Chapter 19: Start of Easter Break, Malfoy Manor and bit of Mischief
After the 'Cho Incident' with the Witch Weekly article and the resulting phenomenon that occurred when he had holed himself away, Harry had been setting aside time to research what was going on with him. It was hard to do between schoolwork, time with Draco and the tense and not-so-tense moments with Ron and Hermione. But he managed somehow.
There was a moderate amount of information he was able to find on the subject, though what he did fine was useful. The bolts of colored lightning were external showings of a person's magic reacting to a situation. It normally only happened with powerful witches and wizards. He had a few theories that he wanted to test also, and was glad for the time to do so. He hadn't brought it up to anyone yet; neither Ron and Hermione, or Draco knew about his research or theories. He wanted to be surer before he brought it up to ANYONE. But if his theories were right...
He was really excited about the coming prospects and couldn't wait for Easter break, which was starting not long after his last class. He was in Transfiguration now, his last class that Friday for the next two weeks. The only downside was that both Ron and Hermione were staying for the break. It wasn't that he didn't want them around; it was just that they would nag him with wanting to know what he's up to, especially Hermione. He also knew that Draco was going home for the first five days of break before returning earlier than most students. He had felt a bit uneasy when Draco had told him about the letter he had received from his mother, but he had come to mostly trust the blond and from the slightly uncomfortable look Draco had given the letter, Harry knew that he was uneasy about it too.
When the class was finally over, Harry let out a barely audible sigh of relief as he packed up his books and things. Those leaving for the break were doing so after dinner, and he knew that a good portion of the Gryffindors were leaving also. He followed Ron and Hermione out of the room, and the three of them made a trek back to Gryffindor Tower. Immediately upon entering Hermione sat in one of the common room couches and began pulling out books, quills, parchments and ink. While Ron began moaning about doing schoolwork, Harry sat and followed Hermione's actions. He wanted to get as much of the assigned schoolwork done as possible so he had more free time to work on his research. He noticed Hermione give him a look between pleased and calculating out of the corner of his eye, but ignored it. After a bit of whining Ron finally settled down and began working along with them, especially after the severe looks Hermione kept giving him.
They spent the time up until dinner working, though Ron stopped after a short period of time and set up a game of Exploding Snap with Seamus. They packed up their things, and took them up to the dorms, then left for dinner. Dinner was the same as usual only a slightly more boisterous affair with the excitement of a short break looming over everyone. Harry caught Draco's eye once during dinner; a brief, but intense stare and a one-sided quirk of the lips before they looked away.
Even though he wouldn't admit it aloud, and especially not to Draco, he was worried for his friend. He knew from what Draco had told him of his home life that his mother was just as unpleasant as his father. No, she didn't abuse him like Lucius, but her cold demeanor and blatant ignorance of her husband's actions towards her son were an abuse all on it own. So, yes, he was slightly uneasy about things concerning the blond's trip home.
With dinner over the students leaving began to make their way to the Entrance Hall so they could take the carriages to the train station. After saying farewell to their housemates, he Ron and Hermione made their way back to the Tower. He wanted to turn around, search the crowd and look at Draco one more time, but he knew it wouldn't be a good idea. So he kept walking. Arriving back at the Tower he finished up the work he could, saving the essays in Potions, DADA and Charms for later. After a bit of time spent with his friends they all separated for bed.
That night Harry's dreams were full of Draco, and he desperately hoped the blond would be alright.
When Draco arrived at King's Cross and departed from the train, he took deep, reassuring breaths before going to seek out his mother after bidding goodbye to Blaise who was also heading home for the holidays. He found his mother standing regally and tall with that vaguely disgusted look upon her face as she looked around at the milling people. He withheld a sigh, and clenched his slightly trembling hands as he walked towards her. When he reached her she looked at him with cool indifference.
"Draco," she greeted in her smooth honey tone, nodding her head.
"Mother," he said in kind. He could feel the coldness setting in already from being around her.
"Come along, son, we must get back to the manor," Narcissa turned around, instructing the house-elf accompanying her to grab the bags he had with him. They were expensive dragon hide travel bags that his mother had said were a 'necessity' for short term travel. He held back another sigh and began to follow his mother.
He really didn't want to be here, or going home, but his mother's letter had been demanding that he attend home during the break. He had an idea of what this was about though, unless his mother had a surprise she was planning to spring. He really hoped not. When they reached the side that was designed for any magical transportation he immediately looked for the familiar dark wood carriage that the Malfoy's owned.
The carriage was like the Hogwarts ones, only they were charmed to take a person to a spoken destination instead of being drawn by an animal. The house-elf settled his bags as he got in, and seconds later the carriage was speeding towards it's destination. The ride was a silent one, the silence heavy and tense like any silences with his parents. He let his mind drift – back to Hogwarts, back to Harry, and wondered what he was doing.
He knew the Gryffindor had been uneasy about the letter asking him home, and so had he even though he had an idea of what the visit was about. But he wondered; was Harry uneasy about Draco maybe being untruthful about his not wanting to join the Death Eaters, or his safety? He hoped Harry trusted him when he had said he didn't want to be a Death Eater, because he didn't. Things had been going great with the other boy so far, and he didn't want to bugger things up.
When he saw the scenery that had been racing by slowing, and then stopping, he jerked from his thoughts, realizing he had been preoccupied throughout the whole ride. They departed from the carriage and made their way into the manor. As the house-elf went to take his bags to his room his mother stopped him with a light touch to his shoulder.
"After you get settled in I want you to come down to lunch. We have a few things we need to begin discussing," Narcissa said in her light, indifferent tone. Draco nodded his head, face set in the same cool indifference.
"Of course Mother," he said simply. He went to his room, and the second the door closed he breathed out heavily through his nose. It was always uncomfortable and suffocating to be around his parents since the abuse started. With another explosive sigh he walked over towards his bed and flopped ungracefully onto it. Despite everything it felt good to be back on his bed, in his room that was warm and familiar. It was one of the few rooms that held no memory of abuse – at least not physical abuse. This was his haven in Malfoy Manor, as yet untouched by the taint of his father's abuse. It was one of several places, but still the most cherished.
Since he still had a bit of time before he was to attend lunch he decided to take the time to look around his room. Everything was as how it had been when he left for sixth year. As he sat up from lying on the bed he looked around the large expanse of his room and his eyes were drawn to the portrait to the left side of his door. He smiled a small smile at the sight of it. The magical portrait was of a beautiful panther in a lush, verdant jungle. The panther had a coat of the most luxurious black, with a beautiful sheen and the most enchanting eyes; they were green with an undertone of yellow – very haunting in their intensity.
He had been seven when he got the portrait on an excursion with his parents. He had been so enthralled with the beauty and intensity of the picture, even at such a young age, that he knew he had to have it. He had asked his father to buy it, and he remembered clearly what the man had said.
"Please Draco," his father had said condescendingly. "Why would you want a painting of a CAT? They're so...girlish, and I know I didn't raise my son to be feminine."
But Draco had whined and demanded, and pleaded until, exasperated, his father had given in. He knew Lucius HATED the portrait and that made Draco love it all the more. Looking around at the beautiful painting he saw the panther lazing around on a spot of lush grass. He smiled at it, running his fingers along the frame before continuing his inspection. He walked around, brushing his hand over things as he went; the dark wood wardrobe, the cream colored walls, the walk-in closet doors. He wanted to take off his shoes and sink his feet into the plush carpet, but knew time wasn't with him.
He was glad to be here; in his room, even if he wasn't glad to be at the manor. He sighed as he made his way back to the closet. He knew that his mother would want him in something different for lunch. He rummaged through the closet for a moment before pulling out an elegantly casual slate blue robe and switching into it. Running a brush quickly through his hair, he checked his appearance in the full length mirror, and then steeled himself. He left the room and began heading towards the Dining room.
Walking into the room the first thing he noticed was his mother, sitting at the table looking over some papers. He seated himself across from his mother who nodded at him with a cool smile. Immediately upon sitting house-elves began appearing and started putting a nice spread for lunch on the table. Once the house-elves disappeared both of them picked up their eating utensils.
"So Draco," Narcissa began. "How has school been, you haven't been writing as much lately?"
Draco swallowed what he was eating and barely held himself from rolling his eyes, and saying something along the lines of 'Like you care!' Instead he said, "Excuse my lack of correspondence mother, but school has been demanding. My studies have kept me quite busy."
"Yes, your studies are important, darling, and how are they going? Am I right in assuming that your grades are what I – and your father – expect them to be?" Narcissa asked. Her tone was casual, but Draco could hear the undertone beneath the words. Draco barely held himself from cringing, but it was close. While his mother knew of his abuse at Lucius's hands and turned a blind eye to it, she would use the threat – at least Draco considered it one – of what his father would do, say, or want. It drove him mad because as much as he would like to deny it, he was afraid of his father.
"My grades are excellent mother," Draco replied. Then he added: "Father would be satisfied." He knew it wasn't true. His father was hardly ever satisfied with anything he did.
"That's good to hear Draco," his mother stated. There was a moment of silence as they both ate a bit of their food. Draco was just waiting for his mother to start in on the real reasons he was there. "Now Draco," Narcissa said a moment later. "I've asked you here these few days because there are important things that need to be discussed. Normally the father of the family would be doing this, but as we both know your father is currently indisposed," she sniffed at the last word, lip curled in disdain.
"You'll be coming of age soon, and with that event comes responsibilities. You will be the new Lord of the Malfoy estate and assets. There are things – duties and such – you must uphold in the name of Malfoy. Your father would expect it, as do I, and you do wish to make your parents proud don't you?" she fixed intense blues eyes on him, raised an eyebrow.
If being a murdering, raping bastard is upholding the Malfoy name, then no. Draco thought, but said instead: "Of course mother, I do wish to make you and father proud." The words that had once made him feel special, important in the eyes of his parents now left a bitter taste on his tongue, but he looked his mother in the eye calmly.
"Wonderful darling," Narcissa said light as if the conversation were about the weather and not major things in his life. "We have five days to fully discuss everything and you already know most of what is expected of you. We'll talk more on this." They finished lunch in relative silence, though the food felt like sawdust in his mouth. Afterwards, Draco left the table and headed back to his room. He could tell it was going to be a long five days for him.
After breakfast Harry and his friends left the castle for a day in Hogsmeade. Walking into the wizarding village, the trio automatically made their way to Honeydukes. Greeting the owners politely, they went about gathering their craved confections, talking as they did. Once they gathered and paid for their candy they left the popular sweetshop. From there they headed to Zonko's upon Ron's insistence, much to Hermione's disapproval. Harry found himself enjoying the time they spent in the joke shop, the time spent with his friends. It felt good not to be irritated by their presence, and not to feel guilty about that irritation.
They spent some time in Zonko's with Ron buying a few things, but mostly scoping things out for the twins. Talk of the twins reminded Harry of the Christmas presents they got him – pranks, a bottle of Ogden's Firewhisky and some other things he couldn't remember – and made a mental note to thank them next time he saw them. After leaving Zonko's they headed towards Scrivenshaft's so Hermione could get some more quills and other stationary.
They trudged through the quill shop after their enthusiastic friend who became momentarily enthralled with a new type of quill, and Harry had a good laugh with Ron as the redhead made faces behind his girlfriend's back. When Hermione caught him in the midst of making a face, and Harry snickering silently behind his hand, she had smacked each upside the head, paid for her things and left the store in a huff. He and Ron followed, trying to look properly chastised and failing miserably.
"So, where to for lunch?" Ron asked, rubbing his stomach for emphasis.
"How about Dickinson's, we've only been there once since they've opened and the food is rather good?" Hermione asked, looking at the two boys. Dickinson's was a new restaurant that had opened up in Hogsmeade a little over a month ago. It sold a larger variety of food and drink than the Three Broomsticks, and the food was delicious.
Harry and Ron agreed, and together the three friends headed for Dickinson's. With less students around it would be less crowded and easier to get a table. Because of its popularity they were only able to go there once before out of two visits to Hogsmeade. They made their way back up the street and to the building diagonally across from Honeydukes. The front of the building had a bay window that you could see the inside of. A rectangular, arced sign above the window and door read 'Dickinson's' in royal blue print.
They entered the shop and took a seat near the window. The inside was really nice; not too formal, really, more of a casual feel and look to it. The floor was a rich blue carpet and the walls were a rich cream with blue accents on the baseboards. The contrast in the colors complimented the room nicely. Around the perimeter of the room were several booths for larger parties to seat themselves in along with light oak tables – circular and rectangular – that sat one to four people depending on the table. The place was really good for a nice, relaxing lunch.
Three menus appeared immediately as they sat down, hovering in front of them. They plucked them up and began looking through them, talking as they did. Harry brushed away the irritation and bit of guilt he felt at being irritated from losing time he thought would be better used for his research. Things just hadn't been the same with the three of them that year, and Harry knew he was somewhat to blame for being so closed and cold with Ron and Hermione. Finally each selected their choice meals by touching the small pictures with the descriptions under it of what it was. The menus disappeared, and they had only about thirty to forty-five seconds to wait before the food popped up in front of them.
After taking a bite of his sandwich, Harry spoke up, breaking the silence. "You know, it feels really good to have such a lack in activity from Voldemort," Harry said quietly after swallowing. He deliberately ignored Ron's slight wince and almost choking. He was slowly learning to get used to hearing the Dark Lord's name, and not flinch with every mention of it.
"Yes it is, but it leaves the question of what he is doing in this time of silence," Hermione replied with a slight worried frown.
"Do we have to talk about him now, and especially with the break and everything?" Ron pleaded, looking at them both. Harry sighed and pinned the redhead with an intense look.
"Ron, an active Voldemort is bad enough, but a silent one could be even worse! It means he's lying low and planning something," Harry stated, and then sighed at the uncomfortable look on Ron's face. "It's almost the end of the school year, you know." He said giving Ron a pointed look before looking to Hermione. She nodded with a solemn look.
"Which means Voldemort will more than likely be attacking soon, as per his almost yearly custom," Hermione said. Harry nodded stuffing a chip in his mouth.
"It's just best to be prepared," Harry said simply. Ron sighed, but finally nodded agreement.
"Its just...easier not to think about it sometimes, to pretend there's no Dark Lord and no war," Ron said quietly, then shoved a few chips into his mouth, uncomfortable.
"We all like to pretend now and then Ron, but sometimes we just have to face reality," Hermione said, just as quietly. There was a tense, uncomfortable silence for a moment, each lost in they're own thoughts.
"Last match of the year coming up," Ron said abruptly, not-so-subtly changing the subject. "We'll need to really train hard when Easter break is over, with the way Slytherin has been playing. We'll need to really pound them into the ground to get the Cup. Especially after the way they trounced Ravenclaw." He frowned slightly at that.
"Yeah they did beat Ravenclaw with a forty point lead, and that was without Malfoy catching the Snitch," Harry agreed, remembering the game intently. Especially the way Draco sat astride his broom and the way he rode it. To clear his thoughts, he shook his head to rid himself of the sudden assault of images that hit him. "If that Slytherin/Ravenclaw match was intense, and anything to go by, then we'll have to push ourselves to the limit for our game."
"Yeah, they'll pull every dirty trick they can," Ron spat vehemently, pointing at Harry and nodding before biting into his sandwich. Harry saw Hermione roll her eyes at Ron's fervent tone, but the amused smile and fond look she sent him was proof otherwise.
"You boys' and your games," she muttered, shaking her head.
"No talk of school or assignments, now," Ron said with a disgusted look. "Let's talk about something else?"
"Like what?" Harry asked lazily.
"There's been enough bad stuff this year so far, and I think you need some distraction," Ron said decisively. Harry had to hold himself from groaning. "And I've prepared for such a thing, mate!"
"Ron...what are you talking about?" Hermione asked, looking at her boyfriend warily, a stern look about her.
"Come on 'Mione, you have to admit Harry could use a bit of fun after everything that's happened to him this year," he replied, and gave the girl a look. He turned to Harry then. "You remember the owl that came for me two days ago? Well I contacted Fred and George, and they sent me a few things. We," he paused dramatically, holding a chip up like a torch. "are going to pull a couple of pranks this break! You need this, Harry, because you've moped around too much this year." He smiled as he stuffed the chip into his mouth.
Harry stared at the redhead incredulously, frustration and the warmth of friendship struggling in equal part inside him. It was nice to have Ron being so determined to bring him out of his funk, but this was messing with his plans of research. He forced a smile on his face, before taking a drink of his Butterbeer. He supposed he could spare some time for fun for his friends; really it wouldn't kill him to do so. His research could be postponed a bit, surely, for the sake of spending a bit of time with his friends? Yes, it could. His smile turned a bit more genuine at this. Then he sat back and finished eating while listening to Hermione protest to a determined Ron about his idea.
When they got back to the castle Harry, Ron, and a reluctant and slightly disapproving Hermione sat together and began planning the pranks. After a bit they had dragged Ginny into their scheming, and the four worked out who they would prank and with what pranks they would use. They even ended up getting Hermione into it a bit more, and by the time they each went to bed that night they had a list of pranks and victims for the break.
Harry found himself with a small smile on his face when he laid down for bed that night. It felt good to be doing something with his friends while also knowing he'll have enough time to research his idea and theories. Maybe, he thought, this break won't be so bad after all.