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
Chapter Seven: Family Secrets
It was not often that he had Lucius Malfoy at his mercy. "Shall we try this again?" asked an amused Dumbledore, eyes twinkling.
"I would like to see my son," uttered the elder Malfoy in a calm monotone. He glanced to Dumbledore who appeared to be expecting more. The younger man looked skyward, sighing, much like a naughty child forced to apologize for hexing his sibling, "Please."
"Very well." The Headmaster gestured to a wooden box on the table. "You must leave anything dangerous out here." The box already contained what Lucius recognized as Snape's wand, as well as numerous, small potion vials.
"I'm not going anywhere unarmed." He put his fists on his hips.
"If you wish to see Draco, you will." The Headmaster was truly enjoying this.
Mr. Malfoy peered into the box again, pointing to the contents. "Why is Draco's wand not here?"
"It is in my office. It will be returned to the boy when I am satisfied that he is well enough to handle the responsibility.
Lucius pondered his options. He didn't relish the thought of being defenseless in front of Albus Dumbledore, of all people. This could be a trick to get me back into Azkaban. In the silence of the room he heard someone crying. Crossing to that side of the table, he noticed a plate of glass. Something about that crying seemed familiar. Peering into the glass he was thunderstruck. His only son and heir was inside that room. Draco was clutching—Snape? His slender body was racked with sobs. His hair stood up at odd angles, his skin was crisscrossed in scratches, and he lay against Snape, who slowly rocked him and murmured comforting words. This can't be happening! No! My son! He's so young! He sank into a chair beside the mediwitch his eyes glassy, mouth open. His shaky hands came to rest on the table and he leaned forward. Pomfrey tentatively touched his arm in reassurance.
As Mr. Malfoy turned to face Pomfrey, she saw a side of him she had never seen before. This was not the master of Dark Arts, follower of You-Know-Who, generally cruel and heartless man she had known. This was also not the indifferent father she had always thought him to be. She examined him closely, his gray eyes misty with unshed tears, expression melancholy. As his gaze was drawn back to the glass she spoke, "There is an alienist, a mental healer, on her way here."
He nodded absentmindedly and swallowed hard. "He's so young, so very young." He struggled to keep his voice even, looking away and biting his lip.
The Headmaster pulled back from the scene, allowing the elder Malfoy some privacy with Pomfrey. He crossed the room to where Harry lay, fitfully sleeping. He placed a withered hand on the boy's forehead, sending soothing pulses into his mind. Hearing Mr. Malfoy making such a ruckus had upset the child. Harry's movements slowed and his breathing became more steady and even.
In a few moments the elder Malfoy had regained his composure. Taking a few deep breaths he stood, announcing that he was ready to see his son. He divested himself of a stickpin with the Malfoy crest, a small metal box and several small vials. He then reached into his waistband and withdrew a sizable dagger and then into his boot for a matching one. He colored slightly at Dumbledore's raised eyebrows. "Family heirlooms," he explained. Finished, he turned toward the door. Dumbledore did not move. Crossing his arms over his chest and irritably tapping his foot against the tile floor, Mr. Malfoy said, "Now what?"
"Your wand, Lucius." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and his lips came together in suppressed mirth.
"Fine!" The elder Malfoy put on a good show of being flustered. He left the wand on the table. Only he knew that he always carried a spare wand in the inner pocket of his well-fitted, dove gray vest.
"You must learn to control your emotions and relax yourself. I will not have you agitate the boy," Dumbledore admonished.
"Yes. Yes, of course." Lucius smiled a slight smile. He then took a deep breath and said," I'm ready."
The two approached the door. Dumbledore lifted his wand "Alohomora."
The elder Malfoy went inside and the door clicked silently behind him. He saw his son huddled against Snape. They both looked up. "Draco?"
"Father?" On his hands and knees, Draco moved toward him. "Are you real?" he said, reaching forward. Mr. Malfoy nodded and sat on the floor near his son. Draco gingerly touched his father's chest and the elder Malfoy enfolded the smaller hand in his own.
"I'm here son. Are you okay?"
Draco sucked in his breath. He raised his head to look into his father's eyes and then sobbing, he threw himself into his father's arms.
"Shhhh. It's okay, son. I'm here."
"I was so scared. Y-Y-You're really here," Draco reassured himself.
Lucius met Snape's eyes over his son's head. His look spoke volumes of gratitude to his old friend.
After the tears had subsided Draco stated matter-of-factly, "They called in an alienist, Father."
"I know, son. It'll be okay, you'll see." He stroked his son's white blond hair, frowning as he noticed the streaking. After a pause he decided to tell his son the secret that had been kept from him all of his young life. "You and I are much alike, my son."
Draco pulled back, looking at his father, incredulous. "Dad? I'm nutters, loony."
"Son, I won't hear that kind of talk from you. You simply have an illness, one which can be controlled."
"What do you know about it?" Draco pulled away crossing his arms over his chest, anger flickering in his eyes. His attention was drawn to the corner again and he began to slowly rock.
"I know more than you think." His father chose his words carefully. "I know about it because I have it." The elder Malfoy looked at the floor. He took a deep breath and looked to Snape for reassurance and the Potions Master nodded his head. Lucius continued. "I have always been high energy but I never thought much about it. I had periods of sluggishness as well. When I was twenty I had my first real episode. Your mother and I were to be married in a few weeks. I felt pressure coming from every direction. Her parents wanted us to come and live with them and my parents wanted the same thing. I wanted us to start a house of our own. Also, my job at the ministry was a dreadful bore." He stopped, looking into the face of his son. Draco was still, watching his father's mouth very closely. He slowly reached and touched his father's lips lightly. The elder Malfoy looked curiously to Snape, who said nothing. Lucius watched as Draco then moved his hand to touch his own lips, titling his head to the side, eyes not leaving his father. Mr. Malfoy's brow furrowed as he wondered how much Draco could comprehend in his present state of mind. I don't think he understands but he seems calmer. He continued. "I stopped sleeping, just didn't need it. Eating was a waste of time...Oh, but I felt so alive!" He stopped, lost in thought. He looked at his son whose silver eyes searched his face. "I started speaking my mind at work and was suspended. Instead I went to Diagon Alley every day and started to rack up hefty bills. Your mother and I had a huge row." He again looked to Snape for reassurance. Now that it was coming out he didn't know how much he should share.
"It's okay, you can tell him everything. He is old enough now." Snape shifted positions to sit cross-legged on the white tile floor.
"Your mother found out about some dalliances I had had in Knockturn Alley and she was livid, understandably so, since I was convinced that I shouldn't be with just one woman. Her father came to my home and I pulled my wand on him. I started spouting nonsense about him wanting to kill me for my fortune. If Severus hadn't been there, I'm sure I would've killed your grandfather." There was a short pause. He looked to Draco whose eyes were wide with shock. "Severus, then, convinced me to get help." He threw his old friend a sideways smirk. "I was diagnosed with Miserum Furoris. Illnesses of this type are rarely discussed in our community, but you may have heard of it by its muggle name, bipolar disorder. It is not uncommon amongst purebloods. It is incurable but can be kept at bay with a daily potion."
There was a knock on the door to the private room and the door slowly opened. A diminutive woman of about 30, with light brown hair and deep blue eyes came into the room. "Hello." Her voice was soothing. "My name is Elizabeth Masters. I am an alienist." She moved slowly to the three on the floor. She sat at an angle from the father-son pair.
Draco moved closer to his father and looked towards Snape.
The professor moved to sit in front of Draco. "She's here to help."
"I am," Masters began. "I know that right now you are confused and scared. Your mind is racing and you can't be sure of what is up or down, real or not. You don't know whom to trust. I want to help you." She reached into her pocket withdrawing a vial of orange liquid. Draco's eyes widened. "This is a mild strength of the potion called Adrego Sanitas which has been mixed with a sleeping draught."
Draco began to rock, clutching his father's jacket. His father drew him into his arms and Draco stiffened feeling something poking him is his ribs. He quickly thrust his hand into the inside pocket of his father's jacket. Pulling away, he stood. The three could see what he had acquired, a wand.
Snape's eyes flashed at Lucius. No one spoke.
"I'm getting out of here, now." Draco backed away towards the door, pointing the wand at the others in the room.
Next Chapter: Trust? Draco uses an Unforgivable and Lucius has a very emotional day, which ends very badly.
Author's notes: Adrego Sanitas in direct translation from Latin means add (Adrego) sanity (Sanitas). Miserum Furoris in direct translation means unhappy (Miserum) passionate madness (Furoris).
Lucius Malfoy may seem out of character to some. The books do not really portray him as evil to his own child. Draco is even described as bullying his parents and being spoiled by them. The movies have a much different portrayal, in my humble opinion.
Chickens: I'm glad you like the story! Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Samhaincat: That is high praise indeed, coming from you. I have tried to be original. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Ryo Akuinenn: You have been a loyal reader and reviewer and for that I thank you!
CuriousDreamWeaver: Depression has been done a lot, I think. There is a whole world of other disorders out there! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Catmint: You are very sweet. I thank you for all your help!
Sinical-Sarchasm: You are right on the money with your diagnosis and with the family history as well! Thanks for reading and giving your comments!
SheWolfe7: I'm sure it has been hard for everyone concerned, even Pomfrey! Thanks for your review!