NOTE: PLEASE READ! : In an insane burst of insanity my computer and FF has deleted chapters 2, 3, and 4. (Why, is beyond me.) Anyways, I'm starting again from chapter 2. The new and improved version of Sounds of the Heart will be slightly darker….not as fluffly. (smirk) I'm really really sorry about all this – I'll try and update as soon as I can!

NOTE: A BIG thank you to Jhanterre who pointed out my mistake. Thanks!

NOTE: This chapter has been reposted without the little A/N's. Thank you Roddanagh

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K.Rowling and Warner Bros. I only own the plot, which is a product of copious amounts of sugar consumed at 2:00 in the morning. Hehe…fun…

NOTE: If you don't like the Harry/Draco pairing, please do not read this fic.

2. Business and Thirteen Days

Cold, bitter, silver-gray eyes, cunning and confident, bore into the small, pudgy wizard mercilessly. Long, aristocratic fingers rested gracefully upon an ebony wood desk. Black robes blended well into the dark shadows of the majestic study room. The light of many candles flickered and threw their soft light upon white-blonde hair, making it glow.

The smaller wizard shifted slightly and cleared his throat. Short, pudgy fingers fumbled in a small briefcase, and withdrew a packet of important-looking letters with a seal printed handsomely in the top corner. Another piece of parchment appeared, this time with small, neat numbers filling numerous columns and rows. The papers were placed upon the polished wood desk, and the pudgy wizard quickly withdrew his hand. He cleared his throat again, and began speaking.

"Ahem…Mr. Malfoy, as you are aware, hem hem, your father's – ah – inability to deal with matters of this kind, the burde—er—dealings have been shifted to you…"

Cool gray eyes darkened slightly, and narrowed.

The pudgy wizard looked slightly alarmed, then quickly replaced it with a confident mask always worn during business dealings. His breath a slight bit faster, he nervously wiped his hands on his robes and took a deep breath to calm himself. It just wouldn't do to be nervous when talking deals with a Malfoy. No. It wouldn't do at all. The small wizard cringed slightly as he thought of the consequences if this deal was rejected. He shook his head slightly and returned to the conversation, his voice somewhat cool.

"Mr. Malfoy," he began again, "Gladkin's Trading would like to discuss the Malfoys investment in our business. As you know, we are offering…"

The younger Malfoy leaned back in his chair and let the shaky words of Mr. Geobalff wash over him. He placed his arm delicately on the carved wood of his desk chair and frowned slightly.

Mr. Geobalff immediately saw this frown and hastened to arrive at the actual deal. He nervously wiped a sheen of sweat off his face and tugged at his collar.

Draco tapped his fingers on the armrest evenly and allowed his mind to wander.

Ever since his father, Lucius Malfoy had been imprisoned in Azkaban, all the business matters of the family had been passed on to his son, only naturally. Draco knew that his father had owned, or had a large share in many company – but he didn't know there were this many. Most of the Malfoy-owned companies were completely legal. However, there were a few that were somewhat shady, as well as those few that were…ah…a wee bit black. Every single business matter was now Draco's concern. Every deal, every transfer, every single account was now in Draco's care. Narcissa Black-Malfoy, as Lucius's wife, of course did have some say in things but ever since…

The younger Malfoy's eyes clouded as he automatically glanced towards the door, lips set in a tight line. He could almost picture his mother, sitting regally on the plush black couch, white-blonde hair spilling down over one shoulder, long graceful fingers delicately wrapped around a crystal wine goblet. Her cunning glacier eyes would be staring at the crackling fire before her, slightly unfocused and wandering.

Draco tightened his grip on the curved wood of his armrest. Ever since his father had been taken to Azkaban, Narcissa Black-Malfoy, once the graceful yet powerful woman that had been standing by his father's side, suddenly faded. She had shrunk inside herself, taking to lounging on the plush sofa and sipping her daily goblet of wine. Narcissa seemed to have lost interest in her glittering life. She had married Lucius (her parent's will), and had gained this…incredible lifestyle. She had become a powerful, cunning woman – a Slytherin woman 100. Her delicate, china doll beauty could capture anyone, and make them do her bidding. But now…everything had been turned over to Draco. Narcissa Malfoy as she had been known, had disappeared.

A slight cough caught Draco's attention. He turned back to Mr. Geobalff who was apparently waiting for Draco's response. The pudgy wizard cleared his throat and began speaking again.

"Ahem…Mr. Malfoy, sir…the deal? What do you make of it? Ahem – as you know, Gladkin's Tradi--" The nervous wizard was cut off by the cold voice of Draco Malfoy.

Draco looked disdainfully at the wizard before him and drummed his fingers impatiently. He didn't give a crap about Gleepkin's – Glabkanes – whatever's Trading business. He knew enough about these offers. His father had let him sit in on one. Lucius had been incredibly intelligent in business and trading matters. Fortunately, the skill in business had been passed down to his son.

"Yes," Draco drawled impatiently. "Well, Mr. Gaobliff, thank you for your time and patience. However, I must reject this offer. I'm just simply--"

Mr. Geobalff looked terribly alarmed. He scrambled to make one last offer before the young Malfoy would kick him out. "Ah—sir, Mr. Malfoy, sir," he interjected quickly. "Y-you see…did you see these figures? T-t-the company—would—would be very—ah—Gladkins has been doing exceptionally well---Mr. Malfoy—kind sir, do you--?" Geobalff was now hyperventilating slighty, sweat running down his face in small rivulets. He clutched his briefcase painfully, his eyes wide.

But Draco had had enough. He stood up to his full height, which was a impressive 6' 1". He curled his lip at the sweaty man in front of him and lifted his chin. He narrowed his eyes and looked down haughtily. He didn't even need to dismiss him.

The alarmed Mr. Geobalff hurriedly gathered his papers and stuffed them back into his briefcase crazily. He took the infamous Malfoy 'look' as a dismissal. Before Draco could even utter a word, he was running out of the dark study room, briefcase bouncing along behind him.

Draco Malfoy glanced despairingly at the back of the quickly retreating Mr. Geobalff and smirked. What an idiot. After a moment, he sat back comfortably into the red leather seat. Reclining back, he placed his hands into his lap thoughtfully.

Lids closed over silver-gray orbs as Draco allowed his thoughts to wander freely. He thought about his current situation. He was the dominant Malfoy in the clan. The leader, if you will. He felt all the troubles and cares of the family rest heavily on his shoulders. His father had left him – left him here, to deal with everything. Long fingers curled into a fist unknowingly and tightened.

All these issues – were now Draco's. He had been more vulnerable. His father was the rock in Draco's life. Maybe not the perfect parent, a little too dominating and controlling – but at least he was constant. Draco knew his father loved him, as always. Always. But…now that Lucius was gone, his role model, the one he had always looked up to – was gone as well.

Draco had evolved, adapted to his situation. His outer mask had become harder, more bitter. Colder and more distant. It wasn't as childish as before.

Once soft features had changed into sharper, more angular features. His face grew more and more like his fathers, only softened a bit by his mother's china doll face. Silky, white-blonde locks were cut short, draping themselves elegantly near his ears.

Draco sighed, and ran a hand through his silky blonde hair. Damn, he thought disgustedly. I'm turning into Potter. He quickly removed his fingers from his hair.

As his eyes closed again, his thoughts turned back to his predicament. Although his mask had become more and more cold, inside he was even more vulnerable. He had lost his father figure, his role model; he had lost his mom, who was still swimming through her own thoughts; and he had…no friends.

Draco pictured Pansy Parkinson (Damn that woman), Blaise Zaibini and Theodore Nott in his mind. Could he really call them friends? No, he mused. They were more…comrades. They, of course being his year mates and fellow Slytherins, knew more about Draco than anyone else. However…friends?…no.

Draco sighed and shifted, agitated by his own thoughts. A rueful smirk flitted across his face before disappearing into the tight frown of his mouth. In less than half a year, Harry-the-boy-who-just-wouldn't-stop-living had defeated Voldemort…for what was it? The fifth time?; Sirius Black had been killed by none other than his aunt Bellatrix Black; his father had gone to prison; and Death Eaters had…

Lids snapped open as Draco remembered just what had happened after his father's capture. His face paled at the memory and his fingers shook slightly.

--- FLASHBACK ---

(Two weeks after the capture of Lucius Malfoy. Setting: Malfoy Manor, 7: 19 P.M.)

The night had seemed normal enough. Narcissa Malfoy was out, visiting Diagon/Knockturn Alley to check up on some business. Draco had stayed in the parlor, sitting on the couch, staring pensively into the dying, green fire. He was just about to return to his room when he heard the massive trembles reverberating around the Manor. The shrieks of terror-stricken house-elves as well the sound of many crystal plates shattering was deafening.

The noise was terrifying. Shakes and grumbles shook the house as massive currents of magic bounced off the walls. The green fire had suddenly roared to life, flames licking the gray slates of the fireplace. Sparks flew everywhere and the walls shook with such intensity Draco thought they might just give.

Suddenly from all around him, black cloaks shook and billowed in the still-rippling magic currents reverberating around the room. Death Eaters.

The black-cloaked figures formed a tight ring around him, leaving no room for escape. Every single wand was out, ebony, oak, ash, willow, pine – all of them becoming another limb.

These were all the other Death Eaters --- the ones that hadn't been captured that night at the Ministry. There was stillness for a moment before one figure came before Draco. The hood hung low over his face, but Draco could still glimpse some dark, thick, hair through the shadows of the cloak.

As soon as the Death Eater came forward, the others shifted, filling the gap where he had previously occupied. A dark, fluid voice flowed out between thin lips. The younger Malfoy's mind scrambled to place the particular voice – he was sure he had heard it before…

"Draco," the voice breathed. "You know why we have come, do you not?"

The light-haired boy stood up straight, trying not to let his fear show. Of course he knew – every single child of a Death Eater knew. For most of them, it would be their fate.

"Seeing as your father is still in that filthy dungeon, you must take his place. It is the rule, as you know, for the son to take his father's place. Now, Draco," the voice purred, "your father is still among us, but during his…absence, you must complete the circle."

Draco stood stock-still, not moving, hardly blinking. His heart was hammering furiously, but it didn't show on the outside. He was sure he could have mouthed the words the Death Eater was about to speak.

The Death Eater spoke again in that silky, dangerous voice. "Draco Lucius Malfoy...we, the faithful followers of the Dark Lord, have presented you the offer of initiation into our circle. Initiation represents your loyalty and faithfulness to the Dark Lord, the Death Eaters, and yourself. If you choose to accept this offer, initiation begins thirteen days from tonight. If you refuse…" He let his words trail off.

Draco knew it wasn't really a choice. To die, or not to die? That was the question. If he refused…who knew?…he might just be tortured to death. Draco Lucius Malfoy would be tortured and killed – he knew too much already, his father being in close contact with the Dark Lord.

Draco looked the figure in the eye, or what he presumed was the eye. His words controlled and cool, he spoke for the first time. "Nott," he began as the Death Eater appeared slightly startled. Draco sneered. "Yes, Nott, I know it's you. I acknowledge the offer and will respond thirteen days from now. You are dismissed."

Nott growled softly – obviously not appreciating being dismissed as the young Malfoy had just done. Within seconds, the many poppings signified the disappearance of the circle.

Draco shakily sat back into the sofa, mulling over his current situation. He looked up at the tall bookcases on the far end of the room – they were still shaking. He knew the crashes and booms were from the many protection spells surrounding Malfoy Manor, being pushed and pulled. The Apparation of that many Death Eaters all at once had pushed the spells so that magical current had erupted all at once. Draco knew the spells would have to be re-enforced tomorrow.

As he leaned against the soft backing of the sofa, he bit his lip in a most un-Malfoyish fashion.

To die or not to die?…That was the question.

--- FLASHBACK ---

Draco blinked, pulling himself out of his own memories. He smirked ruefully – only ten more days to go. Ten more days.

Semi-not-really-important-notes (you can skip over these):

(1) -- I'm not sure if wizards have briefcases, but just for this scene, they will. Okay?

(2) – Draco's hair is somewhat similar to Harry's in the third movie. Only…blonde…yeah…

A/N – Hmmm…this was somewhat of a transition chapter. Lots of information on Draco's new life. Not exactly improved though, eh? Anyhow, hope you enjoyed it, I had fun writing it. And look! 7 seven pages! Woo:D

Reviewers:

KaylaisEvenstarIt did actually. But I'm hoping to get the improved chapters up soon!

GliteryFairyDustThanks, yeah I know it's short. This chappie's a bit longer though. Hmm…I like your suggestion! LOL!

MidnightsRoseGlad you liked it:)

sinsoftheflesh98Thanks for your review. It does 'suck supremely', I like the way you put it. :) Next update coming soon!

Roddanagh – Thanks for pointing out those little A/N's, I love it when reviewers offer advice. And I've re-posted chapter 2 (without the little A/Ns) :)

And thank you to: Rchan2Kari Morgana BlackMidnightsRoseEve-Phire You are my inspiration!

Okay my friends, you see that small little blue button that says 'Go'? Click on it…click on it…it's drawing you to it's power…cliiiick…

More later darlings!