Chapter Eight- A Letter from Dad

More than a week had gone by. Harry hadn't experienced any more twinges with his scar, which made him feel terribly better. For he thought his recent one had been a false alarm, or had it been?

November was a month for relaxing a bit. Classes were shortened, or even canceled due to weather issues. One day, during a study time in the Great Hall, the mail had arrived especially early. The owls began pouring in from open cracks in the walls and ceiling. A large, brown owl swooped over the Slytherin table, dropping a rather large envelope addressed to Draco. He examined the handwriting carefully and identified it as his fathers. He tore open the envelope and pulled out a thick bundle of parchment. He began reading.

Draco,

I'm hoping things are well at school, for now. I hear Snape has been missing classes. Yes, he's got his reasons, Draco. I also understand that Snape's young niece is in Slytherin. Boy, be careful you don't become too attached. There are some things pure-bloods can and can not do. I warn you of that now. If you have any kind of serious or possible relationship with this girl, break it off immediately.

Now, I have quite urgent information for you to follow closely. My Lord has returned for quite a strong favor. And boy, you're the leader of this operation, and we need your help to succeed. Harry Potter has not only been bothering you for these past few years, but has also disturbed the Dark Lord for the past 15 years. Draco, listen carefully. If you do not succeed in this task, the Dark Lord will not be pleased, not only with me, but with you.

The Dark Lord is hoping to finish Harry Potter off this year. He's fully capable of doing it, too, Draco. Only this time, your professors will have no account of what is going on. There will be no Mad-Eye Moody to protect the famous Harry Potter this year. Son, I've enclosed a very important spell that I want you to get comfortable with. For you may need it, not only for Potter, but for his friends. I know you've heard of it already, but this time, it's up to you. Draco, you need to kill Harry Potter. You need to kill him by the end of the second term. "Avada Kedavra" is the spell to use. Do not mess this up Draco. If you excel in this, perhaps we can find you an immediate spot among us.

That is akk fow now. I expect an owl in no more than three days.

Stay well,

Father Malfoy

Draco looked up from the letter and stared blankly into space. Kim noticed this and waved a hand in front of Draco's emotionless face. He didn't budge.

"Draco? Is everything alright?" she asked.

Malfoy finally blinked and looked at Kim. He scrunched his eyebrows then looked away.

"I-I need to get going. I'll be in the common room," he said. And with that, Draco had left the Slytherin table, alone.

'I have to kill Harry Potter? An immediate spot as a Death Eater?' Draco thought. He reached the Slytherin portrait.

"What's the damn password?" the occupant of the painting asked demandingly.

"Imperius," Draco snotted back.

Draco paced back and forth in the common room. A crackling noise from the fire was the only hint of sound being made.

"How could he spring this on me at this moment? The one time I finally feel I've got the right partner, and he says I need to break it off with her! And worse, I have to kill Harry Potter by the end of second term!" Draco splurged out loud.

And with that, he heard a quick gasped near the stairs. Kim had entered the common room undetected. She not only heard everything, but she also seemed a bit intrigued.