Chapter 6
Home again

''Mr Malfoy, the minister is here.''

Draco snaps awake and curses... Damn potion... makes him jumpy every time he uses it. He sits up and rubs his face to get the blood back in it before turning to stare at the woman in front of him. She seems young... Maybe 20 years old but definitely no older than that. He smirks as he looks her up and down, making her shift beneath his gaze. He throws the blanket off of him, revealing his black silk boxers, and smirks as the young woman turns and steps out of the room with a deep blush on her cheeks. He pulls a pair of loose black trousers and a silver colored silk button up shirt out of his wardrobe and slips them on, tucking in his shirt and leaving half of the top buttons open. He rolls up the cuffs of his shirt to just below his elbow and scrutinizes his image in his full length mirror. He waves his wand at his hair and runs his hand through it, slicking it back. He would want to make a good impression for the minister... He smirks at himself and strides from the room, grabbing his cloak off the hanger as he exits.

''Ah Minister. How lovely to see you here sir. Is there something I can do for you?'' Draco croons, striding into the sitting room, trying to sound as cool and dangerous as possible, hoping to live up to his father's powerful image. Cornelius Fudge stands from where he had been sitting on the small sofa and walks over to shake Draco's hand. Draco notices that he is at least 6 inches taller than the minister. He looks the man up and down. ''Just a question: How tall are you Minister?'' Draco asks, furrowing his brow curiously. Fudge looks slightly thrown off by the odd question and fidgets with his little black bowler hat.

''Um... 5'9'' why do you ask?'' He replies, joining Draco as he moves to the couch and sits down. Hmm ...7 inches taller than him then.

''Just wondering how much shorter you are than me... So, You wanted to speak to me?'' Draco says, leaning back against the armrest of the couch and crossing his ankles comfortably. The minister sits ramrod strait and fidgets some more.

''Yes Mr Malfoy ...Its about what has been happening for the last week or so.'' He says nervously. Draco nods.

''I assume you want my story then?'' Draco offers causing the minister to positively tremble under the empty look from Draco. The minister had obviously figured that Draco is just as sinister as Malfoy senior... despite the fact that they had never met before. In a way Draco is proud of himself but also he is disgusted that someone might think he was like his father.

''Yes, that would be most helpful I believe... but I'm afraid that we would need some assurance... that is... that you are...'' Draco's stills icily and the minister trails off at the look on Draco's face. After a moment of silence, Draco lightens his expression and speaks again.

''Of course. You would like me to take a bit of Veritaserum correct?'' He says lightly. The minister stays silent. ''Of course I will consent. I have nothing to hide. Despite popular beliefs, I am not my father.'' He agrees, unable to help his barb at the minister's assumption. Fudge allows himself a small smile before nodding and calling one of the many Aurors forward. The young woman that had awoken Draco steps forward and holds a small bottle out to the minister. Fudge takes it with a shaking hand and hands it to Draco, who promptly takes a swig. Fudge reaches forward and catches the bottle before it falls and Draco's eyes slide out of focus. Fudge clears his throat and pulls out a charmed quill. He sets the quill to a piece of paper and looks at Draco, folding his hands primly in his lap.

''Mr Malfoy, will you please state your full name for our records please?'' the minister begins, trying to sound official and confident.

''Draco Laurent Octavian Lucius Severus Alexander Thomas Malfoy.'' Draco replies, receiving a startled look from the minister. Fudge clears his throat and continues.

''Right. Thank you Mr Malfoy. Now, do you know what happened here in Malfoy Manor on the night of August 6 th or 7 th?'' The minister asks, watching the enchanted quill scratch across the parchment.

''I only know what I've been told: that my mother was tortured and eventually killed by the Avada Kadavra curse, and that my father is the prime suspect.'' Fudge sighs and nods.

''Very well. Were you at the Manor for this happening?''

''No.''

''Where were you then?'' The Fudge asks, readjusting his position.

''I was at the Weasley home, being tended for the wounds inflicted upon me by my father.'' Draco says in the same monotone voice. Fudge's eyes widen at this information, having not been there when Draco had arrived home.

''And why did your father inflict these wounds on you?'' He asks. Draco's unfocused eyes grow hard and he scowls.

''Because I refused to become a death eater and serve under that half-blood freak Voldemort along side him.''

''Along side whom?'' Fudge asks.

''My father...'' The two aurors glance at each other with dark looks and turn back to the questioning.

''Draco, what happened to you the day your father tortured you?'' The minister asks solemnly. Draco proceeds to explain the various details of that morning and the torture his father had put him through... all the way up to the point that he passed out near the Burrow. When he finishes, another voice pipes up from the group of Aurors:

''How did you escape from your father!'' they ask... Even in his disorientation Draco smirks dangerously.

''I dragged my cloak over and brought up to my hands with my feet. Then I fished a small vile of acid from my pocket and used it to burn free of the ropes... Still have the mark too.'' Fudge jumps slightly, not having head part of the conversation.

''Mark? What mark?'' He asks.

''The one from the acid dripping onto my skin.'' Draco holds out his arms and everyone is able to see the acid marks... Tho, just to be safe, Fudge pushes Draco's sleeve up a bit on his left arm, relieved to find it creamy white and free of Lord Voldemort's tattoo. Fudge shakily reaches out and pours the antidote into Draco's slack mouth. He waits while Draco's eyes focus again and smiles queasily at him.

''Thank you Draco. I will leave your lovely home to you in peace now. You have told me all I need to know for the moment. I hope to see you in the office tomorrow. It isn't quite the same without you there and we only have a month left to have you before you return to Hogwarts.'' Fudge says with forced cheeriness. Draco nods sleepily, still groggy from the truth potion.

''Of course minister. I'll try to be there... Now that my father is in prison, I have quite a few things to take care of.'' Draco says. Fudge nods.

''Of course. With the testimony you have given, Lucius will probably be sent to Azkaban for life at the least... He may even receive The Kiss.'' Fudge says heavily. ''If either of those happen, you will be in charge of Malfoy manor and all your father's assets.'' Fudge and his Aurors turn towards the door to leave but Fudge pauses. ''Oh, and Mr Malfoy ...If you happen to come along any other information that may be useful to us, Please... don't hesitate to contact me.'' He offers. Draco nods and the Minister bows as he and the Aurors disapperate with a thundering pop . Draco stands from his chair and walks out of the room, heading down to the kitchens for a late breakfast. He sits at the little nook table in the corner of the kitchen and pulls the Daily Prophet over to him. Despite the absence of his mother and thanks to the absence of his father... It was nice being home...


It had been two and a half weeks since Draco Malfoy had left the Burrow and life seemed to be going alright for everyone. Except maybe Ginny. Without Malfoy to take care of she seems quite alone and had withdrawn slightly from her family.

Ginny watches from her third floor window as the moon rises over the orchard. She misses having someone there to sit with. She sits at her desk staring down at the piece of parchment in front of her.

Draco had sent her a letter... It was simple, thanking her for ordering his supplies and sending them to him after he had left... He had spoken of what he had been doing since he had left and how he was dealing with being the master of an empty manor. But the last part of his letter had been confusing...


... I am not sure why I am writing this to you. I may not even send it. I mean, why would you care what happens to me here? I don't know, I suppose that is why I decided to write this in the first place. What did make you care? What made you stick by me, even when I was rude and arrogant to you and your whole family? ...You know, Its ridicules but I almost miss you Weaselette. Its to quiet here. I miss your insane prattling... Anyway, I don't expect you to respond but I hope this letter finds you well.

Yours respectfully,

Draco Malfoy


Ginny reads the letter again before shuffling through her desk and pulling out a piece of parchment and a quill. She pauses and sets the quill down again, walking back to the window. She isn't quite sure how she would respond, even if she did she doesn't know why she would send it. Up until this summer, The Malfoys and the Weasleys had always been enemies, always fighting with each other and demeaning each other... Ginny just cant quiet wrap her mind around the enigma that is Draco Malfoy. He had been almost... well, real while he was staying at the Burrow. He had said very little about their circumstances while staying there, only passing taunts thrown at her as a little tease. Her brothers and her had said worse things to each other than he had said while staying there. Ginny shakes her head and crawls into bed.


Draco sits at his desk in the massive library of Malfoy Manor, surrounded by letters. He buries his hands in his thick silvery hair and stares down at the paper in front of him. He had been reading them all day. Letters from people sending their condolences about his mother and a few howlers from certain people who believed Draco should have said nothing about Lucius's private life to the minister... There had been an article in the Daily Prophet the day after his meeting with Fudge talking about Lucius's roll at Voldemort's side and several of Lucius's friends had not been very happy about it. Draco reaches into his robes and pulls out a worn, folded piece of parchment from his pocket. Something he had read at least a thousand times since receiving it in the owl post. He opens it and reads it again.


Dear Draco,

I got your letter! Your owl is beautiful, but she nearly snapped pig in half when he was flitting about her head. I'm glad to hear you are feeling alright again! I was worried about you after you left, your ribs still had at least a week to go.

Those howlers sound dreadful! Maybe you should talk to Professor Snape about them? He might know what to do and you and him seem to be pretty close. You have to send me one of your pictures! Its the least you could do after I went through all that trouble sending your charcoals to you. (She had inserted a tiny drawing that looks like a little face sticking its tongue out at him here and charmed it to be animated. Draco couldn't help but smile.)

Just kidding. You don't have to if you don't want to but I would love to have a picture. I truly love your work. As for your last few questions, I suppose the reason I looked after you is because no one else could see past their prejudice to be able to take care of you properly. At least at first that was it. After a while tho, when you actually started acting human, I sorta wanted to take care of you. It was nice to sit with you and talk... I mean, I haven't been able to talk like that with anyone since Percy left...

Well, I guess I'll see you around school then.

Sincerely,

Ginevra Weasley aka. Little Kitten.


Draco finishes the letter and sets it on the desk in front of him. She had a point, of course, Serverus would know what to do... but Draco had been avoiding everyone since the week after his mother's funeral. It had been closed casket and so had been very impersonal...

The funeral hadn't really been the problem though. It had been the letters that really made him realize the finality of his mother's death. So many letters expressing their condolences, so many people who knew nothing about her but pretended to be her best friend. Draco had sat in utter silence for nearly a week after the first few letters, refusing to move, refusing to eat, refusing to bath even. The only movement that he had made was to use the lavatory.

Yes... Serverus would know what to do. Draco digs out another piece of parchment and writes a very short letter.


Serverus,

I need advice. Would you be able to join me as soon as you receive this? No need to respond, just show up. I will alert the guards to your arrival. Please Sev, I need a good kick in the arse right now.

Your student,

Draco Malfoy


Draco unlatches the window and whistles for his beautiful dark gray eagle owl. He coos to her as she lands on his out stretched arm and he ties the letter securely to her leg. She nips his finger affectionately.

''Take this to Serverus for me girl, please make it fast.'' He says tossing her into the air and watching as she flies gracefully out into the crisp night air. Draco breathes the sweet air of the full moon night for a moment before shutting the window again and retreating to his room, taking Ginny's letter with him.


''Master Draco! Potion Master Snape is here sir. What is you wanting Tippy to tells him sir?'' Draco opens his eyes and rolls over onto his back.

''Just bring him in here Tippy. I'm sure he wont mind.'' Draco stretches his arms back behind is head. ''Oh and please send two breakfasts up for me and the Professor.'' He adds, dismissing the house elf with a wave of his hand.

''Yes sir!'' The little elf acknowledges, disappearing with a snap of her fingers and appearing again only moments later, leading Serverus Snape into the room and bowing herself out again. Draco sits up in his bed.

''Morning Serverus. I'm happy to see you got my letter.'' He says lightly. The potions master nods lightly.

''Yes well, I've been worried about you Draco. How could I refuse to visit someone who has been shutting himself off from everyone for the last two weeks? I'm honored.'' He says with a hint of sarcasm to hide his concern. Draco still hears it though.

''And you have every right to be concerned... I've been receiving some rather annoying attention from a few of dear old Dad's best mates.'' He says, stretching his arms up over his head. Severus raises an eyebrow.

''Is that so? Do tell.'' He suggests. Draco grins.

''All in good time. Please have a seat, one of the house elves will be up in a moment with breakfast for us, we'll speak then. Right now I need to get dressed.'' He assures crawling out of bed and striding into his dressing room as Serverus sits at the little breakfast table to wait for Draco. A few moments later, Draco strides back into the room wearing a skin tight, black t-shirt, and black slacks. He flops into the seat across from his Potions teacher.

''So, Draco. What sort of 'attention' have you been receiving exactly?'' Severus prompts, leaning back comfortably in his seat. Draco shrugs.

''Howlers mainly. People who don't think I should have said things about Dad, people who think I should have acted more like Dad... You name it I've gotten it. Most of the howlers came from Death eaters and I have no clue how to respond to them.'' He confesses. Severus frowns.

''Then don't. They have no right over you since you haven't taken the mark and the wards around the Manor can be changed and reinforced to protect the manor from unwanted visitors. You should ask Professor Dumbledore to help you with them, he may be able to set some up that are similar to the ones on Hogwarts. The house will be empty without you or your mother here. Lucius is in Azkaban and you will be in school. The headmaster and I were speaking the other day about your predicament and he told me that all you would have to do is ask and he would gladly help.'' Severus replies. Draco thinks for a moment, allowing enough time for Tippy to bring breakfast for them and leave again. Draco absentmindedly sips his coffee and stares off into space.

She wasn't like them you know. She hated them all. It was his fault that she was so cold all the time.'' Draco says quietly. Serverus sits forward in his chair, anticipating Draco's reaction. He knows that Malfoys rarely show emotion but when they do it is rather intense and often dangerous.

''I know that Draco. I wish we could have helped her.'' Severus replies carefully.

''It was my fault. I should have stayed. I should have put up with my father and protected her. It was my place, no one else's.'' Draco scowls into his cup and sets it down on the tray again. He stands and begins pacing furiously across the carpet. ''So Dumbledore said he would help me?'' Severus nods. ''What sort of wards would he put on the house? Could we be sure that no one could get in but who I wanted? I don't want our dear old friend Voldemort taking over while I'm at school. This is my home and I will not have it fall to that scum. I have more pride about my home than my father at least. I want the house completely shut down when I'm away so that the only persons who can get in is me or someone who I let in.'' Draco demands determinedly.

''I'm sure we will be able to take care of everything. Perhaps we should call the headmaster over. I'm sure he is busy but we need this done before school starts.'' Severus replies calmly.

''That only leaves us 5 days... can we have it done in time?'' Draco asks nervously. Severus nods.

''I trust Albus will be waiting and ready to help.'' He says, almost sarcastically. Draco nods.

''Then lets get it done.''