Hey folks...........i have news............just incase you were wondering when the action is going to take place ...well...........dun dun duuuuuunnnnnnnnn..........it will happen in the next 3 chapters I can assure you. Ok here is chapter 10........and I like this one so I hope you do too......thanks for the reviews folks......take care now..........biixxxx

Pansy dragged Draco down the corridor to the main stair well. She then led him down several sets of staircases until they reached the dungeons. There, she let go of his arm and he flopped down on the empty sofa. Pansy, feeling the tension in the air, decided it was best to leave him alone to cool off; now that his jaw was fixed, he was bound to have a good many curses ready to shout at any one who pissed him off. She went to the table, where Tanya and Blaise sat doing their homework.

"How's he doing?" Blaise looked up from his work when pansy took up the place next to him.

"Not good. I think its best if we just leave him for a while. Just until he cools off a bit."

"Yeah" Tanya and Blaise said in unison.

A few hours later, Pansy, Tanya and Blaise decided that they were feeling a bit peckish, and as dinner had finished a while ago, they were going to go down to the kitchens to get some food from the house elves.

"Do you want anything Draco?" Pansy asked, as she knelt down on the floor next to Draco, who was sprawled out on the couch, staring dazedly into the fire place.

"No" Was all he said. Pansy sighed and got to her feet; she watched Draco with a slight tear in here eye. It was killing her to see one of her closest friends looking as down as he did right now.

Once the 3 Slytherins were in the corridor, Blaise asked:

"What do you think is wrong with him. I've NEVER seen him this down before."

"I dunno. I mean we always play pranks on the Gryffindors......granted this one was a little worse than some of the others, but I've never seen him like this before"

"We shouldn't have played that prank.....or atleast we should have found out what those potions were capable of BEFORE we played it..."

"Yeah" Tanya and Pansy sighed.

They walked in silence for a bit longer before Pansy spoke again.

"You know.......i think there is more going on with Draco than we know. He's been acting different of late. Like theres something he's not telling us"

"Like what?" Tanya quirried.

"I dunno........do you think we should ask him?"

"Maybe.......but we don't want to get on the wrong side of him. Not right now anyway. Give it a day or two and then we can...casual drop it into the conversation some how."

"Yeah" Pansy smiled. She felt better now that she was going to try and get the truth out of Draco. She wanted to help him.

Back in the Common room, Draco had yet to emerge from the sofa. Several people had inconspicuously drifted past, trying to catch a glimpse of the famous Draco Malfoy experiencing a break down. He would just sneer at them and they hurried off in fear. He was NOT in the mood to see any one. When it was starting to get late, and the common room was near empty, Draco decided he had better leave the comfort of the sofa, and go up to his dorm, and try and catch some shut eye. However, before he even put one foot on the bottom step, he was stopped by a voice.

"Mr Malfoy....come back here." ]

He didn't need to turn around to find out who it was.

"Not now Snape" He began to ascend the stairs again but was stopped by a hand on his arm.

"I think we had better talk Mr Malfoy."

Draco sighed heavily and was led to the sofa. He took up the entire thing as he flopped down on it again. Snape sat in the empty chair and began to talk.

"I think you know why I am here."It wasn't a question, though Draco felt the need to answer.

"Look......if you've come here to give me a detention just do it so I can go to bed.....Coz I tell you it has been one hell of a day!"

"Oh on the contrary Draco. I think it has been rather an interesting day"

Draco, who hadn't looked at his professor the entire time he'd been here, finally raised his eyes to meet his face.

"Oh...how so?"

"Well....you managed to damage those meddlesome Gryffindors in a way in which I thought I'd never see in my entire life at Hogwarts, and I got a letter from your father today. You didn't tell me it was your birthday."

"Yeah well...I was rather preoccupied with other things."

"Yes....well....be that as it may.....he told me that now you're 18, you will be receiving the dark mark."

"Oh joy!" Draco drawled with sarcasm.

"What...I thought that was what you wanted?"

"Yeah it WAS!"

"But.....not anymore"

"Righto Sev!"

"Wait...I don't understand........this time last year you couldn't WAIT to be initiated." Snape asked confused.

"Yes....and this time last year....i was an extremely vulnerable young boy who didn't mind following his fathers views like some lap dog with no mind of his own"

"Oh...."

"And..." Draco sat up and faced the Potions master straight on. "...this time last year......I was quite happy to see innocent people get brutally murdered at the hands of Voldemort and the Death eaters.....i was quite happy to throw rude remarks at Potter and his friends...because I thought it was fun...this time last year I didn't know what it felt like to feel GUILT....but now........now......I don't know what I feel any more. I don't know what kind of life altering change I'm going through.......just a few weeks ago I was saving Ginny Weasley from receiving the Dementers kiss......but I know one thing for sure.....i do NOT......under any circumstances....want to end up like my Death Eater father......and I'll bloody well make sure I don't......even if it means I have to join the light side." Draco was now on his feet, towering over Snape, who was smirking.

"Well well Mr Malfoy...I think you have finally come to your senses."

Draco laughed and sat down. "Ha yeah.....took me long enough"

"Look, why don't we go and tell Dumbled-"

"NO!"

"Sorry?"

"Don't. You. DARE say anything to that old coot."

"Why on earth not?"

"Because I don't want anyone to find out about this!"

"But you have to tell someone Draco..."

"NO! If my father found out about this he would have me killed even before I have the chance to explain my point of view. I can see him now... ' How dare you embarrass me...the family name....you rotten traitor'" He mimicked his dads voice.

"So what now huh." Snape snapped. "What happens when its time for your initiation. You gonna lock your self up in you bedroom and pray to god he doesn't find you? You have to tell him Draco!"

"I KNOW!" Draco fumed. He sighed heavily and buried his face in his hands "But its not as easy as that." He began to shake. Snape stood up and took the empty space next to Draco, and began to rub his back soothingly.

"Look Draco....I know this is hard...but it has to be done....and Dumbledore is there to help you....no matter what any one else says......and look how much he has done for Potter in the past."

"I know" Draco voice was muffled by his hands. He straightened up in his seat "I don't want to sound like a wimp.....but......will you come with me....to tell him I mean...?"

"Of course....I was gonna come with you any way...weather you like it or not"

Draco laughed. "Thanks"

"Any time." Snape stood up and began to walk to the door, not before saying: "Oh...and the reason I came here to see you is because I have to give you detention.....its with Filch...tomorrow night...I don't know what for but he requested you personally"

"Goody" Draco said sarcastically.

Snape laughed "Well....night Draco.."

"Night sir" And he was gone.

Draco felt much better for getting so much off his chest. He felt ready for bed as he walked towards the staircase. Again, he didn't get as far as the first step before he heard voices behind him.

"Stupid Crease ball!" Blaise fumed.

Draco laughed slightly and turned around. Pansy, Tanya and Blaise looked furious.

"Alright guys?" He smirked.

"Yeah....never better" Tanya smirked right back.

"Just PEACHY!" Pansy snapped.

"What happened?" Draco asked.... a little disinterested as he knew he had a nice warm comfy bed just calling to him....but why not humour them?

"Oh...we only met Snivelus on the way back here. He gave us detention for that little prank we played...and then he had the nerve to give us ANOTHER detention for being out of bed after curfew."

"The twat" Pansy huffed.

Draco tried not to howl with laughter. "Well don't worry; I have detention too......with FILCH no less."

"Aww I feel for ya man" Blaise said as he neared Draco on the stairs. "So...shall we....?" He gestured to Draco to lead the way up to bed.

"I hope you're not suggesting we sleep together Blaise....coz I tell you you're just not my type...." He joked.

"Oh Drake...and here I was thinking I could just lure you into my bed and make wild passionate love to you and then fall asleep in your arms...damn me and my foolish imagination...its just run away with me again..." the two boys laughed and went up to bed, leaving Pansy and Tanya....disgusted with their little show.

Up in the dorm....a few snores could be heard coming from Crabbe and Goyle, as Draco and Blaise changed for bed. Draco took off his robes, and replaced them with some clean while boxers, and a pale blue T-shirt.

"Liking the muggle clothing Drake..." Blaise mocked. He himself was also wearing a muggle T-shit that read.... "Common slut...and proud" But then again...he wasn't THE great Draco Malfoy...hater of all things muggle.

"Shut up you shit" Draco smirked as he threw a pillow as Blaise's head. He and Draco crawled into bed, and turned off all the lights.

They lay in silence for a few moments...Draco was just dozing off..when Blaise spoke into the darkness....

"Draco....is everything...ok?"

Draco sat up in bed. He could just make out Blaise doing the same thing in his own bed next to his. "Yeah....ofcourse it is....what makes you say that?" H e was glad Blaise couldn't see him frowning.

"Well...its just.....you've been a bit..odd lately...and the girls and I were worried about you......we weren't going to say anything for a while....but seeing you just now...you seemed to have cheered up a bit...I just thought that maybe I should give it a shot."

'Hmmm.... So they've noticed....' Draco thought to himself.

"No...I'm cool"

"You sure?"

"Yes dammit....now go to sleep before I beat the shit out of you!" He joked.

Blaise laughed. "Ha...ok...night Draco....oh and....happy birthday...."

The next morning Draco was woken by Pansy, who threw the curtains open and let light flood into the room.

All four boys moaned and pulled the covers right up over their heads.

"Too early .......go away Pans!" Blaise yelled.

"No! Not before I give Draco this."

Draco took the covers off his head, and squinted as his eyes adjusted to the light. He saw Pansy holding a package.

"What is it?" He asked, in a sexy, sleepy voice.

"I dunno....it came this morning....it looks like its from your parents..." She handed Draco the parcel and he noticed a letter attached to it. Sure enough, it had the famous Malfoy cress on it. He opened it and recognised his father's elegant hand.

It read:

Dear Son,

I hope you had a good birthday. 18 now. Your mother and I are so proud. We both look forward to having you home for the initiation ceremony. I am making plans with Voldemort so it shouldn't be too long, I know how excited you are about becoming one of us – Draco snorted- I apologise for this parcel coming after you birthday, but I couldn't send it on the day as I had planned due to difficulties surrounding your present. However, I hope it will be greatly received. You mother ways dead keen on me giving it to you. She only wishes she could be there to see you open it. Sky misses you. She can't wait to have you home. She keeps asking after here big brother. Your mother sends her love, and we all look forward to having you home. Take care son, and I hope you like the present.

Lucius Malfoy.

Draco smiled. It was nice to hear from his family. He missed his baby sister a lot. She was only 5 and he was away from her the majority of the time.

He turned to the parcel that was wrapped in brown paper. He opened it and out of the paper, rolled royal blue velvet box. It was about the size of his fist, and rather heavy. He lifted the lid to the velvet box and gasped at what he saw inside.

Inside, was a silver ring. It was very simple, just a normal band. But in the middle, was a very small blue diamond. He placed the ring on his right ring finger.

Pansy gasped. "Oh Draco.......its beautiful"

Draco noticed that there was a small note inside the box which he hadn't seen before when he opened it. He picked it up and it read:

My Dear Draco,

I hope you are enjoying your birthday. I wish I were there to celebrate it with you. As it is your father has busyness and I cant leave Sky alone for more that 5 minutes.- Draco laughed at the though of his sister causing havoc- Any way, I hope you like the ring....it belonged to my mother, and hers before that. I wanted to give it to you on your 18th, and I hope you treasure it as I did when it was given to me. Always remember that I love you very much, my precious son, and I look forward to having you home. Take my love with you always. Forever yours,

Narcissa Malfoy.

Draco felt a tear well up in his eye, but he regained his composure and looked up towards his friends, whom were all smiling at him, as well as marvelling at the ring on his finger. He looked at it aswell. It truly was the most beautiful ring he had ever seen in his life before. He never knew his mother possessed such a fine heirloom. If his birthday was crap yesterday, this certainly made up for it.

"Well aren't you one lucky bugger" Blaise finally broke the silence. "I wish my parents would buy me something like that for MY birthday" Everyone laughed.

"Well, shall we go get some breakfast....now that we are all awake." Draco voiced as she jumped out of bed.

"Yup...I think that sound like a plan to me" Blaise said. He took hold of Tanya's hand and led her to the shower block. Draco laughed. He then felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned to see the smiling face of Pansy.

"You know....it really brings out your eyes." She gestured to the ring. Then....she fled the room, to go and get ready for breakfast.