Disclaimer: I own nothing, please don't sue.
Authors Note: There are so many Harry Potter fan fiction stories that it's almost impossible to write something that has nothing common with other stories. So many of my ideas are from other stories and I try to mention my most important sources. For example my pureblood and Slytherin worldview and politics have taken much influence from Lady Rhiyana's High Clan world that I find completely fascinating. Please review; I would really appreciate that. It would be nice to know if someone is reading this or am I doing this entirely for my own enjoyment.
Tale of the Great Ferret, Part One
Malfoy's Heir, chapter 2
Draco looked swarming crowed in the platform 9 ½ feeling slightly uncomfortable. He hadn't been in crowds whole summer and he was also in pain. Draco was surprised and pleased that Voldemort even let him return to Hogwarts. Voldemort had however left his signs to Draco. Dark Lord had abused him badly just night before and then charmed trace of abuse to disappear. However he was not healed so the pain remain. Voldemort had even said that he would heal very slowly so that he could remember who was his master. No, he was not Dark Marked. Voldemort didn't think he was worth it and didn't want to spoil boy's beautiful skin with ugly and permanent brand. Marks of Voldemort's possession were bigger and more painful and Draco was happy that nobody could see them. Draco didn't have much left and his pride was the most important of his remaining belongings.
It was also his most important weapon. He knew Slytherin politics well and was sure that his standing as the head of the pack was going to be tested this year. He had always counted to his father's position and wealth, and now Lucius was disliked by both parties and even Malfoy's wealth couldn't help Draco. So he only had his intelligence, magical power, cunning abilities, good looks and pride to help him in fight to keep his position. Draco knew that as long as he was able to remain strong looking and confident it would form high threshold to attack. But as soon as he would show a sign of weakness others would come. When he would be badly outnumbered so the best way to fight would be keeping his head up high and making quickly clear that he was as strong as ever. Draco sighed and walked towards the train. He had allies to convince, enemies to bully and vassals to order.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In train Draco first looked for Crabbe and Goyle because he thought they were the easiest cases and he would need them then going through tougher ones. Without them he would almost totally lack physical force because he still was at most middle size to his age. He had grown little taller but he was still very skinny. Malfoy males were usually late developers physically and he didn't make an exception. As Draco thought Crabbe and Goyle really were easy ones. They weren't very smart and they had used to obey Draco. If they had had some rebellion thoughts about situation they forget them when Draco came to them as confident and arrogant as ever and gave some orders.
Next task would be finding Dream Team and insulting them a little. It would be best to do it in public so that everyone would see that he had not lost his touch and that he was so confident that he didn't feel an urge to keep his head low. Of course it was little risky to threaten Dream Team after last train trip but Draco was quite sure that they would not resort to force if he would only wag his tongue. Dream Team wouldn't want to get into trouble in the first days of term. Still Draco decided not to push too hard because his credibility would be totally busted if he would end up hexed once again.
Draco and his companions found Dream Team's compartment. They were with Longbottom, Weaslette and some other students who Draco didn't know.
"Hello, Potty Head, what a splendid joy to see you again! Have you had a nice summer in your cupboard? Or did you weep for your late dog entire summer?" Draco started with some sure blows.
"Sod off, Malfoy" was all Potter bothered to comment. Draco made the mental note that Potter was grown up during the summer and moved to more rewarding bullying objects. Weasel was always sure thing.
"And how are you Weasel, do you think that this quidditch season you will be able to be better keeper than average first year Hufflepuff girl? And how you don't have new mummy made sweater for a new school year? Are your family's finances so bad that she can't afford new wool?" Draco continued. Family poverty, Weasley's quidditch talent and insulting remarks from his family always made Weasley to loose his cool. If he even had any cool which was debatable.
"You son of bitch! MY father is NOT rotting in the Azkaban and at least my mother cares me that much that she makes me presents. Yours probably don't even want to see you!" Weasley shouted his face tomato red. Draco smirked. Weasley was always very predictable. Also Draco has done some growing up and was not as upset about comments about his mother than he would have been and were few years earlier. Weasley would never understand Draco's and his mother's relationship so it was no use to loose his cool because Weasley's no-brain insults. And after all he was the one who had started mummy bashing.
Dream Team's third wheal (or first one; it depended how you looked at it) Granger was little more difficult to insult so he settled for easy way out: "And our little mudblood, have you learned all your this years schoolbooks already by rote? You must be so afraid that you will not score over 100% in every exam. Maybe you should go to little stress holiday and leave Hogwarts to real wizards and witches."
"Don't you think that you are just a little bit pathetic Malfoy?" Granger asked with her one eyebrow high and keeping Weasley in his seat with one hand.
Draco decided not to go on with Weaslette and Longbottom because he really didn't want to end up hexed and Longbottom was more than little unpredictable with his fresh found gifts in duelling and Weaslette was after all Weasley's little sister and so he would maybe be more offended about Draco insulting her than he already were. She was also Potter's girlfriend to be so also Potter would maybe become protective. He had also already reached his goal so he let it go. Crabbe and Goyle were back in their well-known tracks and already forgot all rebel thoughts they maybe had. He had also let everyone see that he was not finished but on the contrary back as usual. He was sure that message was already going through the train. Draco Malfoy was going to fight his position and all who had dreamed of getting to beat dead lion were sadly mistaken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Draco's autumn was quite usual. First there had been some misunderstoodments about his status in Slytherin but Draco has ruthlessly suppressed all revolt. He had also sat more than ever in detentions but everything had its price and some detentions were small price to pay about his status as the Prince of the Slytherin. Draco was also relieved that quite few seemed to no his new position as Voldemort's whore. Maybe Death Eater parents didn't want their children to know that their Lord had fondness to pretty young boys and especially to one little aristocratic blond.
Draco knew that he was expected to return 'home' that meant to Voldemort for Christmas and he was totally in terror just thinking of that. He had also thought how to get his revenge but there was nothing he could do just by himself. He needed other people to his side. Easiest and simplest solution would be to join already existing opposition but it would be very difficult to join to the light side. Even if he forgot all his reluctance of principle there were major practical difficulties. He couldn't just walk to Dumbledore and say that he would like to be part of resistance. He would never be believed and he didn't want to tell his real situation to the old fool.
Snape would be easier to go to but Draco was not sure to which side he played for. He was Death Eater; that much Draco knew sure. He also knew that he had went over to other side but he didn't know if this was only because of trying to get out of ministries hook after Voldemort's disappearance. Snape had also came back to Dark side but Draco didn't know if he was Voldemort's side for real or was he only spying. His father believed that Snape was earnest but Draco had doubts. He was quite sure that Snape didn't want his Slytherins to become Death Eaters but it could also be only his wishful thinking. Reality was that he didn't know were Snapes loyalties were so he couldn't talk to him and also that there was no one else he could go to.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Severus Snape sat in his office and tried to mark his sixth year students potions essays. He had troubles to concentrate and that was most unusual to him. Customary he controlled his mind spectacularly and didn't suffer this kind of problems but now one of his sixth years' bothered him. Draco Malfoy had stared him all potions lesson as he was thinking something very hard. As if he had tried to choose if he could trust his professor or not. Snape feared that his decision was not to trust. He also knew that young Malfoy really needed someone to trust. Draco Malfoy was in deep trouble as far as Potion's Master knew. Snape could also guess that he didn't even know how bad his godson's situation was. And things he knew already indicated that it was terrible.
But there was no way the Potion's Master could help his favourite student. He couldn't even talk to him because that could risk his cover. And as important than Young Malfoy was to Snape personally the Cause was even more important. But he couldn't just forget whole situation and let his godson to suffer meaningless. There had to be something he could do.
Snape rose from his chair and walked to the headmaster's office. As he came to Dumbledore's office headmaster greeted him almost thrilled.
"It's always pleasure to see you Severus. But you look worried, my son, what brings you here." Dumbledore asked now little concerned.
"I'm concerned about Draco Malfoy. I'm afraid that his situation is extremely bad. I have heard rumours but Voldemort doesn't tell me anything straight. Probably because he knows that I care about boy genuinely." Snape answered.
"Yes, rumours are disturbing, but you know very well that we can do very little to his help if he doesn't ask. And even if he asks our hands are tied. As unfortunate as it is we have very little chance to help Death Eaters children and they are to suffer from their parents actions." Dumbledore sighed sorrowfully and continued "And if I have understood correctly Mr. Malfoy is not showing any signs that he would welcome our help. Maybe he is happy with his position near Voldemort. He will probably rise high in Death Eater ranks quite soon. He is Voldemort's pet, and he is clever and cunning and powerful in his own right. And we should not forget that he is a Malfoy and will be Lord of Malfoy, it has some weight even now."
"You don't understand, Albus. Draco really is a Malfoy to his fingertips. He is more Malfoy than his father ever was or ever will be. He is no one's servant and much less slave. He will never willingly bow down before anyone. And now he is in position where he is only toy to Voldemort." Snape stated impatiently "I think he had even before little troubles to approve his father's subjection to Dark Lord. And now he is no more than slave himself. He will never approve it and he needs someone to help him free himself. And probably he also thirsts for vengeance and he will scarify anything to get it."
Snape looked to headmaster's eyes and said, " I think Malfoy is ready to turn his goat but he has nobody to talk to. He doesn't know where my loyalties lay so he can't talk to me and he has no one else. Even Cissa is no help to him in her nowadays condition but on the contrary a burden I think."
"Could you please talk to him about his options and what he could do now and offer our help to him." Snape pleaded.
"You know that I don't enjoy prevalent respect among your Slytherins. I can't promise you that Young Malfoy will pay any attention to my words." Dumbledore warned.
"Then it's his problem but I want to give him even one chance." Snape answered.
"Alright Severus. I will talk to him. It's maybe better if I arrange our talk to look like something relating to school. I will ask Minerva to send him to me then he misbehaves next time. I'm sure I don't have to wait long for that." Dumbledore said and chuckled.
Snape grinned: "Yes I also think so. He has been one piece of work all autumn. And I mean more than usual that is bad enough by itself. It's mostly Slytherin politics; he has to put down all rebellion seeds before it's out of his hand. And others are really eager to usurp the throne if he shows even one sign of weakness."
Authors Note: There are so many Harry Potter fan fiction stories that it's almost impossible to write something that has nothing common with other stories. So many of my ideas are from other stories and I try to mention my most important sources. For example my pureblood and Slytherin worldview and politics have taken much influence from Lady Rhiyana's High Clan world that I find completely fascinating. Please review; I would really appreciate that. It would be nice to know if someone is reading this or am I doing this entirely for my own enjoyment.
Tale of the Great Ferret, Part One
Malfoy's Heir, chapter 2
Draco looked swarming crowed in the platform 9 ½ feeling slightly uncomfortable. He hadn't been in crowds whole summer and he was also in pain. Draco was surprised and pleased that Voldemort even let him return to Hogwarts. Voldemort had however left his signs to Draco. Dark Lord had abused him badly just night before and then charmed trace of abuse to disappear. However he was not healed so the pain remain. Voldemort had even said that he would heal very slowly so that he could remember who was his master. No, he was not Dark Marked. Voldemort didn't think he was worth it and didn't want to spoil boy's beautiful skin with ugly and permanent brand. Marks of Voldemort's possession were bigger and more painful and Draco was happy that nobody could see them. Draco didn't have much left and his pride was the most important of his remaining belongings.
It was also his most important weapon. He knew Slytherin politics well and was sure that his standing as the head of the pack was going to be tested this year. He had always counted to his father's position and wealth, and now Lucius was disliked by both parties and even Malfoy's wealth couldn't help Draco. So he only had his intelligence, magical power, cunning abilities, good looks and pride to help him in fight to keep his position. Draco knew that as long as he was able to remain strong looking and confident it would form high threshold to attack. But as soon as he would show a sign of weakness others would come. When he would be badly outnumbered so the best way to fight would be keeping his head up high and making quickly clear that he was as strong as ever. Draco sighed and walked towards the train. He had allies to convince, enemies to bully and vassals to order.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In train Draco first looked for Crabbe and Goyle because he thought they were the easiest cases and he would need them then going through tougher ones. Without them he would almost totally lack physical force because he still was at most middle size to his age. He had grown little taller but he was still very skinny. Malfoy males were usually late developers physically and he didn't make an exception. As Draco thought Crabbe and Goyle really were easy ones. They weren't very smart and they had used to obey Draco. If they had had some rebellion thoughts about situation they forget them when Draco came to them as confident and arrogant as ever and gave some orders.
Next task would be finding Dream Team and insulting them a little. It would be best to do it in public so that everyone would see that he had not lost his touch and that he was so confident that he didn't feel an urge to keep his head low. Of course it was little risky to threaten Dream Team after last train trip but Draco was quite sure that they would not resort to force if he would only wag his tongue. Dream Team wouldn't want to get into trouble in the first days of term. Still Draco decided not to push too hard because his credibility would be totally busted if he would end up hexed once again.
Draco and his companions found Dream Team's compartment. They were with Longbottom, Weaslette and some other students who Draco didn't know.
"Hello, Potty Head, what a splendid joy to see you again! Have you had a nice summer in your cupboard? Or did you weep for your late dog entire summer?" Draco started with some sure blows.
"Sod off, Malfoy" was all Potter bothered to comment. Draco made the mental note that Potter was grown up during the summer and moved to more rewarding bullying objects. Weasel was always sure thing.
"And how are you Weasel, do you think that this quidditch season you will be able to be better keeper than average first year Hufflepuff girl? And how you don't have new mummy made sweater for a new school year? Are your family's finances so bad that she can't afford new wool?" Draco continued. Family poverty, Weasley's quidditch talent and insulting remarks from his family always made Weasley to loose his cool. If he even had any cool which was debatable.
"You son of bitch! MY father is NOT rotting in the Azkaban and at least my mother cares me that much that she makes me presents. Yours probably don't even want to see you!" Weasley shouted his face tomato red. Draco smirked. Weasley was always very predictable. Also Draco has done some growing up and was not as upset about comments about his mother than he would have been and were few years earlier. Weasley would never understand Draco's and his mother's relationship so it was no use to loose his cool because Weasley's no-brain insults. And after all he was the one who had started mummy bashing.
Dream Team's third wheal (or first one; it depended how you looked at it) Granger was little more difficult to insult so he settled for easy way out: "And our little mudblood, have you learned all your this years schoolbooks already by rote? You must be so afraid that you will not score over 100% in every exam. Maybe you should go to little stress holiday and leave Hogwarts to real wizards and witches."
"Don't you think that you are just a little bit pathetic Malfoy?" Granger asked with her one eyebrow high and keeping Weasley in his seat with one hand.
Draco decided not to go on with Weaslette and Longbottom because he really didn't want to end up hexed and Longbottom was more than little unpredictable with his fresh found gifts in duelling and Weaslette was after all Weasley's little sister and so he would maybe be more offended about Draco insulting her than he already were. She was also Potter's girlfriend to be so also Potter would maybe become protective. He had also already reached his goal so he let it go. Crabbe and Goyle were back in their well-known tracks and already forgot all rebel thoughts they maybe had. He had also let everyone see that he was not finished but on the contrary back as usual. He was sure that message was already going through the train. Draco Malfoy was going to fight his position and all who had dreamed of getting to beat dead lion were sadly mistaken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Draco's autumn was quite usual. First there had been some misunderstoodments about his status in Slytherin but Draco has ruthlessly suppressed all revolt. He had also sat more than ever in detentions but everything had its price and some detentions were small price to pay about his status as the Prince of the Slytherin. Draco was also relieved that quite few seemed to no his new position as Voldemort's whore. Maybe Death Eater parents didn't want their children to know that their Lord had fondness to pretty young boys and especially to one little aristocratic blond.
Draco knew that he was expected to return 'home' that meant to Voldemort for Christmas and he was totally in terror just thinking of that. He had also thought how to get his revenge but there was nothing he could do just by himself. He needed other people to his side. Easiest and simplest solution would be to join already existing opposition but it would be very difficult to join to the light side. Even if he forgot all his reluctance of principle there were major practical difficulties. He couldn't just walk to Dumbledore and say that he would like to be part of resistance. He would never be believed and he didn't want to tell his real situation to the old fool.
Snape would be easier to go to but Draco was not sure to which side he played for. He was Death Eater; that much Draco knew sure. He also knew that he had went over to other side but he didn't know if this was only because of trying to get out of ministries hook after Voldemort's disappearance. Snape had also came back to Dark side but Draco didn't know if he was Voldemort's side for real or was he only spying. His father believed that Snape was earnest but Draco had doubts. He was quite sure that Snape didn't want his Slytherins to become Death Eaters but it could also be only his wishful thinking. Reality was that he didn't know were Snapes loyalties were so he couldn't talk to him and also that there was no one else he could go to.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Severus Snape sat in his office and tried to mark his sixth year students potions essays. He had troubles to concentrate and that was most unusual to him. Customary he controlled his mind spectacularly and didn't suffer this kind of problems but now one of his sixth years' bothered him. Draco Malfoy had stared him all potions lesson as he was thinking something very hard. As if he had tried to choose if he could trust his professor or not. Snape feared that his decision was not to trust. He also knew that young Malfoy really needed someone to trust. Draco Malfoy was in deep trouble as far as Potion's Master knew. Snape could also guess that he didn't even know how bad his godson's situation was. And things he knew already indicated that it was terrible.
But there was no way the Potion's Master could help his favourite student. He couldn't even talk to him because that could risk his cover. And as important than Young Malfoy was to Snape personally the Cause was even more important. But he couldn't just forget whole situation and let his godson to suffer meaningless. There had to be something he could do.
Snape rose from his chair and walked to the headmaster's office. As he came to Dumbledore's office headmaster greeted him almost thrilled.
"It's always pleasure to see you Severus. But you look worried, my son, what brings you here." Dumbledore asked now little concerned.
"I'm concerned about Draco Malfoy. I'm afraid that his situation is extremely bad. I have heard rumours but Voldemort doesn't tell me anything straight. Probably because he knows that I care about boy genuinely." Snape answered.
"Yes, rumours are disturbing, but you know very well that we can do very little to his help if he doesn't ask. And even if he asks our hands are tied. As unfortunate as it is we have very little chance to help Death Eaters children and they are to suffer from their parents actions." Dumbledore sighed sorrowfully and continued "And if I have understood correctly Mr. Malfoy is not showing any signs that he would welcome our help. Maybe he is happy with his position near Voldemort. He will probably rise high in Death Eater ranks quite soon. He is Voldemort's pet, and he is clever and cunning and powerful in his own right. And we should not forget that he is a Malfoy and will be Lord of Malfoy, it has some weight even now."
"You don't understand, Albus. Draco really is a Malfoy to his fingertips. He is more Malfoy than his father ever was or ever will be. He is no one's servant and much less slave. He will never willingly bow down before anyone. And now he is in position where he is only toy to Voldemort." Snape stated impatiently "I think he had even before little troubles to approve his father's subjection to Dark Lord. And now he is no more than slave himself. He will never approve it and he needs someone to help him free himself. And probably he also thirsts for vengeance and he will scarify anything to get it."
Snape looked to headmaster's eyes and said, " I think Malfoy is ready to turn his goat but he has nobody to talk to. He doesn't know where my loyalties lay so he can't talk to me and he has no one else. Even Cissa is no help to him in her nowadays condition but on the contrary a burden I think."
"Could you please talk to him about his options and what he could do now and offer our help to him." Snape pleaded.
"You know that I don't enjoy prevalent respect among your Slytherins. I can't promise you that Young Malfoy will pay any attention to my words." Dumbledore warned.
"Then it's his problem but I want to give him even one chance." Snape answered.
"Alright Severus. I will talk to him. It's maybe better if I arrange our talk to look like something relating to school. I will ask Minerva to send him to me then he misbehaves next time. I'm sure I don't have to wait long for that." Dumbledore said and chuckled.
Snape grinned: "Yes I also think so. He has been one piece of work all autumn. And I mean more than usual that is bad enough by itself. It's mostly Slytherin politics; he has to put down all rebellion seeds before it's out of his hand. And others are really eager to usurp the throne if he shows even one sign of weakness."