Appearances Can Be Deceiving
Chapter 2: Prophecy and Potions
DISCLAIMER: I own Toni, but that's about it.
A/N - it's a really short chapter that's basically all about Draco - sorry bout that – but the whole story's already written so it won't be long between updates.
When lunchtime came Draco, anticipating an empty dormitory, went straight back to the Slytherin dungeon rather than the Great Hall with everyone else. Crabbe and Goyle seemed reluctant to leave him until he'd reminded them that it was lunchtime and there would be food in the Great Hall. Idiots.
Sitting on his bed with the hangings drawn, Draco finally removed the wrapping from the package he had received earlier that morning.
Gently he opened the polished wooden box and lifted out five large potion bottles, each one full to them brim. He then took out an orb filled with swirling milky clouds along with a letter written in his fathers handwriting:
Draco:
The potion contained has been brewed using
Basilisk venom. This extra ingredient has strengthened
it so that it only needs to be taken once a week I have
enclosed two extra bottles should anything unexpected occur.
Remember that you only have one chance to hear the
prophecy, so do not waste it. I have had the finest
wizards researching this matter, and the potion
needed is the inamorata potency potion, but only she
can properly brew it. YOU MUST SEDUCE HER. In
order for this to work; she must love you.
Father
Draco re-read the letter, trying to ignore the cold, detached tone. Almost unconsciously, he gripped the fragile orb in his fist so hard it shattered. He released the pieces and watched the blood drip from cuts on his hand caused by the broken glass. A young silver maiden rose from the pile of glass on the floor, lighting up the room eerily. She began to speak in soft, serene tones:
PURE BLOOD FLOWS THROUGH THE VEINS OF THE SERPENT'S HEIR, THE ENEMY OF HE WHO PREVAILED. AID WILL COME WITH THE MISGUIDED MUGGLE-BORN, LOVER OF ONE WHO TAKES THE FORM OF ANOTHER. UNUS POTEST LIBERA ESSE VERUM VIRES DORMIENS DRACO.
The spectre faded, leaving the room darker. Repeating the prophecy over to himself, Draco mused over the meaning of it. He who prevailed was, of course, the Great Harry Potter. He knew that he, himself, was the serpent's last heir – nothing as strong as Lord Voldemort's bond to Salazar – Draco was the second cousin of a disowned daughters son, or something stupid like that. Nevertheless, Slytherin's blood was in his veins. That bit was easy.
But the "misguided muggle-born". Surely his father must have gotten it wrong (although Draco would never presume to say that to him). A muggle born? Thinking hard he translated the Latin – as much as possible – "only she can release the true power of the dormant dragon"? How was a Mudblood worthy to bring forth his power?
He stared unseeingly at the potion bottles lying in front of him on the bedspread in front of him as he formulated his plans. But still there were questions. How was he going to execute this scheme? How was he supposed to keep Potter out of the way but still be able to use the potions which lay before him?
He felt nauseous at the thought of drinking any potion with a piece of Potter in it, and felt even worse thinking about how he would have to spend three weeks pretending to be Perfect Potter; having to be nice to everybody.
There was no doubt about it – this was going to be one crappy Christmas break. Especially if he had to seduce Granger. The bell signalling the beginning of lessons rang, Draco hurriedly placed the potion bottles back in the box, along with the shards of glass and his fathers letter, all the while thinking hard.
Deep in his own thoughts, he didn't notice Toni until he walked into her in the common room.
"Watch it, Draco." She said to him contemptuously. That was the thing about Toni, she just said what she was thinking. And she didn't tiptoe around him like everybody else did, because of who his father was and because of the rumours of Draco's link to the Dark Lord. Of course, no-one but the Malfoy's themselves knew for sure about their relation to Voldemort, but the speed at which Lucius had become one of his inner circle had fuelled rumours of their bond.
"Draco?" Toni said impatiently, as he just pushed past her without bothering to help her pick up the books he'd knocked out of her hands. "Get your butt back here and help me pick this crap up. Or do you want me to curse you again?"
He stopped, a frown on his handsome face. "Shut up, Toni." he replied, "I've got stuff on my mind you know."
She made an indignant noise and bent down to pick up her books, giving Draco a clear view down her blouse. No, Toni wasn't afraid of him. Maybe he could keep her when he ruled. She wouldn't be very happy that it wasn't her taking over the world, but she'd get over it, he was sure.
Toni stood up and looked coldly at him.
"Why'd you have to stand up?" Draco leered at her, "I was enjoying the view."
"I bet you were," she replied, "but don't forget; been there, done that, wasn't too impressed"
And with that she stalked off, leaving an amused Draco in her wake.
I am definitely keeping her when i take over, he thought, watching her backside as she walked across the room.
Thinking of what he would do when he ruled made him think about the not-so-pleasant subject of what he had to do in order to rule. Walking along the corridor, he thought to himself, I hate Polyjuice potion.
A/N - thanks to Penguin of Death for helping me out with the prophecy - if the Latin's wrong shout at her, not me (not that I think the Latin's wrong hun, I'm just covering my ass).