(A/N): A bit of time has past between chapter 8 and now, just so you know, about a week. And no promises about up-dates. I can say I'll be a bit better about them, but I really just need to get back on track.
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There weren't a lot of things in this world Draco Malfoy was sure of. Principles in what he followed were there, but actual faith in his ethics wasn't. Maybe that was why many of these things were easy for him. Deal a little, take a little, spend a little . . . it was all the same to him.
And with the drugs…it was practically in his genes. His father, an alcoholic now and a drug addict, not to mention his mother, a woman on so much morphine and opium he wasn't exactly sure what she was like to begin with- well, he was bound to get into something, right?
And as he sees it, it's mostly like the world just wants you to look at everything one way, just black and white and nothing else counts. He could tell every one who didn't already know he took drugs, he's tried Heroin, Marijuana, Meth, Hashish and they might get this look on their face: either appalled, disgusted, and of course the sad "poor misguided child" look. Sometimes all three, he got. Didn't matter to him though. He knew what most didn't know. That the whole concept of 'drugs' was rather over rated. It didn't matter because no matter what, you couldn't get away from it, you couldn't hide from it. Drugs were everywhere and every god damn thing. The beauty of the human mind was that you could make anything your own drug, and still have the nerve to blame the industry when shit goes wrong with it.
Nicotine and alcohol were just two drugs that people were finally waking up and identifying, even so, there are many others that have yet to be: aspirin, caffeine, even that relaxing tea your mum might drink before bed…they're all drugs, always have been, always will be- people have just never categorized them as so. The world is nothing but junkies, every single one of them. You're pumped full of drugs soon as you come into this world, and for many, pumped full of more as they leave.
Its how the world goes round; it's how people survive- get along- get by, what ever excuse you want to give will be good enough for the person next door. Because no one really cares what the hell you do. For most, he figured, they just pulled those faces and made a fuss because if they didn't they'd imagine people looking down on them. And then the blaming starts.
"If she wouldn't have gotten hold of those drugs she never would have over dosed."
"If he'd never heard of doing it, he never would have tried it."
Draco felt like saying to each and every one of them, "Listen, mums and dads, you're obviously just looking for a way out, something else to shift blame on other than your selves, to take attention away from the fact that you were horrible parents to begin with and that you drove little Johnny into a squat or what ever the hell…"
Yeah, he should tell them all. But as he swirled what was left of the ruby red liquid in the long wine bottle Draco decided such a long and thought out lecture would have to wait till morning.
Not to mention he should be getting up for an appointment soon, a detention, which was part of the agreement between Snape and himself for his inappropriate behavior. But, as he failed to stand up or even really accomplish anything, Draco just lay there saying to him self Snape would understand…surely he would…
The last image he remembered was his dorm room, filled with the soft glowing light of the fire, it made him feel warm, as he stared into the fading embers in the hearth across the room. The shadows danced, and a little later on, shrank. Then everything went black.
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It was late afternoon by the time he awoke and with a note sitting next to him no less. But the note wouldn't catch his attention for some time yet.
First off imagine the worst head ache, no migraine, you've ever had; now multiply that by 10; and it all adds up to what he was feeling. What he some times calls a Grade A hang over.
The dim light caught his eye and he winced away, and then regretted the sudden movement immediately.
"Why the hell do I do this any more…" he asked him self, and a good question it was, but he had to stop speaking. Every word was like a spike going through his fore head. An hour or two and several cups of tea later he finally got around to the letter.
Mr.Malfoy
We had an agreement made, yet last night at ten O'clock you failed to appear. I was for a short time hoping there was a perfectly reasonable explanation but upon arriving at your dorm and seeing what sort of a state you were in I know, sadly, I was only wasting my time.
You will meet with me tomorrow afternoon during your free hour, no excuses. I do not want to be disappointed by you again, Draco. As for today I have written you an excuse for the other teachers, try to keep out of sight until you feel you can stay on your feet.
Prof. Snape
The old bastard had covered for him, again. He really was probably going to make him do something terrible, like scrub out cauldrons, and the fact that he missed their last meeting would not reflect well upon him either.
Damn it all, he thought, how could I have forgotten? But as his eyes drifted to the very much empty wine bottle, that had fallen to the ground earlier and rolled almost under the bed, he only shied away from the answer.
'I'll just have to keep better track of the time is all.'
Yes, that was it, just keep telling your self that, that was all he had to do, just tell him self he was run down and needed to sleep in- like all teenagers need to do at some point.
Sighing, Draco got up and got fully dressed so he could get to the showers. The basin of cold water had helped him some what but a refreshing shower could do wonders.
'What's Gin up to bout now?' entered his mind as he grabbed a towel and closed his dorm room door.
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Virginia Weasley at the time was holed up in a study room trying to make up homework from her history class. The night before last she had taken a few joints back with her to her dorm and by two in the morning all she'd accomplished was a few half hearted squiggles on paper, which really looked amusing to her at the time, but the next morning when they were due it wasn't as funny as it had been. But she gave the Professor a speech about how she had been so stressed and loosing sleep and, what ever else, she babbled a bit and he looked like he understood and said she could make it up. Thank the Goddess.
She'd have to tell Draco no more until AFTER her homework was done. Though she already knew what he would do. Laugh his deep laugh, smile a crooked half smile and pass her another hit of something. He wasn't very helpful when it came to study habits.
Rune Lore, their beginnings in muggle mythology and then compared to how they were really created and used by Wizards, was her topic. And right now was such a damn good time to get complete writers block.
"Sod it all." She said aloud, causing a few looks to come her way as she stood and gathered her books. Today she had tried to put at least a little thought into her appearance, pulling her red hair up with a black ribbon, an almost transparent pink lip gloss made her lips shine, and a light marking of eye liner made her brown eyes slightly exotic in a way, her skirt was definitely a ways past her knees…but he hadn't shown up. Draco that is, he hadn't shown up for breakfast, or lunch she didn't see him hanging round the Underground, or in any or Ron's classes. She's gotten dolled up for him; today she was going to tell him who she was, sort of. More like 'break it to him'. But maybe if she was a bit more appealing then he would forgive her easily, or want to in the littlest way. She was sure of it.
By now she hadn't any idea as to where he was or why and it might be getting late by the time he got back, which meant she wouldn't be going to the bop tonight. It was a live performance by a bunch of Ravenclaw boys she'd never heard play before, but Draco had said they were alright, and she trusted his opinion in almost everything. He really did know what he was talking about most of the time, and he hadn't once started preaching about muggle borns or the Dark Lord when she talked with him. Though, as she noticed later on, he hadn't really been on about that sort of thing for almost two years now. He went home one holiday and when he came back…he wasn't as wretched. Although he could be perfectly nasty when provoked he didn't go out of his way that much to torture first years and the like.
He wasn't redeemed…just kept to himself more is all. People got used to it eventually. It wasn't like he was the sociable type before any way.
Ginny started humming some nonsense tune in her head, then aloud. Humming kept her sane, in her opinion, and no one seemed to mind when they were around her any way. Draco had found it amusing, he'd never known any one who would, for no reason at all; just start humming some song that was in their head. Sometimes the songs didn't make sense, no rhythm or tempo to keep, just, humming.
He told her once it was like she was miles away but at the same time right here with him, Draco had. At first she wasn't sure what he meant, but in the end Ginny could only put together that he meant she was a tad flighty, though by the time she figured it out it was too late to take offence. But it hadn't hurt that he'd said it, his voice told her he was filled with envy. He probably took drugs to get away from something, everything, and here she was getting away from every one just by going in her own head. He could almost be jealous.
Swinging her bag as she walked Virginia looked at the near by portraits trying to figure out what she could do to keep herself amused till Draco came and found her, if he didn't she'd probably have to spend a boring night in the common room watching Harry and Ron play chess, if she was lucky that was. They were so often out together doing who knew what that Ron tried to keep up his skill by playing at lunch; actually giving up one on one time with food to do so. She might have been worried, but as long as they were keeping busy nothing to bad was likely to happen.
"Hey!"
Oh brilliant, what is it now. Ginny turned around, and was a bit startled to find a sixth year Slytherin walking up to her. She took a few moments to freeze, just out of fear, and then bolted as fast as she could. She hadn't taken anything of his, hadn't bothered him, didn't know any one he knew…so obviously he just wanted something to occupy his time, like picking on a fifth year. That was the last thing she needed right now, some bully not leaving her alone until she cried and her mascara ran. What a site that would be! So she ran.
Ginny Weasley, with six brothers and being a bit of a tomboy in her younger years was probably the fastest sprinter one would ever see. She was light, and though she didn't have strong muscle, that didn't mean she couldn't get the hell out of a place fast as the wind. And that she did.
She just didn't anticipate on the boy following her.
Or him catching up.
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"Lucius, it is always good to see you." The Professor shook his hand with a genuine smile.
"Severus, we do not talk enough these days." For once Lucius was smiling, not scowling, but he had a real smile. "So what was it so urgent I had to postpone two meetings and pay a visit to this /school/." Obviously he was not thrilled to be back at Hogwarts.
"Yes, well, about that. Draco come here for a moment." He motioned for the boy to come closer, and he did. Standing up from his leaning position on the desk he walked over to the two men.
Snape placed his hand on Draco's shoulder, as he wanted to make sure it was shown that he wasn't speaking against him, he only wanted to help.
"You remember what it was like to be 17, do you not?" this question was directed at Lucius, obviously. And with a smirk he confidently answered, "Yes, there were quite a few unforgettably moments."
"And you do remember the certain allowances Slytherins had and still have?" Lucius nodded, only getting a tad inpatient.
The Professor sighed, dropping his hand. Draco started counting flagstones on the floor, then how many he could connect to make shapes, he needed a distraction as he knew what was coming.
"Slytherin House has always been a bit…wild. And for the most part I look the other way on most things…but I think there is a problem with Draco."
Lucius looked sharply at his son, narrowing his eyes a fraction. Draco could feel his gaze and was thankful he'd been prepared, as he kept studying the floor with such interest. A triangle, a square, a bigger square, and that stone next to his left foot almost looked like the letter Z. Any mindless nonsense was better than fully listening to what was about to be said.
"With unlimited spending funds his taste for drugs has increased to, what I believe, is an unhealthy level. And participating in intercourse with any female who expresses interest is distracting him from more important things, normally this would not be a problem but young women seem to be drawn to him."
Draco knew Professor Snape was only trying to make a point, but at his last comment he smirked. It was a compliment even if it was indirect.
"His grades have dropped over time, although they already were perfect scores so it will not hinder his record to much. But I feel if this routine goes on he will either damage his body beyond repair or fail his required tests and over all grade, maybe both."
If Severus looked uncomfortable before, he now looked down right apprehensive. "There also was an incident during my class. He'd come in late with a friend and had taken something. I do not know what it was but he was acting a complete fool…" He launched into the entire story, giving note to the specific details of every way Draco made a complete idiot of himself.
After the story was through Draco himself was even a bit embarrassed. Had he really done all that…? Having already apologized to his teacher, he never really did realize how much trouble he was lucky enough to escape, and he was grateful to have such a friend.
But now his father was talking, and his voice held such coldness Draco was startled. "Draco, is this true?"
He looked up for a brief moment, then his eyes flitted to the floor, "Yes sir."
There were a few moments of silence, and then Lucius spoke.
"I see. May I have a word alone with my son?"
"Of course Lucius. I'm afraid this is goodbye as I have a meeting to attend to. But thank you for coming in personally and for taking care of this little…" Severus looked over to Draco, "/mishap/."
"It is no problem at all."
Professor Snape left the room, after a small nod to Draco, shutting the door securely behind him.
Lucius didn't waste any time.
"I thought you were intelligent Draco, and I'd had high expectations for you, I really did. Yet your stupidity seems to be showing its self more and more as you get older."
Draco just stood there listening, what else could he do?
But his lack of reaction made Lucius angry. With out warning he strode toward his son and backhanded him.
"How /dare/ you! You've disgraced your family name, you have disgraced /me/." It was a hard blow, but Draco wasn't knocked down. He shook his head slightly and lifted a hand to his face working his jaw, then looked his father in the eye. "Did you just /decide/ to act an imbecile in front of your fellow schoolmates? A plan to make a mockery of your lineage? Was this some cry for attention?!"
"I didn't mean anything of it Father. It won't happen again."
"You are damn right it won't happen again. From now on your allowance is suspended." Ignoring Draco's protests he continued, "Your allowance is suspended, your trips to Hogsmead are no longer permitted, I expect your grades to not only be perfect but they will be beyond perfect. Is this understood?" His voice was colder than ice, with that kind of a tone there was no need to raise his voice.
Yet Draco was starring straight back at him, "No. That is too harsh a punishment. What am I to do with all my spare time? Keep my nose in a book? Maybe I should spend my days in the library 'getting to know' the mudblood Granger."
This time when Lucius' fist made contact with his skull he did loose his balance, he was knocked right into the near by worktable, and then fell to the floor. Draco felt an acute pain in his side, but ignored it.
"You are a disappointment to me Dragon and have much to learn, you will do as told. Your grades are already acceptable, so you will do extra credit assignments and make them grand. You will spend all of your spare time in your dorm room, only coming out for classes and meals. There will be no drugs, no girls, and no alcohol. I have let this go on long enough, and it will stop here! I will talk to Dumbledor about these conditions, and you will not throw a child's tantrum about it."
When he thought his son was going to protest once again he found it necessary to make his point, that he may be at school but that would not stop him from knocking him around. "Don't make me hit you again Draco, you only bring this on your self."
During this little speech Draco had tried to get up, the first time failing, on his second try though he was able to stand up and support himself against the table. Swallowing the blood in his mouth he replied, "There is no need to get that old fool involved in this, I can follow orders. I will do as you ask." His voice was low and soft, he knew when to submit. Before he had looked his father in the eye, and spoke back at him…but every time violence was used he backed down, biding his time till that one day he would strike back at his father, and definitely /not/ just with words.
Lucius closed the distance between him and his son and laid a hand on his shoulder, his other hand held his cheek. Speaking quietly he said, "I know you think I am too hard on you some times, but I'm only preparing you for the world. When you are on your own you will thank me for this, when you are serving our Lord you will be grateful for what I have sacrificed for you. Now give me your ring."
"I know father." He said quietly, as he took the silver ring off his thumb and handed it to him. "I know."
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There weren't a lot of things in this world Draco Malfoy was sure of. Principles in what he followed were there, but actual faith in his ethics wasn't. Maybe that was why many of these things were easy for him. Deal a little, take a little, spend a little . . . it was all the same to him.
And with the drugs…it was practically in his genes. His father, an alcoholic now and a drug addict, not to mention his mother, a woman on so much morphine and opium he wasn't exactly sure what she was like to begin with- well, he was bound to get into something, right?
And as he sees it, it's mostly like the world just wants you to look at everything one way, just black and white and nothing else counts. He could tell every one who didn't already know he took drugs, he's tried Heroin, Marijuana, Meth, Hashish and they might get this look on their face: either appalled, disgusted, and of course the sad "poor misguided child" look. Sometimes all three, he got. Didn't matter to him though. He knew what most didn't know. That the whole concept of 'drugs' was rather over rated. It didn't matter because no matter what, you couldn't get away from it, you couldn't hide from it. Drugs were everywhere and every god damn thing. The beauty of the human mind was that you could make anything your own drug, and still have the nerve to blame the industry when shit goes wrong with it.
Nicotine and alcohol were just two drugs that people were finally waking up and identifying, even so, there are many others that have yet to be: aspirin, caffeine, even that relaxing tea your mum might drink before bed…they're all drugs, always have been, always will be- people have just never categorized them as so. The world is nothing but junkies, every single one of them. You're pumped full of drugs soon as you come into this world, and for many, pumped full of more as they leave.
Its how the world goes round; it's how people survive- get along- get by, what ever excuse you want to give will be good enough for the person next door. Because no one really cares what the hell you do. For most, he figured, they just pulled those faces and made a fuss because if they didn't they'd imagine people looking down on them. And then the blaming starts.
"If she wouldn't have gotten hold of those drugs she never would have over dosed."
"If he'd never heard of doing it, he never would have tried it."
Draco felt like saying to each and every one of them, "Listen, mums and dads, you're obviously just looking for a way out, something else to shift blame on other than your selves, to take attention away from the fact that you were horrible parents to begin with and that you drove little Johnny into a squat or what ever the hell…"
Yeah, he should tell them all. But as he swirled what was left of the ruby red liquid in the long wine bottle Draco decided such a long and thought out lecture would have to wait till morning.
Not to mention he should be getting up for an appointment soon, a detention, which was part of the agreement between Snape and himself for his inappropriate behavior. But, as he failed to stand up or even really accomplish anything, Draco just lay there saying to him self Snape would understand…surely he would…
The last image he remembered was his dorm room, filled with the soft glowing light of the fire, it made him feel warm, as he stared into the fading embers in the hearth across the room. The shadows danced, and a little later on, shrank. Then everything went black.
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It was late afternoon by the time he awoke and with a note sitting next to him no less. But the note wouldn't catch his attention for some time yet.
First off imagine the worst head ache, no migraine, you've ever had; now multiply that by 10; and it all adds up to what he was feeling. What he some times calls a Grade A hang over.
The dim light caught his eye and he winced away, and then regretted the sudden movement immediately.
"Why the hell do I do this any more…" he asked him self, and a good question it was, but he had to stop speaking. Every word was like a spike going through his fore head. An hour or two and several cups of tea later he finally got around to the letter.
Mr.Malfoy
We had an agreement made, yet last night at ten O'clock you failed to appear. I was for a short time hoping there was a perfectly reasonable explanation but upon arriving at your dorm and seeing what sort of a state you were in I know, sadly, I was only wasting my time.
You will meet with me tomorrow afternoon during your free hour, no excuses. I do not want to be disappointed by you again, Draco. As for today I have written you an excuse for the other teachers, try to keep out of sight until you feel you can stay on your feet.
Prof. Snape
The old bastard had covered for him, again. He really was probably going to make him do something terrible, like scrub out cauldrons, and the fact that he missed their last meeting would not reflect well upon him either.
Damn it all, he thought, how could I have forgotten? But as his eyes drifted to the very much empty wine bottle, that had fallen to the ground earlier and rolled almost under the bed, he only shied away from the answer.
'I'll just have to keep better track of the time is all.'
Yes, that was it, just keep telling your self that, that was all he had to do, just tell him self he was run down and needed to sleep in- like all teenagers need to do at some point.
Sighing, Draco got up and got fully dressed so he could get to the showers. The basin of cold water had helped him some what but a refreshing shower could do wonders.
'What's Gin up to bout now?' entered his mind as he grabbed a towel and closed his dorm room door.
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Virginia Weasley at the time was holed up in a study room trying to make up homework from her history class. The night before last she had taken a few joints back with her to her dorm and by two in the morning all she'd accomplished was a few half hearted squiggles on paper, which really looked amusing to her at the time, but the next morning when they were due it wasn't as funny as it had been. But she gave the Professor a speech about how she had been so stressed and loosing sleep and, what ever else, she babbled a bit and he looked like he understood and said she could make it up. Thank the Goddess.
She'd have to tell Draco no more until AFTER her homework was done. Though she already knew what he would do. Laugh his deep laugh, smile a crooked half smile and pass her another hit of something. He wasn't very helpful when it came to study habits.
Rune Lore, their beginnings in muggle mythology and then compared to how they were really created and used by Wizards, was her topic. And right now was such a damn good time to get complete writers block.
"Sod it all." She said aloud, causing a few looks to come her way as she stood and gathered her books. Today she had tried to put at least a little thought into her appearance, pulling her red hair up with a black ribbon, an almost transparent pink lip gloss made her lips shine, and a light marking of eye liner made her brown eyes slightly exotic in a way, her skirt was definitely a ways past her knees…but he hadn't shown up. Draco that is, he hadn't shown up for breakfast, or lunch she didn't see him hanging round the Underground, or in any or Ron's classes. She's gotten dolled up for him; today she was going to tell him who she was, sort of. More like 'break it to him'. But maybe if she was a bit more appealing then he would forgive her easily, or want to in the littlest way. She was sure of it.
By now she hadn't any idea as to where he was or why and it might be getting late by the time he got back, which meant she wouldn't be going to the bop tonight. It was a live performance by a bunch of Ravenclaw boys she'd never heard play before, but Draco had said they were alright, and she trusted his opinion in almost everything. He really did know what he was talking about most of the time, and he hadn't once started preaching about muggle borns or the Dark Lord when she talked with him. Though, as she noticed later on, he hadn't really been on about that sort of thing for almost two years now. He went home one holiday and when he came back…he wasn't as wretched. Although he could be perfectly nasty when provoked he didn't go out of his way that much to torture first years and the like.
He wasn't redeemed…just kept to himself more is all. People got used to it eventually. It wasn't like he was the sociable type before any way.
Ginny started humming some nonsense tune in her head, then aloud. Humming kept her sane, in her opinion, and no one seemed to mind when they were around her any way. Draco had found it amusing, he'd never known any one who would, for no reason at all; just start humming some song that was in their head. Sometimes the songs didn't make sense, no rhythm or tempo to keep, just, humming.
He told her once it was like she was miles away but at the same time right here with him, Draco had. At first she wasn't sure what he meant, but in the end Ginny could only put together that he meant she was a tad flighty, though by the time she figured it out it was too late to take offence. But it hadn't hurt that he'd said it, his voice told her he was filled with envy. He probably took drugs to get away from something, everything, and here she was getting away from every one just by going in her own head. He could almost be jealous.
Swinging her bag as she walked Virginia looked at the near by portraits trying to figure out what she could do to keep herself amused till Draco came and found her, if he didn't she'd probably have to spend a boring night in the common room watching Harry and Ron play chess, if she was lucky that was. They were so often out together doing who knew what that Ron tried to keep up his skill by playing at lunch; actually giving up one on one time with food to do so. She might have been worried, but as long as they were keeping busy nothing to bad was likely to happen.
"Hey!"
Oh brilliant, what is it now. Ginny turned around, and was a bit startled to find a sixth year Slytherin walking up to her. She took a few moments to freeze, just out of fear, and then bolted as fast as she could. She hadn't taken anything of his, hadn't bothered him, didn't know any one he knew…so obviously he just wanted something to occupy his time, like picking on a fifth year. That was the last thing she needed right now, some bully not leaving her alone until she cried and her mascara ran. What a site that would be! So she ran.
Ginny Weasley, with six brothers and being a bit of a tomboy in her younger years was probably the fastest sprinter one would ever see. She was light, and though she didn't have strong muscle, that didn't mean she couldn't get the hell out of a place fast as the wind. And that she did.
She just didn't anticipate on the boy following her.
Or him catching up.
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"Lucius, it is always good to see you." The Professor shook his hand with a genuine smile.
"Severus, we do not talk enough these days." For once Lucius was smiling, not scowling, but he had a real smile. "So what was it so urgent I had to postpone two meetings and pay a visit to this /school/." Obviously he was not thrilled to be back at Hogwarts.
"Yes, well, about that. Draco come here for a moment." He motioned for the boy to come closer, and he did. Standing up from his leaning position on the desk he walked over to the two men.
Snape placed his hand on Draco's shoulder, as he wanted to make sure it was shown that he wasn't speaking against him, he only wanted to help.
"You remember what it was like to be 17, do you not?" this question was directed at Lucius, obviously. And with a smirk he confidently answered, "Yes, there were quite a few unforgettably moments."
"And you do remember the certain allowances Slytherins had and still have?" Lucius nodded, only getting a tad inpatient.
The Professor sighed, dropping his hand. Draco started counting flagstones on the floor, then how many he could connect to make shapes, he needed a distraction as he knew what was coming.
"Slytherin House has always been a bit…wild. And for the most part I look the other way on most things…but I think there is a problem with Draco."
Lucius looked sharply at his son, narrowing his eyes a fraction. Draco could feel his gaze and was thankful he'd been prepared, as he kept studying the floor with such interest. A triangle, a square, a bigger square, and that stone next to his left foot almost looked like the letter Z. Any mindless nonsense was better than fully listening to what was about to be said.
"With unlimited spending funds his taste for drugs has increased to, what I believe, is an unhealthy level. And participating in intercourse with any female who expresses interest is distracting him from more important things, normally this would not be a problem but young women seem to be drawn to him."
Draco knew Professor Snape was only trying to make a point, but at his last comment he smirked. It was a compliment even if it was indirect.
"His grades have dropped over time, although they already were perfect scores so it will not hinder his record to much. But I feel if this routine goes on he will either damage his body beyond repair or fail his required tests and over all grade, maybe both."
If Severus looked uncomfortable before, he now looked down right apprehensive. "There also was an incident during my class. He'd come in late with a friend and had taken something. I do not know what it was but he was acting a complete fool…" He launched into the entire story, giving note to the specific details of every way Draco made a complete idiot of himself.
After the story was through Draco himself was even a bit embarrassed. Had he really done all that…? Having already apologized to his teacher, he never really did realize how much trouble he was lucky enough to escape, and he was grateful to have such a friend.
But now his father was talking, and his voice held such coldness Draco was startled. "Draco, is this true?"
He looked up for a brief moment, then his eyes flitted to the floor, "Yes sir."
There were a few moments of silence, and then Lucius spoke.
"I see. May I have a word alone with my son?"
"Of course Lucius. I'm afraid this is goodbye as I have a meeting to attend to. But thank you for coming in personally and for taking care of this little…" Severus looked over to Draco, "/mishap/."
"It is no problem at all."
Professor Snape left the room, after a small nod to Draco, shutting the door securely behind him.
Lucius didn't waste any time.
"I thought you were intelligent Draco, and I'd had high expectations for you, I really did. Yet your stupidity seems to be showing its self more and more as you get older."
Draco just stood there listening, what else could he do?
But his lack of reaction made Lucius angry. With out warning he strode toward his son and backhanded him.
"How /dare/ you! You've disgraced your family name, you have disgraced /me/." It was a hard blow, but Draco wasn't knocked down. He shook his head slightly and lifted a hand to his face working his jaw, then looked his father in the eye. "Did you just /decide/ to act an imbecile in front of your fellow schoolmates? A plan to make a mockery of your lineage? Was this some cry for attention?!"
"I didn't mean anything of it Father. It won't happen again."
"You are damn right it won't happen again. From now on your allowance is suspended." Ignoring Draco's protests he continued, "Your allowance is suspended, your trips to Hogsmead are no longer permitted, I expect your grades to not only be perfect but they will be beyond perfect. Is this understood?" His voice was colder than ice, with that kind of a tone there was no need to raise his voice.
Yet Draco was starring straight back at him, "No. That is too harsh a punishment. What am I to do with all my spare time? Keep my nose in a book? Maybe I should spend my days in the library 'getting to know' the mudblood Granger."
This time when Lucius' fist made contact with his skull he did loose his balance, he was knocked right into the near by worktable, and then fell to the floor. Draco felt an acute pain in his side, but ignored it.
"You are a disappointment to me Dragon and have much to learn, you will do as told. Your grades are already acceptable, so you will do extra credit assignments and make them grand. You will spend all of your spare time in your dorm room, only coming out for classes and meals. There will be no drugs, no girls, and no alcohol. I have let this go on long enough, and it will stop here! I will talk to Dumbledor about these conditions, and you will not throw a child's tantrum about it."
When he thought his son was going to protest once again he found it necessary to make his point, that he may be at school but that would not stop him from knocking him around. "Don't make me hit you again Draco, you only bring this on your self."
During this little speech Draco had tried to get up, the first time failing, on his second try though he was able to stand up and support himself against the table. Swallowing the blood in his mouth he replied, "There is no need to get that old fool involved in this, I can follow orders. I will do as you ask." His voice was low and soft, he knew when to submit. Before he had looked his father in the eye, and spoke back at him…but every time violence was used he backed down, biding his time till that one day he would strike back at his father, and definitely /not/ just with words.
Lucius closed the distance between him and his son and laid a hand on his shoulder, his other hand held his cheek. Speaking quietly he said, "I know you think I am too hard on you some times, but I'm only preparing you for the world. When you are on your own you will thank me for this, when you are serving our Lord you will be grateful for what I have sacrificed for you. Now give me your ring."
"I know father." He said quietly, as he took the silver ring off his thumb and handed it to him. "I know."
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