TITLE: Dangerous Liaison
AUTHOR NAME: Marlena R. Snape
CATEGORY: Angst
SUB-CATEGORY: Suspense
RATING: PG-13 to R. There's some swearing, some trickery, some sexual content.
DISTRIBUTION: Ask and you might receive.
GENRE: Harry Potter AU - Alternate Universe.
CAST: Lena Snape (OC), Draco Malfoy, Oliver Wood, Lucius Malfoy, Severus Snape, Krystal Wood-Snape (OC), Sirius Black, Narcissa Black-Malfoy, Mia Carmola-Black (OC), Angel Raye (Malfoy) (OC), Dravin Black (OC), to name a few for now.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, except for Lena Snape and credit to Krystal Wood-Snape and Dravin Black. Everything in this story is fiction, and I'm keeping this as true to the work as J.K Rowling, as physically possible, while creating my own scenario, inside of the Slytherin house, and lifestyle. Hopefully, my initial story will come out as good as my idea… haha. Just to state, this has little to do with the actual events in the stories, though - you'll notice some authentic quotes.

Note: In this, I'm going to do whatever it takes to make Draco AND Lena respectively, two of the biggest antagonists you've ever seen. Let's see if I succeed. Also, aside from the obvious, this has nothing to do with "Heir Of Snape". So don't assume things because you've read "H.o.S" to the point it went.

Chapter Six: The Unsuspected Pt. 1
Year Three At Hogwarts

All holiday, something had been eating at Draco. Something he couldn't explain. Something he couldn't place. For some particular reason he was much more bitter than he usually was. But now, it was for no point. No purpose. Maybe it had to do with the fact he was used to having a moment during the summer to harass shamelessly, his cousin Dravin. Every year, the Malfoy's had a meeting of their family members. Average people might call it a reunion, but not the Malfoy's. They weren't exactly 'average' by any extent of definition.

Dravin was always there, never with his mother though. As Mia Carmola-Black wasn't permitted on the grounds. Hell, Dravin wasn't even allowed there for the most part because of how Draco and he got along. But Narcissa insisted, since she had heard of some changes her cousin was taking toward 'the better'. Better in her eyes, worse in others. Instead of Dravin showing up, his owl Talon was there with a note for Narcissa and the entire Malfoy's as a whole. To, in so few words, explain his absence.

Narcissa,
So sorry I couldn't be there. Unfortunately, the meeting coincided with a party I was previously invited to. (Leaving from school I was invited, so it's a long-term engagement) I would SO love to be there, but you know, I just couldn't miss a Lena Wood fiesta.
Do tell me how the mad-house hoo-ha went.
-D. Black

Narcissa didn't seem to notice the sarcasm that dripped from most comments in the letter, but Draco did. He knew. He could just HEARD Dravin's voice in his head, each sentence saturated with his bitter sarcasm and hatred toward the 'superiority' of the Malfoy's. Who was Dravin to say an- …wait one second.
Draco un-crumpled the parchment that was in his hand. He had wanted to dispose of it, but something finally registered in his head.

"Lena Wood…?"

The name was familiar. He could have SWORE he heard it some --- Professor Snape's Diagon Alley accompanier! Dravin was with HER? Talk about way to make your BLOOD BOIL! Draco was irate, as he stormed to his bedroom and pulled out a sheet of parchment from his desk drawer. There was no way Dravin could merit an invite from an upstanding lady. Dravin was a scumbag! Scribbling words of pure hate on paper, accompanied by a 'how do you rate?', Draco sent his owl off with the note for Dravin. Anyone who read it could tell Draco was furious. Especially considering he wrote the letter in ebony ink, clearly gripping the quill until splats of excess ink dotted the parchment and splattered the formerly clean surface.
He couldn't dwell on it…

School would be starting up again, and he couldn't dwell on something so petty. But was it truly petty to Draco? A boy who received anything, and EVERYTHING he wanted out of life? This was more than just a blast to his ego, it was a downright slap to the face. Dravin didn't have any idea but it was the one time Black had bested a Malfoy, the one time Black had gotten under a Malfoy's skin to the point of fury that it was at.

That same week, Angel Raye showed up at the Malfoy Mansion with her parents Dianna and Christian Raye. Angel almost instantaneously detected something wasn't right with her brother figure, so she naturally inquired. He spoke of nothing at first, causing Angel to get ruffled. She was the inquiring type. She hated the silent treatment.

"LET ME GUESS," Angel finally said. "It has to do with Black. ALL of your problems stem around Dravin. Unless Harry Potter has somehow miraculously morphed into your every-day obsession and is eating at you."

"It's NOTHING to do with Potter, Raye." Draco snapped. "It's nothing. Get over your bloody self and stop acting as if you know the answer to everything. I can handle my own problems on my own."

"Fine, brother dear." Angel said sarcastically. "I guarantee though, that it has something to do with Dravin…"

"Whatever, think whatever you want you git. But what you don't know won't hurt you. Now don't you have some bloody dishes to do or something?" He grunted with disapproval of her being there, as he sat in his arm chair, one leg draped over the arm of the chair. "I mean, a woman's place isn't in a man's business but in the kitchen…"

"You chauvinistic little mother fuc-"

"Ahh ahh ahh…" Draco cut her off with a raised index finger. "Easy on the sharp tongue, love. Might cut your own throat…"

"I don't know if I could ever forgive you for saying something like that." Angel said, her tone nothing but serious. "That is the coldest thing you've EVER said to me, and you've said some pretty awful things…"

"Look." Draco started, his tone fully annoyed. "I don't MEAN it like that, I'm just annoyed. Dravin, yes, that's my problem."

"As usual…"

"Well no, this is different than 'the usual'." He went on to explain how he saw Lena Wood at Diagon Alley with Professor Snape, and how he found out who she was FROM Professor Snape. He also explained how he wondered if it was possibly to fancy someone you didn't know. Angel nodded her head.

"Sure it is, I fancy Franz LeStrange and I don't know him."

"This is different than your school girl crush on mister Germany…" Draco said through gritted teeth. "Lena Wood is a real person.."

"So is Franz!"

"What, ever." Draco rolled his eyes, "Do you think it's possible though? For someone like me, I should say…"

"Sure, Draco. You're human, as shocking as that is…"

"I also heard she was at Hogwarts for Christmas Holiday… one day…"

"I wouldn't doubt it. Especially if she's related to Oliver… Wood…" Angel slowly smirked to herself. She didn't say anything, but Draco noticed something on Angel's face. He cringed.

"Don't get that look on your face, git." Draco said. "I don't even want to imagine you with some neanderthal like Wood."

"He is no such thing. He's kind of cool, if you'd get to know him." Angel said, "he's the Captain of a Quidditch team, so he's kind of like Mar-"

"DON'T even say it!" A voice interrupted and into the study where Angel and Draco were. Draco smirked, as in fact - Marcus Flint walked in. He had been invited for the afternoon. "Don't…"

"Good afternoon, Marcus." Draco said with a small, conniving smirk. "You were saying, sister dear?"

"Nothing." Angel said, impatiently, as she adjusted her shirt while she stood. "I'll be in the garden if you need me…"

"Good day…"

--

Well, as it was, Angel and Draco naturally made up before school was back in session. They needed to keep the Slytherin ranks tight. They were willing to risk NOTHING in their means of control. They had to be the best of the best. The trip back to Hogwarts though, was eventful. Draco and Angel sat in a cabin with Crabbe and Goyle, when the Hogwarts Express stopped dead on a bridge. All went dark. All went cold. Draco's eyes darted around nervously, as Crabbe and Goyle both grunted their disapproval as clouds of steam rolled out of their mouths and noses like steam from a locomotive. Angel clung to Draco.

"What's going on?" she whispered, afraid to be heard by whatever caused the train to stop and go pitch black and frigid. "What's there?"

"I don't know." Draco stated matter-of-factly. In fact, he had no idea.

Moments later, after the madness seemed to stop, the train started again. Rumors spread like wildfire as they sat though, and Pansy Parkinson stumbled into the cabin, amidst a laughing fit. Draco rolled his eyes, trying to shield his shear disgust.

"What is it now, Pansy?" Draco demanded, as she continued to giggle.

"Potter, it's Potter! He fainted! He bloody fainted!"

"No…" Angel looked aghast. Although, a smirk was trying to break through her shock. Draco couldn't control his laughter, however. "He did?"

"Apparently one of those, things, tried to suck the life clear out of him!"

"Too bad it was unsuccessful." Draco quipped.

"I need to tell the others, I'll see you at the welcome feast!"

Draco rolled his eyes as she left the cabin, and Angel continued to giggle. Angel found it terribly funny the entire way to Hogwarts. As the trains unloaded, Draco, Angel, her friend Annabella Cooper, Marcus Flint, Crabbe and Goyle filed into the Great Hall, preparing for the welcome feast. They were talking amongst themselves as Dumbledore was giving his opening speech before the feast, but Goyle nudged Draco.
He said something to the effect of, 'look behind you', and Draco glanced back. A grin spread across his face as he noticed Harry Potter was right there.

"Potter…" Draco whispered, before saying it slightly louder. "Potter…"

It took a second, but Harry soon turned to face where his name was being called. He was hardly impressed when he saw Draco Malfoy's smug mug looking back at him. Draco tried to hide it, but was smirking vindictively toward his adversary.

"Is it true you fainted?" Draco couldn't help but smirk as his seat mate mocked a sigh and put his hand to his head mocking a faint. Draco chuckled as Harry looked furious. "I mean you actually fainted!"

"Shove off, Malfoy." Ron Weasley said in a hot tone, causing Draco to laugh a little. How could he not?

Later that night in the Slytherin common room, Draco sat down heavily on one of the black leather sofas, still unable to get the image of Potter and Weasley getting so hot headed over the entire fainting situated. While Draco talked with Marcus Flint that night, Draco's cousin Dravin Black, Dravin's best friend Graham Montague, and Adrian Pucey walked into the room with Dravin haplessly gloating of something. Draco just decided to listen opposed to saying too much.

"You dirty rotten…"

"I know." Dravin told Graham before he could get his comment out. "It's not like I spent the ENTIRE summer with her. Just some of it. With her cousin. You know, Oliver Wood? Good chap, right on. Damn good man. But she's a damn good lass, too."

"Are you interested in her?" Adrian asked as Dravin laughed out loud.

"Please! She's too good of a friend for that, mate!" He paused, before smiling to himself. "ALL RIGHT, I'm lyin'. I am. But she has a boyfriend at Beauxbaton's. Unfortunate, too. I've already gone and asked Oliver for her hand in marriage!" The three boys shared a laugh, as Draco continued to listen. He was starting to be able to balance out his outbursts and control his anger. "I should have asked her father, I should have, but he wasn't there all summer. Poor bloody bastard had to work."

"Does she live with her mum or--" Graham set the inquiry as Dravin shook his head.

"No, mate. She lives with both of her parents, but her father is right on hard worker. Busts his arse all year so his little girl can have a comfortable, well spent life."

"So she's a rich bitch, then?" Adrian questioned, as Dravin chuckled.

"Kinda, yeah. But Lena's a good gal. Don't get your panties in a twist, Pucey. Maybe she'll come on back to Hogwarts and give you lot the time of day."

Dravin noticed Draco sitting in the room, listening attentively, but for some reason -- the Black prince had no reason to say anything of the sarcastic sort to him. Draco said nothing to Dravin, either. Maybe it was the fact that Dravin's father, Sirius Black, was on the loose. He had escaped from Azkaban Prison, and for once, was it possible they were on the same page about his father? It was entirely possible.

Then again, maybe it wasn't.

--

Weeks past. Classes were underway and classes with the professors, more specifically, Rubeus Hagrid. Draco was not shy about speaking his livid nature. He was disgusted that Hogwarts would allow something like Hagrid teach there. It proved how little the school cared about the education of the students. Did he care in all actuality…?
No…

It was the fact they ALLOWED HAGRID… of ALL PEOPLE…THINGS… to teach someone like HIM. It was a travesty… it was a JOKE. Unfortunately? Draco was not laughing. As they arrived (they being Draco, Angel, Crabbe, Goyle, and their fellow Slytherin) to Hagrid's class, Hagrid was barking out instructions from the get-go. According to Draco, that's how it was, anyway.

"Right you lot, less chatterin', form a group over there. Now open yer books to page forty-nine."

"Exactly how do we do THAT?" Draco spit out sarcastically, glaring toward Hagrid. Hagrid merely turned around with a half smile.

"Just stroke the spine O'course."

Draco rolled his eyes and did as Hagrid said. Miraculously enough, the book began to coo, and he had no problem opening it. Bloody hell… Draco thought to himself, as he took his place with the rest of the class. As the class stood there, Draco couldn't help but hear Hermione Granger comment to Potter and Weasley.

"I think they're funny…"

"Oh yeah, terribly funny. Really witty." Draco commented as Harry, Hermione, and the rest of the class turned around to face the sound of his voice. "God this place has gone to the dogs. Wait until my father hears that Dumbledore has this oaf teaching classes."

"Shut up, Malfoy." Potter said as he began stalking toward Draco.

Draco and his mates couldn't help but chuckle. Draco took off his bag with a vindictive smirk on his face, handed it to Crabbe, and started advancing toward Potter with a knowingly sarcastic smile. Standing toe-to-toe with Potter, Draco looked down at him for a moment, before staring off behind Potter with a mildly nervous stare. Draco began stepping backward momentarily, his nervous look turning scared. He pointed as he stammered.

"D-D-Dementor! Dementor!"

The entire class, Potter included, turned around swiftly. Potter looked scared as it were. Draco and his friends began laughing, Malfoy and Angel Raye especially, but Draco, Goyle, Adrian Pucey and Angel Raye flipped up the hoods of their black cloaks and made a hooting and ghostly howling noise as they wiggled their fingers mischievously toward Potter. Granger pulled him back, coaching him to ignore the Slytherin students.

Class went on where they studied a hippogriff named Buckbeak. Draco couldn't express how that 'beast' was 'the ugliest git' he'd ever seen. It wasn't until the end of class, after pushing through a group of Gryffindor students, that Draco made his presence known. After Potter made taming a hippogriff look like cake, Malfoy stalked toward the gigantic beast, his head held high. He pushed past the students in his way, making sure to give them a shove in the mean time.

"Yes…you're not dangerous at ALL, are you? You great ugly brute…" Draco said as he stalked toward Buckbeak, despite Hagrid saying his name.

"Malfoy…"

Buckbeak kicked up onto its hind legs, and reared up at Draco. He seemed to turn slightly paler than the usual as that 'great ugly brute' took a slash at his raised arm, that was shielding his face. Malfoy hit the ground holding his arm as the class screamed and shrieked, and Hagrid dismissed them. Malfoy writhed in pain.

"Ahh it's killed me, it's killed me!" Draco flailed wildly on the ground, eyes closed, as Hagrid told him to calm down, how it was only a scratch.

"Hagrid!" Granger shouted, "He has to be taken to the hospital!"

"I'm the teacher, I'll do it." Hagrid said, dismissing the rest of the class as he started up toward the school with Malfoy in his arms.

"Oh you're going to regret this!" Malfoy moaned as the class left, save for Raye, who followed Hagrid and Malfoy to the hospital wing. "You and your bloody chicken…" Draco continued, before falling into unconsciousness. He had passed out in Hagrid's arms.

--

Later, after undergoing bandaging from Madam Pomfrey, Draco sat at the table with his arm wrapped and in a sling. He was FINE. He knew it, his real friends knew it, but he was using it to gain sympathy from his fellow Slytherin. And of course, the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students that knew no better and tried to be everybody's friend. Pansy Parkinson was the one who fell HARDEST for his scam.

"Does it hurt terribly, Draco?" She'd ask him, and with his 'bravest' a tone, he'd lay it on real thick to her.

"It comes and it goes. Still, I consider myself lucky. According to Madam Pomfrey…another minute or two and I - uh - could have lost my arm. Couldn't possibly do any homework with this."

"I'll do it for you." Pansy said at once, as Draco tried not to smirk.

"I couldn't possibly, Pansy… oh, all right…" Draco waved his 'good hand' off. "If you insist…"

"He's been sighted! He's been sighted!" Seamus Finnegan's voice echoed through the almost quiet Great Hall caused Draco to look up. He wasn't the only one, though. Dravin Black did as well hearing what Seamus had to say. "Sirius Black!"

Nobody at the Slytherin table heard the rest, but Dravin Black walked up behind the Gryffindor students, and snatched away the Daily Prophet they were hovering over. Nobody said a word to him at that point in time. Most of them knew Dravin's situation. They all knew why this situation would make him so uptight, and sketchy. Even Oliver Wood, who just stood by. Draco walked up behind Dravin and grabbed his shoulder. Dravin spun around after reading the front page of the paper, and Draco just merely nodded his head toward the Great Hall exit. Dravin normally would have told Draco to shove off, but for some reason? He didn't. Dravin received many looks from the Gryffindor students who knew his relationship was hate/hate with Draco Malfoy, especially that of the look he got from Oliver Wood. He threw the paper down onto the Gryffindor table and walked off with Malfoy.

Once outside, they both, without a word, walked out of the school and onto the grounds. They were silent as death as they ventured across the yard, but Dravin finally stopped, looking down at his slightly shorter cousin.

"What?"

"…I thought you could use an ear, Dravin." Malfoy started slowly. "I know we haven't gotten on right these past few years, but mate, this isn't just any time."

"You just don't want my father coming after you, isn't that it?" Dravin questioned, as Draco raised his hands defensively. "No?"

"No. It's not that." They were speaking in civil tongues? Every conversation they had EVER had, was vulgar, it was down right rude and without a doubt, bad. "Look, Dravin." Draco crossed his arms, "I don't understand what you're going through, but we are family. Even if distant, we're related."

"…So?"

"I want to be there for you."

"…You've never cared about anyone before in your life, Malfoy." Dravin said quietly, but Draco laughed a bit. Sarcastic, maybe nervous, but laughter none-the-less. "Are you going to tell me I'm wrong?"

"Yeah… yeah I am." Draco said, "I'm telling you that you are quite wrong."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

The only thing Draco wanted, was another person on his side. He needed it. He longed to have the entire Slytherin bunch under his thumb, and the only thing stopping that, was in fact, his cousin Dravin. He had his friends, such as Graham Montague. A list of others Draco barely knew of. This was more than just that, though, he wanted Dravin to admit that Sirius Black was a madman. A psychopath. More over, a criminal and deserved to die for what he did.

"What are you thinking, Dravin?"

"What of…?"

"This, ordeal… with Sirius…"

"My father?" Dravin turned from looking out at the lake, back to Draco. "What of him? He's making life unbearable for me. Unbearable for my blind mother…"

"Blind?"

"Oblivious little bitch she's been…" Dravin muttered. "I don't know what to think of her right now, cousin." For once, Dravin seemed…happy, to be around Draco. At least he knew what to expect from him. Nothing. "You probably won't understand, because you're younger than me… but you seem to know a lot more than I give you credit for. You knew to get me out of the Great Hall before I started something upright."

"What has your -- Mother, been doing?" Draco so desperately wanted to say that bitch, but digressed.

"She's saying, my father is out to kill Harry. Out to find us. Out to destroy all the loose ends that were never tied up." Dravin laughed to himself, a cold - dark laugh. "AS IF he'd ever put Harry into danger. As if he'd ever kill my mother. He'd probably kill me given half the bloody chance, that whacked ol' coot."

"…You normally speak so highly of your father…"

"Normally." Dravin said. "I'm growing up, Draco. I know he's not a bloody saint. I'm getting that now." Dravin sat down on the grass, resting his arms on his upraised knees. "I know that he's nothing more than…"

Dravin cut himself off as he closed his eyes. Draco sat down next to him, looking toward him curiously. Was he going to say it? Was he REALLY about to say 'a murderer' or 'a disgrace'? With any luck! Sure, Draco was SUPPOSED to be supportive here! It was his blood after all. Dravin looked toward Draco, suspicion in his eyes.

"What? What the hell do you want to hear, Draco?"

"Nothing…" Draco said quietly, "I'm sorry if you think like that…" Dravin put his head down again.

"I'm sorry…" Dravin said softly. "I'm snapping at the wrong person right now. I should snap at my bloody mother for being DUMB enough to marry Sirius Black. I should snapping at my bloody father, for being DUMB enough to get mixed up with the Potter's. If he hadn't, he wouldn't be in Azkaban! If he hadn't…" Dravin sighed, shaking his head. "He wouldn't have had to escape from Azkaban and try to finish what he never started…" Dravin diverted his eyes. "Think I'm a dumb bloke, don't you, Malfoy?"

"Not entirely. You're trying to keep your loyalty…"

"You're being too…"

"Don't say nice because I will be sick." Draco said, with a small smile. Dravin actually smiled back.

"Get sick then, ya little git. You're bein' too nice for my blood."

Dravin put his arm around Draco's shoulder, and gave his messy platinum hair a ruffle. For once, Draco didn't feel animosity toward Dravin. It was like having an older brother. A, cool, older brother. Draco snapped out of it quick enough though, and realized he only wanted Dravin on his side because he was the only person he COULDN'T sway on a regular day. This was premiere timing for Draco.

"Maybe it's because I do care, Dravin." Draco said, as Dravin actually smiled again. He seemed, happy? "Maybe we can start hanging out more, you know, like friends rather than enemies."

"Sure, kid. Whatever you want. I can do something of the sort. Just need to play it off ya know? We understand each other."

"I just want to know one thing, Dravin…"

"What's that?"

"Do you really believe your dad is innocent?" There was a moment of silence from Dravin. Normally, without a shadow of a doubt, Dravin was quick to jump at the question and get hostile. Dravin, didn't.

"I don't know, brother. I really can't say for sure anymore… I don- I don't know…" Dravin shook his head a little. "Before, I could say for sure, yes. Enthusiastically forty times yes, my father is innocent! But now… I don't know. I don't know if he's innocent or some bloody crook. A murderer…"

Finally…
He finally heard it. Dravin didn't even believe in his father's innocence anymore. That, was a personal victory for Draco, even if he had nothing to do with it. It was beautiful. He had to write his father, and let him know. He had to tell Professor Snape. Or maybe he'd keep this to himself... it was worth the aggravation. He had Dravin right in with him. He had Dravin in his palm.

--

Trips to the Hogsmeade village became more and more eventful -- as Draco now not only had Crabbe, Goyle, Marcus Flint, Angel Raye, and Annabella Cooper spending time with him, but he had Dravin Black as well. His cousin. His newest mate. They got many a looks though, from Oliver Wood and Oliver's mates. Oliver wasn't sure what to make of the changes in Dravin. They were not for the better though. They kind of scared Oliver. He approached Dravin at the Three Broomsticks, while Dravin was having butterbeers and conversations with Draco, Annabella, Marcus and Angel.

"Mate... What's been up with you?" Oliver asked as he offered Dravin a seat. Dravin 'respectfully' declined. "Care fer a drink?"

"Nah." Dravin said calmly. "I have my drinks over at my table. What's wrong, though? Can I do something for you?"

"Actually I was just wondering if everythin' 'as been a'right with you, mate. You've been rather dodgy as of late."

"Dodgy? I've been spending time with people in my own house. That a crime now days?"

"When your house is Slytherin mate, maybe…" Oliver said quietly. "Don't worry though, I just wish you'd talk to me at least sometimes. We've been friends for a while haven't we?"

"Yeah." Dravin's tone was absent. "Look, mate, I need to get back to my table. Don't want to keep my tablemates waiting…"

"Yeah, 'course…"

Dravin left Oliver like that, as Draco couldn't help but smirk behind his glass of fire whiskey. Dravin had ordered it especially for him because of his age in the pub. Marcus Flint was even having a glass of fire whiskey to 'cure the cold'. Said to keep you warmer, now, wasn't it? As Dravin sat down, Draco looked at him offly.

"What was that all about?"

"Don't worry, Wood's just got his panties in a twist because I'm spending time with you lot, don't worry. We normally would come to Hogsmeade together with Fred and George Weasley, and that Lee Jordan chap. Nothing I'm exactly missing." Dravin explained, "I mean, spending two hours at the joke shops and candy shops isn't my idea of fun all the time. I like to have a brew once in a while you know?"

"Here here!" Marcus said as he raised his glass to Dravin. "To Slytherin."

"To Slytherin." Dravin said with a smirk, as he tapped his glass against Marcus's, and the rest joined in. Draco included.

"To Slytherin, and the rejoining of the two most powerful and controversial wizards of the age. Malfoy and Black."

"I'll drink to that." Dravin said with a sly smile, as he tipped back his glass to take a hearty drink.

Maybe Dravin had taken a turn for the worse as Oliver had feared? By the evidence shown, he had. He was chummy with Draco, Draco was chummy with him… it was a downright travesty of justice. Two wizards the caliber of Malfoy and Black should have NEVER been able to coexist. It would have been something that would cause Sirius Black's own toes to curl. It was unheard of. Draco knew of this, and it made him cocky. More than usual.

--

Before the Christmas Holiday commenced, Dravin had one more order of business to prove that he had had it with his family. He was moving out of his mother's London flat, and into his own. He wasn't going to deal with his disillusioned mother anymore, and it was really the last straw. Her constant ranting and raving, her constant worry about Harry, and how she was all but giving up on her History of Magic teachings to keep Remus Lupin informed on Harry's progress and his safety. before the Hogwarts Express brought the students home, there was a blow out in the welcome hall, between Mia Carmola-Black, Dravin Black, and the unsuccessful attempts of Harry Potter and Remus Lupin to keep the Black family on the same page. Draco merely watched from a distance, smiling as he watched Dravin's transformation complete. It was beautiful.

"No, MOTHER, I am DONE." Dravin shouted at her. Mia was in tears. Dravin cared? No… he didn't, not at that time. "I hope that bastard of a husband of yours DOES come here, and cause a stir, and tries to finish what he never started, because I'm DONE caring. I'm DONE pretending!"

"Dravin, please!" Remus shouted over the Black Prince's yells, but Dravin turned toward Remus, his wand extended to his 'uncle Remus's' throat.

"DON'T start with me, you backstabbing son of a bitch!"

"DRAVIN CARTER BLACK!" Mia screamed, "Put that down!"

Draco had seen almost enough. He waited until it looked as if Dravin was going to shove his wand THROUGH Remus Lupin's throat, that he came on a job up to his cousin. He grabbed Dravin's shoulder, causing Harry and Remus to both look stunned, and Mia couldn't help but glare through tears at Malfoy. He looked so much like his father, how could Mia not hate him unintentionally?

"Dravin, mate…" Draco spoke quietly, in a calm voice. Dravin was literally shaking he was so angry. "Calm down. Come with me. We'll ride back to King's Cross… and my father will take us to your flat…"

"Draco…"

"Come, mate." Draco said in a respectful tone. "Come on. My father wants to speak with you, anyway."

"About what?"

"…About changing indefinitely."

"Stay the hell away from my son, Malfoy!" Mia screamed as Remus had a hold on her, trying to keep her calm. Mia was beside herself now, though. She was hysterical. She tried to fight against Remus as Draco smirked at Mia.

"Now now…Professor Black…" Draco said sarcastically, only making Mia more angry. Draco was trying not to smile. It was hard. "You surely know of my father, Lucius Malfoy…"

"Lucius Malfoy is a horrible, HORRIBLE man! Man isn't even the word! He's a bloody monster!" Mia shouted, as Dravin smirked. He remembered the rants his mother made about Lucius before.

"Come on, Draco…" Dravin said as he turned toward Malfoy. "Let's go. Don't want to keep your father waiting."

--

Like that, Dravin walked out on his mother. Walked out on his father's memory. He was offered his place with the Malfoy's that Christmas holiday, after 'proving himself' against his mother. After proudly admitting his father was scum, a criminal, and a murder. It was what not only Lucius loved to hear, but what Narcissa Black-Malfoy loved to hear. Draco was starting to get over his power trip over his older cousin, and he was starting to be somewhat -- proud -- to have Dravin at his immediate right. It was also his way of getting in with Lena Wood. It was more of a what could Dravin do for Draco… what could his older, persuasive nature do for Draco.
Okay, so he was still a jackass about it.

Dravin moved from his mother's, all right, but he moved right into the Malfoy Mansion. He wasn't sharing Draco's wing, but he had his own wing. Lucius called Dravin, 'a young man he could mold into a protégé', more specifically - another one of those followers. Something even Dravin's 'murderer' father wouldn't be able to be proud of. But something Lucius Malfoy could. The readjustment of classes after the holiday were hell for some people.
Namely? Mia Carmola-Black.

Draco and Dravin returned to school together, and Dravin looked and acted completely different. After spending the entire holiday with Lucius Malfoy, the almost fifteen year old Black was a completely different young man. He had transferred out of Mia Carmola-Black's History of Magic, and went into Divination instead. That devastated Mia. While Harry Potter tried to console her, almost with Remus Lupin, who had long been a friend of Mrs. Black's, Draco couldn't help but find it all painfully funny. He made such known with one of his meetings with Professor Snape.

"So you and Dravin are on good terms now?"

"Yes, Sir." Draco said with a small smile. "I have to admit, I never thought he'd be worth the pursuit. But he proved me wrong. Next year he's getting…"

"Don't say it." Severus said shortly. "I know what you speak of, and I have to ask… how on EARTH did you manage to get him to agree?"

"My father did." Draco smirked, "You know how persuasive my father can be."

"All too well, my son." Severus laughed a little.

"So do tell me, sir, how was your holiday? You did get to go home, yes?"

"Yes, I did. I spent the holiday with my wife, and my… niece." He remembered the talks previously, and smiled. "Yes, my niece came in from Beauxbaton's, and was elated to be with the Misses and I."

"Lena Wood… right?" Draco asked quietly, and Severus nodded a bit.

"Yes. That's right."

"She must be something…"

Draco was trailing off? This can't be, a crush? Severus's worse nightmares seemed realized. Severus stood up slowly, and did something that was going to possibly ruin his life. If Lucius found out… what could he do? He pulled a silver photo frame from his desk, and sat at the edge of the desk near where Draco was. He handed the frame to Draco, and inside the frame was a picture of Lena 'Wood', sitting 'lady like' on a broomstick with her cousin Oliver. She was waving and smiling pretty for the camera in her Beauxbaton's uniform, while Oliver was in his Gryffindor uniform.

"This is Lena, our most recent photo." Severus said. "Just taken over vacation. She plays for Beauxbaton's while as you know, Mister Wood plays here." Draco nodded as he looked at the photo. "She's a beautiful girl, but more than that, she is a very upstanding young woman."

"To be in cohorts with you, Severus, she must be."

It was the first time Draco stepped up and called him Severus opposed to Professor Snape. It was a breakthrough. Severus wanted so desperately to shout a thousand times how Lena Wood was actually Lena Snape… his lovely daughter, newly thirteen, and completely oblivious of the pact that was made upon their births never to meet. Severus wasn't going to break it now. He couldn't.

After their meeting, Draco went to the Great Hall and walked right up to Dravin. He knew Dravin was pretty much friends with this girl. He had to meet her. Why not? No girl could or would resist him. He was a Malfoy. Surely it would have stroke at more than Hogwarts, wouldn't it? He didn't worry about who Dravin was with, when at that time, he was with Angel Raye, Oliver Wood, and Graham Montague. Oliver was actually back to talking to Dravin after they discussed it was 'better' for Dravin. And Angel's advances on Oliver weren't hurting Wood's opinions, either.

"Dravin, I want to talk to you about, a girl."

"Someone got a crush, mate?" Dravin asked with a sly grin, "You've come to the right place."

"It's not a bloody crush." Draco said defensively, actually feeling his cheeks warming. He was almost blushing! Angel and Oliver exchanged shifty smiles, and Graham smiled, too. Dravin put his arm around Draco's shoulder.

"Look, man, I'd get it. You're thirteen, yeah? It's a natural time for that! I was doing more than crushing at that age." he wiggled his eyebrows. "Who is it?"

"I can't talk about it here, but you know her. And no, it's NOT YOU." He said directly at Angel, who just laughed a little.

"Please. I don't want you to have a crush on me, that's too awkward. Besides, someone else does, and that's all right with me." She glanced toward Wood, who immediately began blushing. He was shameless, wasn't he?

"I think I might know who. Is it who I was talking about a few weeks ago?" Dravin asked, and Draco nodded a little. Graham went to say something, but Dravin covered Graham's mouth. "Shut up, Monty. I know where this is going. You want to know if she's really as good as I say, dontcha?"

"So what if I do?" Draco's defense was up. He couldn't help it. There were people around, that didn't need to know. "What's the big deal?"

"Just saying, no need to get your panties in a twist, brother." Dravin said coolly. "I will be honest, like I said before, she's a great lass. But she's got a boyfriend, sorry to burst the bubble an' all."

"I'm Draco Malfoy. That won't matter."

"Mind your attitude, mate." Dravin flashed him a grin. "Might be a turnoff."

"You really don't know who you're talking to…"

"She doesn't even GO here." Angel said with arms crossed. "Don't get your hopes up. It's not worth it."

"Do you even know who we're talking about?" Draco questioned, "I doubt it, so stop while you're ahead."

--

It was nearing the end of the year when something big broke. Sirius Black, in Hogwarts? Draco and Dravin stuck close to one another most of the remaining year, both receiving word from Lucius Malfoy to keep a close eye where it ought be kept. And to keep their loyalty where it belonged.
With him.

Dravin Black, while still Sirius Black's only son, had completely forsaken his name, forsaken his loyalty to his father, and went down the path only few wizards had dared to take. Some may have said that he was on a path that would only lead to his destruction. A path that would lead this Black into the same fate as his father had had. Azkaban. Dravin didn't care. And he wouldn't care. Until he saw his father back in Prison and rotting, he was dead set on everything he was doing. He was standing by it.
And Draco was elated.

He was elated until Dravin ended up missing from the common room one evening nearest the end of the year. He had been looking for Dravin to discuss arrangements for home, when they get home, and all -- but for some reason, Dravin wasn't anywhere in sight. Nobody had seen him. Not even his best friend Graham. Draco went in search, only to have caught rumor he was with Severus Snape, and they went after a group of students, and Professor Lupin. Further rumors spoke of Sirius Black. Draco's blood ran cold at the thought.

Much later that night, Dravin was hauled into the common room by Professor Snape. Dravin was out cold. Draco just so happened to be in the common room at the time with Crabbe, and Goyle. Angel had just recently gone to bed. Draco immediately sat up, stood, and walked over to where Severus put Dravin down on the sofa.

"What in the hell-"

"Sirius." Professor Snape said, wincing through his own pain. "The bastard has escaped."

"Again!" Draco seemed irate. "What happened to Dravin?"

"Sirius."

"…He…"

"Dravin was with me. We heard that Sirius was here, and Dravin wanted to see for himself. It has after all been twelve years since he saw his father…"

"Point?"

"…It was true. Potter attacked me, then-"

"He did WHAT?"

"He attacked me, Sirius was on the verge of bringing Peter Pettigrew back to the castle to free Sirius's name, because evidently, he did not kill those muggles, or Peter Pettigrew…"

"He's bloody innocent? After all this time…"

"Supposedly. As I was coming out to discipline Potter's misconduct, Dravin and I were both nearly attacked by Werewolf Lupin. Lupin is why Dravin is like this. He attacked him, but a dog attacked back. Sirius is gone. The only thing Dravin got to tell Sirius is how much he detests him, and how much he hates his own father."

"…This is good… isn't it?"

"For what is to come, yes." Severus took a potion vile from his robes, and began trickling a deep green liquid into Dravin's mouth. "Don't worry, it's merely a healing potion. He was badly wounded, but he'll be just fine."

"My father is going to lose his bloody cool over this." Draco said heatedly, as he began pacing the floor. He heard coughing, and then minutes later, Dravin's eyes opened. His piercing blue eyes were glazed over. Still dreary. "Dravin! … Dravin, are you all right?"

"I will be…" he said quietly, as he held his side. He was holding the spot where he was attacked. "Professor, what happened?"

"Remus Lupin and your father happened." Severus said, "Remus is what happened to you my boy. Are you all right? You're not suffering any after effects are you?"

"Nah… just dizzy…" He slowly sat up but Severus refused to let him. "Sir, I'm fine."

"You boys are not leaving until Lucius gets here." Severus said, "Sirius escaped, and he will no doubt be out to find you most of all, Dravin. You did call Lucius your father in front of him…"

"You did what?" Draco said, as he looked at Dravin. Dravin slowly smirked, as he finally sat up, leaning against the back of the sofa. "You did…"

"I did. After I told him that he was a disgrace of a father figure, a criminal, and no matter what people said a murder. I said he killed my childhood and my spirit, and most of all my loyalty to him. I said I hated him, and that Lucius Malfoy was more of a father to me than he ever would be."

"My my…" Draco tried to hide it but a smirk peaked through. "You're one evil little git, aren't you, Black?"

"I learned from the best. But we'll be fine, Professor." Dravin finally said. "We'll take the train back to King's Cross. We'll wait for Lucius there, though."

"If you insist." Severus said, "But I must warn you to be cautious…"

"We will be." Draco said. "I assure it, Severus."

"I believe you, my boy." Severus finally said, "Do pass my regards onto your father, and tell him we must speak this summer."

"It'll be the first thing I mention upon being home." Draco assured him.

--

The trip back home was a seemingly long one. Before leaving though, Dravin received a letter. A highly unexpected letter. Before leaving Hogwarts for the train, Dravin was stumped. Dumbfounded. But he spoke nothing of the letter. Not to his new 'brother', not to his assumed 'father'. Not even to his real mother he spoke of the letter, as it advised as such. Why did or would he care?

Dravin,
I understand your anger toward me, and I am taking a massive risk by writing to you before you go home. How was school? I hope you are doing exceptional… next year is O.W.L year for you isn't it? I wish you the best of luck, don't fool around as I did during my O.W.L or my N.E.W.T (I barely passed…heh) be wise, son.
I am not angry for what you said to me, Dravin. In fact, it has rekindled any loss affection I have felt toward you. Azkaban can really take a number out of a man, innocent, guilty, or otherwise. It's the most impossible place to be happy. I even almost forgot how happy I was when you were born. Seeing you though, I remembered how amazing it was to hold you… how much I missed being accused… how much I do honestly love you, Dravin Carter Black.
If you'll even be called Black by the sounds of it.
Rumor has it you are quite close knit with the Malfoy's. A family in which I despise with all of my being. It's understandable though, if you knew exactly what your mother and I went through with Lucius alone, you'd understand. I'll let you make your own decision, but I wish you would reconsider living with them. I wish you would reconsider being close to them. They'll stab you in the back as look at you, my boy. No matter how much you hide from it or try to, you will always be my son… you will forever be my seed and they know this. Inertly, they hate you for being part of me. Whether they show it or not is the next thing. But just be cautious.
Same goes for your loyalty to Severus Snape, as well…
Just keep your eyes open always…
I would wish you wouldn't show this letter to anyone. Nobody knows where I am but never-the-less, I don't need people knowing that I am truly a sap for one person on this planet. I'm supposed to be some mass murderer, after all. I wouldn't want to ruin my reputation… )
Whether you do what's right or what you want Dravin, is up to you. I won't twist your wrist or tell you that you have to do anything. You're a grown boy almost. Fifteen now, right? It's hard to believe I missed twelve years of your life, but I wish to be a part of it now, Dravin. If only you'd let me. I'll be in touch, but I will not write to you at the Malfoy Mansion. I'll write you next time school is in session or I hear otherwise of your living arrangements…
-Your father,
Sirius

Dravin ripped the parchment up as Draco walked into the dormitory, smirking at his cousin. Dravin threw the paper pieces into the fire, and grabbed his trunk. He had taken longer than he said he would, but then again, he didn't expect his black owl Zeusium to show up with a letter and asking for a treat.

"You're slow, Dravin…"

"I know…" Dravin laughed a little. "Sorry mate. You ready to go?"

"Been ready. Let's go before we miss the train."

"King's Cross here we come."

Crabbe and Goyle met them in the common room, and the four Slytherin boys left the common room for the last time that term. The entire way back to King's Cross station, Dravin had one thing on his mind, while Draco had another. He was expecting that sometime that summer he'd be able to meet this, crush, of his. Dravin was after all, a sure bet. Dravin was still friends with Oliver Wood, Oliver was practically drooling at Angel Raye's feet, and that in turn would make Draco's life even EASIER in wooing this girl.
He'd have her eating out his palm by next term, he was willing to make a bet.
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A/N: Lena's chapter is next. Cha-cha-cha. -M.S