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Draco alighted smoothly from the carriage and made his way up the front steps

Draco alighted smoothly from the carriage and made his way up the front steps. He hated this ritualistic meeting with his father at the end of every school year. Hated the wait for the inevitable silky sigh, "You've disappointed me, Draco" and the punishment.

And today he was afraid of revealing his news before he was ready. With a silent prayer to Merlin, he knocked on the study door. His mother always made it a point to be away the day he returned. If she was there, Lucius would ensure her presence as a witness to her son's punishment.

Now, trying to think of his mother and the house-elves –anything other than Harry- he entered the study.

"Draco." It was a cold acknowledgement.

"Father." He bowed.

"How was your year, Draco?" He wished his Father wouldn't end every sentence with his name.

"It was as good as could be desired, Father." He replied, trying to stop images of Harry creeping in at the word 'desire'.

"What a pity I can't say the same, Draco. I had expected a lot more from you. Especially as this was your last year. Perhaps I should resign myself to the fact that my son is going to be a disappointment to me all my life."

"Father!" There it was again, that heart-broken urge to please this man. To impress him. To satisfy him in some way!

"And I have heard rumours, Draco." So it had come so soon. There was silence as Lucius walked forward. Draco's heart was beating so fast he thought he'd collapse there. Lucius waited till he was in front of Draco, "Rumours that you have been a lot more subdued this year, Draco. And from one or two people whom I can trust, I have received the impression- that you are in love. Is it true Draco?"

Was that a smile or a sneer? Was this a question or a trick? Steeling himself, Draco looked up, "It is true, Father."

"Finally!" Lucius allowed himself a smile, "And-?"

"Now, Draco. Tell him now! Finish it!" he told himself. But seeing his Father so happy with him, after so long, he smiled, "A secret, Father, for a few more days."

The smile disappeared in a flash.

"It isn't someone- unsuitable, is it Draco? Need I remind you what you owe your lineage?"

"Unsuitable, Father? I just want to wait a few more days until I can be sure." He hoped like hell that his panic didn't show.

Lucius scrutinized his face than abruptly turned away, " I shall see, I suppose. You may leave."

Draco stared. No further questions? No further points on how he'd disappointed him?

Was this all his father could find to ask after an absence of nearly a year?

Wordlessly, he turned and walked out.