Chapter Twenty:
(A/N. Hey everyone! Thanks for reviewing! By the way to the person that I asked, I had the Beauty and the Beast thing in mind all along. So, I'm starting a new fanfic and it's based on X-men the movie and it's called Electra. I was wondering how many people from here would actually read it if I posted it up because I've looked at the other fanfics in the X-men stories directory and the highest review a story has is like 20. So yeah, just throwing the idea out. Email me if you have any questions or want to see a sample.)
"What?" Draco demanded. Lucius mistook his son's curt reply for enthusiasm or disbelief.
"Yes, I know. You have waited for this a long time. Now you will finally be made a Death Eater." Lucius said. Draco felt a chill fill his body. He had six months before he became a Death Eater, just like his father. "The ceremony will take place at the Manor, of course, you will Apparate here from the Forbidden Forest. The Dark Lord himself will be here. You will need a sacrificial victim, but all that can be sorted out later. I'll leave you to celebrate. I'm so proud of you, my son." Lucius said and left. Draco laughed softly. Hadn't he wanted to hear that last sentence from his father for ages? Hadn't he strived all those years to make his father proud? He shuddered. He would not be a Death Eater. He refused to do it. He sighed.
"How am I going to get away from my father?" He asked the quiet air surrounding him. There was no answer for him. He stood up and ordered a house elf to bring him his dinner. He ate quietly his thoughts on his troubled future. He crawled into bed wishing that his life were different. In a week he would go to Hermione's house and he wouldn't have to worry about Lucius Malfoy for another six months.
The next week flew by for Hermione. Draco and Hermione were constantly exchanging notes. She missed having Draco's arms around her but the thought of spending a month at her house was comforting. The morning they were to leave it dawned sunny and warm. Hermione quickly dressed in jeans and a tank top, throwing on her navy wizarding robes on top. She packed the rest of her things and went down to breakfast. Lucius wasn't there but Narcissa was. Hermione had the distinct impression that this woman most have been beautiful and energetic at some point but that Lucius had drained it all away. She nodded her head toward the woman who glanced around fearfully before giving Hermione a hesitant smile. There was a loud crash as the door swung open and Lucius walked in.
"Deigned to come eat with us, mudblood?" Lucius snarled. Hermione clenched her fists but she saw a warning look from Draco's mother so she said nothing. Lucius grabbed some toast and swung out of the room. "Come Narcissa." He growled. Narcissa shot an apologizing look at Hermione before rushing out.
"What a family." Hermione sighed softly and sat down. Draco came rushing in and he smiled at Hermione. He seemed happier than he had in a long time. He sat down far enough away that it didn't arouse any suspicions if someone came in. He ate his breakfast and then hurried out. Hermione saw a note appear in her hand. She opened it.
I have to finish packing. You look as beautiful as ever. I can't wait to meet your parents and see your home. –Ferret Boy
She smiled at the note. Draco had taken to signing with the nickname she had given him all those years ago instead of using his real name. She quickly burned the note and walked back to her room. She called a house elf to take her stuff down then sat down on her bed to read. A knock on her door made her put the book aside and open it. Serby the house elf was looking up at her with bright green eyes.
"Master Malfoy says that everything is ready and that Serby should take Miss Granger downstairs." Serby said. Hermione smiled and nodded, following the little house elf out. She glanced back at her room. If Lucius didn't live here this would be such a wonderful place to live. She closed the door and walked away. Draco was already at the entrance looking sulky.
"Took you long enough, mudblood." He snapped. Hermione saw Lucius standing near his son.
"Piss off." She growled. Draco's eyes widened and he shook his head almost imperceptibly.
"You should learn your place, Granger." He growled. Hermione realized what he was saying. If she defied Draco in front of Lucius's eyes, Lucius would kill her. She whimpered softly as Draco took a step forward.
"I'm sorry, Malfoy." She sniveled. Draco's eyes were filled with compassion but his face was a cold mask. As unreadable as wood.
"You better be." He snapped. Hermione saw through lowered eyes Lucius sending his son an appraising look before walking out. She looked up and saw Draco mouthing an apology she nodded and followed him out. They got into the limousine which already had their luggage inside.
"Remember what I said, Draco. Great deeds lie ahead for you." Lucius called as they got into the car. Draco's eyes narrowed at the closed door.
"You have no idea how right you are, Father."
