Complete summary: In Draco Malfoy's seventh year his life takes a drastic turn as he develops an illness and learns a secret about the Malfoys. Decisions he makes while ill impact his personal relationships bringing him closer to his father and godfather and driving a wedge between Draco and Pansy's father. The story will include a chilling broom flight, intense fights and even a little Malfoy house-elf payback.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. J.K. Rowling, Bloomsbury books, Scholastic books and Warner Brothers have that pleasure. I am merely borrowing them.
Thanks always to my beta Venus and my sister Kathy! You guys inspire me to continue!
Chapter Two: And so it begins
"Get up you lazy first years!" Draco punctuated the command with a kick to the bed closest to the door.
"M .Malfoy? What time is it?" Stevens' voice was heavy with sleep. He saw Heller pull his pillow over his head.
"Time to get your lazy arses out of bed! Come on Stevens, Heller.Now!" He kicked the bed harder, jarring Stevens who then sat up.
"It is 3:50 a.m.!" Stevens rubbed his eyes.
"I need you to take something down for me." Draco rushed from the room leaving behind two very disconcerted first years.
"He doesn't sleep. Maybe he's a vampire?" Heller shuddered, and bolted upright, raising a hand to his throat. His dark brown hair stuck out in all directions.
"Don't be silly. He doesn't sleep in the daytime either," countered Stevens, stretching then swinging his legs over the side of the bed.
Heller was working himself up into a lather. "I heard he kept up the second years last night. He made them go outside for Quidditch practice."
"What? Outside? It is freezing out there." Stevens slid his feet into his slippers.
"He said he had some theories about decreasing wind resistance or something." Heller stood, pulling on his robe, staggering a bit as his body fought the sudden movement.
Draco was a black silhouette against the orange and red glow of the common room fireplace. Stevens and his bleary compatriot Heller warily approached him. Draco's grinning face met them as he turned, his face emitting the same ethereal glow as the raging fire behind him.
"I need to get this down while everything is still so crystal clear." His eyes took in the room around him in wonder, as if seeing things for the first time. "Stevens, you take down the words and, Heller, you make sure he has everything he needs. Right. It all started 17 years ago."
Draco spent the next several hours droning on about his life experiences. Heller fell asleep after the first fifteen minutes but Stevens kept on, fearful of the blond seventh year prefect. As darkness slowly turned to light footfalls, alarm clocks and muffled conversations could be heard coming from the dorm rooms.
Draco slowly tilted his head back to face the ceiling, holding out his arm out as if to silence the silent Stevens. "Hold up!" Heller jumped about a foot and snorted. "We'd better continue this tonight, same time.The walls have ears, you know." Draco's head swiveled to peer at the walls and the naïve first years did as well, wondering if he meant that literally.
*****
Excited laughter and chitchat abounded in the Great Hall as black robes and hats filled up the tables, yes, even Slytherin House. Draco, however, kept his gaze transfixed skyward in quiet anticipation. As if on cue, the owls soared in carrying their precious cargo. Four large barn owls dropped parcels in front of Draco, upending Gregory Goyle's pumpkin juice and sending his fork clinking to the floor. Oblivious to his friend's complaints the blond shot up from his chair.
"It's about time! Gotta go," he announced to no one in particular, scooping up the packages and ignoring his still empty plate.
In his rush Draco did not see Professor Snape rounding the corner near the dungeon stairs. The collision pushed Snape back on his heels but with a quick hand to the wall he steadied himself. Draco's balance had been upset by the numerous packages, which now flew in all directions like the explosion from a giant Christmas cracker. His now empty arms flailed to no avail as Draco thudded to the cold stone floor.
"Draco Malfoy! Kindly watch where you are going." Snape brushed off his robes, watching the boy pick up the many parcels. "You are a prefect Draco. You are to set an example."
"Certainly sir, certainly." Draco flashed a brilliant smile in the Potion Master's direction.
"Have you bought out Diagon Alley?" Snape motioned to the packages with his bony finger.
Draco's grin was deepening, "Not yet, sir! I am simply testing some of my theories."
"Theories on how to dwindle the family fortune, perhaps? I have seen you with packages every day this week." His black eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the package-laden boy.
This appeared only to amuse Draco. "Oh no, sir. I'm only getting what I really need."
Snape leaned closer recognizing the label on one of the packages. Raising an eyebrow he asked, "How can you possibly need another broom?"
"It is essential!" Draco barked a laugh, his eyes wide and glossy with excitement. He quickly began to make his way down the stairs.
This new and overflowing exuberance was not lost on the professor who trained his eye on the boy's waning figure. Standing stock still his dark eyes observed the boy until he vanished from sight, his eyebrows coming together in thought.
*****
Pansy Parkinson strolled into the Slytherin common room. She spied Draco intimidating one of the third years. Her boyfriend stood with arms akimbo, glaring at the boy.
"You must be more cooperative, Graham. That is, if you still wish to remain on the team?" Draco pointed a finger at the gaping Graham.
The younger boy's face was red with exasperation, hands palm up in supplication. Leaning forward he tried again to make the team captain understand. "You aren't hearing me! I can't attend a practice set for today, I have a class!"
"If you wish to remain on the team you will do as I say." he paused, his gaze drawn to Pansy. She was wearing that jumper that he liked so much. Turning towards Pansy he waved off Graham saying under his breath, "Off with you we will continue this later." Draco swiftly met Pansy with a kiss.
"How lovely you look...good enough to eat." His eyes raked her form with unbridled lust, his lascivious smile putting her instantly on guard.
She readied herself to sit in the armchair when Draco pulled her onto the couch covering her with his body and his kisses. "Draco, behave. We are not alone."
Pansy heard a deep sigh as Draco reluctantly shifted his body to sit beside her on the couch. She scrambled to a sitting position, determined to put an acceptable distance between herself and her lover. In private she could give into his passionate nature but in public she must not. Draco had been more amorous lately and she worried about his increasing demands. Pansy didn't want to deny him but she was tired. It simply wasn't fair.several times a night? When he had started to hint at afternoon liaisons she put her foot down. Her thoughts were interrupted when Draco leaned in for a kiss. He was a very good kisser. She felt her body bonelessly melting into the couch when the kiss deepened, his tongue caressing hers, teasing a response. Emboldened, his hands slid beneath her jumper. Wait! She came to her senses quickly pulling his hands away and putting more distance between them.
"What?" Draco demanded slapping his hands to his thighs causing heads to rotate in their direction.
"We...are... not .alone, " she gritted out between her teeth. Her violet eyes darted about he room and she felt heat suffuse her cheeks seeing others looking their way.
"I don't mind an audience." He slid closer and whispered in her ear, "Maybe we could teach them something, eh?" His pink tongue darted out for a teasing lick.
"I hate it when you get like this." She pushed him away and stormed off to her dorms, arms across her chest in an attempt to still her shaking.
He watched her exit then switching gears noticed a pretty fifth year watching him with undisguised interest. Draco stood and sauntered over to the table where she and a few other girls were working.
"Like what you see?" Draco drawled, raising an eyebrow, a faint smile playing at his lips.
The girl blushed, averting her eyes and hastily focusing on the text in her hands.
"Don't be shy now, little one." He slowly leaned forward, taking the book from her hands and placing it on the table. Reaching out he took her chin in his hand, tilting her face to meet his hungry gaze. Not bad, not bad at all, she'll do. He leaned forward and whispered something in the girl's ear. She flushed, nodded and stood up. Draco led her from the room.
Author's notes: A big thank you to those who reviewed: Gleaming Gem, Catmint and Crystaline Snape. It means a lot to know that people are reading what you have put so much effort into writing.
Next chapter: Draco causes chaos, crying and conflict in DADA class, big surprise ending!