The Serpents Fire
A Seventh Book setting through the eyes of Draco Malfoy.
Notes: All Harry Potter characters and places of references are © JK Rowling and Warner Bros Inc, with the exception of my made up characters.
To Draco's surprise, Diagon Alley was bustling. There were about four weeks until term started, and a lot of the shops were already packed. Probably first years. Draco thought miserably. He sighed, as his mother gave him a brief smile before vanishing into Flourish and Botts. Draco pulled the poisons list out of his robe pocket, and scanned it; then quickly shoved it back in again when he caught a familiar figure walking down the other end of the street from Gringotts. Potter. Draco looked around and made a break for Knockturn, slipping in front of a large man that was going down there as well. He then turned and walked a few feet before entering Borgin & Burkes. This shop specialised in Dark Arts objects. Draco casually rested himself against the bench and glanced around at the various floating objects in jars. Running a hand through his hair, he slammed his palm down on the bell nearby.
"Oh all right, keep your knickers on… good grief! Young Master Malfoy. What a surprise!" A fairly elderly man wondered out from the back room. He looked greasy and smelt rather odd, his clothes were stained and from the looks of things, he hadn't shaved or bathed in months. Draco wrinkled his nose and threw the list on the counter.
"Good day, Mr Borgin. I err… require these poisons. No questions asked. Understand?" Even though Draco was much younger than the man before him, the elder gave a quick nod. He didn't want to get on the wrong side of the son of Lucius Malfoy. Mr Borgin vanished into the back room and Draco turned to face the shop. He felt rather odd, standing here in Hogwarts robes buying Dark Arts objects. But it made him feel unique, and gave him an authority of power which he loved. He heard the shuffle of feet and turned his attention back to the counter; as Mr Borgin pushed a black box in front of Draco. His eyes glazed over it, of course he had a fair what many of the poisons were but from what he gathered they were the right ones.
"Have someone deliver them to the Manor. Not by owl; though. Hand delivered. By this evening". Draco dropped three Galleons on the table. "No questions asked".
"Yes Master Malfoy. Thank you, they will be delivered as asked", Mr Borgin quickly pocketed the Galleons; bowed and Draco swept out of the shop. He then turned and headed back up to Diagon Alley; only to run into the least person he wanted to see. A bushy haired girl fell backward with a loud 'Oomph!', books flying out of her arms. Draco looked at her rather startled, but soon ignored it the minute the girl looked up at him. The Gryffindor crest sat proudly above her left breast, and she pushed her hair out of her eyes. With a huff, she placed her hands behind her and leapt upright. She stood at least a head shorter than Draco, and it pleased him a little. He smirked at her.
"Mudbloods don't normally have good directional skills". Draco folded his arms across his chest.
Hermione Granger was her name. She flashed Draco a violent glare, one that would normally make her friends shut up or simply quiver in fear. But it obviously had little effect on Draco Malfoy. She avoided his harsh comment with ease, and noticed the fact that he had just exited Knockturn Alley.
"So", she began, and with a single flick of her wand that was now withdrawn she called her books back up into her arms. "What were you doing down there?"
"Avoiding dirt like you". Draco retorted with a sneer. "Get out of my way".
Hermione blinked a few times, then stepped aside. She normally would have a battle of the wits with Draco, but the minute she saw his mother emerge from the bookshop she thought otherwise.
Draco ran his fingers through his loose blonde hair and sat down at a bench nearby. He rubbed his shoulder where Granger had slammed into him, and snorted. He turned his head and noticed his mother coming toward him; and Granger off to talk with Potter. Obviously discussing various reasons as to why I was down there. He thought harshly, then got to his feet when his mother arrived.
"Here you are, darling. I forgot to give you your letter that arrived this morning". Narcissa reached into her purse and pulled out the familiar Hogwarts letter Draco received each year. This one, however; was a little thicker.
"Mother, why give me this now?"
"It slipped my mind". She shrugged. "Go on, open it".
"It's just the stupid list of items they want us to buy".
"Draco! Open the letter!"
"Fine". He sat down again and Narcissa beside him, as he tore open the envelope and pulled out the first letter. As usual, the list of supplies for the next year. Along with the fact that he required dress robes for the Graduation Ball. "Nothing impressive there, mother". He took out the other letter and to his amazement another badge fell into his lap. "It can't be…" Draco unfolded the letter and allowed his mother to read over his shoulder.
Dear Mr Malfoy,
We are very pleased to inform you that after much discussion; you have been made Head Boy of Hogwarts. Please find your badge enclosed and I hope you will perform your duties as we expect you too.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.