Disclaimer: I don't own Draco or anything else, I just play with them.
Please don't sue.
Author's Note: Thanks for reviewing and please do so again. I hope that in next chapters Draco will lessen some of his self-pity but in here he still is little "poor Draco." And I'm afraid that he will be little cynical, sarcastic and bitter in whole Tale.
Chapter 4
Draco's spring was better than his autumn had been. He had declared that he would not easily be ripped down from his position so he managed to go through the spring with significantly lesser detention quantity. He also got his marks higher. In autumn he had had severe troubles to concentrate to his schoolwork but somehow his decision to become a spy had eased his mind even if he understood clearly that being spy would be highly dangerous and he would probably not survive through the whole war.
Climax of the dine spring was seasons last quidditch match against Gryffindors. First time he had won Potter in race for the snitch. So Slytherin had won the last match and also whole quidditch cup. Gryffindors had still got House Cup partly because remarkable amount of House Points Draco had lost. Still it was good spring to whole Slytherin House.
In May Draco noticed that he was stared and glared at in breakfast table. Especially Gryffindors looked like ready to kill. Draco had no idea what had happen before Pansy Parkinson gave him mornings Daily Prophet. There it was in the front page with huge print: "Lucius Malfoy out of the Azkaban; Prominent Death Eater escaped from prison, no casualties" So Voldemort had forgave his father and helped him out of prison. For a moment Draco hoped that everything would now go back to normal but soon he understood that nothing could change things back to way they once were. His father was an outlaw; runaway who would be totally at the mercy of Voldemort. His escape would also bring more difficulties with Ministry to Draco and Narcissa. Draco only hoped that Lucius would be wise enough and care about his family enough not to come to the Manor. Draco was careful to remain his blank expression in the table. No one could see what he thought about the news.
Summer holiday came all too quickly to Draco's mind. Spring had been quite worry-free and he knew that summer would be anything but. Too soon he find himself sitting from the train travelling towards his personal hell. Draco thought all the pain and humiliation he had in front. He also wondered if he would be in this train ever again. He wasn't so sure he would be even alive in next autumn and even if he would be, would Voldemort let him come back to school?
He looked his schoolmates who anxiety waited the holiday and carefree summer days. He felt bang of envy but suppressed it. It wouldn't help a bit to feel sorry for himself. It was time to grow up and forget self-pity. This was his life and he had to live it. It was that simple. His childhood was completely over and he should cope with it. Now on he would be a spy, a Malfoy going for his vengeance. There was no room to child's play or dreams of youngsters in his life. There wouldn't be first love and tender romance or strong friendships of the youth to him. His world was cruel and he had to manage it best he could and forget all pointless dreams he maybe once had cherished.
Watching others Draco felt himself awfully old and worn out. Nostalgia raised its head and somehow Draco felt that the end of his youth earned a little more spectacular farewell. Evil grin came to his face when he decided what to do. He collected Crabbe and Goyle and went to tease Gryffindor's Dream Team. He didn't get long with his insults before hexing started. Draco once again ended up to the floor unconscious and with some bad hexes in him but this time it was worth it. Weasley would be throwing up slugs sometime and it would take long before Grangers hair would be like it once were and Wonder Boy would have some explaining to do to his muggle relatives in leeches hanging all over him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To Draco's surprise his summer contained much hard training. Voldemort still took his pleasure from Draco but he had also started to teach him. He had learned more about Dark Art's in one summer than most people and even most Death Eaters would ever learn. In school Draco had always been better than average pupil in most of his classes and excellent in a few. Still Dark Arts seemed to be there his true talent was. He even learned surprisingly much wandless magic. It was maybe his old and pure Malfoy blood that gave that talent. After all Malfoys had been wizards long before wand was invited and some ancient magic was still widely used in Malfoy family. Especially in some old traditions and rites that made Malfoy who they were and helped them keep their power. For example Malfoy's weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies were full of ancient magic and also some blood magic that was usually included to Dark Arts.
Voldemort was also taking new members to his squad. One had to be 18 to get the Dark Mark but also younger one's participated some degree. It was clear that Draco's star was quickly rising among the Voldemort's troops. He could been seen as a leader of Death Eaters youth section and Voldemort even took him to many important Death Eater meetings and in the nights they spend together Voldemort talked much about his thoughts and plans. It was perfect place for the spy.
Soon came a day Draco was sent to his first mission. He led his young companions to frighten some wavering lesser wizards whom Voldemort wanted to do some tasks for him. Other missions were alike. They scared lesser wizards and muggles, amused themselves with intimidating mudbloods and occasionally stole some things Voldemort needed. Draco was thankful that Voldemort thought that he was too young and too inexperienced to serious action. Draco didn't have to cross lines Dumpledore and Snape had set to him. They didn't want him to do anything that would take him to Azkaban.
Most difficult to Draco was hide his disgust and loathing from Voldemort. Snape had taught him some occumalency and he had been fast learner but still it was very difficult to keep his thoughts by himself then Voldemort touched him and hurt him. It was not like Draco haven't have sex before or sex without his full consent because he had. Sex was seen as a tool in his family and he had not been protected from his parents' friends' assaults. Lucius had considered those good lessons to his son in sex and Narcissa had probably never noticed anything. Draco was bisexual as most Malfoy men and he wasn't particularly fastidious with his sex companions and he was more than little promiscuous. Still being with Voldemort was tough. All Draco could do was imagine it was someone else. Even that could seldom help him because Voldemort's likings were very exotic. And there was limits how much indecency even a Malfoy could handle. Still there really weren't many options.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Few weeks after holiday had begun Draco met Snape first time to give him some information. They had agreed that it was best to send information in cipher with unidentified owls or give it personally to Snape. Still it was important that if Snape would be exposed Draco would stay out of suspicion. Their relationship as Godfather and Godson helped little and also that people knew Draco got some healing potions from Snape. However they avoided being seen too much together. Now they met in the Malfoy Manor and Narcissa was safely unconscious after her nightly potion dose.
Draco's situation bothered Snape greatly. He had accepted living as a spy and dangers of that lifestyle for himself but it was upsetting to see his young Godson living in same kind of hell or even worse. It was not a life you wanted someone you cared to live. And there was so little he could do to help Draco. He was not even fit to console the boy. And even if he could it would be better not to. Comfort was something Draco didn't afford to. He had to be sharp whole time, he could not loosen up at a second or he would be in troubles.
Draco tried to ease his Mentors worries and said, "Everything will go alright as long my status as a spy doesn't leak from Order. Voldemort doesn't suspect me and doesn't easily will. He thinks he owns me. It would be personal failure to him if I wouldn't be trustworthy and he doesn't like to admit his failures. So I'm above all doubt as long there is no solid evidence. Don't worry for me I will survive. I had even got used to him and he doesn't hurt me so often anymore. Please don't worry because of me, I'm not worth it."
"Don't be ridiculous. Of course you are worth it and much more. And I'm not comfortable with an idea that you had to deal with all that but there are unfortunately very little options. But I want you to remember that you can whenever come to Hogwarts or Order headquarters for sanctuary and we will take care of you and make sure Voldemort won't get his hands on you. Don't ever forget that and if situation becomes too tough please come to us." Snape lectured. "And your mother isn't any reason not to come. She wouldn't want it and there is only a shell left from old her and that shell is not worth your sacrifice. Narcissa Black has hanged herself slowly to death and what remains is not as valuable as you are. I know this is harshly said but I knew real Cissa long time ago and I know that that woman would never want her son to make so huge sacrifices for her."
"She is valuable to me." Draco snapped. "And I'm only damage goods so don't talk to me about my value. Maybe I can be valuable spy to Order but as a person I'm only a whore."
"I will not listen that kind of talk. You are precious as you are and nothing Voldemort does to you can change it." Snape answered. "Please promise me that you don't take risks and you take care of yourself and don't let Voldemort to make you think that you are worthless. If you think so, he is winning and you don't want that."
Snape looked Draco's eyes long time until he saw Draco to give in, "I have to go now. Take care Draco and be careful. We will see in few weeks again."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Order of the Phoenix met that summer often. War was going on and even now then Ministry was part of it there still was need for Order. Ministry wasn't completely reliable, there definitely still were some spies in there and Order had many secrets they didn't want to leak to other side. So they gave most of their information to Ministry but didn't tell where and how they got it. Order also made some own attacks to Death Eaters and Ministry had permitted them. They kept Order quite small to ensure it's trustworthy. Still only Snape and Dumpledore knew about their other spy. Others were little offended that they hadn't been told spy's identity but Dumpledore thought it was best that way.
They had one of their meetings day after Snape spoke with Draco. Snape told Draco's information to others. Voldemort was planning several attacks to the next few weeks. Snape recommended that they would repel the most serious one, which was against one loyal Ministry workers family. Wilhelm Bellstriker was just few weeks back turned down Voldemort's request for some information and it was not surprise that revenge was coming. Bellstrikers were old good Rawenclawish family and loyal to the Light. It would be easy to disguise counterblow to common security measures after turning down Voldemort. Death Eater's wouldn't suspect a leak if there would be wards in Bellstriker's house. Snape also suggested that they would stop one of the Death Eater's amusements attacks where he and the other spy would be present at but only so that no one would be kept caught. Other attacks were not so important that they should essentially stop them and it was important to keep their sources out of suspicion.
Some members were not pleased to Snape's recommendation.
"We are in war. Why should we let enemy do attacks if we can prevent them? And why not arrest all Death Eaters we can get!" Moody snarled.
"Yeah, we could get many to Azkaban if we would go against all this attacks. We could even get Malfoy or Lestaranges." Tonks confirmed.
Snape sighed, "And how long do you think they would be in Azkaban, now than dementors are out?"
"Last time Malfoy was there a year before he manage to escape and now we could keep him longer." Tonks claimed.
"You really think that Malfoy stayed in prison because our wards? That Voldemort couldn't help him escape earlier? He was there a year only because Voldemort wanted to teach a lesson to him. No other reason. The lesson has now been given and maybe even learned and if Malfoy would be arrested again, he would be out of prison in days." Snape scowled. "What I have done that I deserve to have to make battle plans with Gryffindors? It had to be something pretty awful. You don't have a clue about plotting or strategy. Do you even understand how essential our intelligence on Death Eater activities is? Do you understand that we have got only two spies and Voldemort has got dozens of? War will be long and we can't loose our sources yet. We probably don't get new one's. He is getting new one's easily. Don't you understand that if we use all information we get they will notice a leak immediately? It won't take long to find traitors with Voldemort's methods."
Snape glared others and continued; "You think that because they have different political opinions they are besides evil also stupid. You can think them evil if you want, it doesn't bother me, but don't ever think they are stupid because they are not. They are clever and they are cunning and after that they are disciplined. If we act gryffindorish and dash from action to action, we will loose. This is a war not some child's play. Even their evilness is questionable. They have their truth; we have ours and they believe to their truth as we believe ours. In wars the winner's truth stands and will be only truth in the end."
Dumpledore cut the argument and gave his support to Snape's recommendation so others yielded.
They manage to save Bellstriker's family and disperse a muggle bulling bunch where also Snape and Draco were present. Still many members of the Order were very doubtful for their new spy whose identity was so guarded secret.
Author's Note: Thanks for reviewing and please do so again. I hope that in next chapters Draco will lessen some of his self-pity but in here he still is little "poor Draco." And I'm afraid that he will be little cynical, sarcastic and bitter in whole Tale.
Chapter 4
Draco's spring was better than his autumn had been. He had declared that he would not easily be ripped down from his position so he managed to go through the spring with significantly lesser detention quantity. He also got his marks higher. In autumn he had had severe troubles to concentrate to his schoolwork but somehow his decision to become a spy had eased his mind even if he understood clearly that being spy would be highly dangerous and he would probably not survive through the whole war.
Climax of the dine spring was seasons last quidditch match against Gryffindors. First time he had won Potter in race for the snitch. So Slytherin had won the last match and also whole quidditch cup. Gryffindors had still got House Cup partly because remarkable amount of House Points Draco had lost. Still it was good spring to whole Slytherin House.
In May Draco noticed that he was stared and glared at in breakfast table. Especially Gryffindors looked like ready to kill. Draco had no idea what had happen before Pansy Parkinson gave him mornings Daily Prophet. There it was in the front page with huge print: "Lucius Malfoy out of the Azkaban; Prominent Death Eater escaped from prison, no casualties" So Voldemort had forgave his father and helped him out of prison. For a moment Draco hoped that everything would now go back to normal but soon he understood that nothing could change things back to way they once were. His father was an outlaw; runaway who would be totally at the mercy of Voldemort. His escape would also bring more difficulties with Ministry to Draco and Narcissa. Draco only hoped that Lucius would be wise enough and care about his family enough not to come to the Manor. Draco was careful to remain his blank expression in the table. No one could see what he thought about the news.
Summer holiday came all too quickly to Draco's mind. Spring had been quite worry-free and he knew that summer would be anything but. Too soon he find himself sitting from the train travelling towards his personal hell. Draco thought all the pain and humiliation he had in front. He also wondered if he would be in this train ever again. He wasn't so sure he would be even alive in next autumn and even if he would be, would Voldemort let him come back to school?
He looked his schoolmates who anxiety waited the holiday and carefree summer days. He felt bang of envy but suppressed it. It wouldn't help a bit to feel sorry for himself. It was time to grow up and forget self-pity. This was his life and he had to live it. It was that simple. His childhood was completely over and he should cope with it. Now on he would be a spy, a Malfoy going for his vengeance. There was no room to child's play or dreams of youngsters in his life. There wouldn't be first love and tender romance or strong friendships of the youth to him. His world was cruel and he had to manage it best he could and forget all pointless dreams he maybe once had cherished.
Watching others Draco felt himself awfully old and worn out. Nostalgia raised its head and somehow Draco felt that the end of his youth earned a little more spectacular farewell. Evil grin came to his face when he decided what to do. He collected Crabbe and Goyle and went to tease Gryffindor's Dream Team. He didn't get long with his insults before hexing started. Draco once again ended up to the floor unconscious and with some bad hexes in him but this time it was worth it. Weasley would be throwing up slugs sometime and it would take long before Grangers hair would be like it once were and Wonder Boy would have some explaining to do to his muggle relatives in leeches hanging all over him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To Draco's surprise his summer contained much hard training. Voldemort still took his pleasure from Draco but he had also started to teach him. He had learned more about Dark Art's in one summer than most people and even most Death Eaters would ever learn. In school Draco had always been better than average pupil in most of his classes and excellent in a few. Still Dark Arts seemed to be there his true talent was. He even learned surprisingly much wandless magic. It was maybe his old and pure Malfoy blood that gave that talent. After all Malfoys had been wizards long before wand was invited and some ancient magic was still widely used in Malfoy family. Especially in some old traditions and rites that made Malfoy who they were and helped them keep their power. For example Malfoy's weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies were full of ancient magic and also some blood magic that was usually included to Dark Arts.
Voldemort was also taking new members to his squad. One had to be 18 to get the Dark Mark but also younger one's participated some degree. It was clear that Draco's star was quickly rising among the Voldemort's troops. He could been seen as a leader of Death Eaters youth section and Voldemort even took him to many important Death Eater meetings and in the nights they spend together Voldemort talked much about his thoughts and plans. It was perfect place for the spy.
Soon came a day Draco was sent to his first mission. He led his young companions to frighten some wavering lesser wizards whom Voldemort wanted to do some tasks for him. Other missions were alike. They scared lesser wizards and muggles, amused themselves with intimidating mudbloods and occasionally stole some things Voldemort needed. Draco was thankful that Voldemort thought that he was too young and too inexperienced to serious action. Draco didn't have to cross lines Dumpledore and Snape had set to him. They didn't want him to do anything that would take him to Azkaban.
Most difficult to Draco was hide his disgust and loathing from Voldemort. Snape had taught him some occumalency and he had been fast learner but still it was very difficult to keep his thoughts by himself then Voldemort touched him and hurt him. It was not like Draco haven't have sex before or sex without his full consent because he had. Sex was seen as a tool in his family and he had not been protected from his parents' friends' assaults. Lucius had considered those good lessons to his son in sex and Narcissa had probably never noticed anything. Draco was bisexual as most Malfoy men and he wasn't particularly fastidious with his sex companions and he was more than little promiscuous. Still being with Voldemort was tough. All Draco could do was imagine it was someone else. Even that could seldom help him because Voldemort's likings were very exotic. And there was limits how much indecency even a Malfoy could handle. Still there really weren't many options.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Few weeks after holiday had begun Draco met Snape first time to give him some information. They had agreed that it was best to send information in cipher with unidentified owls or give it personally to Snape. Still it was important that if Snape would be exposed Draco would stay out of suspicion. Their relationship as Godfather and Godson helped little and also that people knew Draco got some healing potions from Snape. However they avoided being seen too much together. Now they met in the Malfoy Manor and Narcissa was safely unconscious after her nightly potion dose.
Draco's situation bothered Snape greatly. He had accepted living as a spy and dangers of that lifestyle for himself but it was upsetting to see his young Godson living in same kind of hell or even worse. It was not a life you wanted someone you cared to live. And there was so little he could do to help Draco. He was not even fit to console the boy. And even if he could it would be better not to. Comfort was something Draco didn't afford to. He had to be sharp whole time, he could not loosen up at a second or he would be in troubles.
Draco tried to ease his Mentors worries and said, "Everything will go alright as long my status as a spy doesn't leak from Order. Voldemort doesn't suspect me and doesn't easily will. He thinks he owns me. It would be personal failure to him if I wouldn't be trustworthy and he doesn't like to admit his failures. So I'm above all doubt as long there is no solid evidence. Don't worry for me I will survive. I had even got used to him and he doesn't hurt me so often anymore. Please don't worry because of me, I'm not worth it."
"Don't be ridiculous. Of course you are worth it and much more. And I'm not comfortable with an idea that you had to deal with all that but there are unfortunately very little options. But I want you to remember that you can whenever come to Hogwarts or Order headquarters for sanctuary and we will take care of you and make sure Voldemort won't get his hands on you. Don't ever forget that and if situation becomes too tough please come to us." Snape lectured. "And your mother isn't any reason not to come. She wouldn't want it and there is only a shell left from old her and that shell is not worth your sacrifice. Narcissa Black has hanged herself slowly to death and what remains is not as valuable as you are. I know this is harshly said but I knew real Cissa long time ago and I know that that woman would never want her son to make so huge sacrifices for her."
"She is valuable to me." Draco snapped. "And I'm only damage goods so don't talk to me about my value. Maybe I can be valuable spy to Order but as a person I'm only a whore."
"I will not listen that kind of talk. You are precious as you are and nothing Voldemort does to you can change it." Snape answered. "Please promise me that you don't take risks and you take care of yourself and don't let Voldemort to make you think that you are worthless. If you think so, he is winning and you don't want that."
Snape looked Draco's eyes long time until he saw Draco to give in, "I have to go now. Take care Draco and be careful. We will see in few weeks again."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Order of the Phoenix met that summer often. War was going on and even now then Ministry was part of it there still was need for Order. Ministry wasn't completely reliable, there definitely still were some spies in there and Order had many secrets they didn't want to leak to other side. So they gave most of their information to Ministry but didn't tell where and how they got it. Order also made some own attacks to Death Eaters and Ministry had permitted them. They kept Order quite small to ensure it's trustworthy. Still only Snape and Dumpledore knew about their other spy. Others were little offended that they hadn't been told spy's identity but Dumpledore thought it was best that way.
They had one of their meetings day after Snape spoke with Draco. Snape told Draco's information to others. Voldemort was planning several attacks to the next few weeks. Snape recommended that they would repel the most serious one, which was against one loyal Ministry workers family. Wilhelm Bellstriker was just few weeks back turned down Voldemort's request for some information and it was not surprise that revenge was coming. Bellstrikers were old good Rawenclawish family and loyal to the Light. It would be easy to disguise counterblow to common security measures after turning down Voldemort. Death Eater's wouldn't suspect a leak if there would be wards in Bellstriker's house. Snape also suggested that they would stop one of the Death Eater's amusements attacks where he and the other spy would be present at but only so that no one would be kept caught. Other attacks were not so important that they should essentially stop them and it was important to keep their sources out of suspicion.
Some members were not pleased to Snape's recommendation.
"We are in war. Why should we let enemy do attacks if we can prevent them? And why not arrest all Death Eaters we can get!" Moody snarled.
"Yeah, we could get many to Azkaban if we would go against all this attacks. We could even get Malfoy or Lestaranges." Tonks confirmed.
Snape sighed, "And how long do you think they would be in Azkaban, now than dementors are out?"
"Last time Malfoy was there a year before he manage to escape and now we could keep him longer." Tonks claimed.
"You really think that Malfoy stayed in prison because our wards? That Voldemort couldn't help him escape earlier? He was there a year only because Voldemort wanted to teach a lesson to him. No other reason. The lesson has now been given and maybe even learned and if Malfoy would be arrested again, he would be out of prison in days." Snape scowled. "What I have done that I deserve to have to make battle plans with Gryffindors? It had to be something pretty awful. You don't have a clue about plotting or strategy. Do you even understand how essential our intelligence on Death Eater activities is? Do you understand that we have got only two spies and Voldemort has got dozens of? War will be long and we can't loose our sources yet. We probably don't get new one's. He is getting new one's easily. Don't you understand that if we use all information we get they will notice a leak immediately? It won't take long to find traitors with Voldemort's methods."
Snape glared others and continued; "You think that because they have different political opinions they are besides evil also stupid. You can think them evil if you want, it doesn't bother me, but don't ever think they are stupid because they are not. They are clever and they are cunning and after that they are disciplined. If we act gryffindorish and dash from action to action, we will loose. This is a war not some child's play. Even their evilness is questionable. They have their truth; we have ours and they believe to their truth as we believe ours. In wars the winner's truth stands and will be only truth in the end."
Dumpledore cut the argument and gave his support to Snape's recommendation so others yielded.
They manage to save Bellstriker's family and disperse a muggle bulling bunch where also Snape and Draco were present. Still many members of the Order were very doubtful for their new spy whose identity was so guarded secret.