Midnight stared wistfully out of the carriage door as it trundled towards
Diagon Alley. She grinned to herself as she recounted the morning's
events. She awoke with a start as the Malfoy's ghost butler came gliding
in and starting a hot rose petal bath for her. This definitely shocked
Midnight as she quickly pulled the duvet covers around her. However,
eventually after imploring the butler not to assist her with the bath any
longer, she slid into the luxurious bath. She closed her eyes as the scent
of rose petals filled the air and the silkiness of the water caressed her
skin as she soaked.
A bump in the road startled Midnight as she lifted her gaze to Draco who was sitting opposite of her, his gaze too, averted from her. She smiled inwardly as she recalled the events of the morning after her bath and such. She remembered how Draco had been very stiff to her as she nearly ran into him in the corridor. He looked a bit tired, like he didn't sleep as well as he had liked. His hair, as usual was combed back, but with a few overlooked strands her and there. Midnight had to stop herself from laughing at him, but thought otherwise. Midnight had just smiled sweetly to him and walked swiftly away.
Later, at breakfast, Midnight had just entered the dining hall when she heard a voice call her name. Looking about, she looked upon the beautifully adorned and ladened table. At it, were Narcissa and Lucius, sitting there, looking at her. She remembered herself bowing and giving her good mornings as well as how she slept. Then, Lucius began informing her that he had planned for Draco and herself to go to Diagon Alley to do some Christmas shopping. Midnight had said nothing, as she had no objections to it. However, she had been quite surprised to hear that an owl had arrived with a package for her that very morning. As Narcissa handed the beautifully wrapped package, she immediately recognized the neat calligraphy of her friend, Viktor Krum. Smiling she asked a straggling house elf to take it back to her room while she had a glass of orange juice.
Then her memory faltered as all she recalled was Draco and his father leaving to converse somewhere else, leaving her to chat sparingly with Narcissa and finish a piece of toast.
A loud shout from the street startled Midnight out of her reverie and she blinked a bit as she turned to look upon Draco, sitting upright his eyes diverted slightly.
The carriage pulled slowly to a halt as the driver came around and opened the door for both of them, bowing deeply.
After they had both stepped out Draco put his hands in his parka and grinned. "Well, Midnight. You look ready to spend..." he putt his hand in his pocket and pulled out the leather bag of galleon and glanced down, counting them. "You'll let me buy you lunch, won't you?" he asked.
Midnight smiled at Draco and raised her eyebrows slightly at the proposal. "Oh, I suppose I shall let you." she said sardonically.
She too reached into her pocket and drew out a muggle made wallet. "I'll have to get some gifts for some other people as well- can't have you knowing now can we?" she said with a laugh as she looked down through Diagon Alley as the two stood at the very mouth.
Draco laughed as his grey eyes took in her hungry look at the shops down the alley. "I thought it wasn't ladylike to drool," he chuckled.
Midnight snapped away to glare at Draco. "Oh shut up Malfoy!" as she latched onto his arm and began to pull them towards the nearest shop.
All the while talking excitedly about what she intended to purchase and all the things she had seen etc.
Draco watched how Midnight's face lit up with excitement, the way she smiled, the way her hips swayed as she moved down the street made him feel drawn to her. This was a side of her he hadn't known before and he smiled to himself, wondering if she would bring the same energy in the bedroom. The thought of his father's message to him this morning sobered him a bit and his fingers touched the list of potion materials in his pants pocket. He knew he had to find a way into Knockturn Alley today...there was a lot to do - the ingredients required certain aging elements and he had to make sure he had it just right or...
Draco pushed the thoughts away, as he noticed Midnight staring up at him.
"Draco-- were you even listening to me?" she said as she leaned against his arm, sighing impatiently.
She wrinkled her nose slightly as she stopped herself from sneezing and looked back expectantly at Draco, all the while absentmindedly twirling her hair.
Malfoy gave her a mock frown. "Of *course* I'm listening...you allergic to something or getting a cold?" he added.
Midnight gave him a sharp glance and returned to her giddiness as she pulled Draco into a sweet shop, all the while looking like she was a child on a sugar-high.
Draco looked around at the luscious sweets displayed around the shop, and sauntered up to the marzipan delicacies laid out under a glass case. He swung his head around. "Is there something in here you want, girl?"
Midnight giggled as she pranced around the shop, looking at absolutely everything. Finally she shoved a large bagful of bubble gum into Draco's arms, and with a hurried thanks and a goodbye, told him that she would be in the next shop.
Draco stood there, grappling to balance the huge bag of candy, his mouth frozen in protest as she sped out the door.
The day progressed very much in the same way, with Midnight clinging to Draco and having a tiny house elf carrying the already mountain of packages and bags. Midnight's cheeks were rose and she looked healthier and more lively as she "oooooo'd" and "ahhhhhhhhhh'd" at everything around her.
For lunch, the two chose to have two mugs of hot cocoa and a couple of small cakes. Even then, the sugar seemed to set Midnight off even more as once they had finished, she bounced up immediately and began dragging Draco back to the carriage. After helping the struggling house elf with the packages and telling it to stay put, she told Draco that he was now free of her and that she was going to do a little private shopping of her own.
However, once Midnight saw Draco's figure round the corner and out of her sight, she muttered under her breath and followed him! She pulled her hood over her head so that she looked quite daunting- though very dull and quickly began to try and keep within visual distance with Draco's back while struggling against Christmas shoppers pushing and forcing their ways up and about the alley. She continued to follow until she stopped abruptly. She stood there, confused and scared as she stared straight down into the dingy streets of Knockturn Alley.
Midnight pondered why Draco would be down there, and even considered turning back. She knew that it wasn't a pretty neighborhood and was sure that if she went down there, she may be finding more than just Draco. She flushed as she made up her mind. Shakily, she began to descend straight into Knockturn Alley. She had long since lost Draco, but she was determined to find him. Besides, how hard could it be? It was like Diagon wasn't it? She swore that her breathing was causing a raucous as she could also hear her blood pounding in her ears. Cautiously, Midnight slipped into the shadows. Her figure being enveloped in a foul mist.
As Midnight ventured deeper into the damp and dark alleyway, she pulled back her hood, shaking her head and letting her platinum blonde hair free from its confines. As she did so, a murmur erupted from either side of her, as many rather disagreeable people seemed to be suddenly interested in her. Midnight felt the find hairs on her neck prickle as she continued to walk, pretending that she hadn't heard the people talking about her fair hair and clear skin. Midnight's heart seemed to be pounding faster and faster as her pace as well increased as she wound in and out of the alley, grimacing as her nice cloak often got snagged on the rough brickwork of the neighboring shops.
Midnight looked over her shoulder as she slowed down a bit as she reached a dense clump of shops. Hoping that she would be safer here. She was horribly mistaken. Following her were 6 or 7 dark looking witches and wizards, all with strange glints in their eyes. Midnight panicked as she began to slowly back away from their onslaught, her hand groping for her wand. She nearly collapsed when she remembered that it was in her other cloak- all the way back at Malfoy Manor. She whimpered slightly as she continued to back away as groping hands reached out to her. Deep within Knockturn Alley, Draco trotted quickly past many shops devoted to the dark arts, and found his way into Borgin & Burkes, which only sold the best materials. He had just purchased the aging solution he father told him to buy, plus the --- and had stuffed the small-sized parcel inside the pocket of his cloak.
Suddenly, there was a huge commotion outside in the alley- Draco's head swung about as he looked out the shop window just in time to see a familiar figure of a girl with platinum blonde hair being leered at by a group of questionable characters. Draco's eyes widened.
It was Midnight! She had followed him...but why?
Well, Malfoy knew she was in major trouble. Midnight's beautiful, pale hair was a precious item that could be sold for potion-making, voodoo and even material for wands. He'd heard horror stories about young witches being sold for slavery, even body parts...
Midnight's high shrieks were already shaking the windowpane. Draco's mind quickened as he desperately tried to think of a way to create a diversion so he could help her. He looked down and noticed a large array of tiny smoke bombs in Burke's display case and reached down and grabbed two fistfuls, and then hurried out into the alleyway, setting the bombs off and throwing them at the culprits surrounding Midnight.
The powerful blast of the smokescreen caused a blinding swirl of grey wall of thick mist behind them as Draco quickly grabbed Midnight's hand and pulled her with him as he sprinted down the alley road, away from the coughing crowd.
Midnight whimpered as Draco grabbed her hand and sprinted with her down the road. She ran with him, her cloak billowing out from behind her, hindering her running as they rounded a corner, still running. She tried to protest, but all she could thin about was running and getting as far away from those people as she could.
Several yards away, Draco ducked into a side alley and leaned against the rough stonewall, breathlessly waiting to see if anyone followed.
Midnight yanked away her hand as she nearly doubled over, gasping for breath. After some time, she stood straight again, looking at Draco. "T- Thank you..." she said breathlessly as she brushed aside her hair.
Draco's eyes were slits as he turned toward her. "You followed me..."
Midnight rounded on him as well. "No. I was looking for slug repellent." she lied with a hint of sarcasm as she crossed her arms loosely. Her expression was so easy to read now, as she was visibly still scared, even though she tried hiding it.
"You like this place, Little Miss Riddle? You know your way around here, do you?" Draco pursed his lips, his grey eyes glittering with rage. "I saved your sweet neck from abductors or...worse. And I risked some exposure that's sure to get back to my father!!" Draco suddenly noticed fear in Midnight's violet eyes and smiled. She was human after all.... "I had the same thing happen to me once when I was just a small boy... you don't know what those witches could have done to you, Midnight." Draco looked down the alleyway quickly and then back at her.
Midnight felt herself going red as Draco gave her his speech. She fought back the tears that threatened to spill out of her frightened eyes while maintaining her composure.
He never felt so close to her...Draco grinned as he leaned toward her, both arms against the wall on either side of her, so she couldn't move. He moved in closer to kiss her, slowly at first and then- as if worried that she'd fight him off, swept down and planted his mouth on hers into a heated kiss
Midnight tried to escape from the wall as Draco barred her to it. Struggling she suddenly saw Draco lean in closer... Midnight felt her heart almost stop. Then suddenly, Draco planted a deep kiss on her lips that was forceful, yet not so much so.
Draco had never felt a kiss like this...it was meant to be just a fast quick kiss but it lingered...and he closed his eyes...no. His father would kill him for caring about her like this. He pulled away, his eyes blinking in wonder.
Midnight has just let herself be taken by the kiss when Draco pulled away. To her horror, she let out a faint cry of disappointment as she felt his lips leave hers.
Malfoy felt his cheeks go hot. "Uh...uh, I need to get you back to Diagon Alley... I'm done with my shopping here." He reached up and felt the soft bulge in the inner pocket of his robe and nodded to himself. "Let's go, Midnight. I know the way back." he said, putting his arm out like a gentleman for her to take.
Midnight fought the blush that was creeping onto her skin. "I would like that." she said quietly as she lightly took his arm and let him lead her out.
Draco kept looking at her out of the corner of his eye... as they moved out of the dingy Knockturn into Diagon, he wondered what she was thinking... he shrugged it off, instead pointed towards Gringotts Bank. "There it is... want to make a withdrawal? Or have you already spent all your money on me," he chuckled.
Midnight smiled weakly. "I've already taken care of everything..." she said. "I've deposited a few things, and bought everyone's presents." she explained, looking up at Draco with her wide eyes. However now, there was something different in her eyes.
Their eyes locked for a moment and Draco felt himself feeling mesmerized by those sexy violet pupils...he suddenly felt a rush of excitement go through him. "Midnight, um... I --" He was interrupted by a loud shriek coming from one of the larger shops to their left. "DRACO darling! Where were you?? I needed you to bring Miss Riddle down to pick out some furniture and you were nowhere to be seen...!!!"
Draco blushed, shrugging. "I had some items to procure in. the village." he said. "She's here now, mother." he said, pushing her forward.
Midnight looked nervous as she faced Narcissa. "Hello Mrs. Malfoy."
Narcissa nodded politely, her red lips forming a thin line as her dark eyes surveyed Midnight's lovely face. "The house elves have told me you've bought a great many things. Enough to fill the back of the carriage I'm told," she said in a distasteful tone. "If you haven't finished your shopping, we may have to summon another carriage..." Draco looked at his mother and folded his arms, snickering to himself.
Midnight bit her lip under the scrutinizing glare of Narcissa and forced herself to smile. "Umm... no, actually, we're done. Or at least, I am."
"I'm done too..." Draco said, winking at Midnight. He couldn't wait to see her open his gift...
Draco stiffened as he looked over and saw his father strolling toward them, dangling his black cane over his shoulder.
"Well, I guess we should all be going?" Midnight said in a tiny voice as she looked away, diverting her eyes from Narcissa's gaze
Narcissa folded her arms, her fur coat ruffling in the cold wind, glaring at Midnight. "Yes, well...all well and good. I've shopped myself silly to refurbish that guest suite for you, and---"
"Ahh. but you will now relax, Narcissa dear." Lucius said in a smooth voice. "I'm taking you to dinner...Draco, you take Miss Riddle home. Your mother and I will be there soon."
Midnight looked from Narcissa to Lucius as she followed Draco to their awaiting carriage- sighing deeply as she walked away from Narcissa. Mainly Narcissa. She could swear on anything that that woman did not like her at all.
When they had reached the manor again, they both decided that it would be best to finish their potions homework. So with that in mind, Draco suggested that they work in the family's vast library.
"Say, Malfoy, what do you make of these potion ingredients? I'm not sure what potion this is for-" Midnight said, handing her assignment to Draco.
As she did so, Midnight also slipped into the chair direct opposite of Draco as she absent-mindedly stared at the dog-eared pages. "Just like Snape to spring this on us during our holiday." she grumbled as she eyed Draco out of the corner of her eye.
Draco raised his eyes over the book. "What? You think I'm your *homework boy* do you? I think not Little Miss Riddle*!" he smirked
Midnight snorted, blowing a strand of hair out of her eyes. "Draco, I was merely asking if you understood the bloody question-" she said slyly with a glint in her eyes. "Besides, since you seem to be oh so great at potions." she smirked again, this time undoing the first couple buttons of her dress shirt, smiling to herself.
He shrugged... "But this is potion making," he said rising from his chair and put his arm casually over the back of her chair. "I'm quite good at potions... yes *very* good, in fact..." he said, giving off a devilish smile as he thought of the potion he'd be starting tonight down in the small hidden room within the basement level of the mansion.
Midnight laughed quietly as she ran a finger along Draco's arm over her chair. "Well, isn't that just lovely then." she said coldly as she removed her finger, now running it down the index of the book "Potions for Beginners".
Draco's eyes took in Midnight's glossy pink lips-- he'd had them today for just a moment in the alley-- but he found himself wanting more.... Malfoy scooted beside her in the chair and moved his arm around her, his fingers lightly grazing her bare collarbone. "I can show you wha--" Draco started but was interrupted by a click as the library doors opened and he looked up to see his father walking in, followed by his mother. Her beady black eyes bore into Draco's guilt-filled ones and she scowled at Midnight.
Midnight shuddered as Draco's smooth touch brushed across her exposed skin as she fought back shivers. She found herself leaning into his embrace as she put his arms around her and whispered.
However, this was all suddenly shattered when the library door slid open abruptly, and the figures of Lucius and Narcissa stood in the doorway. Narcissa wearing a very nasty look indeed.
Draco shot out of the chair and stood before his parents, his cheeks reddening. Lucius' gray eyes darted back and forth between the girl and his son with a small smirk. Narcissa put her well-manicured hands on her hips and glowered at Draco. "This does NOT look like studying, Draco. What were you doing?" she demanded with a scolding expression. Lucius held up a placating hand. "Are you finished with your homework assignment?" he asked. Draco hesitated. "No, father." Lucius looked over at Midnight and studied her flushed face knowingly. "Then I suggest you go to your current room and finish it. I'd rather you two not be sitting in the library at this hour..." Narcissa's hard stare softened and she played up the gracious hostess she was. "Yes, of course.... I'll have some tea and a light snack brought to your room, Miss Riddle."
Midnight stood up abruptly as well, nodding thankfully. "Thank you--" she said, picking up her books and her assignment.
"We are quite pleased to have you as our guest, my dear..." she responded with a cold smile.
"Errrr... goodnight, Mrs. Malfoy, Mr. Malfoy." she nodded curtly before standing up straight again, ready to leave as soon as Draco was
As he watched his parents leave into the corridor, Draco forced his eyes over at Midnight and gave off a soft laugh. "I'd much rather study with you, Midnight..."
Midnight scoffed as she sighed with relief, placing a hand on her hip. "We can. In the mean time, let's head to your room." she said, taking his arm in hers as she pressed her body close to his, ambling down the corridor.
Draco eyes crinkled mischievously as she led him down the corridor. "So its still my room to you, is it?" he snorted. "Thought you'd claim it yours by now..."
Midnight almost tripped as she rounded a corner. "No. It's still yours. Unless- you *want* me to claim it as my own..." she drawled as she smiled wickedly at him, placing a hand on his arm. "Now- Cavedwelling." she murmured as the doors swung open.
Draco looked longingly at the big warm fluffy pillows and felt an involuntary shiver go through him as he tried to imagine her sleeping in his bed last night. Draco looked up at her as she moved to the washroom to change her clothes. "Sure... I-uhm... will just wait... here."
Moments later Midnight once again emerged with Midnight wearing a loose fitting halter -top over her silk pajama bottoms. She now also had her hair up in an extremely messy bun, which was already coming undone. "Now, shall we get it on then?" she said, picking up a quill from the floor.
Midnight slipped onto the bed in front of Draco and sighed deeply, laying on it, her head placed on Draco's inner thighs. A small trace of a grin playing on her features as she lay there, her silvery hair fanned out against his dark slacks. Yawning, she reached over her head, her fingers playing over his chest as she grinned, looking back up at him.
Malfoy's pale eyebrows lifted at her touch. She was a devious one, this girl. He still recalled well her little dance in front of him yesterday morning back at the dorm... she excited him then, as she did now... but he didn't want her to think she'd won... he fought to control it, but it was fast becoming a losing battle for him.... his gray eyes swept down to how her sexy halter clung to her bust line... and her soft, pale skin.... he let out a small moan, and then placed both of his hands around her waist and pulled her closer for a kiss.
Midnight giggled softly as she leaned into him, letting her lips gaze over Draco's, barely touching.
Forgetting his goal, Draco found himself closing in on her, eyes half- lidded as her pretty lips teased him and suspended him for a moment before he realized what was happening and, giving her a wicked smile, aggressively pulled her into a long passionate kiss, his tongue grazing her lips.
Midnight yelped slightly as she was pulled into Draco's embrace, thought it was soon smothered by his kiss. The kiss was forceful yet very passionate. She groaned softly as she felt her eyes close as she lightly prodded his lips with her tongue.
"Midnight..." he murmured. How could this girl go from being someone he despised to a lover in less than a week? His hand slid up her back as he dipped his head down for another deep kiss.... his mouth parted to allow her tongue in as his darted back against it like a sword.
Midnight just moaned as she arched her back. Draco's hand was sending tiny sensations throughout her whole body making her breath catch in her throat. She kissed Draco again, this time their tongues doing a passionate dance while sparring against each other.
His mouth slowly moved to her neck as he nuzzled it and lowered her against the folds of the blanket lying beneath them on the bed.
Midnight groaned softly as she was gently laid back on the bed, her back arched against the sensations Draco was sending throughout her body as his lips slowly worked down her neck, planting fiery kisses all the way down.
Draco reached out touching her blonde hair, lacing it lazily through his fingers when there was a tap on the door. Startled, he looked up. He almost swore out loud but then remembered he wasn't supposed to be there and nodded at Midnight, letting her know she should answer it.
Midnight had to suppress the look that was obvious on her flushed face as she propped herself up on one elbow. She placed a slender finger on Draco's warm lips as she called out. "Y-yes?" scolding herself for her trepidation.
"Evening tea and light food for you, from Mistress, Miss."
Draco grinned. Don't let them see me in here... they'll be forced to tell." he whispered.
Midnight flushed rapidly as she scrambled up, pushing Draco off of her as she straightened up. She directed Draco to hide in the closet as she strode to open the door.
A female house elf lifted her eyes to Midnight's great height as she held out a large round tray with a teapot and cup, and a bowl of fruit. She smiled and accepted the tray as the house elf scuttered off. Midnight chuckled slightly as she nudged the door closed with her foot as she placed the fruits on the bed as well. She walked up to the closet and rapped lightly on it, still wearing an amused expression on her face.
Draco popped his head out of the wardrobe with a cool expression, as his hand went up to smooth his blonde hair away from his forehead. He glanced down at the tray and picked up a strawberry and threw it up in the air and down into his open mouth, catching it neatly with his teeth. "Now-- where were we..." He said, pulling her towards him by her shoulders.
Midnight grinned as she looked into his eyes; a devious grin on her lips slowly began to lick the strawberry still protruding from Draco's mouth.
Draco marveled at the way she erotically sucked the berry in his mouth and his eyes surveyed her body language quickly, surmising what she wanted. And he knew what he wanted.... but as he moved in, his hand automatically moving from her waist toward the edge of her halter, he suddenly wondered how hard it would really be to overpower Midnight for his test..... His lips explored hers, harder now.... it was as if he was trying it out for size....
Midnight felt her lips once again being captured by Draco's as he now pulled her into an even harder kiss. However, suddenly, she pulled away altogether with a sly twinkle in her eyes.
He was exploring his options and she seemed to sense it...he wondered if she was clairvoyant or something, Draco thought with a worried look. He gave her a playful pout for a second, blushing. "What was that about?" he asked, trying to act nonchalant.
Picking up a cherry, she winked as she popped it into her mouth, leaving the stem out as she began to slowly suck on it. She continued as she turned her back on him, twirling her hair as she went to pick up her books from the bed.
"Nothing. I like cherries better than strawberries." she grinned as she suddenly pulled him into another kiss, though not as bruising and much shorter.
"You like cherr---" Malfoy started, with a laugh that was stifled by the pressure of her kissing him again and felt himself pull away with reluctance when it was over.
The night wore on much like it had started, with Draco and Midnight both teasing each other as they casually snacked on the cherries and strawberries. Their potions assignments lay forgotten on the floor since the two sat on the bed. Eventually, Midnight reluctantly said a goodnight to Draco, explaining that she was tired and had wanted to sleep. After giving him one last light kiss, she slipped under the covers and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
Malfoy suddenly felt nauseous, his stomach queasy. He leaned against the bedpost as he quietly said good night to Midnight. He backed into the doorway and stumbled into the corridor. Grimacing from the cramps that suddenly took over, Draco grabbed his abdomen and hurried to his mother's room -- she always had the proper remedies.... and he felt *terrible*...
Narcissa looked up when she heard the heavy knock on her bedroom door. She and Lucius had their separate rooms...she had chosen this room years ago, and it suited her tastes...muted browns and deep reds. In the last ten years, she very rarely slept in the oversized master bedroom with Lucius -- he had changed, and so had she...
"Who is it? I'm busy...." she called out sternly.
The door flew open...Draco was standing there, doubled over...his face looking off-colour and paler than usual. "Mother.... I feel very ill...." He looked up, a stray strand of blonde hair hanging against his cheek.
Draco took a weak step forward and slumped weakly, passing out on the floor.
Narcissa's black eyes widened and she flew to her son's side. "Nooooo! It wasn't meant for YOU!" she screamed. She quickly reached for her wand and magically lifted his body to the bed and sat on the edge of the mattress, reaching over to cover him with the velvet blanket. Narcissa gazed down angrily at Draco as he turned over and moaned with pain.
"You drank from the goblet I sent to her room... you little---" she hissed, realizing that Draco had gone to Midnight's room after she'd said goodnight to him in the library with Lucius. Her plan to see Midnight ill so she would have to leave obviously backfired. The poison in the juice was just enough to send her to the infirmary.... Narcissa reached for the antidote in her nightstand drawer with a disgusted look.
"Draco...Draco, darling.... swallow this." Draco's eyes fluttered, and turned his head with a long groan. Narcissa placed her well-manicured finger under his chin and lifted it toward her. "Don't fight me...swallow this, love." Draco gulped as the thick, bad-tasting liquid poured down his throat and shut his eyes wearily.
He began to drift into a dreamless sleep...relaxed and warm. Several hours later, he woke, his eyes open into a half-lit room, not sure where he was at first. His mother's perfumed sheets brush against his bare chest and he realized he was lying in her bedroom. There was a low fire crackling in the hearth, and a steady glow from a half-opened door that led to the adjoining sitting room. He heard voices...low at first, and then recognized the sound of his mother's voice, and then Lucius familiar tone. Draco strained to hear what they were saying...
"I'm well aware of the strange kind of games you play, Narcissa darling...I'm not ignorant to your methods...and you blundered on this one. Draco's in there because of your petty jealousy!"
"I won't stand for you're talk to me this way, Lucius..."
"It won't be long now before you'll discover you can't control him the way you think you do. Things are going to change for Draco..."
There was a heavy pause. "What are you talking about? What are you scheming, Lucius!? I won't have you using Draco in your twisted games!!"
Draco could almost see his father's face terrorizing his mother. "This is NOT a game...you know it. Draco must take his place among the rest of us..."
"He's too young..."
"No, he isn't. He's shown amazing talent and clever enough to accomplish whatever task is put before him...and he's DARK, Narcissa. I won't have you tampering with his mind and molding him into some kind of *soft* plaything!!!..."
His father's tone had a bitter edge to it...and even Draco had never heard it before. He scrunched up the pillow and punched it with his fist.
His parent's discussion ended when Lucius left the room, and Draco heard his mother quietly re-enter the room and move to the edge of the bed...she was sobbing softly and slid in beside him, not knowing he was wide awake.
Draco turned over and looked at her with questions in his eyes. "You tried to poison Midnight, didn't you?" he rasped..."Why would you do something like that...?"
Narcissa's hand went to her son's cheek, which she noticed, had regained its normal colour. "I don't like the way she teases and flirts with you...I wanted her to leave. I lost control, and it seems I took the punishment...you drank the goblet on the tray instead..."
Draco shook his head.
"She shouldn't be here, this daughter of Voldemort's...she makes me feel uneasy, son." Narcissa said as she leaned over and gently nudged Draco's ear with her lips. "What did your father say to make you invite her-- he's up to something, I know it. Tell me the secret, Draco...."
Draco brushed his mother's kisses away irritably, blushing from the sensations she made. "I can't tell you mother...."he replied, recalling Lucius's strict orders for silence. "I'm sorry...you shouldn't worry or anything.... its not dangerous, okay?"
Narcissa stared at him. "I don't want you becoming too much like your father..." she pouted, and then leaned her slender arm around the back of his head, threading her fingers through his blonde hair. Draco shuttered and sat up.
"I'm feeling better now, mother. I guess I'll go back to my room...."
But as he exited the room, he knew where he was going...and it wasn't to the tower room. He turned toward his father's study and walked in. Lucius was poised behind the desk, fingering his black wand and watching him intensely. "You have something to do...." he slurred.
"The potion will be ready, father. I would rather not have you looking over my shoulder every night..." Draco said, surprising himself with the firmness in his voice. He stepped up to the wall and held out his hand, magically opening the hidden panel to the laboratory in the basement.
For several hours, Draco organized his materials, prepared the small cauldron and mixed the ingredients as they bubbled inside. He added several drops of aging liquid, which a spray of stream to lift to the ceiling. Draco hoped the potion would be just right... he had to make this work. He didn't know why Voldemort would agree to him using it to control his daughter... make her move to his whims. Draco shrugged internally. He started to think of her lips kissing him back willingly, like she did in Diagon Alley and hated to think of forcing her to do anything...but, then he pictured her sexy body, fantasizing what she would look like if he could make her remove her clothes.... and slowly began to love the idea at the same time....
After Draco completed the first stage of the mixture, he trudged back to his cold tower room and collapsed on the bed, exhausted.
A bump in the road startled Midnight as she lifted her gaze to Draco who was sitting opposite of her, his gaze too, averted from her. She smiled inwardly as she recalled the events of the morning after her bath and such. She remembered how Draco had been very stiff to her as she nearly ran into him in the corridor. He looked a bit tired, like he didn't sleep as well as he had liked. His hair, as usual was combed back, but with a few overlooked strands her and there. Midnight had to stop herself from laughing at him, but thought otherwise. Midnight had just smiled sweetly to him and walked swiftly away.
Later, at breakfast, Midnight had just entered the dining hall when she heard a voice call her name. Looking about, she looked upon the beautifully adorned and ladened table. At it, were Narcissa and Lucius, sitting there, looking at her. She remembered herself bowing and giving her good mornings as well as how she slept. Then, Lucius began informing her that he had planned for Draco and herself to go to Diagon Alley to do some Christmas shopping. Midnight had said nothing, as she had no objections to it. However, she had been quite surprised to hear that an owl had arrived with a package for her that very morning. As Narcissa handed the beautifully wrapped package, she immediately recognized the neat calligraphy of her friend, Viktor Krum. Smiling she asked a straggling house elf to take it back to her room while she had a glass of orange juice.
Then her memory faltered as all she recalled was Draco and his father leaving to converse somewhere else, leaving her to chat sparingly with Narcissa and finish a piece of toast.
A loud shout from the street startled Midnight out of her reverie and she blinked a bit as she turned to look upon Draco, sitting upright his eyes diverted slightly.
The carriage pulled slowly to a halt as the driver came around and opened the door for both of them, bowing deeply.
After they had both stepped out Draco put his hands in his parka and grinned. "Well, Midnight. You look ready to spend..." he putt his hand in his pocket and pulled out the leather bag of galleon and glanced down, counting them. "You'll let me buy you lunch, won't you?" he asked.
Midnight smiled at Draco and raised her eyebrows slightly at the proposal. "Oh, I suppose I shall let you." she said sardonically.
She too reached into her pocket and drew out a muggle made wallet. "I'll have to get some gifts for some other people as well- can't have you knowing now can we?" she said with a laugh as she looked down through Diagon Alley as the two stood at the very mouth.
Draco laughed as his grey eyes took in her hungry look at the shops down the alley. "I thought it wasn't ladylike to drool," he chuckled.
Midnight snapped away to glare at Draco. "Oh shut up Malfoy!" as she latched onto his arm and began to pull them towards the nearest shop.
All the while talking excitedly about what she intended to purchase and all the things she had seen etc.
Draco watched how Midnight's face lit up with excitement, the way she smiled, the way her hips swayed as she moved down the street made him feel drawn to her. This was a side of her he hadn't known before and he smiled to himself, wondering if she would bring the same energy in the bedroom. The thought of his father's message to him this morning sobered him a bit and his fingers touched the list of potion materials in his pants pocket. He knew he had to find a way into Knockturn Alley today...there was a lot to do - the ingredients required certain aging elements and he had to make sure he had it just right or...
Draco pushed the thoughts away, as he noticed Midnight staring up at him.
"Draco-- were you even listening to me?" she said as she leaned against his arm, sighing impatiently.
She wrinkled her nose slightly as she stopped herself from sneezing and looked back expectantly at Draco, all the while absentmindedly twirling her hair.
Malfoy gave her a mock frown. "Of *course* I'm listening...you allergic to something or getting a cold?" he added.
Midnight gave him a sharp glance and returned to her giddiness as she pulled Draco into a sweet shop, all the while looking like she was a child on a sugar-high.
Draco looked around at the luscious sweets displayed around the shop, and sauntered up to the marzipan delicacies laid out under a glass case. He swung his head around. "Is there something in here you want, girl?"
Midnight giggled as she pranced around the shop, looking at absolutely everything. Finally she shoved a large bagful of bubble gum into Draco's arms, and with a hurried thanks and a goodbye, told him that she would be in the next shop.
Draco stood there, grappling to balance the huge bag of candy, his mouth frozen in protest as she sped out the door.
The day progressed very much in the same way, with Midnight clinging to Draco and having a tiny house elf carrying the already mountain of packages and bags. Midnight's cheeks were rose and she looked healthier and more lively as she "oooooo'd" and "ahhhhhhhhhh'd" at everything around her.
For lunch, the two chose to have two mugs of hot cocoa and a couple of small cakes. Even then, the sugar seemed to set Midnight off even more as once they had finished, she bounced up immediately and began dragging Draco back to the carriage. After helping the struggling house elf with the packages and telling it to stay put, she told Draco that he was now free of her and that she was going to do a little private shopping of her own.
However, once Midnight saw Draco's figure round the corner and out of her sight, she muttered under her breath and followed him! She pulled her hood over her head so that she looked quite daunting- though very dull and quickly began to try and keep within visual distance with Draco's back while struggling against Christmas shoppers pushing and forcing their ways up and about the alley. She continued to follow until she stopped abruptly. She stood there, confused and scared as she stared straight down into the dingy streets of Knockturn Alley.
Midnight pondered why Draco would be down there, and even considered turning back. She knew that it wasn't a pretty neighborhood and was sure that if she went down there, she may be finding more than just Draco. She flushed as she made up her mind. Shakily, she began to descend straight into Knockturn Alley. She had long since lost Draco, but she was determined to find him. Besides, how hard could it be? It was like Diagon wasn't it? She swore that her breathing was causing a raucous as she could also hear her blood pounding in her ears. Cautiously, Midnight slipped into the shadows. Her figure being enveloped in a foul mist.
As Midnight ventured deeper into the damp and dark alleyway, she pulled back her hood, shaking her head and letting her platinum blonde hair free from its confines. As she did so, a murmur erupted from either side of her, as many rather disagreeable people seemed to be suddenly interested in her. Midnight felt the find hairs on her neck prickle as she continued to walk, pretending that she hadn't heard the people talking about her fair hair and clear skin. Midnight's heart seemed to be pounding faster and faster as her pace as well increased as she wound in and out of the alley, grimacing as her nice cloak often got snagged on the rough brickwork of the neighboring shops.
Midnight looked over her shoulder as she slowed down a bit as she reached a dense clump of shops. Hoping that she would be safer here. She was horribly mistaken. Following her were 6 or 7 dark looking witches and wizards, all with strange glints in their eyes. Midnight panicked as she began to slowly back away from their onslaught, her hand groping for her wand. She nearly collapsed when she remembered that it was in her other cloak- all the way back at Malfoy Manor. She whimpered slightly as she continued to back away as groping hands reached out to her. Deep within Knockturn Alley, Draco trotted quickly past many shops devoted to the dark arts, and found his way into Borgin & Burkes, which only sold the best materials. He had just purchased the aging solution he father told him to buy, plus the --- and had stuffed the small-sized parcel inside the pocket of his cloak.
Suddenly, there was a huge commotion outside in the alley- Draco's head swung about as he looked out the shop window just in time to see a familiar figure of a girl with platinum blonde hair being leered at by a group of questionable characters. Draco's eyes widened.
It was Midnight! She had followed him...but why?
Well, Malfoy knew she was in major trouble. Midnight's beautiful, pale hair was a precious item that could be sold for potion-making, voodoo and even material for wands. He'd heard horror stories about young witches being sold for slavery, even body parts...
Midnight's high shrieks were already shaking the windowpane. Draco's mind quickened as he desperately tried to think of a way to create a diversion so he could help her. He looked down and noticed a large array of tiny smoke bombs in Burke's display case and reached down and grabbed two fistfuls, and then hurried out into the alleyway, setting the bombs off and throwing them at the culprits surrounding Midnight.
The powerful blast of the smokescreen caused a blinding swirl of grey wall of thick mist behind them as Draco quickly grabbed Midnight's hand and pulled her with him as he sprinted down the alley road, away from the coughing crowd.
Midnight whimpered as Draco grabbed her hand and sprinted with her down the road. She ran with him, her cloak billowing out from behind her, hindering her running as they rounded a corner, still running. She tried to protest, but all she could thin about was running and getting as far away from those people as she could.
Several yards away, Draco ducked into a side alley and leaned against the rough stonewall, breathlessly waiting to see if anyone followed.
Midnight yanked away her hand as she nearly doubled over, gasping for breath. After some time, she stood straight again, looking at Draco. "T- Thank you..." she said breathlessly as she brushed aside her hair.
Draco's eyes were slits as he turned toward her. "You followed me..."
Midnight rounded on him as well. "No. I was looking for slug repellent." she lied with a hint of sarcasm as she crossed her arms loosely. Her expression was so easy to read now, as she was visibly still scared, even though she tried hiding it.
"You like this place, Little Miss Riddle? You know your way around here, do you?" Draco pursed his lips, his grey eyes glittering with rage. "I saved your sweet neck from abductors or...worse. And I risked some exposure that's sure to get back to my father!!" Draco suddenly noticed fear in Midnight's violet eyes and smiled. She was human after all.... "I had the same thing happen to me once when I was just a small boy... you don't know what those witches could have done to you, Midnight." Draco looked down the alleyway quickly and then back at her.
Midnight felt herself going red as Draco gave her his speech. She fought back the tears that threatened to spill out of her frightened eyes while maintaining her composure.
He never felt so close to her...Draco grinned as he leaned toward her, both arms against the wall on either side of her, so she couldn't move. He moved in closer to kiss her, slowly at first and then- as if worried that she'd fight him off, swept down and planted his mouth on hers into a heated kiss
Midnight tried to escape from the wall as Draco barred her to it. Struggling she suddenly saw Draco lean in closer... Midnight felt her heart almost stop. Then suddenly, Draco planted a deep kiss on her lips that was forceful, yet not so much so.
Draco had never felt a kiss like this...it was meant to be just a fast quick kiss but it lingered...and he closed his eyes...no. His father would kill him for caring about her like this. He pulled away, his eyes blinking in wonder.
Midnight has just let herself be taken by the kiss when Draco pulled away. To her horror, she let out a faint cry of disappointment as she felt his lips leave hers.
Malfoy felt his cheeks go hot. "Uh...uh, I need to get you back to Diagon Alley... I'm done with my shopping here." He reached up and felt the soft bulge in the inner pocket of his robe and nodded to himself. "Let's go, Midnight. I know the way back." he said, putting his arm out like a gentleman for her to take.
Midnight fought the blush that was creeping onto her skin. "I would like that." she said quietly as she lightly took his arm and let him lead her out.
Draco kept looking at her out of the corner of his eye... as they moved out of the dingy Knockturn into Diagon, he wondered what she was thinking... he shrugged it off, instead pointed towards Gringotts Bank. "There it is... want to make a withdrawal? Or have you already spent all your money on me," he chuckled.
Midnight smiled weakly. "I've already taken care of everything..." she said. "I've deposited a few things, and bought everyone's presents." she explained, looking up at Draco with her wide eyes. However now, there was something different in her eyes.
Their eyes locked for a moment and Draco felt himself feeling mesmerized by those sexy violet pupils...he suddenly felt a rush of excitement go through him. "Midnight, um... I --" He was interrupted by a loud shriek coming from one of the larger shops to their left. "DRACO darling! Where were you?? I needed you to bring Miss Riddle down to pick out some furniture and you were nowhere to be seen...!!!"
Draco blushed, shrugging. "I had some items to procure in. the village." he said. "She's here now, mother." he said, pushing her forward.
Midnight looked nervous as she faced Narcissa. "Hello Mrs. Malfoy."
Narcissa nodded politely, her red lips forming a thin line as her dark eyes surveyed Midnight's lovely face. "The house elves have told me you've bought a great many things. Enough to fill the back of the carriage I'm told," she said in a distasteful tone. "If you haven't finished your shopping, we may have to summon another carriage..." Draco looked at his mother and folded his arms, snickering to himself.
Midnight bit her lip under the scrutinizing glare of Narcissa and forced herself to smile. "Umm... no, actually, we're done. Or at least, I am."
"I'm done too..." Draco said, winking at Midnight. He couldn't wait to see her open his gift...
Draco stiffened as he looked over and saw his father strolling toward them, dangling his black cane over his shoulder.
"Well, I guess we should all be going?" Midnight said in a tiny voice as she looked away, diverting her eyes from Narcissa's gaze
Narcissa folded her arms, her fur coat ruffling in the cold wind, glaring at Midnight. "Yes, well...all well and good. I've shopped myself silly to refurbish that guest suite for you, and---"
"Ahh. but you will now relax, Narcissa dear." Lucius said in a smooth voice. "I'm taking you to dinner...Draco, you take Miss Riddle home. Your mother and I will be there soon."
Midnight looked from Narcissa to Lucius as she followed Draco to their awaiting carriage- sighing deeply as she walked away from Narcissa. Mainly Narcissa. She could swear on anything that that woman did not like her at all.
When they had reached the manor again, they both decided that it would be best to finish their potions homework. So with that in mind, Draco suggested that they work in the family's vast library.
"Say, Malfoy, what do you make of these potion ingredients? I'm not sure what potion this is for-" Midnight said, handing her assignment to Draco.
As she did so, Midnight also slipped into the chair direct opposite of Draco as she absent-mindedly stared at the dog-eared pages. "Just like Snape to spring this on us during our holiday." she grumbled as she eyed Draco out of the corner of her eye.
Draco raised his eyes over the book. "What? You think I'm your *homework boy* do you? I think not Little Miss Riddle*!" he smirked
Midnight snorted, blowing a strand of hair out of her eyes. "Draco, I was merely asking if you understood the bloody question-" she said slyly with a glint in her eyes. "Besides, since you seem to be oh so great at potions." she smirked again, this time undoing the first couple buttons of her dress shirt, smiling to herself.
He shrugged... "But this is potion making," he said rising from his chair and put his arm casually over the back of her chair. "I'm quite good at potions... yes *very* good, in fact..." he said, giving off a devilish smile as he thought of the potion he'd be starting tonight down in the small hidden room within the basement level of the mansion.
Midnight laughed quietly as she ran a finger along Draco's arm over her chair. "Well, isn't that just lovely then." she said coldly as she removed her finger, now running it down the index of the book "Potions for Beginners".
Draco's eyes took in Midnight's glossy pink lips-- he'd had them today for just a moment in the alley-- but he found himself wanting more.... Malfoy scooted beside her in the chair and moved his arm around her, his fingers lightly grazing her bare collarbone. "I can show you wha--" Draco started but was interrupted by a click as the library doors opened and he looked up to see his father walking in, followed by his mother. Her beady black eyes bore into Draco's guilt-filled ones and she scowled at Midnight.
Midnight shuddered as Draco's smooth touch brushed across her exposed skin as she fought back shivers. She found herself leaning into his embrace as she put his arms around her and whispered.
However, this was all suddenly shattered when the library door slid open abruptly, and the figures of Lucius and Narcissa stood in the doorway. Narcissa wearing a very nasty look indeed.
Draco shot out of the chair and stood before his parents, his cheeks reddening. Lucius' gray eyes darted back and forth between the girl and his son with a small smirk. Narcissa put her well-manicured hands on her hips and glowered at Draco. "This does NOT look like studying, Draco. What were you doing?" she demanded with a scolding expression. Lucius held up a placating hand. "Are you finished with your homework assignment?" he asked. Draco hesitated. "No, father." Lucius looked over at Midnight and studied her flushed face knowingly. "Then I suggest you go to your current room and finish it. I'd rather you two not be sitting in the library at this hour..." Narcissa's hard stare softened and she played up the gracious hostess she was. "Yes, of course.... I'll have some tea and a light snack brought to your room, Miss Riddle."
Midnight stood up abruptly as well, nodding thankfully. "Thank you--" she said, picking up her books and her assignment.
"We are quite pleased to have you as our guest, my dear..." she responded with a cold smile.
"Errrr... goodnight, Mrs. Malfoy, Mr. Malfoy." she nodded curtly before standing up straight again, ready to leave as soon as Draco was
As he watched his parents leave into the corridor, Draco forced his eyes over at Midnight and gave off a soft laugh. "I'd much rather study with you, Midnight..."
Midnight scoffed as she sighed with relief, placing a hand on her hip. "We can. In the mean time, let's head to your room." she said, taking his arm in hers as she pressed her body close to his, ambling down the corridor.
Draco eyes crinkled mischievously as she led him down the corridor. "So its still my room to you, is it?" he snorted. "Thought you'd claim it yours by now..."
Midnight almost tripped as she rounded a corner. "No. It's still yours. Unless- you *want* me to claim it as my own..." she drawled as she smiled wickedly at him, placing a hand on his arm. "Now- Cavedwelling." she murmured as the doors swung open.
Draco looked longingly at the big warm fluffy pillows and felt an involuntary shiver go through him as he tried to imagine her sleeping in his bed last night. Draco looked up at her as she moved to the washroom to change her clothes. "Sure... I-uhm... will just wait... here."
Moments later Midnight once again emerged with Midnight wearing a loose fitting halter -top over her silk pajama bottoms. She now also had her hair up in an extremely messy bun, which was already coming undone. "Now, shall we get it on then?" she said, picking up a quill from the floor.
Midnight slipped onto the bed in front of Draco and sighed deeply, laying on it, her head placed on Draco's inner thighs. A small trace of a grin playing on her features as she lay there, her silvery hair fanned out against his dark slacks. Yawning, she reached over her head, her fingers playing over his chest as she grinned, looking back up at him.
Malfoy's pale eyebrows lifted at her touch. She was a devious one, this girl. He still recalled well her little dance in front of him yesterday morning back at the dorm... she excited him then, as she did now... but he didn't want her to think she'd won... he fought to control it, but it was fast becoming a losing battle for him.... his gray eyes swept down to how her sexy halter clung to her bust line... and her soft, pale skin.... he let out a small moan, and then placed both of his hands around her waist and pulled her closer for a kiss.
Midnight giggled softly as she leaned into him, letting her lips gaze over Draco's, barely touching.
Forgetting his goal, Draco found himself closing in on her, eyes half- lidded as her pretty lips teased him and suspended him for a moment before he realized what was happening and, giving her a wicked smile, aggressively pulled her into a long passionate kiss, his tongue grazing her lips.
Midnight yelped slightly as she was pulled into Draco's embrace, thought it was soon smothered by his kiss. The kiss was forceful yet very passionate. She groaned softly as she felt her eyes close as she lightly prodded his lips with her tongue.
"Midnight..." he murmured. How could this girl go from being someone he despised to a lover in less than a week? His hand slid up her back as he dipped his head down for another deep kiss.... his mouth parted to allow her tongue in as his darted back against it like a sword.
Midnight just moaned as she arched her back. Draco's hand was sending tiny sensations throughout her whole body making her breath catch in her throat. She kissed Draco again, this time their tongues doing a passionate dance while sparring against each other.
His mouth slowly moved to her neck as he nuzzled it and lowered her against the folds of the blanket lying beneath them on the bed.
Midnight groaned softly as she was gently laid back on the bed, her back arched against the sensations Draco was sending throughout her body as his lips slowly worked down her neck, planting fiery kisses all the way down.
Draco reached out touching her blonde hair, lacing it lazily through his fingers when there was a tap on the door. Startled, he looked up. He almost swore out loud but then remembered he wasn't supposed to be there and nodded at Midnight, letting her know she should answer it.
Midnight had to suppress the look that was obvious on her flushed face as she propped herself up on one elbow. She placed a slender finger on Draco's warm lips as she called out. "Y-yes?" scolding herself for her trepidation.
"Evening tea and light food for you, from Mistress, Miss."
Draco grinned. Don't let them see me in here... they'll be forced to tell." he whispered.
Midnight flushed rapidly as she scrambled up, pushing Draco off of her as she straightened up. She directed Draco to hide in the closet as she strode to open the door.
A female house elf lifted her eyes to Midnight's great height as she held out a large round tray with a teapot and cup, and a bowl of fruit. She smiled and accepted the tray as the house elf scuttered off. Midnight chuckled slightly as she nudged the door closed with her foot as she placed the fruits on the bed as well. She walked up to the closet and rapped lightly on it, still wearing an amused expression on her face.
Draco popped his head out of the wardrobe with a cool expression, as his hand went up to smooth his blonde hair away from his forehead. He glanced down at the tray and picked up a strawberry and threw it up in the air and down into his open mouth, catching it neatly with his teeth. "Now-- where were we..." He said, pulling her towards him by her shoulders.
Midnight grinned as she looked into his eyes; a devious grin on her lips slowly began to lick the strawberry still protruding from Draco's mouth.
Draco marveled at the way she erotically sucked the berry in his mouth and his eyes surveyed her body language quickly, surmising what she wanted. And he knew what he wanted.... but as he moved in, his hand automatically moving from her waist toward the edge of her halter, he suddenly wondered how hard it would really be to overpower Midnight for his test..... His lips explored hers, harder now.... it was as if he was trying it out for size....
Midnight felt her lips once again being captured by Draco's as he now pulled her into an even harder kiss. However, suddenly, she pulled away altogether with a sly twinkle in her eyes.
He was exploring his options and she seemed to sense it...he wondered if she was clairvoyant or something, Draco thought with a worried look. He gave her a playful pout for a second, blushing. "What was that about?" he asked, trying to act nonchalant.
Picking up a cherry, she winked as she popped it into her mouth, leaving the stem out as she began to slowly suck on it. She continued as she turned her back on him, twirling her hair as she went to pick up her books from the bed.
"Nothing. I like cherries better than strawberries." she grinned as she suddenly pulled him into another kiss, though not as bruising and much shorter.
"You like cherr---" Malfoy started, with a laugh that was stifled by the pressure of her kissing him again and felt himself pull away with reluctance when it was over.
The night wore on much like it had started, with Draco and Midnight both teasing each other as they casually snacked on the cherries and strawberries. Their potions assignments lay forgotten on the floor since the two sat on the bed. Eventually, Midnight reluctantly said a goodnight to Draco, explaining that she was tired and had wanted to sleep. After giving him one last light kiss, she slipped under the covers and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
Malfoy suddenly felt nauseous, his stomach queasy. He leaned against the bedpost as he quietly said good night to Midnight. He backed into the doorway and stumbled into the corridor. Grimacing from the cramps that suddenly took over, Draco grabbed his abdomen and hurried to his mother's room -- she always had the proper remedies.... and he felt *terrible*...
Narcissa looked up when she heard the heavy knock on her bedroom door. She and Lucius had their separate rooms...she had chosen this room years ago, and it suited her tastes...muted browns and deep reds. In the last ten years, she very rarely slept in the oversized master bedroom with Lucius -- he had changed, and so had she...
"Who is it? I'm busy...." she called out sternly.
The door flew open...Draco was standing there, doubled over...his face looking off-colour and paler than usual. "Mother.... I feel very ill...." He looked up, a stray strand of blonde hair hanging against his cheek.
Draco took a weak step forward and slumped weakly, passing out on the floor.
Narcissa's black eyes widened and she flew to her son's side. "Nooooo! It wasn't meant for YOU!" she screamed. She quickly reached for her wand and magically lifted his body to the bed and sat on the edge of the mattress, reaching over to cover him with the velvet blanket. Narcissa gazed down angrily at Draco as he turned over and moaned with pain.
"You drank from the goblet I sent to her room... you little---" she hissed, realizing that Draco had gone to Midnight's room after she'd said goodnight to him in the library with Lucius. Her plan to see Midnight ill so she would have to leave obviously backfired. The poison in the juice was just enough to send her to the infirmary.... Narcissa reached for the antidote in her nightstand drawer with a disgusted look.
"Draco...Draco, darling.... swallow this." Draco's eyes fluttered, and turned his head with a long groan. Narcissa placed her well-manicured finger under his chin and lifted it toward her. "Don't fight me...swallow this, love." Draco gulped as the thick, bad-tasting liquid poured down his throat and shut his eyes wearily.
He began to drift into a dreamless sleep...relaxed and warm. Several hours later, he woke, his eyes open into a half-lit room, not sure where he was at first. His mother's perfumed sheets brush against his bare chest and he realized he was lying in her bedroom. There was a low fire crackling in the hearth, and a steady glow from a half-opened door that led to the adjoining sitting room. He heard voices...low at first, and then recognized the sound of his mother's voice, and then Lucius familiar tone. Draco strained to hear what they were saying...
"I'm well aware of the strange kind of games you play, Narcissa darling...I'm not ignorant to your methods...and you blundered on this one. Draco's in there because of your petty jealousy!"
"I won't stand for you're talk to me this way, Lucius..."
"It won't be long now before you'll discover you can't control him the way you think you do. Things are going to change for Draco..."
There was a heavy pause. "What are you talking about? What are you scheming, Lucius!? I won't have you using Draco in your twisted games!!"
Draco could almost see his father's face terrorizing his mother. "This is NOT a game...you know it. Draco must take his place among the rest of us..."
"He's too young..."
"No, he isn't. He's shown amazing talent and clever enough to accomplish whatever task is put before him...and he's DARK, Narcissa. I won't have you tampering with his mind and molding him into some kind of *soft* plaything!!!..."
His father's tone had a bitter edge to it...and even Draco had never heard it before. He scrunched up the pillow and punched it with his fist.
His parent's discussion ended when Lucius left the room, and Draco heard his mother quietly re-enter the room and move to the edge of the bed...she was sobbing softly and slid in beside him, not knowing he was wide awake.
Draco turned over and looked at her with questions in his eyes. "You tried to poison Midnight, didn't you?" he rasped..."Why would you do something like that...?"
Narcissa's hand went to her son's cheek, which she noticed, had regained its normal colour. "I don't like the way she teases and flirts with you...I wanted her to leave. I lost control, and it seems I took the punishment...you drank the goblet on the tray instead..."
Draco shook his head.
"She shouldn't be here, this daughter of Voldemort's...she makes me feel uneasy, son." Narcissa said as she leaned over and gently nudged Draco's ear with her lips. "What did your father say to make you invite her-- he's up to something, I know it. Tell me the secret, Draco...."
Draco brushed his mother's kisses away irritably, blushing from the sensations she made. "I can't tell you mother...."he replied, recalling Lucius's strict orders for silence. "I'm sorry...you shouldn't worry or anything.... its not dangerous, okay?"
Narcissa stared at him. "I don't want you becoming too much like your father..." she pouted, and then leaned her slender arm around the back of his head, threading her fingers through his blonde hair. Draco shuttered and sat up.
"I'm feeling better now, mother. I guess I'll go back to my room...."
But as he exited the room, he knew where he was going...and it wasn't to the tower room. He turned toward his father's study and walked in. Lucius was poised behind the desk, fingering his black wand and watching him intensely. "You have something to do...." he slurred.
"The potion will be ready, father. I would rather not have you looking over my shoulder every night..." Draco said, surprising himself with the firmness in his voice. He stepped up to the wall and held out his hand, magically opening the hidden panel to the laboratory in the basement.
For several hours, Draco organized his materials, prepared the small cauldron and mixed the ingredients as they bubbled inside. He added several drops of aging liquid, which a spray of stream to lift to the ceiling. Draco hoped the potion would be just right... he had to make this work. He didn't know why Voldemort would agree to him using it to control his daughter... make her move to his whims. Draco shrugged internally. He started to think of her lips kissing him back willingly, like she did in Diagon Alley and hated to think of forcing her to do anything...but, then he pictured her sexy body, fantasizing what she would look like if he could make her remove her clothes.... and slowly began to love the idea at the same time....
After Draco completed the first stage of the mixture, he trudged back to his cold tower room and collapsed on the bed, exhausted.