"Wake up!"
I felt one of my pillows land on my face. Rolling over on my bed I let out a frown, checking for what had done that. Draco stood, watching me with a humored look on his face, from the side of my bed. Oh. With a sigh I sat up.
"What are you doing here?" I grumbled, rubbing my eyes at him. He smiled down at me in return.
"My father wanted to speak to yours so we stopped by for a visit. Mother is here too—"
"No, I mean why are you waking me up this early in the morning?" I complained, taking the covers off of me. Grasping behind me I grabbed the pillow he had thrown at me and threw it back, hoping to hit him. It didn't. Draco caught it, easily at that, and gave me a smirk. I frowned in return before standing up. "That was supposed to be for your face."
"I know" he replied, tossing the pillow next to where the others were. Making a face at him I moved forward to the vanity, deciding it best to do something about my hair. "Your mother said you were awake so I came up to see you. It's not my fault you sleep like a dragon."
"What does that even mean?" I made a face, turning from the mirror.
"It means you're not easy to wake but if someone manages to do so you turn around and start destroying villages" Draco gave me a shrug and sat on my bed.
"Oh, Draco, you are so funny. Did you know you are so funny?" I gave him a sarcastic laugh, looking at him through the reflection of the mirror. Draco gave me a chuckle in reply. Rolling my eyes I turned back to my own reflection. My hair lay in a bun. It wasn't the most creative or thoughtful of hairstyles but it would have to do.
"So what did your father want to talk to mine about?" I asked turning back around to him.
"I'm not sure on the details. But, we can talk about that downstairs" he stated before gesturing to me. "For now, get dressed would you?"
"Does it look like I'm naked or something?" I scoffed in reply. Draco turned to look down at my nightgown for a second before looking back to me.
"Just… get dressed, alright?" he grunted, getting up from the bed. I rolled my eyes at him. Draco stopped next to me, just long enough to mess up my hair and take it out of the bun I had just placed it in. I reached my arm out to hit him but Draco stepped away before I could. He gave me a smirk as he walked towards the door. "I'll meet you down in the library."
"Fine, I'll be there in a bit" I called back. With a nod to me Draco stepped through the door and out of my room.
I turned back to my mirror and let out a sigh. That small motion had demolished the most amount effort I had given my hair in weeks. I took down the makeshift bun that had become of my hair and let it fall back down. At least I had tried. Instead of wasting more effort on it I turned into my closet. I moved further inside, trying to find proper clothes. Part of me, however, was still curious with what the Malfoys had been so insistent to know that they had come to visit so early into holiday. Grabbing a pair of ballerina flats I walked out of the room, now properly dressed, leaving the door open behind me.
Steadily I descended the stairs, shoes in hand, onto our fourth floor. The area had been remodeled by Father to make up our library. It was a nice place to visit. A charm had been placed to keep the place quiet and peaceful, regardless of what was going on in the rest of the manor. Our home never was loud but it was a nice precaution to take. There I found Draco waiting, running a hand along the spines of some of the books in our non-fiction section. I stopped just beside him, catching his attention. Draco turned to look down at me before letting out a smirk.
"What is the point of brushing your hair if you're going to leave it looking like an owl's nest?" he asked, leaning against the shelf he had been browsing through.
"So funny" I replied sarcastically and bent down to put on the pair of shoes I had grabbed. Draco gave me a look.
"Did you walk all this way without shoes on?"
"No, I actually decided to take them off just before stepping into this room. I figured it would give you some pleasure to nitpick everything I do. Looks like I was right" I mentioned putting the other shoe on. He rolled his eyes at me. "So what? It's not like I'm likely to step on anything. Or are you implying my home is filthy?"
"I'm not implying anything. I'm saying that these days you seem about as ladylike as I am" Draco sneered at me. I gave him a smile back, waiting to see how long it would take him to hear what he had himself said. After a paused he gave me a sigh and moved to the stairs. "Shut up. You know what I meant."
"Of course I do, Deedee" I called after him, following Draco down the stairs.
We made our way down to the ground floor. There our parents looked to be chatting in one of the lounge areas. Draco and I stepped into the room, stopping just before them. The four stopped their conversation when spotting us. Whatever they were talking about it was clearly something they didn't want us to overhear. I gave them a smile.
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy" I said as pleasantly as I could manage, ignoring the looks of disapproval they were giving me. If I were their daughter that may have bothered me. Thankfully that wasn't the case.
"Katerina, why don't you and Draco take a walk on the grounds to catch up" Papa suggested, in a tone which made it clear he wasn't expecting a 'no' in reply.
"Yes, Papa."
I smiled at my father before taking Draco's hand, making an effort not to remind him that for people to catch up they would need far more time apart. Keeping hold of his hand I led Draco past the lounge. Stepping through the kitchen we made our way out to the garden. Together we walked for a minute, getting some distance between us and the manor before either one of us spoke.
"Long time no see" I said after a while. He gave me a small smile in return. "So, catch me up on your life. What has happened in the last… How long has it been? An entire 48 hours if I'm correct. My goodness, how time does fly."
"Ha" Draco said in his own tone of sarcasm. "Believe it or not a lot has happened. More so than you would expect."
"Well, then, catch me up on the happenings of your tremendously eventful life" I suggested, gesturing to a bench we kept nearby. He gave me a look but continued until we reached it.
There were a few benches and garden tables scattered about our grounds. They were far more frequently used during spring, when the plants of our garden were blooming. It was one of my mother's favorite times of the year; she always did favor pretty things. I mostly used them when I wanted to get out of the house. Some lay far away from home so that it felt as it wasn't even the same place. And they always made a convenient getaway for when Draco and I wanted to have a talk.
"Well, your parents are just lovely today, aren't they" I smiled as I sat a little closer to him. Draco looked down to give me a look.
"You are really laying the sarcasm thick today, aren't you" he mumbled before turning to look in the direction of my home. "How did you expect them to react to your behavior?"
"Frankly my personal life is even less their business than it is yours. That isn't what I meant though, not entirely. Your father's behavior I understand, what I meant was your mother's. She seemed like she was particularly offended by something. Did you say anything to her?" I asked, having noted her expression wasn't just of disapproval.
"She thinks you chose the wrong person" Draco mumbled an answer, looking out onto our garden.
"That implies there was more than one choice" I frowned a bit. I really doubted she knew enough of our acquaintances to properly judge that. Draco shrugged in reply, watching a batch of freshly bloomed Foxglove moving along with the breeze. I sighed back and leaned against his shoulder. "Well, they don't like George, that much anyone could have predicted. The real question is, how did they react to Pansy?"
"Oh, well…" he muttered looking back at me, seeming to be taken by surprise at the question. I tilted my head to look up at him, curious at what the answer would be. "Father approves of our relationship. He finds her fitting and all that. She's attractive, well educated, and from a respectable family. Overall he is pleased."
"Your father" I repeated. Draco gave me a nod. I began to pout in return; he wasn't telling me the whole truth. "You said your father approves. So then, what of your mother? Does she approve of your relationship as well?"
"Mother…" Draco began. He let out a sigh and turned back forward before continuing. "Mother thinks I'm rushing into this relationship."
"You've known Pansy for years. Not that I approve, Merlin knows I don't," I added with a face, "but how can that be considered rushing in?"
"She's met her too, of course, and finds her a proper girl and all but… She just thinks we might not be right for each other. That I could be happier with someone else…" he mumbled the last bit, still looking ahead. I stopped, noting something in his expression.
"And what do you think?" I asked, watching his face. Draco turned back to me and let out a frown.
"I think that if I wanted someone prying into my life I would have sent an owl to Greengrass" he grumbled at me.
"Our parents did say to catch up" I gave him a smile. Against himself Draco gave me one in return. "Well, since you insist, I'll change the subject. Why the sudden visit? We didn't leave Hogwarts too long ago; why now?"
"Because we just left Hogwarts" Draco said, his voice getting softer. "Because of what our idiot headmaster said right before we did."
"So he really is back" I sighed, leaning my face closer against him. The Dark Lord… "These surprise visits are going to become a common occurrence then?"
"Your father never became a Death Eater" Draco reminded me, making his attempt at consolation.
"But your father did" I reminded him, looking back towards the manor. "So did your mother, in her own way. And now the three are having a nice little chat in there, aren't they?"
"They talk all the time; it doesn't have to mean anything."
"You're right, I'm sure they'd rather make a proper evening out of it. Perhaps over a nice weekend getaway. Maybe we'll all stop by the beach house and have a grand time, it's been awhile since we last took a trip there" I smiled up at Draco. He gave me a sigh and wrapped an arm around me.
"He didn't join before" Draco reminded me again. I gave him a more sincere smile and held onto his waist.
"I honestly don't know why that was. It's not like he has any reservations over their cause or methods. Nikolai had been the one to convince him of that. But that's not going to happen this time, is it" I grumbled holding onto him still.
Besides, this time he had no choice. Before, there had been a slow build of alliances, enough chaos to overlook one person being left out. This is the calm before the storm. The Dark Lord's return to power was inevitable and he would take clear notice of those who join him... and those who oppose him. My father was not an idiot; he would do what had to be done.
"Look, I'm trying to make you feel better, alright" Draco complained, scowling down at me. "Stop rejecting my suggestions and just accept that, however unlikely, I could be right."
"I know" I replied, not being able to help the giggle that escaped me. "I appreciate it. Honestly, I do. It's very sweet of you to say."
"It's not easy making you feel better, you know. You always have to overthink everything and nitpick any detail you can. It's frustrating" Draco grumbled, moving to rub my shoulder. I giggled again.
"I love you" I cooed, holding him closer. He patted my head in response.
"Yeah, yeah" he mumbled back.
Putting that conversation aside I looked out onto the garden. It was calm and quiet, only the sound of the wind as it hit the plants around us. It was a nice view, one that was all the more enjoyable considering the company. There was a pleasant feeling in being able to just sit together, taking in each other's company.
Draco and I sat for a little longer, neither bothering to say a word. After some time I pulled away from him and stood up. Turning to Draco I extended my hand to him. He looked at it for a moment before reaching out his own and taking hold of it. Draco stood with me and followed as I walked deeper into the garden, his hand still in mine.
I knew it annoyed him, being forced to follow, but he never complained too much. Usually he just let out a small groan to express his annoyance before ultimately doing as I said. Together we made our way into the grove that connected to the garden. It was less managed than the garden so it had a more natural and isolated feel to it. That made me like this place all the more.
"Do you remember," I began, thinking back to old times, "when we were children and you were scared to play in these woods because you thought we would get lost."
"No," Draco shook his head at me before letting out a grin. "I remember refusing to walk all the way out here just so you could hand me a batch of garbage to take back."
"It wasn't garbage" I complained. "They were herbs. I wanted to collect as many as I could from the Herbology text I had gotten that summer."
"Garbage" Draco coughed into his fist. I hit his arm in response. "And that wasn't even the worst of it. I also had to carry you too, of course. Because, in your words, you were 'a princess and princesses don't walk'."
"Well I wasn't wrong. In fact" I nodded at him and stopped walking.
I raised my arms at him and waited. Draco didn't turn to me right away, knowing what I was doing. Expecting his refusal I moved to stand in front of him, my arms still raised. I wiggled my fingers at him and he let out a sigh, turning around and kneeling down. I smiled at him and leaned closer against him.
"Aren't you too old to be doing this?" Draco grunted as he pulled me onto his back.
"A lady doesn't just grow out of being a princess" I argued, wrapping my arms around his neck. Once he felt sure I wouldn't fall back Draco stood again, with me on his back. "Besides, you can still carry me just fine."
"I have to do this so long as I can carry you? So you're basically saying I'm stuck doing this forever" he gave me a look.
"So long as we're together, yes" I held him a little tighter. He kept his grip on my thighs and pulled me a bit further up on his back but otherwise kept silent.
I pointed forward and Draco followed suit, but not before grumbling to himself first. We kept going through the grove, looking at the trees in the distance. Draco felt warm under me, and he always smelled nice. Being with him felt like having a child's safety blanket with me at all times. It was comforting. That was part of the reason I hated sharing him so much.
"So, about Pansy…" I began.
"What about her?" Draco continued forward but sounded more cautious. I leaned forward, against his shoulder.
"How badly is it getting to you that your mother doesn't like her?" I gave him a smirk. Draco turned to give me a look.
"It's not" he lied. I rolled my eyes at him.
"Honestly" I insisted with a smile.
"It doesn't bother me, so let it go" he lied again. I gave him a shrug.
"Well, you're right I suppose, since that's never stopped you before. Your mother hates me too, yet you still spend all of your time with me" I surmised. Draco shook his head at me
"She doesn't hate you."
"She hates me."
"She doesn't… entirely hate you" Draco corrected. I smiled at him. He let out a smile too. "Really, she doesn't. Mother thinks you're just making a few mistakes involving your life. A lot of mistakes, actually. Who you're dating, the company you keep, the repeated amount of times you've struck me in the face—"
"It's been like twice" I protested.
"This year" he completed. I ignored that bit. "But she doesn't hate you. And I care about you… so she does too."
"By that logic shouldn't she feel the same for Pansy then?" I asked. Draco shrugged, moving me a little further up against his back. I began to smile at that but paused and frowned, noting what I was saying. Instead I let out a sound of disapproval. "Gross."
"What?"
"I'm defending Pansy" I noted, hearing what I had myself been saying. Draco let out a chuckled before stopping. He tapped my arms and leaned down, signaling me to get off, then turned around to face me.
"We're almost back" he informed me, nodding his head in the direction of the manor now well within view. "It's not exactly ladylike to be dragged around on someone's back."
"You're not ladylike" I repeated making him smirk a little wider. Looking back towards my home I kept my frown. Whatever it was about they had been talking about it had been for a decent enough amount of time that we were able to traverse the garden and part of the grove, which wasn't exactly a small area. Yet, still, no sign of them being done with their business. "How long do you think they want us to 'catch up'?"
"How should I know?" Draco shrugged at me in return. "I was just told to distract you while they held their conversation."
"Oh, so you're distracting me then?" I raised a look to him. Draco smirked back at me.
"Rather successfully too, I think" he announced proudly.
"Successfully would mean that I never found out about your actions, no? So isn't telling me what you're doing defeating that purpose?" I asked, all the while looking down to make sure I had no dirt on me that my mother could complain about.
"It doesn't matter if you know or not. The point was to keep you out of their conversation, which I did. So, I will take the win."
"You're a win."
Draco gave me a look and I giggled back. I took his hand once more and led him closer to the manor. Unfortunately we were made to stop short. The kitchen door was still closed, meaning whatever business Papa was doing wasn't over just yet. I had made an arrangement with some of our staff over the years, one of which included such a signal. Once their conversation was over the doors would open and we would be allowed back inside. With a small groan I turned slightly to a nearby table. The house was within view now at least.
"Are you hungry?" I asked stopping short of the table.
"I could eat" Draco shrugged back. He let go of my hand, allowing me to sit first. With that I took my place at the table.
For a moment we sat and waited. Thankfully it wasn't more than a couple of minutes before someone spotted us and brought some tea and sandwiches. Normally they didn't take this long for them to notice but I'm sure they were most likely preoccupied trying to keep Papa and the Malfoys happy. As Mason headed back inside I watched my home curiously. They had been talking for some time...
"So what have you been up to?" Draco asked, taking a bite of the snack. I turned back from the house to smile at him.
"Well, I've spent the last couple of days arranging my summer schedule" I replied, making an attempt to distract myself from what was going on inside. "Mostly Papa and I agreed on the details of the St. Mungo's visits. We stopped by yesterday to complete all the required paperwork and such with them."
"You're actually going through with that?" Draco asked with a sort of frown on his face. I rolled my eyes at him.
"You're not going to be a child forever, Deedee—"
"I'm not a child now. And don't call me that" he frowned deeper, taking a drink of his tea. I gave him a smile.
"I mean, we are bound to grow older" I shrugged, "it is human nature. We need to begin planning our futures, taking whatever advantages we can get."
"You're fourteen" he insisted. "You don't even turn fifteen for another month, why are you already planning your life out."
"I'm just precise."
"You're a freak is what you are" he said under his breath. I kicked his leg and he rolled his eyes at me, moving to touch where I had hit him. "So when does your training start?"
"It'll be later this week, I believe" I answered him. "After breakfast I will be taken to St. Mungo's for my lessons with the Head Healer. For the first week I'll mostly follow and see the day to day activities and such. After that I'll be allowed to practice in the potion making aspects and more direct interactions with the patients."
"They'll let you do that within the first week?" Draco raised his eyebrow at me.
"Well, in reality, they said after about a month, but I'm sure it will be much sooner than that" I waved a hand at the comment.
"You expect them to just let you do things so soon?" he gave me a smirk.
"Well the lessons themselves aren't exactly orthodox" I reminded him. "The only reason the heads of St. Mungo's agreed is because my father knows a few of them. That and I got that letter of recommendation from Professor Snape saying I am more than competent at potions, especially considering my age. So I'm sure when they realize that as well they'll make things more available for me."
"Regardless, just make sure you're free the 24th."
"What' the 24th?"
"It's my birthday party" Draco announced proudly. I let out a giggle.
"Your birthday party? But your birthday was Monday" I reminded him. He gave me a look.
"Obviously. I'm not an idiot, I know there are other reasons for having this event" Draco said quietly, then shrugged at me. "Still, it should be fun. So make sure you can come."
"I'm sure it will be terrific" I said, to which he gave me a look. "I'm not being condescending, I'm serious. Also, I appreciate you inviting me in person."
"Yeah, yeah. But you're not allowed to bring anyone" Draco added with a look.
"Why? Do you think I would invite George to your party?" I asked. Draco didn't answer. I rolled my eyes at him. "How stupid do you think I am?"
"You have your moment" he said calmly. I reached over to hit his arm lightly. Draco gave me a smirk.
"Don't worry," I shook my head at him, "it will be like your special day, right? Seeing as we almost never get to celebrate it at Hogwarts I wouldn't want to do anything that could ruin it."
"You could try harder to."
"It's not my fault your birthday nearly always falls during or just after exams."
"You could try" Draco repeated before taking a bite of his sandwich. I stuck my tongue at him.
From the corner of my eye I noticed movement coming from the direction of my home. There the kitchen door lay open. I waited for a moment, wanting to see if maybe it was in use, but no one stepped outside. Lev wasn't around either, so that couldn't be it. After one more minute there was no one still. With that I set down my drink and turned to face Draco.
"Want to head inside now?" I asked him.
"Now?" he asked, putting his cup down as well. I nodded before pointing to the door.
"They left the door open, see. That's our signal to go in."
"Fine" he replied. "But if we get in trouble you take the fall."
"Coward" I said to the side and stood up. Draco gave me a look but followed.
We walked inside to find my mother was also in the kitchen. Mother was speaking to some of our staff, seeming to be testing some sample they had baked. She liked to try a few new recipes every now and then so there was a wider variety of treats. It took her a moment to realize we had stepped back into the manor. But when she noticed us she smiled sweetly in our direction. Waving the help away she made sure no crumbs had dared to fall on her and walked towards Draco and I.
"Oh, I am so glad to see you two like this" my mother cooed at us. The comment seemed too nice to be done, so I waited. "With how long you two spent out there I was honestly concerned you would return with half the garden trailed behind your feet."
There it was.
"Mother, why aren't you with Papa and the Malfoys?" I asked, ignoring her previous comment.
"I was going to go get you two but… I got a little distracted" she said with an apologetic smile, though not looking at all sorry at the same time. "Your father did want to speak to you though, dear. Go meet him, would you?"
"Alright, I'll go see what he wants" I called to my mother, who was already looking preoccupied with something one of the staff was holding.
I rolled my eyes as I turned to the lounge. Draco smiled behind me and followed after, into the area. Papa and the Malfoys were chattering once again, but this time the conversation didn't share the same serious environment as before. I suppose they took a break. Mr. Malfoy was speaking but my father looked to only be half listening as we walked to meet them. They turned to us and stopped their chitchatting. I stopped where I was but Draco kept walking, turning to give me a look as he did. I returned it, understanding what it meant, watching him step closer to his father. The two began to talk as I turned back to mine.
"Katerina, I have something to do in my office. Will you join me?" Papa asked me, though it wasn't actually a question. My father wasn't really one to ask for things. I nodded at him anyway and followed after him.
Leaving the Malfoys behind we made our way past the stairs and down the corridor. Together we stepped onto his office, the one on the ground floor. As we stepped in Papa closed the door behind us. He walked further inside, to his desk, pulling out a chair for me to sit on as he passed. I sat on the guest chair as he continued towards his own to settle in. Taking his seat Papa let out a breath and leaned back against his seat.
"How much did Draco tell you?"
"Why do you ask?" I asked, not wanting to give an answer right away. Judging by his tone there was a chance of Draco having told me something he wasn't supposed to. I wasn't going to punish him for that. Really, I should reward him instead. My father raised an eyebrow but waited for my answer. I complied. "He didn't tell me anything I hadn't already assumed myself. The Dark Lord has been brought back, as Dumbledore hastily announced at the end of the year feast at Hogwarts, and clearly his father decided to be involved with this again."
"And you didn't think of mentioning it?" he asked, giving me the same look at my silence over the matter.
"Up until now, it would have been mere speculation. But it's not like I had much time to bring it up" I replied, reminding him of how little into summer we actually were. Papa waited a moment before nodding at me and leaning forward.
"Well he is most certainly back," he said somberly, "but not like he was before."
"What do you mean?" I frowned at him.
"He is taking advantage of the lack of proof on his return. With the Ministry not watching he has more room to act, to make the decisions and—"
"He's looking for recruits" I interrupted without meaning to. My father looked at me but didn't reply, which wasn't in itself a no. "Did you agree to join them?"
"I haven't made any decisions" he stated. So I was right, he was going to join. He had to, of course. In his position it would be stupid not to. But still… He made a face, having noticed my expression. "Did you have something you wanted to add?"
"We are talking about you, not me. While I have no plans of joining, that path is one you can't really stray from, is it? Besides, He is after you, not me" I muttered a reply.
"Not entirely so" he frowned back. I gave him a confused look.
"What do you mean?"
"With the decisions you have been making as of late—"
"I take my question back" I grumbled realizing where he was heading. Papa gave me a look for having interrupted him again.
"It's not just me, Narcissa is worried as well."
"About me?"
"About Draco" Father corrected, which made a lot more sense. "She has a habit of being overly anxious when it comes to her family but… she's right. Our actions will affect not just us, but our children. Therefore, I want to make sure we take some precautions."
"What sort of precautions?"
"I will be giving you lessons" he clarified, standing up from his seat. He moved around his desk, stopping to lean against the front of it and just in front of me. "In the path you are insisting to follow you will face some aversion. And yes, I do mean more so than you already do. I think a few lessons could help."
"Why?" I said just the word but he knew what I meant.
"You are my daughter. Whether I agree with your decisions or not," Papa stated with a particular frown, "is irrelevant. I want to make sure you can take care of yourself. We'll start off with Occlumency then work our way to some more complex defensive methods."
"I have the training at St. Mungo's—"
"Those lessons are held in the mornings. This will be in the evenings, as I also have things to do. Any other objections?"
"It wasn't an objection, merely an attempt to abstain from speculation" I let out a breath. Papa continued to look at me, making me shake my head. "I understand this is not something to be taken lightly."
"Good" he said simply, pushing against his desk to stand up straight. My father came to meet me on the other side of it and extended his hand to me. I took it and pulled myself up.
"It's not like you," I noted, looking up at him, "taking me aside when we have guests. Was this really so important of a discussion that it couldn't wait a couple of hours?"
"I thought it best to do it now" my father replied, glancing to his left to look at clock on the bookshelf. "I'm not too sure of when we will be back."
"Back?" I repeated, a bit confused. Father nodded.
"Yes, we are heading out for a bit, your mother and I, along with Lucius and Narcissa."
"Is this your way of inviting me?" I asked him though doubting that. He gave me a smile in return.
"This is my way of giving you the opportunity to stay home without an argument. I told your mother I would attempt to convince you to come along but that would be a bother."
"That so sweet of you" I cooed a sarcastic reply, to which he kept his smirk.
"I want you there about as much as you want to be there" he gave a small sigh at that. "Draco's and your presence would only derail any conversation topics your mother and Narcissa would deem 'inappropriate' for your age."
"It's not like you won't tell me anyway" I grumbled. My father gave me a look and I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes. "It's not like I won't find out eventually."
"That is true" he nodded.
Papa moved away from his desk. I stayed where I was, noticing something in his walk. I frowned, not sure if what I was seeing was right. He continued until he reached his door. At that moment he turned to me and gave a sigh. Without saying a word he made his way back to me.
"You're frightened" I said once he reached me again. My father raised an eyebrow at me. "You know what I mean."
"I suppose you could say that" he crossed his arms at me, allowing me that much. "But it is not myself I am worried about however."
"You're worried about me. And my mother" I added when he didn't reply. But still, he remained silent. I frowned at him for a second before I realized what he meant, what he wasn't saying. "You're worried about our family."
I stared at him, not knowing if I was right or if it was just wishful thinking. Papa was worried about our family. He was worried about all of us, all three of us. With how things were beginning to look… He was worried about Nikolai.
"You're… serious?" I asked him quietly, not wanting to get my hopes up. It seemed like he was creating an opening.
"I don't always agree with what my child may do" Papa said with a meaningful look, "but that doesn't change that it is my child."
It wasn't just me. He was really, truly, worried for him. If he was worried that meant he still cared. And if he cared then… then maybe—
I turned away from my father in an attempt to stop my thoughts. Just because he cared it didn't mean he had forgiven him. When I had been angry with Draco I had worried too, thought about how he had been doing, but never once thought about forgiving him. He had crossed a line with me, just as Nikolai had crossed one with our father. I had been a child then but my father was an adult, and adults were far more stubborn than children were. Things wouldn't be fixed so easily.
"I know what you've been doing" Papa said, catching my attention again. I turned back to him as he looked through some documents on his desk.
"What do you mean?"
"You should know better than to ask unnecessary questions" he shook his head at me. "I mean, I know what you've been doing when away from home at school, or the main idea at least. Your little venture into real estate. You are surprisingly good at covering your tracks, considering your age. Not perfect but far better than I would have expected."
"Checking up on me?" I gave him a look.
"Merely checking on how my daughter is doing, seeing as it takes her roughly three months to tell me anything" my father returned the look. He was still hung up on the fact I hadn't told him I was dating George right away.
"It was only two" I defended, crossing my arms at him. Papa gave me a wry smile and shook his head slightly.
"As I was saying. You are good but not good enough if it were to come to Him" he said with a dark look to his side. I let out a breath. "This is why I want to start your training."
"I understand" I repeated. I turned my attention to the door and then back to him. "Anything else you would like to discuss?"
"Just be more cautious of the company you keep" Papa said in a low voice. "Whether you care to notice or not, those who you choose to have around you say more about you than you would think. And whether you care or not, that simple choice can severely impact your future."
"I'll keep that in mind" I replied with a small frown.
"Do, actually, keep it in mind" my father made sure to repeat. But I did, more than he knew.
"That does remind me," I added with a sigh. I didn't want to bring it up, especially now, but I knew I had to if I wanted any peace when returning to Hogwarts. "George… still wants to meet you."
"I knew he was below you but I thought you said he wasn't an idiot" Papa replied, with a mixture of humor and spite.
"He's not an idiot" I mumbled, though not really believing it at the moment. "He's actually quite clever, rather inventive even. He just doesn't always make the best choices."
"Obviously" Papa said with the same look. "Why he even thought it would be okay to incite this farce of a relationship, I won't ever understand."
"Hey, I am a catch!" I protested. Papa's expression now accentuated more of the humor in it, giving me a smirk, making me question whether he was agreeing with me or not. "I am!"
"I am certain you are just as charming at Hogwarts as you are at home" he gave me a more complete smile this time.
I gave him a look but it didn't change his expression. He wasn't one to be intimidated. It took him a second before his look changed, a little warmer but just as small. Papa grabbed my chin lightly to look up at him. He kissed my forehead and when he pulled back his smile was gone.
"Our lessons will begin at seven, or after dinner. It will be whichever seems more appropriate for the time."
"Yes Papa" I nodded. He patted my head once then moved to the door once more. This time, I followed. He opened the door but didn't yet step through it.
"We will meet tomorrow for our first lesson. It will be in this office."
"I understand" I nodded and began to step through it. My father extended a hand and stopped me. A smirk edged on his lips but he was resisting.
"And, as for the other matter we discussed… I look forward to it" he stated with a particular look.
"You said you wouldn't intervene" I reminded him with a look. Again, he let out a smirk.
"Had you not yourself said, this is but the 'proper' thing to do."
"I'm going to go find Draco" I sighed at him, stepping past his hand and through the door. Behind me, I heard my father chuckle from the doorway as I walked away.
I dragged my feet as I walked back to the lounge. Not intentionally but because I couldn't stop thinking about what he hadn't said. Draco saw me and came to join me halfway through, stepping away from his parents. He stopped in front of me with a smile. My father walked past us to the Malfoys. As he did Draco turned to them for a moment before turning back to me.
"Apparently they're going out" Draco mentioned, nodding their way.
"So my father says" I sighed back. "Let's go back upstairs."
"You don't want to join then?" Draco asked hesitantly. Really what he was asking was, aren't you curious to hear what they have to say?
"I do," I am, "but we can talk to them anytime. I hardly ever see you. And with your tremendously eventful life I need any opportunity I can get to catch up."
"I thought you were done with the sarcasm" he gave me a look. I smiled back at him and extended a hand. Once he took it I turned to our guests behind him.
"I hope you enjoy your evening out" I called back to them before turning to lead Draco back up the stairs.
Soon enough we were back upstairs and in my room. Draco stepped inside without a second thought, so familiar with the place it could pass as being his own. I waited until he passed to close the door. Turning back to him I found Draco sitting on the edge of my bed. He was quiet, looking out the window thinking about who-knows-what. I moved to sit next to him. Reaching down I began to remove my ballerina flats. Not that I didn't find the shoes comfortable but seeing as I was home, I liked not having to deal with them. Once done I turned back to Draco but he was looking forward, no particular emotion on his face. When he didn't say anything I let out a sigh, finally catching his attention.
"Are you okay?"
"More or less. As much as I can be in this situation" he mumbled. I began to speak but he frowned and decided to interrupt me instead. "You know, we've been an awful lot about me today. How about you and your life?"
"What is there to talk about?" I asked, noticing he was ignoring my original question. But I shrugged; if he wanted to tell me he would. "We returned from Hogwarts and almost immediately I took a nap. I woke up around dinner then ate some food. I slept until noon. My father woke me and we confirmed the assistant position at St. Mungo's. I read some, ate some, then slept again all through the night and that's when you showed up."
"Riveting" he replied with an indifferent expression. I smiled at him and moved to hit his shoulder. Draco grabbed my hand before it touched him. Gently he took hold of it, held it between his. He looked down at me again, his expression still plain but slightly more serious. "We never did finish talking, about Albania."
"I told you how to bring up that place so casually" I scolded, moving to stand up. His grip on my hand held me in place. That was probably why he had taken it in the first place. I gave him a grunt then sat back down next to him.
"It's been, what, eight years now? How can the name alone still bother you this much?"
"You weren't there" I called back softly. "You didn't see it and…"
"And what?" he persisted. He hadn't seen then… and he hadn't heard them. But I couldn't tell him that. Not after the promise I made to Nikolai. At times I wish I had never agreed to that. "Why can you never finish telling me what happened?"
"I have already told you everything. There is nothing more to say" I mumbled but he heard me just the same.
"Do not lie to me" he snapped. I frowned back but he was right. I shouldn't be lying, not to him. Draco lowered his voice before continuing. "That place messed you up. It always puts you in a state of panic. That's where you got that stupid fear of yours. I get that they scared you, I'm sure they would have terrified anyone in that situation, but it doesn't make sense that—"
"It's an irrational fear! We've been over this" I complained, holding onto his hand a little tighter. "Irrational fears are named so for a reason; they're not ones to make sense. And I don't want to talk about it."
"It's just us" he reminded me softly. I looked up at him. Draco looked down at our hands and let go before turning back to me. "It's just us here and you know you can tell me anything."
I moved and slid away from him for a moment before standing up from the bed. Draco looked to be expecting me to step away, but I didn't. Instead, I stood in front of him. He gave me a curious look but waited to see what I did. Slowly I walked towards him, extended my arms, and fell forward. Not having expected that Draco fell back on the bed, with me against him. He groaned and gave me a look making me smile at him. I moved my arms to his neck, wrapping them around it. Draco sighed at me before putting an arm against my waist, pulling me further up in one tug to make it more comfortable on himself. I was always jealous of his strength.
"Why?" he said simply with the same expression. I smiled and kissed his cheek. He gave me a small smile in return.
"You are the sweetest boy I have ever met, even if you are a dumb-headed, self-serving, egotistical narcissist."
"Yeah, well, at least I don't use words that are bigger than I am" he rebutted, patting the top of my head. I turned back to give him a look. He let out a smirk as I hugged him a little tighter.
"You're an idiot" I grumbled at him.
"Yeah, ditto" he replied, rubbing my back gently. "Now, would you get off me."
"Why?" I pouted at him. He frowned back.
"What do you mean, why? It should be pretty self-explanatory. Get off."
"But you've told me yourself, you don't think I'm heavy" I complained at him. He rolled his eyes at me, but he knew it was true. "If not that then what's the problem. This seems perfectly suitable if you ask me. I'm not heavy and you're comfortable to lay on."
"Don't say that" Draco sighed at me.
I hugged him, ignoring the look he was giving me. He was comfier than my mattress, and a good amount of galleons had gone into that. We stayed like that for a few minute, then some tapping came from the window. At first I believed it to be the wind but as it happened again I turned my head to it, curious at where the sound was coming from.
"What is that?" I asked, sitting up from where I had been. Not a second later Draco stood up, tossing me off his slap and to the side. "Ow, hey!"
"Don't you want to see what the noise was?" he asked, moving to the window without bothering to look at my glare.
"Yes but don't toss me off of you like that" I kicked my foot towards him but he was already too far away.
Draco seemed to be focused on something on the other side of the window. I grumbled under my breath and pushed myself off the bed. I leaned in next to him to see Whiskers, waiting on a nearby branch. I opened the window and clicked my tongue to get his attention. Whiskers flew closer, stopping on the windowsill, two letters in his beak. I took them from him and placed the two on my desk. As I returned to my owl I grabbed a bit of his treats and gave him some as a thank you. Once having eaten, Whisker flapped his wings and flew away. I turned back to the boy next to me only to find he was no longer there. Draco was now standing over my desk, moving his lips slightly as he read the names written on the letters. One of them he picked up, frowning at it with distaste.
"Not two days and he's already sending you mail?" Draco complained, throwing my letters back onto the desk.
"Just because you don't like who it's from don't treat them as if they're your own" I scolded him, picking up the letters. One of them was from Vik, and the other from George. "I asked Vik to send me a letter once he was safely home, and George is my boyfriend. Besides, you're the one who came to see me, at my home, rather than just sending me your regards."
"It wasn't entirely my decision" he grumbled but we both knew if he had decided to stay home he well could have, without too much argument. I gave him a smile and place the letters back on the table. He noticed and gave me a confused expression. "Aren't you going to read them?"
"I have all summer to do that. If they were urgent I'm sure they would have sent Howlers instead" I shrugged and took hold of his hand. "Besides, we were fine as we were, weren't we?"
"No, we weren't" Draco said quickly, taking his hand from mine. I gave him a look.
"Fine, then, if that's the case I'll just read my letters" I said, turning back to my desk. Draco grabbed my wrist stopping me, but didn't look up. I couldn't help let out a smile; he was such a baby. But instead of saying anything I paused. There was something about his face…
"Why are you staring at me?" he asked with a frown, noting my look.
"Your eyes" I mumbled, reaching for his face. He pulled back, letting go of me with his step. "Have you not been sleeping well?"
"What are you, a detective?" he grumbled a reply, avoiding the question.
"Draco" I let out a sigh.
"So what if I haven't? I don't see how that's any of your business," he complained. I grabbed his wrist, taking him back to the bed. Once we reached it I got on and patted the side next to me. He looked confused for a moment before realizing what I was doing. At that his expression changed. "No."
"Get in bed Draco."
"I'm not getting in bed with you" he snapped, then froze and snapped his head to the door. After a moment he sighed. When he turned back he lowered his voice. "Get off there, Katerina."
I crawled over to the edge of the bed and reached out to him. Pulling at his arm I tried getting him on the bed too but he didn't budge. I thought he would have at least moved a bit but no luck. Either I was particularly weak or yet again I was underestimating his strength.
"Draco!" I whined and pulled a little harder. He stayed where he was.
"Stop doing that" he growled pulling free of my grasp. I let out a huff.
"You need to take a nap!"
"I'll take one at home!"
"No you won't, I know you" I glared back at him. Who did he think he was talking to. "Now, get over here."
"I told you I'm not getting in bed with you" he hissed back, not bothering with my look.
"You were just in bed with me" I reminded him.
"That's different. I wasn't expecting you to throw yourself at me" he snapped before letting out a pause. He shook his head at whatever thought he had then turned back to look at me. "No."
"Fine, be like that" I said slowly, crossing my arms at him. I sat down on the edge of the bed and glared at him. "Just remember, you made me do this. So, until you get in this bed with me, I will hold my breath."
"Is that supposed to scare me?" he gave me a smirk. I gave him one back.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, it should. For one, I will probably faint and that will make you worried" I began, and his look wavered. But still, he kept his stubborn face set. "If you need more convincing than that then I'm sure you've realized what my father would do if he found his only daughter like that. You would be so lucky as to walk away from him after that."
"You wouldn't" he said quietly, the stubborn look faded from his face. Now it held a tint of white. At that I took that as my cue, took in a gasp of air, and held it. His eyes widened a bit. "Don't be stupid, Kitty."
I stayed like I was, holding my breath I moved to the center of the bed.
"Stop it."
I looked at him, we stared at each other but neither of us moved.
"I said stop."
He was being stubborn but so was I.
"Fine!" Draco snarled at me, starting towards the bed. He kicked his shoes off at the foot of the bed then quickly moved to join me in the center of it. Once he settled by my side I turned to face him and blew the air I had held to his face before giving him a smile.
"You do know I was breathing through my nose the entire time" I giggled at him. His frown deepened.
"I hate you."
"I love you too" I leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"Why are you making me do this again?" he asked. I laid down and patted the pillow next to me. Draco gave me a sigh but laid down too.
"Sleep is very important to a growing boy—"
"Don't call me that" he interrupted with a groan, but I ignored him.
"So I'm here to make sure you get your rest."
"Fine, I get that," he admitted, turning to give me a look, "but why do you have to be in the bed with me?"
"Because it's my bed" I gave him a look back. I put my arms around his neck, moving closer against his chest. "Just shut up and go to bed."
"If your father finds us here I expect you to take the fault" he grumbled, running a hand through my hair.
"Fault for what?" I asked, relaxing against him.
"He doesn't like me" Draco replied, not answering my question. Or maybe that was his answer. Either way I shook my head at him.
"Don't be silly," I reached up to pat his face. I felt him smile a bit at that. "Papa thinks you're great company."
"As opposed to your other company, sure, but that's not saying much" he said dismissively.
"Shhh" I moved my hand to cover his face. Draco reached over, moving my hand away and over to his shoulder.
"Also, don't mention this to Pansy" he said in a low voice. I smiled at him though he couldn't see it. He seemed to have guessed anyway. "Stop that. Just tell me you won't."
"I don't know what you think our relationship is like but I don't tell her what I do on break" I replied, not like she wouldn't guess that he would visit me this summer. Although, the suddenness of the visit might bother her a little more.
Draco nodded and grabbed at my hand. I didn't even need look up at him to know his eyes were closing. Even though I had done this for him I was already feeling on the verge of sleep. He continued to gently run his hand through my hair again. With his other hand he grabbed onto my waist, making me guess he was about to fall asleep as well. I let myself settle against him. Both of us deserved some rest… We had some time to kill either way… It's not like… a bit of rest wouldn't help…
…It was silent now… I rolled over and back again before standing up. The place was darker, far more than I remembered... Something suddenly felt off. My body was… smaller… With a wince I reached over to my arm. Still bleeding… I pushed myself forward, there had to be a way out...
I stopped immediately. The shadow of a creature crawled across the ground… They were here… They were still following me…
…child…
I ignored the call and continued forward… Maybe there was a door nearby, some sort of passage… More shadows appeared, why were they appearing…
…child… they called again. …follow…
The shadows began to surround me… One by one… At the head one stopped just in front of me…
…helpless…
Slowly I backed against the wall shaking my head at it.
I shouldn't, I can't! They couldn't be trusted, they were hiding something from me… They slithered closer, but I wouldn't go. I couldn't go! I wish I could just leave… I wish they would just leave. They needed to go! They needed to—
I woke up with a start.
I felt cold, and a little damp. I had sweat from the dream. Gross. Those stupid dreams always got me like this, and just when I thought I had gotten past it. It was probably because Draco had insisted on talking about that place that made it return to my thoughts. Stupid Albania.
I tried moving around but a weight kept me to the bed. I paused. Something was wrapped around me. With a deep breath I turned to look down at it. It was Draco's arm. I let out a sigh. Taking in another breath I let my mind settle into its surroundings. It was my room, as it should be. That had all just been a dream. Turning to my side I found Draco snoring lightly beside me. Having felt me move his grip tightened around me. I smiled at him and ran a hand through his hair. He let out a sigh too. Clearly he had really needed this nap.
I turned my attention now towards the windows. The room look dark, and even without the curtains being closed. The sun had gone and set. I turned to the other side of the room, looking for the clock in my room. I couldn't quite read it from where I was sat but it was pretty clear to see it was late. Wonder why we had slept for so long.
Reaching behind me I grabbed a pillow. Slowly I slid farther from Draco's grip, placing the pillow where I had been. Once I was out of his grasp entirely I scooted away from me and waiting, giving him a moment to accept my pillow as a replacement. Draco pulled it closer to him but frowned. Sleeping Draco didn't seem to be too happy with the substitute but it wasn't enough to wake him up. I let out a breath and moved to the edge of the bed. Considering the time of night our parents were most likely back, and that could mean several things for us. With a quick stretch and a groan I got up, deciding to stay awake.
Standing up my clothes suddenly felt a little heavier. I walked towards my dresser, looking for a change of clothes. I scoured the drawer trying to find something decent. Some were nice but not too comfortable. It reminded me of the dress I had worn... I paused, staring down at the open drawer. It had been some time since I had dreamt about that place. I pulled out a set of pyjamas and headed to change. On the way I stopped by my bathroom, thinking it a good time to wash my face. Such a simple thing yet it always helped wake me up from a bad dream. Careful not to get my clothes wet I scooped them up and returned to what I had been doing. With a sigh I marched myself into the closet, closing the door behind me so I could change.
There was some noise coming from the other side of the door as I finished dressing. I took a step back into my bedroom, pulling my robe on over the nightgown. Grabbing at my hair I began pulled it up. From behind me I heard some more grumbling and found Draco waking as I finished putting my hair into a bun.
On my bed he was sitting up, eyes still closed. He reached up to rub them lazily which made me let out a smile. I walked closer to him as he yawned. Draco took a moment to look lazily around the room. I sat down next to him on the bed and giggled at him. It took him a moment to see me. Once he recognized who I was he suddenly seemed more alert.
"Did you change with me in the room?" he shouted, or at least he tried. His voice was hoarse, having just woken up.
"I was in my closet" I rolled my eyes at him. Draco let out a breath as if that was some sort of relief. "And good morning to you too."
"It's definitely not morning. What time is it?" he asked in the same groggy voice.
"Goodnight then" I clarified and stood up. I stepped a little closer to the wall to see the clock. "It looks like it's… a little past ten."
"What?" Draco said loudly. I gave him a look at the volume but he ignored it. Draco got out of bed, looking just a bit confused still. "Are my parents here?"
"I don't know" I said honestly, giving him a shrug. "I just woke up myself. You are very comfortable to sleep next to."
"Stop saying that" he frowned back. Draco began to walk away from me. I gave him a smile noticing his staggering, probably due to his drowsiness. He returned to me a look. With that though I did notice something, particularly something with his face.
"Wait" I called, grabbing his hand. "Come here."
"What? Why?" he asked as I leaned closer to get a better look at his face.
Draco frowned at me but followed as I pulled him along with me. Without saying why, knowing he would argue as soon as I brought it up, I led him past and into the bathroom. His frown became more pronounced as he watched me get the water running and wet a small hand towel. I pulled him closer to me and he let me, still unsure of what I was doing. I leaned to him and placed the towel on his face. Realizing what my intentions were Draco pulled back immediately.
"You have something on your face" I tried to say seriously. He saw right through that.
"My face is fine!" he stated, pushing the rag away from me.
"There's dry drool" I giggled, hovering over the spot. Draco began to yell but I interrupted him before he could get started. "Argue all that you must but we both know you drool when you sleep. Now shut up and come here."
Draco glared at me but didn't move from where I had placed him. I wiped his face gently, clearing it from that mess. He kept his look of annoyance but it changed slightly. It was a bit sweeter, like the boy I knew he was. I smiled at him and let him go.
"There, now you're all pretty" I giggled at him.
"I'm always pretty" Draco smirked back at me.
At the knock on my door his face dropped. It went a little pale again, as he quickly turned his eyes to the door. I set the hand towel down gently on the sink, rolled my eyes, and moved out of the bathroom. Draco followed not too closely behind.
"Come in" I called, signaling Draco to close the door behind us. The bedroom door opened and Alla stepped through. Behind me Draco let out a sigh.
"Miss Katerina, I thought you might be awake now" she said sweetly to us, not stepping far from the door. "That was quite a nap you two took."
"Why didn't you wake us up?" I asked her curiously. Alla gave me a gentle smile in return.
"The two of you looked comfortable. Besides, with your parents gone, I didn't see a reason to. And you needed some sleep."
"Have you not been sleeping well either?" he hissed in a low accusing voice. I gave him a look.
"Are Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy still here?" I asked looking back at her. Partly because I was curious but also because I knew that would distract Draco from his question. From the look on his face I had guessed correctly.
"No they left, just a few moments ago. That was part of the reason why I did not come wake you sooner, actually" she admitted.
"Why?" Draco looked back at her suspiciously. I kicked his ankle but he kept his look. Alla gave him a smile in return.
"Miss Katerina does enjoy your company, and I do know you understand where the boundaries lie" she said simply.
"What do you mean by boundaries?" I turned to Draco and asked. He was still giving Alla a look. She smiled back as he continued to frown.
"Miss Katerina, would you like anything to eat?" she asked, turning back to me.
"Yes, thank you. Anything will do, I'm rather hungry" I nodded at her. She gave me a smile and turned back out into the corridor, letting the door close behind her. I waited until I heard footsteps descending the stairs before turning to Draco and hitting his arm.
"Ow! What?" he hissed roughly, flinching back a little. I gave him a look.
"Why were you glaring at her like that?"
"She knows why" he muttered back, reaching for his arm.
"Well I don't. And I asked you a question" I reminded him, keeping my look. Draco grumbled under his breath and I let out a sigh. "Fine. Just go on, start getting changed into your pyjamas."
"What pyjamas? I don't have any that fit me here. Or are you wanting me to wear another pair of undersized ones" he frowned slightly thinking about that.
"Sure you have some" I smiled at him ignoring the last part. With that I took a step toward my dresser.
Once I reached it I kneeled down, opening the bottom drawer. Inside were some old unworn clothes that my mother had bought me in an attempt to get me to dress how she'd always wanted. I dug through the bright colors and frill trying to find what I wanted. Honestly I would have thrown this entire batch out if it wasn't for how visible this all was; my mother would not have been happy finding her dresses in the trash.
"No, not happening" Draco said quickly as he finally got a look at what was in the drawer. I smiled but shook my head at him.
"Not the dresses, idiot" I called back, finally having found what I needed. I pushed aside the dresses to find a pair of pyjamas far too big to fit me properly. Not that I wouldn't have worn them either way but they weren't for me. I took the pair and threw it at him. "Here."
"Why do you have these" Draco scowled, unfolding the pyjamas to have a better look at them. I frowned back at him.
"Why do you think? They're for you" I scolded, closing the drawer back up. His expression changed with that statement.
"Oh" Draco said simply, settling back into the bed.
"Why else would I have men's pyjamas in my room?" I rolled my eyes at him.
"How long have you had these?" he asked, deciding to answer my question with a question.
"Since I got back I figured there would be a high probability of us spending a night together" I began, to which he made a face. "Anyway, not wanting to have a repeat of last time I asked Alla to get you a pair."
"And your parents were fine with that?" he asked doubtful of it.
"Papa has never cared what I wear, so he never saw the pair" I shrugged back at him and stood up. "My mother did see them but she simply thought they were for me. She lecture me for a few minutes about how I should dress more appropriately even if it is to go to bed. Then of course she grew distracted as more clothes were brought out and she forgot about these all together."
"That sounds about right" Draco gave me a small smile, agreeing with that. Afterwards he gave me a sigh. "Shouldn't we wait to hear back from your father? Hear his response."
"His response to what?"
"To my stay" he frowned at me, as if it were obvious. "What if he wants to send me home now that we're awake?"
"Oh, that. It won't matter. I already spoke to him about this" I waved my hand at his worrying. He kept his expression so, with a sigh, I began to explain. "I had spoken to my father about you possibly visiting this summer. Seeing as last time we ended up having that sleepover, I told him it was likely to happen again. We made a deal that you nor I would ask for permission and we would accept our parting of ways 'like adults'. However, if either one of our parents suggested it themselves then my father wouldn't argue and would instead accept your stay. So, yes, I already received my father's approval."
"Do you plan every little aspect of your life?" Draco gave me a look but sounded impressed. I returned to him a smile.
"I didn't think we would sleep so late, and I was genuinely concerned about your lack of sleep, but I do try to, yes."
"You are frightening, you know that" he shook his head at me. I giggled a little as he stood up. "Fine, I'll go change."
"Where are you going?" I asked, grabbing onto his shirt before he got too far. "Just change here."
"You changed in the closet" he argued making me roll my eyes at him.
"Yes, but I am a lady." His look was enough to tell me what he thought of that statement. "Shut up! I am very ladylike!"
"Yes, because true ladies tell men to shut up and take off their clothes" Draco gave me a smirk. I stuck my tongue out at him as a response.
"Just change. I want to make sure you're out here if Alla comes back. I don't want to have another argument about how I chose the wrong thing for them to bring you."
I reached over and took the pyjamas from him, setting them gently on the bed. Draco tried to walk away from me but I grabbed onto his arm before he could. He whined but turned closer and stopped just in front of me. Slowly I began to unbutton part of his shirt. With a look he watched me as I leaned over to the bed for his pyjamas. I turned back to finish helping him but a hand stopped me. I frowned up at Draco but he wasn't looking at me. Curious, I turned to see what had so intently grasped his attention.
"I see you're getting comfortable already" Papa called, watching us from the doorway. From my side, Draco let out a small groan.
Behind my father two of our staff walked into the room, some food and drink in hand. They placed the platter neatly on the table by my armchair and books. For a moment they waited, wanting to see if we needed any more assistance. Papa and I both gave them a nod and they excused themselves from the room. Draco had not moved the entire time. Once they were gone my father turned back to us and began speaking again.
"Draco, why don't you head into the other room and finish that yourself while I speak to my daughter" Papa said in his 'I'm not asking, I'm telling' voice. Draco didn't seem to have a problem with that though.
"Yes, sir" he obliged quickly and hurried towards the closet. I rolled my eyes at him and turned back to face my father.
"Are the Malfoys gone?" I asked as Draco closed himself off in my closet. My father looked at that door for a moment before turning to answer me.
"Yes, they went back to their own manor. Seeing as you two were 'still sound asleep'" he said, emphasizing the fact with some air quotes, "they didn't really want to be a burden and stay longer. And we did have an arrangement."
"Well, I'm glad you honored it" I smiled up at him. Papa returned it and stepped a bit closer.
"That was quite shrewd of you" my father noted, placing a hand under my chin. I was a little taken aback by the gesture. "At first I found it preposterous of you to assume either of us would ever suggest such a thing, but I decided to humor you whatever the case. Then you prove me wrong and end up getting your way. It's surprising to see you being able to plan for something like this at your age. That's really the only reason I kept our arrangement. I have told you I don't want him, or any other boy, spending the night here."
"Yes, but that's dumb. With all due respect" I added quickly, noting the face he was making.
"Perhaps it is," my father gave me a small smile and let go of my face "but you are my daughter. As such you must follow whatever stupid rules I place."
"Unless I find a way around them" I smiled back at him. At that his smile turned into more of a smirk.
"This is the only time, do you understand?"
"Thank you, Papa" I said quietly, knowing that wasn't true. He nodded at me and moved towards the door. My father paused, just before entering the corridor, and turned his attention back into the room.
"Do tell Draco I said to sleep soundly" he added with a smile which looked to be more for himself than for me.
Papa stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. I stood for a moment watching the door he had disappeared through. It had seemed like a normal conversation but something about what he said was getting to me. From the closet Draco opened the door, stepping back into the room. His footsteps were slow at first, then they became slightly faster. It was as if he wanted to make sure my father was really gone before committing to stay inside the room.
"I can honestly say that man terrifies me" Draco sighed, stopping next to me now in his pyjamas. He was still looking at the door. When I didn't reply Draco gave me a frown and put an arm around my shoulders. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"My father complimented me. Why did he do that? What did your parents say to him?" I frowned at the door still. Then I turned my expression towards him. Draco remained quiet and let go of my shoulder. "My father doesn't just compliment me for no reason. I know he's proud of me but he never says it. Yet that's twice he's said it today. What did your parents say to him?"
"I'm not sure" he answered, though not meeting my eyes.
"But you have a guess" I insisted. This time his attention moved to the ground. "Draco!"
"I don't know" he replied, far clearer than before.
"Or rather, you don't want to talk about it. That's what this is, isn't it? Something you don't have to talk to me about" I guessed. He didn't answer me, which was answer enough in itself. I turned away from him and walked to sit on the edge of my bed.
"Kitty—"
"I knew it. I knew it would be like this when he was back" I groaned and fell back on the bed. Draco came to join me on it. When he saw I wasn't getting up he grabbed my arm and pulled me up and towards him. I pushed him back but stayed sitting up.
"I didn't bring him back" Draco said defensively.
"No, but are you going to tell me no one in your family was involved in it?" I said roughly back. He didn't answer and, again, that was all the answer I needed.
"Just be happy your father is proud of you" he gave me a sigh, wanting a change in subject.
"My father…" I mumbled neither to him or myself really. Draco waited to hear what I was trying to say. "My father will not going to join Him. He's not going to, he can't."
"Katerina" he said slowly, in that tone I always hated to hear him use.
"My father will not join him" I repeated, this time more assertively. He just couldn't. Papa hadn't done it before, so why would he now? There's no reason to. He could find a way to stay out of this war; he was smart enough to. Somehow… someway he would.
"If he did—"
"He won't" I interrupted, not wanting to hear it. Draco didn't look upset by that. Instead he waited patiently until he felt it was safe to speak.
"If he did" Draco said cautiously, holding my gaze, "would you?"
I looked at him for some time, neither of us saying anything more. In his expression I couldn't read everything, but I believed that was because part of me didn't want to know. I didn't want to know if he was asking for me or some ulterior motive. I didn't want to know what he was thinking. And I didn't want to know what he would have done with whatever answer I would give him. Instead I turned away.
I stood from my bed and turned to the platter food that was still temporarily untouched. From the selection I grabbed a piece of coffee bread and walked back to the bed. I placed the piece in my mouth and, not feeling like putting much of an effort, crawled up and onto my pillow. With a pout I took a bite of my food. Draco let out a sigh and moved to be with me. He kept a frown on his face as he lay his head on the pillow beside me. I leaned closer to him, resting myself against him.
"You got crumbs on my shoulder" he grumbled at me. I gave him a look but let out a smile, and then a laugh. I leaned closer to him again, placing an arm around him this time.
"You're an idiot" I told him, hitting his chest lightly.
"Ladylike as ever. You might as well be the posterchild" he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. It made me smile too.
"Shut up" I grumbled and bit into my coffee bread again.
Draco leaned in closer and kissed the top of my head. I lay comfortably as he began running his fingers through my hair. He was trying to calm me down. I let my weight fall against him; he was warm and comfortable and never complained. Draco always made me feel safe. I pushed myself up for a moment, closer to eye level, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I love you" I smiled and took a few more bites of the coffee bread. Draco gave me a smile and put his hand in my hair again.
"I love you too" he replied then let out a sigh. "But if you keep doing this sort of thing your father will have me taken care of."
"You worry too much. Besides, he is the one that agreed to the arrangement" I added and finished off the rest of my food.
"That's not what I meant." Draco shook his head at me and leaned back against his pillow. I stayed where I was against him. For a moment we were silent, then Draco ran a hand across his face and began to speak again. "It'll be alright."
"You don't know that" I gave a small smile, thinking it sweet he was still worrying about me.
"I promise it will" he insisted.
"How can you promise that?"
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do" I replied, no question in my mind about that. Draco gave me a nod.
"If you do then trust that, whatever happens, I will not let anything happen to you. I will do everything in my power to make sure you're okay. No matter what it takes, I will make sure of that."
"Thank you" I said after a moment of silence. He was always so kind and thoughtful with me. Sometimes it felt as if he somehow care more about me than I did for him, which was obviously not true. "I love you too, you know."
"I think we both know I love you more" he stated, as if guessing what I was thinking.
"It's not a competition" I pouted at him.
"If it was I would win. That is why you're getting so upset" Draco let out a smirk.
"Shut up" I kept my pout and held a little tighter onto him.
"It's fine. I know I'll always love you more" he said softly. "I've accepted that."
"You make it sound like a burden" I mumbled at him.
"Isn't it?" he argued. "You know you don't always make it easy to love you. You're obnoxious, stubborn, you make constant mistakes—"
"Don't ruin this moment" I made a face at him.
Draco gave me a kind of chuckle. Leaning closer he bent down and kissed my forehead. The thing was that I believed him. No matter what happened, I knew I could trust in him to watch over me. The more logical side of me knew that, as young as we were, he couldn't do much. Still, the thought was enough to set me at peace. I rested my head against his shoulder comfortably. Somehow it would all be okay. Somehow we would get through this.