Chapter 96:

Of-Age

"Ready?"

"Are you?"

Draco stiffened, but didn't otherwise respond.

"Sorry, Sir."

"Doesn't matter. You aren't wrong. Let's go."

With that, Draco tersely led himself and his servant through the fireplace towards the Manor, unsure what usual or unusual horrors were going to await them there.

Draco adjusted his robes once more and entered the room. Stopping before the "throne", he bowed low, careful to hide his disgust.

"Draco. How goes things at Hogwarts?"

"Almost there, milord. People are turning against the headmaster, though not as much as we had hoped."

"And here I thought you would have accomplished so much more by now. Pity."

"My Lord, I must keep up appearances, or else they will suspect me."

"You have a servant. I admit, she isn't very useful, but you seem to barely be using her at all."

"I am able to make her do things that would get me into trouble. She can go where I cannot during odd hours."

"Almost a man, yet still just a weak, pathetic boy. Tell me Draco, should I kill you now? Spare the misery of another failure?"

"Milord, I request just a little more time. All but one piece has lined up perfectly."

"You have one more week. That is more than enough leniency, something for which if I were you, I would be exceedingly grateful for."

"I am of course, grateful to you, My Lord."

"Need I remind you, if you fail, you will watch your mother die. Then you will die. And it will not be swift. I am not a man of mercy, young Malfoy. I have already shown you far too much, as you are just a boy."

"Yes, My Lord. I am thankful to you."

"Go. I believe your aunt has another lesson prepared for you. You would be wise to listen to her; follow her example."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Go."

A knock on his door startled the teen. Draco groaned, but managed to say, "Come in."

Narcissa entered the room. "Oh, Draco."

"Mother? What are you doing here?"

"I happen to live here, last time I checked," she replied wryly, coming to sit by her only son, who attempted to sit up straight, to hide his pain, though he knew he couldn't fool her this time.

"Did they hurt you again?"

"Of course. It's in their nature."

Narcissa was silent for a moment.

"Mother, what did you come in here for?"

"For one, to check on you. I'm worried about you."

"I can take care of myself, Mother."

"Of course you can. That won't stop me from worrying about you. I am your mother."

"You said, "for one". Was there something else?"

"The bond. You turn seventeen tomorrow. I may not know much, but I know some. You have to be prepared for it."

"I already know more responsibility will fall on my shoulders, Mother."

"I need you to promise me you won't let her simply go to your father for things once he's released."

"I'll do my best. But I can't override his orders, you know that as well as I do."

"I do," she paused. "Do you need help tending to your wounds?"

He shook his head. "I've got it. Ariella can always help me if need be."

"I'm glad you're allowing her to help you. She needs you, Draco. And I believe you need her."

Stiffly, he nodded once, conceding, seeing her point. Though, to need someone was a weakness…a weakness a Malfoy could not afford to have; that had been drilled into him deeply. One he could certainly not afford to have right now.

Draco groaned and rolled over in bed. He was sore, though that was hardly unexpected, given his meetings the previous day.

A loud 'pop' had him sitting bolt upright, making a grab for his wand. "What?" he snarled.

"Mistress is requesting you join her for breakfast, Master Draco."

"Tell her I'll be down shortly."

"Yes, Master Draco."

The house elf left and Draco ran a hand down his face. It was going to be a long rest of weekend. He then began getting ready. He knew his uncle wished to see him after breakfast, though Merlin only knew what for. Probably to assist his aunt with "lessons", or perhaps advice on "becoming a man".

Draco slumped into his chair, yanking at his tie. A knock startled him.

"Enter."

Ariella cautiously obeyed, and Draco would be lying if he said he wasn't relieved it was just her.

"Are you okay? Can I help with anything?"

Draco paused, before shaking his head. There wasn't anything she could do.

"Happy Birthday, Dr – Sir," she said quietly, not moving from beside the door. "I know it isn't a pleasant way to spend the day, but I still wish you well."

He simply nodded at her, unbuttoning the top of his shirt.

"Do you have any requests of me as of yet while I'm here?"

"Just do your best to stay out of sight. I'm sure the bond will demand more soon, so be ready."

"I'll try, Sir."

I know you will, he thought privately. Despite her bursts of insubordination, he knew she really was trying to be good.

"Good night, Sir. See you in the morning."

"Good night, Ariella," he replied quietly.

When Draco woke the following morning, one day after his birthday, it was to the pull of the bond. He wasn't surprised. He was of–age now, which meant taking on more responsibility.

He didn't mind per say, but it did bother him how much the bond might begin forcing them into.

I know it's short, but the next one is long. If you'd like a preview, let me know!

Thanks for all of your patience and feedback! :)