Aimee
Draco was met at Platform 9 ¾ by his nurse, Marion; a short, slim woman in her late 50's that had taken care of him for his entire life. He hated her.
"How was your school year, dear?" Marion asked as the two stepped into the limousine provided for him. Draco sat down as far away from the woman as he possibly could.
"Same as always." He replied, gazing out at the crowded London streets. "Why didn't Mother come?"
He didn't know why he bothered asking; she never came. Marion always picked him up from the Hogwarts Express, it was a given. Not that Narcissa was a bad mother; she just didn't want to leave the safety and security of the Malfoy Manor.
"She was entertaining a guest." Marion answered, ringing her hands nervously.
"Really?" Draco asked, surprised. "And whom might the lucky man be?"
"Why do you assume her guest is a man?" Marion asked.
Draco smirked, "In all the years I've been alive, Marion, I can not once remember a time she had a female friend over for dinner or any other occasion, alone. Never. Possibly with a husband, or at a party, but never alone."
"Keen observation, young Malfoy." Marion nodded, "Your father would be proud."
"Don't you dare mention that bastard in my presence!" Draco exploded, glaring at the woman. She was used to his outbursts, he knew his yelling wouldn't effect her in any way.
"Draco, it's been fourteen years. Let it be." Marion murmured as she attempted to pat the boy's knee. Draco hissed as he drew his legs closer to him, his icy blue eyes glaring at the woman.
"Don't touch me."
Marion chuckled as she drew her hand back, "My, aren't we a bit testy this afternoon?"
"'We', Marion, are not anything." Draco snapped just as the vehicle lurched ahead quickly. Turning around and facing the driver, he sneered. "What the bloody hell was that?"
Not bothering to wait for an answer, he turned back around and took to gazing out the window for the rest of the journey, ignoring any questions from Marion.
The limousine stopped in front of the Manor Gates and the driver unloaded Draco's trunk as he walked briskly up the walkway, knocking on the heavy oak doors three times.
He stepped back as the doors were pulled open by an assortment of house elves, revealing an empty foyer. Not expecting anything else, Draco stepped in as three house elves ran out to assist Marion with his trunk. He walked into the parlor and then the living room, expecting to see his mother sitting there with whichever guest she had over. However, both the parlor and living room was empty, much to Draco's surprise.
"Marion!" Draco bellowed, "Where is my mother?"
Marion came into the room, Draco's cloak folded onto her right arm. "She's upstairs, I believe. Shall I alert her that you've arrived?"
"I can do it myself." Draco insisted, brushing past the woman in his unexplained urgency to see his mother. Taking the steps two at a time, he came to the cream coloured door leading into Narcissa's room. He knocked firmly, waiting for the door to open.
He heard the lock undo with a click, and before he could react to the opening doors, he was smothered.
"Mum!" he exclaimed, struggling against her embrace, "I need to breathe!"
Narcissa gradually let go of her son, her long blonde hair falling into her face. "When did you get home? I didn't hear you come in."
"A few minute ago." Draco gasped, still trying to catch his breath. "Marion said someone was here. Who is it?"
Narcissa grinned broadly and stepped back, exposing the man behind her. "Draco, you've met Mr. Lupin, haven't you?"
Draco's eyes widened with surprise. "Professor Lupin?"
Remus nodded, stepping forward and extending his hand. "It's good to see you again, Mr. Malfoy."
Draco took his hand politely, shaking it firmly. "Not to be blunt, but what are you doing here?"
"Mr. Lupin and I go way back, Draco." Narcissa explained, "We ran into Diagon Alley a few months ago and I've invited him over quite a few times."
Draco nodded curtly, "Mother, may I please speak to you alone for a moment?"
Remus stepped out of the room as Narcissa nodded, and with a meaningful look towards Remus, she closed the door behind her.
"How was your school year, Draco? Remus told me about your little exploit with that Snape boy." Narcissa commented, walking over to a plush armchair and gracefully sitting down.
"I succeeded in making his life hell for quite a few months, Mother." Draco answered snidely, "Which was of course my main point."
Narcissa raised a carefully done eyebrow, "You still do not go around kissing members of the same gender in front of the whole school, Draco."
"And you, mother. I would expect more from you than a werewolf."
"What is that supposed to mean, young man?" Narcissa snapped.
"You and Professor Lupin – he's the first of your 'guests' to ever come into the room you shared with my father. I'm sure that means something, yes?" Draco shot back, crossing his arms.
"Remus and I are dating, yes." Narcissa admitted, avoiding her son's glare, "But the fact that I was married once before shouldn't stop me from being able to have a life, Draco."
"I know Professor Lupin, Mum. I know he's a good man – as good as a Gryffindor werewolf can get." Draco spat out. "However, I would have thought my father meant more to you than that."
"Lucius is dead, Draco." Narcissa sighed, "Get it through your head. If he's not physically dead by now, he's mentally dead and has been for nearly ten years now."
"That doesn't mean you have the right to go around and make a fool of yourself with other men!" Draco exclaimed.
"Look who's talking. I didn't go up and kiss the Boy Who Lived, now, did I?" Narcissa growled.
"His name's Harry, Mum." Draco muttered through clenched teeth.
"Fancy him, do you?" Narcissa smirked. "I would have never thought the son of Lucius Malfoy would end up a queer."
"I am NOT queer!" Draco yelled, balling his hands in fists of rage. "It was a joke, Mother, nothing more. I do not FANCY that scum…. The scum that took my father and YOUR husband away. Never."
"What's your problem, Draco?" Narcissa sighed. "Or are you just looking to argue?"
Draco shook his head, "I don't have a problem with Professor Lupin, Mother. I have a problem with the fact you have refused to acknowledge my father's existence for the better part of my entire life. I have a problem with the fact you expect me to accept any play toy of yours that comes walking through that door, no questions asked."
"I don't expect you to accept Remus-" Narcissa started before Draco interrupted her.
"I know Professor Lupin, Mother. I do not have a problem with him." Draco growled, crossing his arms.
"And I wish to forget your father, Draco. He was a bastard. That is why I rarely mention him." Narcissa said quietly. "The only good thing he ever did in his entire life is give me you."
Draco sighed as silence filled the room. "Is it serious?"
"Yes, it's serious." Narcissa answered.
"Do you love him?"
Narcissa paused before she answered. "I love him more than I ever loved Lucius."
"I suppose that's not saying a lot, now, is it?" Draco grumbled, "Are you two getting married?"
Narcissa smiled, "No, Draco. Do you see a ring on my finger?"
Draco smiled a bit, "As long as you don't marry the
poor man… He has enough to deal with already."
When you're lost
I am found
When you slip
I hold my ground
When I fall
Please take a bow
And when you're up
Just remember I am down
People looking for
Fortune and fame
They don't know
That it's all the same
It's like any other game
You know there's a loser
But it's all right
When you feel your heart is breaking
When all your friends are faking
When it's giving and no taking
I will be by your side
I've been over the hill and back
Survived every kind of attack
It's been a few years at that
As a matter of fact
Good luck is just good luck
You don't go hungry if you got pot luck
I've been down
But never on my knees
I see the forest for the trees
When you feel your heart is breaking
When all your friends are faking
When it's giving and no taking
I will be by your side
When you feel your heart is breaking
When all your friends are faking
When its giving and no taking
I will be by your side*
*The Black Crowes, By Your Side (How can you not love this song?)