner, he appreciates what you are doing for his godson. Also, he wanted me to let you know that he won't tell anyone, that if you decided to keep this secret he would abide by your wishes.

Draco let out a breath that he hadn't realized he was holding.

Your last package was a smashing success. Check the pictures if you don't believe me.

Draco put the sheet he had been reading to the bottom of the stack and looked at the first picture. A smiling Teddy Lupin stood precariously balanced, his hand on a large stuffed rabbit, holding it for balance. He tried to take a step, without letting go the soft ear and tumbled. The baby laughed, and used the rabbit to pull himself back up. Draco smiled fondly and flipped to the second photo. Teddy was cuddled in the arms of a brown haired women. Her curly hair obscuring her face as she read a picture book to his little cousin. Hermione Granger suddenly looked up and smiled, obviously noticing the camera on her for the first time, she was laughing and waiving her hand as if telling the photographer to shove off. He didn't know how long he sat watching that photo, those curls so familiar to him. He finally shook his head, damn me, I don't know what it is about that mudblood. But even in his head, the use of the pejorative sounded wrong, and he had an unhealthy suspicion that he knew exactly what it was about Hermione Granger that left him so unsettled. He continued reading.

Hermione happened to be visiting the day the package arrived. She was so delighted, said the books were some of her favorites when she was little, and immediately she started reading them to Teddy. I am not sure who was more enthralled, the baby or Hermione.

Stay out of trouble Draco, and write back, you haven't updated me on what is going on in that snake head of yours lately.

- GW

Draco carefully folded the letter and placed it and the photos in the breast pocket of his sport coat. He flicked his wand and a blunt and lighter appeared. Lighting up he took a long drag. Pen pals with a lion, a red-headed weasel of a lion; crushing on a girl who doesn't know I exist; and soon, if Altair and Capella's musings play out, to be introduced to the A-list cousins. What kind of life is this? Will Zabini and the other cousins erase from me all this emotion and sick sentimentality that I have been developing? Will that be a good thing? Pity I don't really believe in prophecy, because I could use someone looking in the tea leaves for me. He continued puffing and willing himself into a gentle stupor until the shadows had grown long and the light almost extinguished from the mountains. Getting behind the wheel, Draco headed back to the City, more questions than answers still filling his head.