I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long. I had a writer's block or something. Anyway, my thanks to Lifehouse for putting me back in the mood… great band! Thanks for all the reviews. Oh… None of these characters belong to me, etc.
Chapter 6: How resolving things only makes them more complicated.
Albus Dumbledore guided Professor McGonagall to a seat and watched her gratefully sink into it. "Drink your tea Minerva; it'll help." He poured a generous amount of whiskey into his own cup and sat down across from his old friend.
"What happened, Albus? How could Lucious have disapparated from Hogwarts?" The Headmaster sighed: "I have a few ideas. It seems, from what he's told me, that Voldemort has been suspecting him of disloyalty for some time now. He knew that'd his disappearance would be missed once the Death Eaters discovered Narcissa's death. Voldemort must have used a very strong summoning spell or, perhaps, he'd somehow channeled the power of the Dark Mark to summon Lucius."
"Albus, what did he do to arouse Voldemort's suspicions?" the Transfiguration Professor was still unable to completely comprehend the turn of events. "I honestly don't know Minerva; I can only guess. He mentioned how much he loved his wife and son and how much he was afraid of Voldemort. I guess it had to happen sooner or later – Draco's left them a long time ago." Both adults gazed through each other with sad eyes.
After quite some time, Dumbledore poured out two more cups of tea, and the conversation resumed. "He'd left a package?" Dumbledore felt Minerva's questioning eyes on him; he sighed and reached for a stack of papers on his desk: "Yes, Lucius has left a will; both he and Narcissa wanted everything to go to Draco."
Minerva's eyes widened slightly: "Draco? I thought they disowned him when he'd switched sides?" Dumbledore's usual twinkle was returning to his eyes: "Yes, I thought so too. However, Lucius pointed out that they'd never legally disowned him. Apparently, he'd told Voldemort about it quietly in order to keep the reporters out. It must have been important for Voldemort to maintain Lucius' reputation; he also never thought to inspect the legal work. Lucius mentioned that he's included a statement from himself and Narcissa about the situation with the will."
A small smile appeared on Minerva's face; it slowly grew as the Headmaster's explanation grew to a close. "Who would have thought that one of Voldemort's most loyal supporters has been successfully plotting behind his back for so many years." Both McGonagall and Dumbledore chuckled. "So Draco is, once again an incredibly wealthy man. He is already featured in practically every issue of Witch Weekly, imagine what will happen now!" Minerva chuckled again; Dumbledore wondered about the contents of Lucious' letters. "It is getting late Minerva. I think I'll retire to bed. We'll both have a difficult day tomorrow – you'll resume teaching and I will have to prove to Draco that Monday is the worst day of the week by telling him about his father." Minerva wished Albus a good night and left.
The Headmaster reached for Lucius' letters.
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Severus didn't know how long he and Draco had sat looking at the fire with empty glasses in their hands. He shifted in his seat; remaining immobile for long periods of time caused pains in his body. "Damn, I am getting old." Draco raised his silver eyes to Severus' face when he heard his comment: "You know, I think Hermione actually prefers older men – something about them being more interesting and intelligent." Severus scowled.
"I'd rather not discuss the girl anymore. Let's talk about something a little more interesting." Draco narrowed his eyes at Severus' suspiciously light tone. "What precisely do you have in mind Sev?"
Snape let his lips curve up at the corners. "You will never guess what I've confiscated from a significant number of the females in my classes – especially the older girls" Draco let his eyebrows raise slightly as he displayed his mild curiosity. Severus continued to smile: "Actually, I think it'd be better if I showed you."
Severus winced slightly as he got up, and Draco was allowed a little glimpse into his past. The Potions Master walked gracefully to his desk and opened one of the top drawers. Draco smirked; his eyes lit up happily with mirth. "The Witch Weekly, Sev. Surely you must be able to find some slightly more interesting reading material. You are, after all –"
He was cut off by the expression on his godfather's face. "Go ahead Draco, flip through it."
Draco extended his hand and obligingly began to flip through the copy. He paused on one page, and Severus laughed at his expression. "Merlin, how did they get a copy of this; I know I would not have posed for something so… so … but, I look so damn good! How many girls did you say have a copy?" Severus scoffed: "Probably every damned female in England. Even Granger had one." Draco laughed: "You know jealousy doesn't really suit you. Hermione wouldn't waist her affections on someone like me. Besides with her looks and brains, she could probably get any guy she could want."
Severus' expression hardened as he nodded his head in agreement. Draco cursed himself for his lack of tact: "Look, Sev. She may have anyone she wants, but I think she wants you." Snape turned his eyes to Draco and nodded: "You'd better go; classes resume tomorrow."
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Draco walked slowly through the halls of Hogwarts cursing himself for uttering the obvious in front of Severus. He felt sorry for his godfather and at the same time berated himself for the feeling; he knew Severus would not appreciate it.
He was just putting some finishing touches on his plan to get the two stubborn beings together when he noticed that he was walking right by Dumbledore's study. Deciding that the Headmaster was probably still up, Draco decided to apologize for his earlier behavior (I was here for only a short time, but somehow already managed to piss everyone off).
"Candy corn," the gargoyle jumped aside and Draco began to ascend the winding staircase. He could hear faint voices – one was Dumbledore's; the other also sounded familiar. The blonde man brought his hand up to knock at the door, but it seemed to open by itself.
Draco marveled at the novelty. He raised his eyes and groaned – he had come face to face with Potter. "Today is my lucky day," Harry blushed "Albus, why didn't you tell me that Potter usually visits you at this hour?"
Harry moved aside and watched Draco glide into the room. He couldn't look away, and conveniently remembered the picture from Witch Weekly. "He usually doesn't. Today was a special case." Harry blushed again hoping that Dumbledore would refrain from elaborating. He did not want Draco to even suspect the reason for his visit. Realizing that Albus had nothing more to say on the matter Harry relaxed and mentally reprimanded himself for doubting his long time friend and mentor.
Harry had come into Dumbledore's office as soon as he realized how much he still cared for Draco. He told the Headmaster about their conversation in the hallway and explained how Draco had misunderstood the situation with Dean. It was an accident – soon forgotten and disregarded. Harry's memories momentarily transported him back in time:
He was eagerly waiting for Draco outside of the Room of Requirements when he saw Dean passing through the hallway. He had wanted to tell him about the notes he'd made on their project – Snape paired them up to work on a potion… the next thing that Harry remembered was Dean's hands and mouth. Harry was too preoccupied with trying to push Dean away to have heard the shocked gasp and rapid retreating footsteps.
Draco's melodious laugh brought Harry out of his reverie. "I would never have posed for something like that!" he heard Draco proclaim and briefly wondered what the two men were discussing. "Harry was just telling me how tired he got from confiscating the publication from the students" Dumbledore murmured; his eyes becoming brighter and more mischievous. Harry didn't like being out of the loop and began blushing under Draco's inquisitive gaze.
"Just how many copies of the Witch Weekly did you confiscate, Potter?" Harry opened his mouth to reply, but Draco's question had just sunk in. Harry remembered Draco's picture from Witch Weekly's and turned scarlet; the worst, however, was not over. "Is it too much to hope that you had disposed of the magazines? I am afraid to even consider the alternatives" said Draco with a sneer. Harry was only able to mutter something unintelligible and retreat out of the Headmaster's office. He was pursued by Draco's soft chuckle.
Draco momentarily pondered Harry's reaction, but was really too afraid to explore it any further; he was yet unprepared to deal with the emotions his analysis might reveal. Dumbledore's extended hand brought him back to reality; he gratefully accepted the tea and a few Lemon Drops. The two men sipped in silence for a little while, and Draco began: "Albus, I was just returning to my chambers, but thought you were still awake. Unfortunately, I had no idea that Potter was your present company. I came up to apologize for my earlier behavior; I hope you will excuse my rudeness after considering the circumstances under which it was delivered." Draco watched the Headmaster from under politely lowered eyelashes.
Dumbledore chuckled. "I have known you for so many years, Draco. Just as long as I've know Harry – well, almost – yet, I am still perplexed by your demeanor. You seem to always be on guard in my presence, as if things had altered very little after all these years." Draco frowned, "Albus, sometimes I don't understand you". The Headmaster sighed, "Forgive me; sometimes I'm just a rambling old man. Think nothing of our earlier meeting. Am I right to assume that you have decided to stay at Hogwarts?"
Draco nodded his head: "It's a big school. I'm sure I'll be able to stay away from Potter most of the time"
Dumbledore nodded; his beard swaying back and forth against his slightly protruding stomach. "That's good… I haven't yet made it my business" Draco scowled; Dumbledore smiled.
"On the other hand, Severus has always been my business. You were not, by chance, coming from his chambers?" Draco grinned at the Headmaster's incessant meddling; he slowly nodded "As a matter of fact I was"
The glint retuned to Dumbledore's eyes: "How is Severus. He did not seem to be enjoying himself at dinner and left rather early?" Draco said nothing, letting a slow smile spread across his face. He knew only too well how annoying Dumbledore's involvement became to the distressed party. The Headmaster narrowed his eyes in recognition of a worthy opponent. Then he smiled also; his grin widening as much as Draco's had a minute earlier and made the blond feel not a little apprehensive.
"I was fascinated by Hermione's involvement with such a complicated potion and was a little surprised by Severus' disinterest." Draco leaned back in the chair and relaxed; he was sure Dumbledore had not yet figured out the situation. He shrugged his shoulders: "Perhaps something is occupying Sev's mind." Dumbledore nodded: "I'm sure something is; however, after many years of knowing him, I have realized that only interesting work will aid him in working things out. Don't you agree?" Draco nodded: "Absolutely"
The Headmaster's eyes grew brighter and brighter as Draco began to realize that there is absolutely nothing that can be concealed from Dumbledore. "I'm glad you agree, Draco, and I'm sure that you will agree with my decision", he went on to elaborate as Draco raised one elegant eyebrow in inquiry; "I have decided that Severus' vast knowledge in Potions will be immensely helpful to Hermione. I have not yet spoken to him about it, but I am sure he will agree to help the dear girl as soon as I inform him of the merits of her work". Draco's eyes grew round; he threw his head back and laughed openly: "He will not like that, Albus. I only wish I could be present when you will inform him"
Albus winked at the blond who had wished him a good night. Yet, as soon as the door to his study shut, Albus drew his eyebrows together in concern and he (once again) reached for Lucius' letter.
Albus,
I can only hope that I have successfully conveyed my apologies at our brief meeting. I feel that it will be wasteful to reiterate my feelings; it matters little what a dead man thinks.
If circumstances prevented us from spending too much time in each others companies, and I have neglected to clearly explain the significance of you assistance to Draco's situation, I will strive to unravel it for you in this letter. In case I have neglected to mention at our meeting, the attached papers include a letter to my son and the deed to all the Malfoy assets. I trust you to aid Draco in reclaiming his heritage.
I am sure I have explained the reasons for my decision to do this at our meeting and am assuming so as I craft the remainder of this letter.
I was always aware of my Veela heritage; however, it has only recently come to my attention that Narcissa had also inherited some Veela blood. I am unaware of how this will affect Draco, if at all, and am asking you to keep a close watch on him. I will have included all this information in my letter to him, but will also omit something crucially important. I have recently become privy to Voldemort's plans of action and force mobilization. He is planning a serious attack. Unfortunately, his suspicions of my disloyalty have prevented him from disclosing his target; I am assuming the grandeur of this attack simply because I have witnessed the mobilization of many of his fighting units – all sorts of vicious and unpleasant creature have been recently flocking to his side. I am afraid for Draco; if the Dark Lord were to gain information of my son's possible condition, he would undoubtedly use it to his best advantage (and your worst).
If my son begins to exhibit any of the Veela characteristics (I will refrain from listing them because I trust your expertise), keep an eye on those who he associates with. Veela are drawn to power; I just hope he finds a love, the power of which is strong enough to withhold him from the path of corruption. I have neglected to include Voldemort's interest in Veelas in Draco's letter, and am harboring strong hopes that another, whose powers are vast enough to challenge Voldemort's, will capture my son's affections. I hope that you will be able to help things along despite certain past situations.
You have my eternal gratitude,
Lucius Malfoy
Dumbledore's face relaxed as he concluded Lucius' letter. He sighed – the situation with Voldemort was serious and he would need to Severus and Minerva about it. The Headmaster stretched and yawned; he really was becoming old. The man fell asleep happily thinking about the fact that Draco's father was practically begging him to meddle in his son' love life. That, too, was a serious situation; he would need Hermione's expertise to help things along.
5
