The Boy Who Was A Girl:

Author's Notes: This is a short chapter to set the scene and introduce Draco's grandmother. Don't worry though, I'm updating again right after this. :)

Disclaimer: The characters in this story belong to J.K. Rowling. I'm merely borrowing them for the time being.

Narcissa checked him out of St. Mungo's, but not until after the sadistic Miss Underwood had poked and prodded at him heartlessly. Healer Adams gave Draco one last examination to be on the safe side and ordered the Malfoy heir to drink plenty of fluids and to stay in bed for the rest of the day, but the reluctant patient could have cared less as long as he was allowed to escape. They flooed to the mansion in Wiltshire (not to be confused with Malfoy Manor which was all of thirty miles away) where Lucius' mother resided along with her huge fleet of house elves and gardeners. Apparently, Narcissa had already arranged everything and packed their belongings.

Draco stumbled out of the large fireplace, his head spinning from the trip. Years of traveling through the floo network had accustomed him to the disorienting mode of travel, but he was in no condition at the moment to display his usual grace. "Oh, my head. I don't feel very well." Narcissa stepped out of the fireplace and cast a quick cleaning charm on both of them.

"Here, darling. Sit down for a moment. Camilla should be here any second now."

Draco took a seat on a settee and closed his eyes. They opened again at the sound of swishing robes. "There's my sweet grandchild! Give me a hug, Draco. You must be so exhausted, you poor child." Draco hugged his grandmother, resting his head against her ample bosom. The Malfoy matriarch was ninety three and a very active witch for her age. She was one of the cornerstones of aristocratic pureblood wizarding society as well as a notoriously successful investor in the Wizarding Stock Market.

But to Draco, she was just Grandmother and, when Draco had been younger, Grandmummy. The familiar bun of iron colored hair and the sweet smiles reserved just for him eased the knots of worry lodged in the pit of his stomach. His mother was wonderful, but no one could compare to his beloved grandmother who had spoiled him rotten and showered him with affection all his life. He turned to look at his mother who had assumed a neutral expression. She and Camilla did not get along very well, but they were always painstakingly polite to one another.

"I'm in the Green Room, right?" Draco questioned halfheartedly.

"Of course. I know that's your favorite, love." It was the guest room and usually reserved only for the most important personages. Draco really shouldn't have been allowed to stay there, but Camilla always made exceptions for him. "Why don't we get you settled in? You look very tired."

"The healer ordered Draco to rest for the day and to drink plenty of fluids." Narcissa offered, standing as Draco and his grandmother rose.

"Of course." Camilla said absently, studying the changes in Draco's face. "I'll have Tubby see to it. Now, let's get you off your feet, Draco dearest. You've a long summer ahead of you."

Draco had no idea just how true her words were.

To Be Continued…

Constructive criticism and comments are more than welcome.