Chapter 3: Eavesdroppind and planning
Love,friendship and respect don't unite people
as much as a common hatred for something
Draco couldn't breathe literally,because Ron was squashed head to toe along his body, and figuratively,because he could feel it in his bones that this innocent eavesdropping will change his life forever. He couldn't quite put a finger on the sudden summersault his heart had performed in his chest, but it seemed that the only logical explanation was either the unexpected encounter he had to endure or the fact that Ron's knee had made contact with his leg.
He hoped against hope that for once in his lifetime something won't mess up- that the door handle wouldn't give out on the pressure and slide down,that the hinges wouldn't squeak like they usually did in critical situations. And for the life of him,he prayed that Severus and Lucius wouldn't say something extremely important. But somehow he knew that it was hopeless.
Ron was thinking along the same lines,with one exception--he,for the most part, felt excited. Living as the best friend of Harry Potter did have the advantage of always being "en guarde" and even in the more difficult situations,having fun. After all, a crazy-hormoned boy like Ron would prefer a thousand times to be dropping over a secret conversation than to be stuck in the common room doing homework. Even though sometimes, all those adventures were a pain in the ass.
They couldn't contemplate anymore on their feelings at the moment because the two men, only a wooden wall away, couldn't wait for them. Before either of the two captives could organise their thoughts,they heard the almost inaudible sound of two pairs of boots walking over to their hiding place and stopping a little to the left from it- probably near the turn from which the boys had come from earlier. A brief rustling was heard as if someone was making sure that the coast was clear. Then a rich, masculine voice said:
" I know how dangerous our meeting is, Severus,but believe me that I wouldn't ever risk it if it wasn't so urgent that I speak with you." Draco could almost see the inextinguishable fire in his father's eyes when he said it. Lucius always had a definite glimmer when he spoke of something urgent. Draco knew it from experience and,of course, because he had it as well.
"Certainly,Lucius. After all, I am sure that the Dark Lord would not free one of his most faithful servants just for the fun of it," Snape drawled in his usual hiss-like voice.Ron sucked in a quick breath at the new bit of information.Oh,were Harry and Hermione going to faint when they hear this!
"No time for play-talk,Severus.I am not exactly free as you put it. The Dark Lord gave me very little time for this meeting, seeing as how all of us are preparing for the final battle. But that will be thouroughly dicussed on next week's gathering.Now,we must start the serious matters at hand. First of all, I would like you to inform Draco of my return as soon as possible" Lucius almost whispered,perhaps afraid that someone will overhear,which was exactly what was happening. Both boys had to lean a little more onto the door so they wouldn't miss anything of the converstaion. If Draco had the space he would have clamped Ron's ears with his hands, but seeing as how they could barely stand straight in the small closet, the idea quickly disappeared.Not to mention that Ron will put a great fight if he so much as tried. The little distance between them didn't make the arch enemies feel any calmer either. That only served to make the air around them increase its temperature with every breath they took. But there was no time to think on that.
"I wouldn't worry about that,Lucius,seeing as how Draco never misses an edition of the "Daily Prophet" and you,I bet, should have made it to front page by now."
Draco wanted to kick himself so hard at that moment that it was unbearable. The only day on which he hadn't read the papers just had to be the day when his father had made his escape.The day on which he had a detention with Ron and thus on the day that he was so wrapped up in his own problems that he had forgotten to even wait for his owl to arrive with the post. In fact, he berated himself so hard over his own stupidity that somehow it must have shown in his body language, because he could practically feel Ron's questioning gaze. In answer,because he obviously couldn't shout "Don't stare at me,Weasel!",he had to settle for a very sharp shake of his head.
"Does he now? Good,good.But that is not the main reason I'm here,Severus,even though Draco's lack of knowledge of what is going on can be fatal.You realise that the time has come for him to make his choice, don't you?" Lucius said in a way that indicated that Draco didn't have much of a "choice" in the matter.Beside him,the junior Slitherin could feel Ron shudder, making him hold his breath.
Wonder what he thinks? Does he know on which side I'm on? Probably not! He still thinks I'm a traitor and a bastard like my father. Well,it isn't totally untrue!
"He hasn't finished school yet,Lucius. Are you suggesting that the Dark Lord will forsake his own rules?" Severus's murmuring was heard through the barrier and it sounded as if there was a tinge of concern in his voice.
Good ol' Snape! Always on edge for me!
"If the circumstances wish for it,my friend, I'm sure that he will. Draco has been prepared enough. My only concern is his acceptance of the Mark. He's been doing all his assignments until now,even if some of them weren't successful. I hear that he's been even made a Head Boy. Is that true,Severus? Tell me, because my sources for information in my cell weren't the most...reliable ones."
"It is true, Lucius. I must say he is one of the most working students in this school.Aside from Hermione Granger,that is." The bitter tone in which Snape said the last sentence was almost too predictable. Draco could imagine Ron snickering at the moment and that made his blood boil, so for the sake of it he stomped his foot on the redhead's larger ones, making the other boy suck in a quick breath. Not being a boy who could just stand there and take it, Ron lifted his hand a little and pinched Draco on the side of his hand.Hard. But before the battle could even have a chance to start, the eldest Malfoy continued in hushed tone:
"As much as I'd like to, Severus, I don't have time to waste on that little mudblood,so let's move on." Ron's ears were practically glowing in the dark by now and Draco had to keep himself from smirking. Actually, he didn't." Now, regarding my son's choice of whose ranks he will join, I think that it is perfectly clear what will happen if he choses Dumbledore's. I only came here to ask you to watch him. Make sure that he doesn't take the wrong path because, my friend, I have the distinct feeling that that's exactly what he's going to do."
Ron could hardly stand from shock. Had he heard right? Did Lucius actually imply that Draco wouldn't kneel gladly at Voldemort's feet? He couldn't control his hands from shaking a little and when they did he felt Draco's equally cold ones making contact with his. The redhead thought he saw a distinct flash of silver, telling him that grey eyes were boring into his own. Making him hold still and unsteadily at the same time. They breathed as one for a split second until Ron tore his eyes away, not handling the chill those stormy clouds erupted in the pit of his stomach.
Lucius is lying! This simply cannot be true!
"What are you implying, Lucius? That he is unfaithful, that he can betray us?" Ron thought he heard the tone of hope in the Potions Master's voice.
"I'm afraid I am, Severus. He hasn't acted himself this summer.He has undoubtedly changed and I feel it's not for the good. The anticipation and joy with which he came to the training have drained out of his eyes. In stead, there is a fierce determination of a beast struggling to overcome his captures and believe me, Severus, I didn't like seeing it there," Lucius said sounding lost and betrayed behind his cool grip.
"I'm sure you're just imagining things, my friend."
"No,Severus. I am his father, the same blood runs in my veins and I will be the only one to know when Draco will either turn his back on me or embrace me."
Ron couldn't handle this anymore. Hearing all this was like the only solid thing,the only thing that he was sure of, was slipping from his fingers like water. His ears heard what the elder Malfoy had said but his brain couldn't process it. He gave a little a whimper of disbelief, which quickly brought the blond's attention to him once more. He felt, rather than saw, Draco's hand clamping over his mouth and a quiet "shhh" was breathed against his jaw. Ron didn't even bother to shrug the hand off of his lips, his brain had blacked out.
"What wll you have me do, Lucius? Why did you come here in the first place?" Snape asked.
"As I said earlier, Severus, I want you to look after him, to watch his every move, because if he ignores my command and goes on the side of light I want to know about it. Do you understand?" Lucius whispered in an urgent voice.
"Yes,of course,Lucius,although I highly doubt that such thing will come to pass. I am almost sure that his desire to learn more is only to satisfy Voldemort and to meet his expectations."
Draco hardly kept himself from snorting outloud. But aside from the fact that the two will surely hear him, there was also the fact that he didn't want to give Ron more evidence that he was not the boy he had thought he had been. Speaking of the boy, the Gryffindor was breathing rapidly in the Slytherin's hand, warming it up. Thinking that it was safe, Draco withdrew his hand from the bigger boy's lips, putting it back next to Ron's head. Seizing the opportunity, Ron snatched a handful of Draco's robes and brought him even closer. He leaned in and whispered right next to the Slytherin's ear, barely keeping the shock from his voice,"What the fuck's this all about Malfoy?" His voice was hot on Draco's neck and if he wasn't crushed against the door, Draco would have stepped back in surprise. But seeing as he was, the blond simply stood there for a fracture of a second almost tasting the other boy's scent on his tongue. It was enchanting.
Obviously, Ron didn't care who was standing right on the other side of the door,so Draco, after clearing his head, turned his head around and breathed a silent "Not now!" against the redhead's lips. But Ron didn't seem to want to oblige. He started swipping his head from left to right as if to try and get the information out of his head. His hands were still clinging tightly on Draco's robes and the blond could feel that they were trembling. Draco didn't know what to do at that moment- to kick or to comfort the shocked boy. He chose neither. He simply grabbed the redhead by the hair to stop it from moving around and with his free hand put one finger against Ron's lips. That seemed to work because the Gryffindor stared at him with a peculiar flash in his eyes. Was that confusion, anger, hurt or...trust? Draco couldn't see in the almost entirely obscured room. What he did know was that Ron didn't pull away, but held on to him like a drowning man to a straw. Lucius' voice brought them quickly back to earth.
"I can only hope that you're right, my friend. Either way,watch him!This is my request." A silent "pop!" was heard, indicating that Lucius had apparated. It seemed that Severus stood there contemplating for a while but after that his glide-like footsteps echoed through the corridor, eventually abated in the depths of the dungeons.
Ron was ready to spring from the closet at that very moment, but Draco held him still by putting a hand on his chest. He could feel that the other boy was as short on air as he was, but he waited a little longer, nonetheless. After that he twisted his hand around until he found the door handle and pushed the door open, taking in the cool air gratefully with his lungs.
On the other hand, Ron coudn't stand still any longer and just as he attempted to escape without another word, he felt a strong grip on his arm sending a jolt of fire up his arm.
"Let go, Malfoy! I'm not in the mood right now!" Ron almost cried in desperation. If what Lucius had said was true then he didn't want to stay close to this new Draco. Not right now,anyway, after being crushed to him a moment ago.But the blond didn't give up that easy. He ran after Ron turning him around by the showlder this time and quickly letting go,afraid that the redhead will see what the simple touch had made him feel.
"Wait,Weasley!Just let me say this,okay?" After seeing the silent consent in Ron's eyes, Draco continued,"What my father said wasn't true,Weasel! It wasn't! But... don't you dare say any of it to anyone, got it?" Draco couldn't think of anything else to say to keep Ron's mouth shut. If this was found out, everything he had planned would be destroyed.
There was a crazy glint in Draco's eyes that unsettled Ron even more. The grey orbs had turned transparent and they were all but boring a hole in Ron's chest.He knew that the Slytherin was lying, but what he couldn't understand was why. Was this all some kind of a sick joke? No,even Draco wasn't capable of doing that! But still,nothing of this made sense!
"If it isn't true,then why should I stay silent about it?" Ron murmured, as calm as he could, considering that he was shaking from shock.
"Because I tell you to,Weasley!" Draco prayed that Ron will listen to him for once in his life because if this spread across the school, he didn't dare think what would happen to him.
"You're not the boss of me,Malfoy! I'll say whatever the hell I want. As if you cared when you told on us to Filch that night in first year or when we wanted to save Hagrid's dragon? Should I continue?" Ron wanted nothing more than to get out of here, forget about all the things he had heard and the fact that he stood more closer to Malfoy than anyone else for no less than 5 minutes. He definitely wanted to forget about that!
"Fine,Weasel! Do as you please, but I'm warning you, if you tell somebody, I'll make you pay! You have my word on it!" While saying that Malfoy took one step forward until they almost touched noses. Their eyes met ,both so different like the way Ron contrasted with the cold dungeon atmosphere with his hair and lips burning fire. Nonetheless, the Gryffindor didn't back away from Draco's icy stare, he looked back melting the cold around them, calming the storm in the grey pools. For a moment there, Draco even thought that Ron would listen to him, that he'd seen those orbs tame the red flames of confusion and anger, but what came next was full of spite and frostiness:
"You're insane, Malfoy! Don't come near me!" Ron breathed against the Slytherin's face making him almost feel the bitterness inside the Gryffindor's soul.With one last lingering look, Ron turned away and down the corridor, leaving Draco no less puzzled.
Ron walked as a ghost until he reached Gryffindor tower. If Snape had appeared stark naked infront of him, he would have walked right pass him. He couldn't care less. The only thing on his mind was what he had heard and he was sure that if he came across a Pensieve and if he had tried to put that memory away, it would have stayed wrapped up in his mind like that stupid brain had envelopped him in his tantacles.
Hundreds of times did Ron try to convince himself that Draco hadn't lied to him, that indeed Lucius had imagined things, but then why had the blond been so desperate that Ron didn't tell anyone. If it wasn't true, he had nothing to worry about. Not to mention the way he had tensed when the older Malfoy had said the words. Ron still remembered (and maybe he will for a lot longer) how the thick air had seemed to freeze in the dreaded closet, how as if Draco's hands had become colder, how his eyes had flashed in the darkness uncertainly into Ron's, as if to check if the redhead had believed or not. It made Ron's heart skip a beat only thinking about it.
"The password,honey." The Fat Lady's voice awoke Ron out of his stupor and after muttering,"The Tornados suck!", he went through the portrait hole and into the brightness of the Gryffindor common room. The boy almost put a hand infront of his eyes to block out the intruding light,because he had spent two hours at least in the cold and dark corridors,rooms and closets of the undergrounds. For Ron those hours had seemed like twenty two.
"Ron! You look absolutely horrible! Come here and have a seat. I took a special peace of cake for you," cried Hermione in a mother-like voice from the armchair closest to the fire. Next to her, Harry was seated on the couch with a look that said,"I know how you feel,mate". There was a plate with a piece of the desert from dinner on the table. Both were a tired, but an anxious sight. It was probably close to midnight after all.
"Well, good evening to you too, Hermione. I can't say that you look that charming yourself," Ron gruffed as he sat on the other side of Harry and taking a large bite of the cake. Then, he was bombarded with questions on either side.
"How was the detention?"
"Did you fight with him?"
"Beat him up didn't you?"
"Are you hurt?"
"Are you poisonned?"
"Whoah, wait a second! Let me breathe for God's sakes!" Ron exclamed, while putting his hands in a stopping fashion.
"Sorry, mate,we just want to know what happened. After all, I don't recall either of us ever having detention with the ferret," Harry explained in an excited voice."So, how did it go?"
Ron didn't answer right away. He wasn't still sure if he should tell on Draco. It did seem very important that he stay quiet. But since when Ron listens to reason?
Yeah, and when has he ever stuck up for me? Why should I stay silent when all he ever did was hurt and insult me, my family and friends?
So, without hesitating any longer, Ron told the whole story, excluding the intimate parts and not mentioning how close to Malfoy had he been either. After he had finished, two pairs of baffled eyes looked at him as if he had just said that McGonogall had let loose her hair. After some more silence, during which the two members of the Trio probably hoped that Ron would burst into laughter and say,"Gotcha!", Harry finally said, his face as white as chalk,contrasting strongly with his ruffled jet-black hair,
"Are you sure he hasn't hexed you when you weren't looking,Ron, 'cause what you're saying is a big load of rubbish."
"I'm not lying Harry,I swear, and I'm positively sure that Malfoy didn't either. And,no, the other Malfoy did not hex me! I feel as good as one can be, after being stuck with the biggest idiot for 2 bloody hours," Ron grumbled in an annoyed tone.
"OK,let's pretend that what you're saying is true," Harry said in conspirative voice and after a pause he finished,"All right, I pretended and I still think you should go and see Madam Pomfrey."
"No,Harry,listen. If you think about it, it does make some sense, even if it is Malfoy," Hermione began in her lecture tone,"I mean, he has been a little bit odd lately-not in a good way,but still odd. As if he's really trying to hide something beneath all the usual,if not more, insults."
"Yeah, and I'm telling you that when he told me to keep quiet about it he had that...," Ron tried to picture the exact look in Draco's eyes that moment,"...desperate and crazy kind of air about him. I'm so sure about that as I'm sure that Fred and George painted all my socks pink in the summer and I had to clean them all day." Hermione hardly surpressed the roll of her eyes when she looked back at Harry as if trying to convince him only with a stare.
"Even if that's true, I still can't believe how you can even consider that Malfoy is on our side or so to say. Have you forgotten what he's done to us?" Harry pleaded, not giving up.
"That was two years ago, Harry,now he's nothing but talk. Very nasty talk, but still he hasn't done anything remotely awful since our fifth year," Hermione reasoned while gesticulating wildly as she always did when she was onto something.
"I'll only believe it when I hear it with my own ears," Harry concluded.
"OK,then. Seeing as how I'm not absolutely sure about this as well, we'll have to make a plan, so we can get the truth out of Malfoy with no severe consequences." And with that Hermione zoomed out into space, her eyes glazing over as if she was in deep thought. The whole Trio fell silent, each thinking different things. For example, Ron was contemplating on where did actually Draco put his hands while they were in the closet and...
"I've got it!Oh my God, it feels funny saying this but I'm a genius!" Harry exclamed triumphantly as he sprang up from the couch. Then, his eyes darkened,"There's only one thing I can't figure out."
"It's okay, tell us anyway," Hermione incouraged with slight annoyance that she hadn't thought of something first.
"Well,the other day, Collin crashed into me 'accidentally' and amongst the excuses, he told me he was hurrying for the Dark Room to prepare his camera. Like never before I asked him why,'cause I had nothing else to do, and he sent me this surprised look and said that there was going to be a secret party this week,mostly with Slytherins and that he was going to be there to take pictures,if they let him." Harry took a quick breath and continued with a wave of his hand,"Anyway, my idea was that we can go to this party and somehow make Malfoy confess."
"Yeah,but how are we going to do that Harry?" Hermione asked repulsed at the very prospect of going to a party,with mostly Slytherins attending it.
"That's the part I haven't figured out yet." That was met with a disappointed "ahh", after which the three started planning anew. Ron leaned his head on the side of the couch and put his hands in his pockets, because his fingers were still frozen from staying too long in the dungeons. While doing that he came across a thing that he had forgotten completely about. With a loud scream of joy, during which he extracted the little bottle for the other two to see, Ron started excitedly,
"Hey guys, I completely forgot to tell you that for the detention Malfoy and me had to concoct a Veritaserum Potion and I brought some of it with me. That's the way we'll make Malfoy confess!"
"There's just the little matter of how exactly do you plan on doing that," Harry began half-hartedly,"I can hear it now, 'Hey Malfoy,will you do us a favour 'cause you're such a nice guy and all. Could you just drink this Veritaserum potion, so you can tell us that if you are on our side'. Yeah,right Ron!"
"No, Harry, he has a point," Hermione muttered under her breath as if checking if her theory was right.Then,she clapped her hands together and all but squealed,"Exactly! We'll sneak into the party, Ron will distract Malfoy in one of those many competitions they make on parties and at that time we'll drop some of the potion in his glass. Then, we'll go with him in the bathroom,for example, or just some place quiet and we'll ask him if he really won't be a Death Eater. When we've gotten our answers we'll leave the party until the potion wears off.It's absolutely perfect!"
"That'll be wicked!And when did you say the party was,Harry?" Ron asked
"This Monday, I think"
"Funny,why isn't it on Saturday or Sunday?" Hermione questionned with a confused look.
"Because the fun is to do it while we're studying. I guess,it's more exciting," Ron explained, after which he couldn't stiffle the yawn making it's way from his mouth."I don't know about you guys, but I had enough excitement for one day. I'll go and hit the sack and sleep like a log 'til tomorrow."
"Yeah, me too," Harry and Hermione said in unison and the three of them stood up and made their separate ways,mumbling a tired ,"G'night" in their wake.
When Ron finally jumped under the sheets, so exsausted that he didn't even bother to undress, the last thought he had was how exactly was he going to distract Malfoy on the party. With the sound of a few snorings echoing throughout the room, five boys went into a complete and peaceful slumber.
On the other side of the castle and deep below the ground, a blond-haired boy lay in his bed because he couldn't sleep. Every second of the encounter a couple of hours ago were like forged into his mind. But what irritated Draco the most was the parts that stood more vividly than the others were the simple touches of Ron's nervous hands across his hipbone, layed there because there was no other place for them. Or how the smell of dust and brooms didn't seem to matter when all of Draco's body had concentrated on the other boy's scent and it had been intoxicating. Or how the blue in the redhead's eyes had become bright and glowing in the dark. All of the blond's senses had been concentrated on those simple facts and if it weren't for Snape and Lucius, he didn't know what he might have done.
And what exactly could you have done? Held hands?
We could have done nothing, even if we were alone!
Yeah, right! And Snape loves to wash his hair! Are you even listening to what you're saying?
Obviously! You haven't stopped bugging me all day!
I can't! I'm your conscience! This is my job!
Then I give you a fucking vacation, just let me be!
I'll leave when you get your messed-up feelings figured out! That means for a hell a lot of time!
Draco couldn't take this for the night. He stood up from his bed and made his way towards his desk, almost forgetting that he didn't have to share a dormitory with anyone now, so didn't need to tip-toe. There, right next to a bunch of letters from his mother lay a simple white bottle with a note with it, written in Narcissa's swirly scrawl:
Only when my dragon can't find rest
The Slytherin smiled at the nick-name his mother had used on him since the day that he could remember. He missed her. As childly as it sounded, he needed her advice and he decided that he'll write her a letter in the morning. She would understand.
Feeling slightly guilty, Draco gulped the sweet liquid and felt how it ran down his throat in a sticky mess. After all, if his mother hadn't thought that he should use it, she wouldn't have sent it in the first place.
The blond shivered as his legs became jelly and his eyes couldn't focus, all of them a result of the Sleeping Potion. With a contented sigh that he wouldn't think any disturbing things any more, the boy closed his eyes and prayed for a dreamless sleep.
A/N: Howdy, people! I give all the wonderful reviewers a big,fat cookie for supporting and liking my fic! It's my first one, so I was pretty nervous about everybody's opinion. Yes,the first chapter were actually two because there was a little mix-up with the posting. Thanx again! I wouldn't have bothered with this chapter if it wasn't for you. I'm sorry if I disappoint you, but I won't update again until I have 15 reviews.I know,I know I sound awful, but I just need some more opinions, so I can know if I should continue. Don't worry if you don't like it, just tell me why, don't swear too much and I'll try my best to meet your expectations. See you soon, I hope!
Love,friendship and respect don't unite people
as much as a common hatred for something
Draco couldn't breathe literally,because Ron was squashed head to toe along his body, and figuratively,because he could feel it in his bones that this innocent eavesdropping will change his life forever. He couldn't quite put a finger on the sudden summersault his heart had performed in his chest, but it seemed that the only logical explanation was either the unexpected encounter he had to endure or the fact that Ron's knee had made contact with his leg.
He hoped against hope that for once in his lifetime something won't mess up- that the door handle wouldn't give out on the pressure and slide down,that the hinges wouldn't squeak like they usually did in critical situations. And for the life of him,he prayed that Severus and Lucius wouldn't say something extremely important. But somehow he knew that it was hopeless.
Ron was thinking along the same lines,with one exception--he,for the most part, felt excited. Living as the best friend of Harry Potter did have the advantage of always being "en guarde" and even in the more difficult situations,having fun. After all, a crazy-hormoned boy like Ron would prefer a thousand times to be dropping over a secret conversation than to be stuck in the common room doing homework. Even though sometimes, all those adventures were a pain in the ass.
They couldn't contemplate anymore on their feelings at the moment because the two men, only a wooden wall away, couldn't wait for them. Before either of the two captives could organise their thoughts,they heard the almost inaudible sound of two pairs of boots walking over to their hiding place and stopping a little to the left from it- probably near the turn from which the boys had come from earlier. A brief rustling was heard as if someone was making sure that the coast was clear. Then a rich, masculine voice said:
" I know how dangerous our meeting is, Severus,but believe me that I wouldn't ever risk it if it wasn't so urgent that I speak with you." Draco could almost see the inextinguishable fire in his father's eyes when he said it. Lucius always had a definite glimmer when he spoke of something urgent. Draco knew it from experience and,of course, because he had it as well.
"Certainly,Lucius. After all, I am sure that the Dark Lord would not free one of his most faithful servants just for the fun of it," Snape drawled in his usual hiss-like voice.Ron sucked in a quick breath at the new bit of information.Oh,were Harry and Hermione going to faint when they hear this!
"No time for play-talk,Severus.I am not exactly free as you put it. The Dark Lord gave me very little time for this meeting, seeing as how all of us are preparing for the final battle. But that will be thouroughly dicussed on next week's gathering.Now,we must start the serious matters at hand. First of all, I would like you to inform Draco of my return as soon as possible" Lucius almost whispered,perhaps afraid that someone will overhear,which was exactly what was happening. Both boys had to lean a little more onto the door so they wouldn't miss anything of the converstaion. If Draco had the space he would have clamped Ron's ears with his hands, but seeing as how they could barely stand straight in the small closet, the idea quickly disappeared.Not to mention that Ron will put a great fight if he so much as tried. The little distance between them didn't make the arch enemies feel any calmer either. That only served to make the air around them increase its temperature with every breath they took. But there was no time to think on that.
"I wouldn't worry about that,Lucius,seeing as how Draco never misses an edition of the "Daily Prophet" and you,I bet, should have made it to front page by now."
Draco wanted to kick himself so hard at that moment that it was unbearable. The only day on which he hadn't read the papers just had to be the day when his father had made his escape.The day on which he had a detention with Ron and thus on the day that he was so wrapped up in his own problems that he had forgotten to even wait for his owl to arrive with the post. In fact, he berated himself so hard over his own stupidity that somehow it must have shown in his body language, because he could practically feel Ron's questioning gaze. In answer,because he obviously couldn't shout "Don't stare at me,Weasel!",he had to settle for a very sharp shake of his head.
"Does he now? Good,good.But that is not the main reason I'm here,Severus,even though Draco's lack of knowledge of what is going on can be fatal.You realise that the time has come for him to make his choice, don't you?" Lucius said in a way that indicated that Draco didn't have much of a "choice" in the matter.Beside him,the junior Slitherin could feel Ron shudder, making him hold his breath.
Wonder what he thinks? Does he know on which side I'm on? Probably not! He still thinks I'm a traitor and a bastard like my father. Well,it isn't totally untrue!
"He hasn't finished school yet,Lucius. Are you suggesting that the Dark Lord will forsake his own rules?" Severus's murmuring was heard through the barrier and it sounded as if there was a tinge of concern in his voice.
Good ol' Snape! Always on edge for me!
"If the circumstances wish for it,my friend, I'm sure that he will. Draco has been prepared enough. My only concern is his acceptance of the Mark. He's been doing all his assignments until now,even if some of them weren't successful. I hear that he's been even made a Head Boy. Is that true,Severus? Tell me, because my sources for information in my cell weren't the most...reliable ones."
"It is true, Lucius. I must say he is one of the most working students in this school.Aside from Hermione Granger,that is." The bitter tone in which Snape said the last sentence was almost too predictable. Draco could imagine Ron snickering at the moment and that made his blood boil, so for the sake of it he stomped his foot on the redhead's larger ones, making the other boy suck in a quick breath. Not being a boy who could just stand there and take it, Ron lifted his hand a little and pinched Draco on the side of his hand.Hard. But before the battle could even have a chance to start, the eldest Malfoy continued in hushed tone:
"As much as I'd like to, Severus, I don't have time to waste on that little mudblood,so let's move on." Ron's ears were practically glowing in the dark by now and Draco had to keep himself from smirking. Actually, he didn't." Now, regarding my son's choice of whose ranks he will join, I think that it is perfectly clear what will happen if he choses Dumbledore's. I only came here to ask you to watch him. Make sure that he doesn't take the wrong path because, my friend, I have the distinct feeling that that's exactly what he's going to do."
Ron could hardly stand from shock. Had he heard right? Did Lucius actually imply that Draco wouldn't kneel gladly at Voldemort's feet? He couldn't control his hands from shaking a little and when they did he felt Draco's equally cold ones making contact with his. The redhead thought he saw a distinct flash of silver, telling him that grey eyes were boring into his own. Making him hold still and unsteadily at the same time. They breathed as one for a split second until Ron tore his eyes away, not handling the chill those stormy clouds erupted in the pit of his stomach.
Lucius is lying! This simply cannot be true!
"What are you implying, Lucius? That he is unfaithful, that he can betray us?" Ron thought he heard the tone of hope in the Potions Master's voice.
"I'm afraid I am, Severus. He hasn't acted himself this summer.He has undoubtedly changed and I feel it's not for the good. The anticipation and joy with which he came to the training have drained out of his eyes. In stead, there is a fierce determination of a beast struggling to overcome his captures and believe me, Severus, I didn't like seeing it there," Lucius said sounding lost and betrayed behind his cool grip.
"I'm sure you're just imagining things, my friend."
"No,Severus. I am his father, the same blood runs in my veins and I will be the only one to know when Draco will either turn his back on me or embrace me."
Ron couldn't handle this anymore. Hearing all this was like the only solid thing,the only thing that he was sure of, was slipping from his fingers like water. His ears heard what the elder Malfoy had said but his brain couldn't process it. He gave a little a whimper of disbelief, which quickly brought the blond's attention to him once more. He felt, rather than saw, Draco's hand clamping over his mouth and a quiet "shhh" was breathed against his jaw. Ron didn't even bother to shrug the hand off of his lips, his brain had blacked out.
"What wll you have me do, Lucius? Why did you come here in the first place?" Snape asked.
"As I said earlier, Severus, I want you to look after him, to watch his every move, because if he ignores my command and goes on the side of light I want to know about it. Do you understand?" Lucius whispered in an urgent voice.
"Yes,of course,Lucius,although I highly doubt that such thing will come to pass. I am almost sure that his desire to learn more is only to satisfy Voldemort and to meet his expectations."
Draco hardly kept himself from snorting outloud. But aside from the fact that the two will surely hear him, there was also the fact that he didn't want to give Ron more evidence that he was not the boy he had thought he had been. Speaking of the boy, the Gryffindor was breathing rapidly in the Slytherin's hand, warming it up. Thinking that it was safe, Draco withdrew his hand from the bigger boy's lips, putting it back next to Ron's head. Seizing the opportunity, Ron snatched a handful of Draco's robes and brought him even closer. He leaned in and whispered right next to the Slytherin's ear, barely keeping the shock from his voice,"What the fuck's this all about Malfoy?" His voice was hot on Draco's neck and if he wasn't crushed against the door, Draco would have stepped back in surprise. But seeing as he was, the blond simply stood there for a fracture of a second almost tasting the other boy's scent on his tongue. It was enchanting.
Obviously, Ron didn't care who was standing right on the other side of the door,so Draco, after clearing his head, turned his head around and breathed a silent "Not now!" against the redhead's lips. But Ron didn't seem to want to oblige. He started swipping his head from left to right as if to try and get the information out of his head. His hands were still clinging tightly on Draco's robes and the blond could feel that they were trembling. Draco didn't know what to do at that moment- to kick or to comfort the shocked boy. He chose neither. He simply grabbed the redhead by the hair to stop it from moving around and with his free hand put one finger against Ron's lips. That seemed to work because the Gryffindor stared at him with a peculiar flash in his eyes. Was that confusion, anger, hurt or...trust? Draco couldn't see in the almost entirely obscured room. What he did know was that Ron didn't pull away, but held on to him like a drowning man to a straw. Lucius' voice brought them quickly back to earth.
"I can only hope that you're right, my friend. Either way,watch him!This is my request." A silent "pop!" was heard, indicating that Lucius had apparated. It seemed that Severus stood there contemplating for a while but after that his glide-like footsteps echoed through the corridor, eventually abated in the depths of the dungeons.
Ron was ready to spring from the closet at that very moment, but Draco held him still by putting a hand on his chest. He could feel that the other boy was as short on air as he was, but he waited a little longer, nonetheless. After that he twisted his hand around until he found the door handle and pushed the door open, taking in the cool air gratefully with his lungs.
On the other hand, Ron coudn't stand still any longer and just as he attempted to escape without another word, he felt a strong grip on his arm sending a jolt of fire up his arm.
"Let go, Malfoy! I'm not in the mood right now!" Ron almost cried in desperation. If what Lucius had said was true then he didn't want to stay close to this new Draco. Not right now,anyway, after being crushed to him a moment ago.But the blond didn't give up that easy. He ran after Ron turning him around by the showlder this time and quickly letting go,afraid that the redhead will see what the simple touch had made him feel.
"Wait,Weasley!Just let me say this,okay?" After seeing the silent consent in Ron's eyes, Draco continued,"What my father said wasn't true,Weasel! It wasn't! But... don't you dare say any of it to anyone, got it?" Draco couldn't think of anything else to say to keep Ron's mouth shut. If this was found out, everything he had planned would be destroyed.
There was a crazy glint in Draco's eyes that unsettled Ron even more. The grey orbs had turned transparent and they were all but boring a hole in Ron's chest.He knew that the Slytherin was lying, but what he couldn't understand was why. Was this all some kind of a sick joke? No,even Draco wasn't capable of doing that! But still,nothing of this made sense!
"If it isn't true,then why should I stay silent about it?" Ron murmured, as calm as he could, considering that he was shaking from shock.
"Because I tell you to,Weasley!" Draco prayed that Ron will listen to him for once in his life because if this spread across the school, he didn't dare think what would happen to him.
"You're not the boss of me,Malfoy! I'll say whatever the hell I want. As if you cared when you told on us to Filch that night in first year or when we wanted to save Hagrid's dragon? Should I continue?" Ron wanted nothing more than to get out of here, forget about all the things he had heard and the fact that he stood more closer to Malfoy than anyone else for no less than 5 minutes. He definitely wanted to forget about that!
"Fine,Weasel! Do as you please, but I'm warning you, if you tell somebody, I'll make you pay! You have my word on it!" While saying that Malfoy took one step forward until they almost touched noses. Their eyes met ,both so different like the way Ron contrasted with the cold dungeon atmosphere with his hair and lips burning fire. Nonetheless, the Gryffindor didn't back away from Draco's icy stare, he looked back melting the cold around them, calming the storm in the grey pools. For a moment there, Draco even thought that Ron would listen to him, that he'd seen those orbs tame the red flames of confusion and anger, but what came next was full of spite and frostiness:
"You're insane, Malfoy! Don't come near me!" Ron breathed against the Slytherin's face making him almost feel the bitterness inside the Gryffindor's soul.With one last lingering look, Ron turned away and down the corridor, leaving Draco no less puzzled.
Ron walked as a ghost until he reached Gryffindor tower. If Snape had appeared stark naked infront of him, he would have walked right pass him. He couldn't care less. The only thing on his mind was what he had heard and he was sure that if he came across a Pensieve and if he had tried to put that memory away, it would have stayed wrapped up in his mind like that stupid brain had envelopped him in his tantacles.
Hundreds of times did Ron try to convince himself that Draco hadn't lied to him, that indeed Lucius had imagined things, but then why had the blond been so desperate that Ron didn't tell anyone. If it wasn't true, he had nothing to worry about. Not to mention the way he had tensed when the older Malfoy had said the words. Ron still remembered (and maybe he will for a lot longer) how the thick air had seemed to freeze in the dreaded closet, how as if Draco's hands had become colder, how his eyes had flashed in the darkness uncertainly into Ron's, as if to check if the redhead had believed or not. It made Ron's heart skip a beat only thinking about it.
"The password,honey." The Fat Lady's voice awoke Ron out of his stupor and after muttering,"The Tornados suck!", he went through the portrait hole and into the brightness of the Gryffindor common room. The boy almost put a hand infront of his eyes to block out the intruding light,because he had spent two hours at least in the cold and dark corridors,rooms and closets of the undergrounds. For Ron those hours had seemed like twenty two.
"Ron! You look absolutely horrible! Come here and have a seat. I took a special peace of cake for you," cried Hermione in a mother-like voice from the armchair closest to the fire. Next to her, Harry was seated on the couch with a look that said,"I know how you feel,mate". There was a plate with a piece of the desert from dinner on the table. Both were a tired, but an anxious sight. It was probably close to midnight after all.
"Well, good evening to you too, Hermione. I can't say that you look that charming yourself," Ron gruffed as he sat on the other side of Harry and taking a large bite of the cake. Then, he was bombarded with questions on either side.
"How was the detention?"
"Did you fight with him?"
"Beat him up didn't you?"
"Are you hurt?"
"Are you poisonned?"
"Whoah, wait a second! Let me breathe for God's sakes!" Ron exclamed, while putting his hands in a stopping fashion.
"Sorry, mate,we just want to know what happened. After all, I don't recall either of us ever having detention with the ferret," Harry explained in an excited voice."So, how did it go?"
Ron didn't answer right away. He wasn't still sure if he should tell on Draco. It did seem very important that he stay quiet. But since when Ron listens to reason?
Yeah, and when has he ever stuck up for me? Why should I stay silent when all he ever did was hurt and insult me, my family and friends?
So, without hesitating any longer, Ron told the whole story, excluding the intimate parts and not mentioning how close to Malfoy had he been either. After he had finished, two pairs of baffled eyes looked at him as if he had just said that McGonogall had let loose her hair. After some more silence, during which the two members of the Trio probably hoped that Ron would burst into laughter and say,"Gotcha!", Harry finally said, his face as white as chalk,contrasting strongly with his ruffled jet-black hair,
"Are you sure he hasn't hexed you when you weren't looking,Ron, 'cause what you're saying is a big load of rubbish."
"I'm not lying Harry,I swear, and I'm positively sure that Malfoy didn't either. And,no, the other Malfoy did not hex me! I feel as good as one can be, after being stuck with the biggest idiot for 2 bloody hours," Ron grumbled in an annoyed tone.
"OK,let's pretend that what you're saying is true," Harry said in conspirative voice and after a pause he finished,"All right, I pretended and I still think you should go and see Madam Pomfrey."
"No,Harry,listen. If you think about it, it does make some sense, even if it is Malfoy," Hermione began in her lecture tone,"I mean, he has been a little bit odd lately-not in a good way,but still odd. As if he's really trying to hide something beneath all the usual,if not more, insults."
"Yeah, and I'm telling you that when he told me to keep quiet about it he had that...," Ron tried to picture the exact look in Draco's eyes that moment,"...desperate and crazy kind of air about him. I'm so sure about that as I'm sure that Fred and George painted all my socks pink in the summer and I had to clean them all day." Hermione hardly surpressed the roll of her eyes when she looked back at Harry as if trying to convince him only with a stare.
"Even if that's true, I still can't believe how you can even consider that Malfoy is on our side or so to say. Have you forgotten what he's done to us?" Harry pleaded, not giving up.
"That was two years ago, Harry,now he's nothing but talk. Very nasty talk, but still he hasn't done anything remotely awful since our fifth year," Hermione reasoned while gesticulating wildly as she always did when she was onto something.
"I'll only believe it when I hear it with my own ears," Harry concluded.
"OK,then. Seeing as how I'm not absolutely sure about this as well, we'll have to make a plan, so we can get the truth out of Malfoy with no severe consequences." And with that Hermione zoomed out into space, her eyes glazing over as if she was in deep thought. The whole Trio fell silent, each thinking different things. For example, Ron was contemplating on where did actually Draco put his hands while they were in the closet and...
"I've got it!Oh my God, it feels funny saying this but I'm a genius!" Harry exclamed triumphantly as he sprang up from the couch. Then, his eyes darkened,"There's only one thing I can't figure out."
"It's okay, tell us anyway," Hermione incouraged with slight annoyance that she hadn't thought of something first.
"Well,the other day, Collin crashed into me 'accidentally' and amongst the excuses, he told me he was hurrying for the Dark Room to prepare his camera. Like never before I asked him why,'cause I had nothing else to do, and he sent me this surprised look and said that there was going to be a secret party this week,mostly with Slytherins and that he was going to be there to take pictures,if they let him." Harry took a quick breath and continued with a wave of his hand,"Anyway, my idea was that we can go to this party and somehow make Malfoy confess."
"Yeah,but how are we going to do that Harry?" Hermione asked repulsed at the very prospect of going to a party,with mostly Slytherins attending it.
"That's the part I haven't figured out yet." That was met with a disappointed "ahh", after which the three started planning anew. Ron leaned his head on the side of the couch and put his hands in his pockets, because his fingers were still frozen from staying too long in the dungeons. While doing that he came across a thing that he had forgotten completely about. With a loud scream of joy, during which he extracted the little bottle for the other two to see, Ron started excitedly,
"Hey guys, I completely forgot to tell you that for the detention Malfoy and me had to concoct a Veritaserum Potion and I brought some of it with me. That's the way we'll make Malfoy confess!"
"There's just the little matter of how exactly do you plan on doing that," Harry began half-hartedly,"I can hear it now, 'Hey Malfoy,will you do us a favour 'cause you're such a nice guy and all. Could you just drink this Veritaserum potion, so you can tell us that if you are on our side'. Yeah,right Ron!"
"No, Harry, he has a point," Hermione muttered under her breath as if checking if her theory was right.Then,she clapped her hands together and all but squealed,"Exactly! We'll sneak into the party, Ron will distract Malfoy in one of those many competitions they make on parties and at that time we'll drop some of the potion in his glass. Then, we'll go with him in the bathroom,for example, or just some place quiet and we'll ask him if he really won't be a Death Eater. When we've gotten our answers we'll leave the party until the potion wears off.It's absolutely perfect!"
"That'll be wicked!And when did you say the party was,Harry?" Ron asked
"This Monday, I think"
"Funny,why isn't it on Saturday or Sunday?" Hermione questionned with a confused look.
"Because the fun is to do it while we're studying. I guess,it's more exciting," Ron explained, after which he couldn't stiffle the yawn making it's way from his mouth."I don't know about you guys, but I had enough excitement for one day. I'll go and hit the sack and sleep like a log 'til tomorrow."
"Yeah, me too," Harry and Hermione said in unison and the three of them stood up and made their separate ways,mumbling a tired ,"G'night" in their wake.
When Ron finally jumped under the sheets, so exsausted that he didn't even bother to undress, the last thought he had was how exactly was he going to distract Malfoy on the party. With the sound of a few snorings echoing throughout the room, five boys went into a complete and peaceful slumber.
On the other side of the castle and deep below the ground, a blond-haired boy lay in his bed because he couldn't sleep. Every second of the encounter a couple of hours ago were like forged into his mind. But what irritated Draco the most was the parts that stood more vividly than the others were the simple touches of Ron's nervous hands across his hipbone, layed there because there was no other place for them. Or how the smell of dust and brooms didn't seem to matter when all of Draco's body had concentrated on the other boy's scent and it had been intoxicating. Or how the blue in the redhead's eyes had become bright and glowing in the dark. All of the blond's senses had been concentrated on those simple facts and if it weren't for Snape and Lucius, he didn't know what he might have done.
And what exactly could you have done? Held hands?
We could have done nothing, even if we were alone!
Yeah, right! And Snape loves to wash his hair! Are you even listening to what you're saying?
Obviously! You haven't stopped bugging me all day!
I can't! I'm your conscience! This is my job!
Then I give you a fucking vacation, just let me be!
I'll leave when you get your messed-up feelings figured out! That means for a hell a lot of time!
Draco couldn't take this for the night. He stood up from his bed and made his way towards his desk, almost forgetting that he didn't have to share a dormitory with anyone now, so didn't need to tip-toe. There, right next to a bunch of letters from his mother lay a simple white bottle with a note with it, written in Narcissa's swirly scrawl:
Only when my dragon can't find rest
The Slytherin smiled at the nick-name his mother had used on him since the day that he could remember. He missed her. As childly as it sounded, he needed her advice and he decided that he'll write her a letter in the morning. She would understand.
Feeling slightly guilty, Draco gulped the sweet liquid and felt how it ran down his throat in a sticky mess. After all, if his mother hadn't thought that he should use it, she wouldn't have sent it in the first place.
The blond shivered as his legs became jelly and his eyes couldn't focus, all of them a result of the Sleeping Potion. With a contented sigh that he wouldn't think any disturbing things any more, the boy closed his eyes and prayed for a dreamless sleep.
A/N: Howdy, people! I give all the wonderful reviewers a big,fat cookie for supporting and liking my fic! It's my first one, so I was pretty nervous about everybody's opinion. Yes,the first chapter were actually two because there was a little mix-up with the posting. Thanx again! I wouldn't have bothered with this chapter if it wasn't for you. I'm sorry if I disappoint you, but I won't update again until I have 15 reviews.I know,I know I sound awful, but I just need some more opinions, so I can know if I should continue. Don't worry if you don't like it, just tell me why, don't swear too much and I'll try my best to meet your expectations. See you soon, I hope!