Thanks to all the reviewers- I really appreciate your input!
Kaleigh—I know the first chapter was short, and I tried to make this one longer. It took me awhile, but I think it's good. I made sure that I was satisified with it.
BellethePhilosopher'sCookie- Thanks! I'm trying to set my story apart from others, but I admit my beginning wasn't the newest. I think that most kind of sound the same in the beginning and move away from others later on in the story
Browneyedtook- lol. Thanks for putting me on you authors alert!
Indessciare- Well, I tried to get this chapter out as soon as I thought it was good enough! Thanks for reviewing!
Dracos-gurl3- thanks for the encouragement
Chiney- thanks for reviewing
Roxygurli 200- Thanks! I love when people review!
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter or characters. Unfortunately.
Shades of Gray
Chapter Two
Draco sat down on the expensive antique chair, ignoring the miniature, dirty creature on his left. After getting comfortable at the long table, he addressed the house elf in a superior manner.
"Go and get my dinner. If my father arrives come and tell me immediately. Oh, and inform my mother that dinner is served if she is inclined to come down and join me." Draco already knew what his mother's answer would be: no. After being raised in a home that did not tolerate any weakness, he no longer expected his mother to form any sort of caring feelings toward himself, or anyone else for that matter. Like his father, she was cold and distant. The only thing she expected was to be obeyed and respected. The first was done without consideration, though the second was pretended.
Lucius was in many ways like his wife; only he ruled with an iron grip that was more menacing than cold. Draco picked at the expensive food that was set before him, contemplating on the future school year. If all went according to his father's plan, Draco would become a Death Eater and transform into a miniature Lucius. He knew what his father wanted, but knowing what he wanted was a different matter entirely.
A door slammed in the entryway, echoing throughout unforgiving hallways. Draco's head snapped upwards as he heard boots clicking down the corridor, towards the dining room. A house elf appeared once again.
"Master Lucius has come home, Master Draco," said the pathetic creature, trembling. Draco's head whipped around.
"You should have told me the second he arrived, you foolish slave!" He snarled viciously, "Take my food away. Now!" Draco escaped the imprisoning chair and walked hurriedly yet smoothly toward the heavy door. However, the handle turned under his hand, and swung open of it's own accord, revealing a rumpled Lucius. Panicked eyes darted back and forth, finally landing on his son. A quivering hand grasped his shoulder.
"They are coming, Draco. They are coming." Draco's forehead wrinkled in confusion, his voice echoing his thoughts.
"Who's coming, father?" A voice burst from a normally composed mouth, so unlike his own that Draco was startled. In a low, desperate voice did Lucius answer is only heir.
"The aurors."
Hermione raised her red-rimmed eyes, as she heard footsteps outside in the long hallway. She looked at her parents and let out a low moan of pure despair. One hand grasped the carpet, trying to stop her body from hitting the ground, her stringy brown hair falling forward. Collapsing to the floor, she succumbed to the dry sobs that wracked her body. Lifting her tear-streaked face upward, she caught one glimpse of a familiar face before being envolped in darkness.
Draco froze as he tried to comprehend the one word the kept ringing in his ears; auror. His eyes widened as his father streaked toward the entrance in the back of the room, leading to a secret tunnel under the manor. It had been built with the dank dungeons that lay beneath the sprawling Malfoy Manor. Lucius swung his head to face his son as a hidden door swung open.
"Hold them off as long as you can."
"But where will you go?"
"Where they cannot find me."
As the door swung shut and was once again lost to the eye, Draco sprinted across the room and to the winding staircase. Taking the steps two at a time with panther-like grace, Draco darted to his mother's chambers, his feet pushing off from blood red carpet. He flung open the delicately carved doors, and sprinted inside. Apalled by this violation of her privacy, Narcissa angrily whipped her head around to face her son. But before she could get in a word, Draco interrupted.
"Mother, you must leave. Right now! The aurors are coming." She stopped dead in her tracks, frozen by fear of the word uttered from his mouth. Seeing that she was making no move to run, he grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her down the stairs. Flying through the hallways, past painting after painting, his desperation and panic grew with every minute. What would he do? Where should he go? He could follow his parents, but he had no desire to flee the world. And he had nothing to hide, except for the secrets of his family. After reaching the main staircase, a bang was heard echoing up and down cold corridors. His head slowly turned towards the great doors at the entrance of the manor.
The aurors are here.
Wow. That took awhile for me to complete! Let me assure you that I did my best!
Alright, choices for NEXT CHAPTER. Vote and tell me what you want to see happen most!
1. Naricssa gets caught
2. Narcissa doesn't get caught
3. Draco goes after his father
4. Draco doesn't go after his father
5. Hermione wakes up in a hospital
6. Hermione wakes up and sees a person with a familiar face carrying her…
PLEASE REVIEW! I love encouragement, but advice and criticism help a lot more. I can't improve if I don't know what I'm doing wrong!!
