Chapter 12- A night with a Slytherin
A pale boy with blonde hair stood alone in a massive room, nervously fidgeting with a corner of his shirt. He couldn't be more than eight years old, and his nervous figure made him appear younger. His life always seemed to be jerked around before he even knew what was happening. This always upset his father; it seemed to make him doubt the boy's intelligence. "Father…" the boy thought, shivering. He had been locked in this room a moment before, when a vicious argument sprung between his father and his Uncle Lucifer. His uncle was a squib, the first one in the family in generations, thus he had been disowned. Lucifer however, never felt the intensity of the situation and had contacted Draco. One day when Lucius was out, Lucifer came to visit Draco. His uncle talked to him trying his best to get to know Draco. He even gave him a book as a present. It was the only magical object he ever owned. So, knowing his brother he gave the book to Draco to lighten the little boy's spirits. Lucifer said the stories would change every time he opened it, as would the reading level. Then he came again, continuing to hope Lucius could humor him considering how ironic that it was to have squib in a pureblood family. Draco started pacing. He could hear the voices outside the door. His father wanted to know what Lucifer had given Draco. Lucifer replied it was nothing more than a book and… Draco stopped short of pacing. He heard a scream and then only silence. What had his father said? Avakadava? The words had been muffled. He heard his father's footsteps and suddenly panicked. Lucius had done something to Uncle Luke. What had happened? Drawing to the farthest corner in the room, Draco tried to make himself invisible in the shadows as the doorknob turned and his father stepped into the room.
"Come here, Draco." He said, keeping his voice low. Draco reluctantly left the shadows. "You know you're not allowed to talk to muggles." He said, maliciously.
"Dad…" Draco started, but was cut off as he felt his father's cane smashing into the side of his head. He fell to the floor, whimpering. Lucius grabbed Draco violently by the arm and pulled him up, shoving him harshly against the wall.
"What have I said about calling me that?" Lucius asked, livid. He could never bear to hear such a personal name from someone he was hurting.
"I'm sorry… father." Draco replied, still trying to compose his thoughts as his head was throbbing with unimaginable pain. But he wasn't allowed to show Lucius weakness.
"Crucio." Uttered a deadly voice, and Draco felt the worst pain imaginable… he was screaming, looking into his father's cold eyes…
~
Hermione screamed, sitting up in bed as she was jerked from her dream. She kept seeing her vision; it was just too horrible to be put out of her mind. She looked at her clock. It was 3:30. She sighed as silent tears flowed from her eyes. She knew why Draco had never told her about his childhood. Why he never let Snape that far into his memories. why he always pushed people away. He didn't want them to know, he felt ashamed. He didn't want pity. Hermione's silent tears turned into sobs. How could anyone be so cruel? Draco was eight! How could anyone have survived that incredible pain?
~
Draco was lying in his bed staring at the ceiling, randomly pointing his wand to parts of it making some design appear just to satisfy his boredom when he heard sobs from the adjacent room. He hadn't slept at all… he was too wound up about Hermione witnessing such a sensitive memory. They hadn't talked about it yet. He couldn't believe she had seen him so powerless to his father's control. It made him feel vulnerable. He tried to stay in bed, telling himself Hermione's sobs weren't important and he should just stay here. Draco didn't even have that much self-control. He quietly eased out of bed and made his way to Hermione's room.
Hermione stifled her sobs as she heard a soft knock on the door but couldn't control the tears that still ran down her cheeks. She felt Draco's arms encircle her and she leaned against him, letting him hold her comfortingly. They didn't say anything for a long time.
"I'm sorry Draco." She whispered, as she relaxed in his arms. "I don't mean for you to have to comfort me, when it was you who…" she broke off, not sure how Draco would react. She felt his grip tighten.
"Listen Hermione, whatever happened in my past doesn't matter anymore. I'll get back at him now." He laughed.
"He should die. I want to kill him Draco you don't understand…" Hermione suddenly cried out with sudden anger. Draco shook her gently.
"I'm sorry." He said, looking her eyes. "No one was ever supposed to see that." Hermione felt like her heart would break.
"But he…" she started.
"I don't need your pity!" he said fiercely, pulling away from her. The flash of anger in his eyes left quickly however. "I need you." He whispered softly.
"I'll always be here for you Draco, no matter what." She responded quietly. She looked at the clock again. "We should get to bed." She spoke softly while looking into his eyes, It was the first time she had ever seen them looking vulnerable to her. She was startled as Draco got up, ready to leave.
"See you tomorrow then?" he asked, in a feigned normal tone. Beckoning him forward, Hermione pulled Draco into a tight hug, reluctant to let go. "It's ok, Hermione!" Draco laughed, amused by her compassion.
"Will you stay with me tonight?" she asked, her voice muffled in his chest.
"Are you trying to seduce me, Granger?" Draco asked, laughing at his own cleverness. Hermione playfully hit him on the arm.
"Don't be so cocky. You know what I mean." Hermione said, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Is there anything wrong with being cocky? Because if there is… you might want to reconsider your proposal." Draco said, winking at her.
"What-ever." Hermione responded, rolling her eyes, and getting into bed. Chuckling, Draco lay down beside her, pulling her close and nestling in her hair. Hermione smiled. She felt peaceful for the first time that whole night. Draco's face held an identical smile.
A/N: I know this chapter's really short… but next chappie will be fun… dark mark… Ron and Harry… all that good stuff. :) thanks for reading! Later!