A Room Without Windows

Lucius paced around his cell, like he usually did in the mornings. His body ached from lying on the stiff itchy mattress all night. His rags hung from his flesh and his hair had started to matt into dreadlocks. He had only been there for two months, and he had lost a lot of weight. A bowl skidded out of the hole at the bottom of his cell door. It spilt the contents all over the cold stone slabs. Angrily he ran to the door.

"I'm glad I'll only be spending six months in this hellhole! Because that is as long as I'll last as long as I'm fed this GRUEL!" He slammed his fists against the bars and it echoed down the passage.

"Shut-up Malfoy" came cries from the other prisoners. A guard walked past and spotted him at the door.

"You have a problem with our cooking Pure-blood?" He asked innocently.

Malfoy sneered and skulked to the back of his cell. He waited for the guard to leave, then proceeded to eat the contents of the bowl. It tasted like rotten eggs. He coughed and spluttered after he swallowed every spoonful, but it was better than nothing. A tapping on the bars indicated he had post. He retrieved it from the portly Auror whom he regularly bribed.

A note from your son, a daily Prophet and if you need me to write a letter for you that will be 30 silver sickles as usual. He smiled, showing black teeth.

Malfoy snatched the papers from the fat man who called himself Mr. Figg. "Come back in an hour!" he spoke in a demanding tone. Figg nodded and moved on to the next cell.

Lucius sat himself down on the mattress and opened Draco's Letter.

Father,

I hope this finds you well. I read in your last letter that you are quite comfortable and are treated well…

That was a lie. Lucius regretted lying to his son like this, but he hated the fact that the name Malfoy meant almost next to nothing in this place. He had no authority or respect, and was treated like an animal.

I haven't seen much of Mother recently. She has been staying at the cottage for some while and writes to me often. She claims that the draughty, dusty mansion was not good for her health. Personally I don't think she likes looking at me much anymore. I remind her of you.

I had a quiet birthday. Just me. Pansy did come round to drop off a present but she couldn't stay. It was a ring, with a DM inscribed on it, but I don't wear it. I have been wearing your ring though. I hope you don't mind. Mum sent me some money, and Snape sent me a potions book.

I just thought you should know I passed all my exams. I got two 'O's for Potions and Defence against the Dark Arts! Professor Snape said I got one of the highest marks in the class! Granger beat me again.

I also got 'E's for Transfiguration, Charms, Astronomy and Care of Magical Creatures!

I'm sorry to tell you that I only got 'A's for Herbology and History Of Magic

I think Professor Sprout gave me an 'A' because she knows I don't like her 'favourite' idiot Longbottom!

Anyway I am sorry I disappointed you. But I also have some other, more important news. I passed my 'test.'

Your loving son,

Draco

Lucius scratched at the coarse hair on his chin. He was getting used to having a thin beard, but he knew it would annoy him eventually. There was no way to cut it in here. It took him a while to comprehend what Draco meant by 'test.' For a second he brushed it off as being an exam at school. Then he had realised it was something far more sinister.

Dear God NO! He panicked and stood up. Pacing his cell over and over. He's just a boy! He's only a boy! He's fifteen for god's sake! No…sixteen! Lucius franticly ran a hand through his hair and paced over and over.

"Ready Lucius?" Figg had returned, a pen and paper at the ready!

Lucius gulped and fought hard to speak. "I…er…I…need to think!" he said as he paced the floor again.

"Well hurry up, I have other things to be getting on with than writing bloody letters to your son!" Figg moaned.

"Give me the pen Figg." Lucius held out his hand for it.

"That's not allowed. I could lose my job." Figg snorted.

"You could lose a hell of a lot more a month if you don't give me that damned pen!" Lucius hissed. His trademark sneer visible beneath the beard.

Figg, desperate to keep his monthly Malfoy wages, handed over the pen immediately.

There was no way Lucius could let Draco know of the danger ahead without giving away his secret. He doubted very much that Figg had kept his word on confidentiality and he could not risk letting slip that his son was conversing with Lord Voldemort. So instead he wrote a serious letter in the hope that Draco would understand the true meaning behind the words.

Draco!

I am very disappointed. The test required skills far beyond your comprehension. You should never have attempted it without proper revision. I am sure your new 'tutor' knows you are not ready, and I would advise you to wait. I would also insist that you ask your teacher at hogwarts, Professor Snape who may have some information regarding the test results.

As for your Grades, I am not surprised you got an 'O' in potions. Professor Snape always gives them to his favourites whether they deserve them or not. The 'A's are indeed disappointing but you have improved since last year.

Your Mother has been writing to me as well, and Figg has also helped me converse with her. I am sorry that she has been distant from you. She does love you dearly. She just needs time to adjust to a life without me.

As for my ring. You may keep it. I have no use for it any more. Consider it your birthday present.

Your Father

He handed the note and pen to Figg, who folded it and hid it in his jacket.

"I want a raise!" Figg sneered

"Get out of my sight!" Malfoy retorted, and with that Figg retreated into the shadows.