Chapter 6: Monster
The sunlight started to streak through the window. Draco had been awake for hours staring at the ceiling wishing for more time. It was pointless to think he could avoid the inevitable. He planted his feet on the hardwood floor. The goblet of his last dosage of wolfsbane was waiting by his bedside table. He raised the glass in a mocked salute to the sunrise before he brought the bitter drink to his lips. He roughly exhaled and started to chug it. The smell was unpleasant, but nothing compared to how the potion churned in his stomach and lingered on his tongue.
He put the goblet back down next to yet another aged manuscript on mastering occlumency on his bedside table as he stood up. Out of habit he stretched testing how many aches remained from his last lesson under Bellatrix's instructions. Draco rolled his wrists looking at the sickly yellow and spots of purple bruises that had started to heal from the shackles as he walked to grab his clothes. Draco had been her outlet for her cruel creativity for the past two weeks. At least, she would not bother him today. She was a madwoman but even she had her limits. Being in clawing distance mere hours before the full moon was not an acceptable risk for Bellatrix. Shame.
Draco didn't care that he was being dramatic, wearing all black as if it was his funeral. It felt fitting. Tonight, he would descend into his own personal hell. Plus, black would hide the bruises and scars that were scattered across his body. Not that his mother wasn't fully aware of the state he was left in after Bellatrix's training. Within a few hours of Narcissa finding him on the dungeon floor the first time, she had pressed her sister for an explanation. There was nothing that could be done to alter his aunt's methods. Good old Voldemort granted so much discretion to Bellatrix who he counted as his most loyal follower. The Dark Lord had originally wanted Draco dead. His aunt had kindly reminded Draco that he was lucky this new mission meant he would be kept alive at least until Hogwarts was breached.
Lucius had sold all of the Malfoy's freedom when he had kneeled for the ridiculous pureblood crusade over twenty years ago. However, Draco watched his mother's ardent attempts to avoid him failing. She already lost her husband; she was way too determined to risk losing him as well he supposed. Every book from the library had been pulled about occlumency and she had even acquired more through a discreet friend. The tower of books that had been stacked on his trunk in his bedroom had been daunting. Draco was on a quest to soak every recommendation like a sponge. He had to improve because his aunt's perspective on the skill was if he couldn't keep it while in pain then he didn't know how to do it. He didn't think it be possible to have experience an instructor who could challenge Lockhart for incompetency and Umbridge for vindictiveness. Then again not even Dumbledore was doltish enough to select teachers who were on the run from Azkaban. Well, other than the one time when the bastard Barty Crouch Jr. used Polyjuice potion to teach in Mad Eye Moody's stead. Draco couldn't fully count that one against the old bat if he was going to be honest with himself. Thankfully, with his extra studying he was slowly building the skill; but progress didn't always guarantee leniency from Bellatrix's curses.
Draco sighed as he grabbed the reading he hadn't finished and made his way to the main floor. He was on his way to the library. Draco hesitated when he saw out of the corner of his eye that the door to his father's study was open. He peered around the entryway of the opened French doors. His mother was sitting behind his father's desk. She was the epitome of pureblood society in a lightweight sage green witches robe. One could almost pretend that they hadn't fallen from grace. There was no hint that the room had ever been destroyed. Everything had been charmed to undo the damage Aurores and Bellatrix had done to the room. She read over some letter. Whatever the subject was it wasn't pleasant given the tight line that replaced her smile. He cleared his throat as he waited at the threshold. It was an attempt to avoid startling her. Narcissa carefully put the letter back down as she looked up at him.
"Good morning. I didn't expect to see you this early." She warmly gestured him to join her.
"Couldn't sleep." Draco supplied as he walked over to the desk.
Her blue eyes searched his face but whatever she wanted to ask she decided now was not the time.
"Have you had breakfast? Should I call on Tilley?" Narcissa asked Draco.
"I have a little longer before I risk anything." Draco clung to the ritual of his paranoia. The thought of messing up the wolfbane was too dangerous of a consequence to stomach.
Draco placed the heavy book on the corner of the desk near a moving picture of his parents on their wedding day. Their matching circlets catching the light as they turned to smile at one another after the pomp and circumstance of the old marriage rites had completed. Unfortunately, the current fate of the Malfoy dynasty wasn't the happily ever after his parents had imagined for their future.
"Were there more letters from the solicitors?" Draco nervously ran his hand through his hair trying to fight the urge to lean over to peer at the parchment like a nosey gossip.
"Oh no. Nothing that serious. Just a former committee kindly informing me that my help won't be necessary anymore." Her sarcasm was impossible to miss as she used magic to incinerate the letter.
Draco clinched his jaw. He knew it had to bother his mother to be pushed out of her social obligations. When she had become Lady Malfoy, she knew there would be no career in her future. However, she wasn't one to just lay about doing nothing. No, Narcissa had been a dominant figure on so many charities' boards. Her expertise and galleons were no longer welcomed in the name of optics. It didn't look good for the wife of an incarcerated Death Eater to be raising money for historical preservation or orphans. Of course, his mother was not going to complain about her inconvenience when he would be turning into a monster as his punishment for his father's crime in a mere few hours.
"Mistress, Blaise Zabini is here." Tilley quickly introduced the unexpected guest.
"Good morning!" Blaise grinned widely at the two of them.
Draco was surprised to see his friend. He was dressed casually in coordinating camel linen trousers and shirt. He looked like he should be sailing around his estate in Italy instead of visiting them in Wilshire. Draco felt guilt slosh around in his stomach with the wolfbane potion as he had been avoiding Blaise. It wasn't personal. He hadn't had the heart to respond to Gregory's owl either. Draco just didn't want anyone, especially his friends, to see the shambles that constituted his new reality. Blaise acted like nothing was amiss. As years of etiquette dictated, Blaise bypassed his friend and made his way to Narcissa Malfoy.
"Mrs. Malfoy, you look as lovely as ever." Blaise bent down to kiss her hand.
"Always the charmer, Blaise. How is your family?" Narcissa kept a straight face as Draco shook his head behind his friend's back.
"Fine, my mother is enjoying the French Riviera with her new… companion." Blaise supplied after a dramatic pause.
Whoever the unfortunate old geezer chasing after Mrs. Zabini was, it would probably be more precise to say he was her new victim. However, everyone knew Mrs. Zabini's departure meant that she had abandoned her son for at least a fortnight again.
"Draco didn't inform me we were expecting guests." Narcissa shot Draco a questioning look.
"How dreadful, Draco, not informing your mother." Blaise smiled in feign innocence knowing full well he was not expected.
"Must have slipped my mind." Draco drawled as he crossed his arms.
"It is so nice to see you again, Blaise. Draco and I do have an obligation this evening." Narcissa was interrupted by Blaise.
"Of course! I wouldn't dream to impose. I'll have him back to you in plenty of time." Blaise patted Draco's shoulder with his most disarming smile.
"Boys, don't get in too much trouble." Narcissa stated before she strode out of the room.
Draco's crooked grin fell as he watched Blaise read the title of the book. Blaise's eyes were raised in a silent demand informing Draco that Blaise expected an explanation soon.
"Let's get the brooms." Draco left Blaise's question unanswered as the pair walked into the hallway towards the back of the Manor.
Near the door to the garden there was a small cabinet where the various broom collection was stored. Draco first got out his father's retired Moontrimmer and wordlessly passed it to Blaise before grabbing his trusty Nimbus 2001 for himself. They made their way into the rose garden that Narcissa had charmed to extend their full bloom. The two young men kicked off and started racing through the sky. The pair were just blurred specs of black cloth and camel linen spinning and looping across the sky. The warm wind just rushed over Draco. It drowned out the concerns as he roared pass the trees of the estate. When they came along the large pond, Draco touched his left hand across the water edge creating quick ripples. The Slytherin Chaser had carefully lowered his broom to dismount on the shore while the long time Seeker forcibly jumped down. Draco didn't care how hard of jolt it was to his knees. He was breathing deeply of the summer air which was so inviting from the wildflowers and herbs that grew around the pond.
"I swear you fly like you have a death wish." Blaise exclaimed as he sat down on a large flat boulder that was half embedded into the side of the bank.
"Some of us enjoy flying." Draco teased as he picked up a flat grey pebble. He then quickly tossed it.
"Hmm, of course, my mistake." Blaise chuckled at his friend as they watched the stone skip across the surface of the pond before sinking.
"All is forgiven." Draco dryly added as he examined another speckled taupe stone.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Blaise seriously questioned as Draco tossed the small rock out farther this time.
"There isn't much to say." Draco rubbed his temple with his right hand; he was avoiding turning back to meet his friend's watchful stare.
"Hmm, especially with the light reading you were doing." Blaise's tone informed Draco that Blaise was not amused with his attempt to be coy.
Coyness was the hallmark trait for the remaining Zabini family. It had been a mistake to think he could use that tactic against his more practiced friend. Draco sighed trying to determine how best to go forward. Since the ground was dry; he decided to lay down on the bank near Blaise's perch as he collected his thoughts.
"What can I say it has been a boring summer?" Draco's sarcasm was answered with a scoff.
"Of course, nothing of note has happened at all." Blaise parried back the same tone in return.
"Will you accept an offer of plausible deniability?" Draco squinted up at his friend.
There was a heavy pause as the Zabini heir stoically considered the deal.
"Are you alright?" It was a quiet question that Draco wished he could avoid.
"No, but it could have been worse." It was the most honesty Draco could give at this time for both their sakes.
Blaise shook his head understanding. Both young men looked up at the clouds that were slowly marching above them. They relaxed in comfortable silence for a while basking in the warmth of the sun.
"You should see this new bastard chasing after my Mum. He makes Dumbledore look like a young eligible bachelor." Blaise groused as he plucked a wildflower absent mindedly.
"Merlin, I hope they don't break one of his hips." Draco's quip was met with the sound of Blaise gagging.
"Obliviate me now! Ugh, I didn't need that you, wanker." Blaise went to throw a halfhearted punch at Draco in disgust.
Draco rolled out of the way and jumped up to grab his broom.
"Coward!" Blaise laughed as Draco ascended above the shore as another race began for the two teens.
It was a little before three when their ravenous hunger had brought them back to the manor. The pair devoured what Tilley had left out in the garden for them with an entire pitcher of pumpkin juice. Draco kept a stoic face when his mother kindly reminded Draco of their obligation. It was long before the sun would begin to set but appearances had to be maintained. Blaise departed after a few more jokes but none of them could fully smile from them.
Draco didn't really have much to say and scampered off to be by himself. After nervously walking around the halls, he ended up sulking in the library. He had tried to make himself comfortable in his favorite oversized armchair by a large window. He made a noble attempt to distract himself with something useful. Why not practice the various breathing exercises toted by this latest author to strength occlumency abilities? He didn't have much to lose. It was a foolish attempt since the stress overcame his ability to focus. He didn't want to panic but it was rushing over him. Ever since the sun had started its descent he had felt on edge. It was like he could feel the earth spin under his feet. He felt like a live wire waiting to spark. Draco tried to think of anything else. He read the same pages over and over again trying not to look out the window. He could feel the pull to look. It was so hard to resist watching the sun sink closer to the horizon.
It was almost 9 when his mother came in. She took a shaky breath as she saw her son. He was locked in panic staring out the window. She softly called his name, but he didn't even stir.
"Draco, it's time." Only when she went and grasp his hand did Draco flinch and turn away from the window.
His grey eyes were brimming with fear. Draco's eyes avoided his mother's gaze as he looked at the grandfather's clock in the corner. Less than 10 minutes to sunset.
"I'm—" Draco gulped unable to finish saying how petrified he was.
Narcissa wrapped her arms around her son and kissed the top of his head like when he was a boy.
"I know my darling. I know." She muttered against his platinum blonde locks as Draco felt his eye's sting as a few tears rolled down his face.
With an unsteady hand, he handed over his wand and signet ring to his mother. He would lose his humanity tonight; he couldn't stomach the risk if in the creature's frenzy he shattered his wand. It was his deepest connection to magic. He couldn't forgive himself if he broke it during the transformation. The ring had been in the family for generations; it would be unacceptable if it was lost tonight as well. Narcissa closed her eyes tightly as she tucked his items into her pocket of her sage green dress. Draco dragged himself out of the chair and resigned himself that he had to go back to that fucking cell that Bellatrix tortured him in for the last two weeks.
He just marched down the stairs fighting with himself not to cry feeling the pressure on his lungs build. Draco saw that his mother had removed the chair and he was so relieved that he didn't see that metal monstrosity. Instead, his mother had prepared the space behind the bars with a large grey duvet folded on the ground. Narcissa locked the door and added additional wards to the cell. Draco could feel the heat of a fever starting to build. He only had minutes to go.
"Mother, you need to leave." Draco gritted his teeth.
"What if you hurt yourself?" Narcissa looked confused. Draco didn't think she was naïve enough to think she could remain as he turned into a nightmarish creature.
"If Professor Snape made a mistake in just one of my dosages." Draco shook his head not wanting to voice that the werewolf might decide to attack her.
"Draco, I can't leave you?" It was impossible to ignore the concern in his mother's voice.
"Greyback said they are hunting in Castle Combe. His pack could run to the estate from there. You have to leave." Draco hissed annoyed that his mother was being stubborn.
Narcissa paused. Draco hated that she was ignoring the absolute logic he presented and instead she clung to her motherly nature.
"Go!" Draco bellowed feeling the pressure build in his mind.
"I'll be back at sunrise." Narcissa sounded so ashamed as she apparated out of the Manor.
She barely left in time. Draco felt like he was on fire. He quickly ripped off his black shirt. The buttons scattered across the floor. He whipped the dragonhide belt out the loops of his trousers. The metal buckle clinked when it struck the metal door of the cell. At exactly ten past nine Draco wailed in agony. He felt his bones shift and break. The transformation had begun, and it was more painful than the original bite. His jaw and nose were morphing into a snout. The misery each change caused was too much. His hands went up to grab his face, but he halted their path as he watched his fingers break and twist. It was dreadful watching as his nails changed into gruesome claws. He groaned as he felt his teeth become dangerous fangs. His skin felt like it was burning. Snow white fur ruptured through his skin. It quickly covered his entire modified body. His trousers and pants had been ripped apart from his body altering and had fallen onto the floor in pieces. He howled in pain as he went from standing to crouched on all fours.
The world was overwhelming. The misery of the transformation was changing more than just what his body looked like. It was like an entire new reality for his senses. There was so much more. He could see so sharply in the dark; he could see every step of the staircase from across the length of the dungeon. He didn't even think it was possible to smell so much at once. His mother's perfume lingered in the air. His ears rang from the overstimulation from how his howl reverberated against the stone walls of the cell. Draco ached and whimpered in pain. His paws were so sensitive as he limped over to the duvet. The wolfsbane was brewed properly. He hadn't lost his mind to a bloodlust. Instead, the potion was heightening his exhaustion; it crashed against him like unforgiving stormy waves upon a shore. He curled up in a little crescent moon bringing his muzzle against his body on the soft cotton duvet. Draco's blinking grey eyes looked like liquid silver pools. It was a pointless fight to try to stay awake as the magic of the potion drugged the creature to sleep. The faint howl of werewolves in the distance was the last thing Draco heard before succumbing to slumber as his paws slightly twitched against the duvet.