As the start of year feast began, Draco Malfoy sat alone, awaiting the arrival of the new headmaster. Obviously he had been called in regards to the incident that had cut last year short. His summer had been filled with heated discussions of his future education. His father had declared that it was high time Draco joined the Lord full-time, whereas his mother felt that he should find a new institution and continue his schooling. However, they had both been amazed and relieved when he received the letter listing the items needed for the new school year at Hogwarts; he had expected nothing.
Although he had been allowed to return, he was still unaware of the conditions attached. As far as Draco could tell, the new headmaster was a forgiving person, seemingly believing in second chances. The attempted murder last year, for most, was the last straw. Though, as a few people at the school were aware, Draco had run out of second chances long before.
For those few, the reasons for the headmaster accepting the young Malfoy back did more than elude them.
He pushed a strand of hair from his left eye, all the while scrutinising the elaborately decorated room. He saw through these fabrications on the truth, this person was obviously trying to hide their real disposition. The elegant curtains hanging across the bright window, the faux fur rug, the wonderfully carved mahogany desk. Each beautiful item only a pretence. This person wanted to give the impression of irrepressible power, class and quality.
It is said even the bad ones miss beauty it's gone; Draco Malfoy was no exception to this. Recalling the haunting song of Fawkes' mourning, Draco suddenly noticed how quiet it was in this office, and a strange sadness spread through him as he realised the Phoenix would never again grace these halls.
Who the extraordinary new possessor of this office was he didn't discover then, for he was summoned to the Slytherin common room to speak with the new Head of House instead. Severus Snape of course, having clearly made himself known as an active Death Eater by mercilessly killing prestigious Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, was no longer a member of staff.
"Welcome back Mr Malfoy." A quiet haunting voice echoed from the darkened doorway. The owner of the voice came forward out of the shadows. She was a tall, thin woman, with long black hair that framed her face perfectly. Her hooded eyes were a piercing grey, and lined with a hint of black eye shadow.
Draco gasped, his brow furrowing in alarm. He quickly shuffled backwards, driven into a mild panic by the insanity evident in her stare.
"How did you..?"
Her voice ran like silk, mimicking her advance across the dimly lit room.
"Never underestimate him dear boy. You always were so mistrusting." Her tone rose on these words as they hissed past her lips. Her yellowing teeth, so dazzling in memories past, became visible as a lunatic grin appeared on her face. Despite her slightly hollowed features, she still held a charm that many would come to envy. Her eyes were alert as she relayed her tale to the listening teen, constantly searching the room for prying students and trickery.
The young blonde slowly sank into a thick plush armchair as she spoke of the battle she had fought to get here. She addressed him for what seemed like hour, stressing to him persistently the importance of secrecy.
"Our Lord obviously trusts you, or you would not be alive. I will treat you as a lesser-being but also as a confidant. You will do as I say young Malfoy, I am here to instruct you and aid you if necessary."
Draco nodded slowly, dumb-founded, as he watched his aunt sweep from the room. He waited until her footsteps, echoing down the stone corridor leading from the common room, died away before moving. He was shell-shocked. Never had he believed Hogwarts could be infiltrated to blatantly.