Scarhead chapter 17
Harry scrubbed his eyes open wearily as the smell of freshly made pancakes and the sound of laughter floated from the other room. He arched his spine and his back popped. He groaned and rolled off the couch, realizing that it was the next morning.
He shuffled into the kitchen and was greeted by warm smiles and 'good mornings.'
"How was your day, relaxing at home?" Remus asked placing a plate of pancakes in front of him like his godson was still a kid himself.
"Mostly paperwork," Harry mumbled, grateful that Remus reminded him that the Damian wasn't supposed to know about the party. "And I owled the Hogwarts Crew. I wanted each of them to write a letter to Draco about themselves."
Draco blinked. "Am I supposed to write back?" Harry nodded but was careful not to smile. He remembered his vow not to encourage the werewolf. "If you'd like you can."
Draco bit his lip at the absence of Harry's easy smile. What if he'd been wrong all along?
"Cut it out Dad," Damian rolled his eyes. "I know you went shopping with them, it's not that hard to figure out."
Harry sighed. "Brat. And the letters should be here tomorrow. How was your day yesterday?" he asked Draco resisting the urge to smile reassuringly at the crestfallen blonde. This was going to be a lot harder than he thought. He felt like he was the pathetic villain that just kicked his favorite puppy.
Draco shrugged and Lexie and Teddy filled in Draco's adventures. Draco toyed with the idea of not telling Harry about his encounter with Bill. He decided that maybe he would tell him later. Maybe.
Niki started to climb down from her chair. "It's Sunday! Movie Day!"
"That's right." Harry nodded and finally gave in, sending Draco a small warm smile. "And it's Draco's turn to pick."
With that, Draco was unceremoniously dragged from his chair into the sitting room as the kids all voted for their favorite movies. He finally picked Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, as he thought of Percy and Oliver. He wondered if he could solve some of the puzzles before the end of the movie.
Teddy got bored about halfway through the movie, for it was too confusing for him to follow. He and Niki disappeared.
They spent the rest of the day between watching movies and reading the teacher reports and Hogwarts letters.
After dinner, they still sat around Harry and listen to the beautiful tales he told. Draco had found early on that Harry's stories were his own. There were characters like the 'bearded giant, the headmaster, the Warrior, the Hero and the Sage. And he found out his own name was the Snake and he wasn't quite as bad in the story as he remembered he was. He wondered if that was new or Harry had always done that. He was quite amused when he found out that Severus's name was the Bat.
Tonight was the story of the Pink Toad Queen and everyone, including Draco, cheered when the centaurs barged in to save the day. He'd never liked her anyway; the kittens had freaked him out.
"What happened next Dad?" Lexie asked. "You always end the stories there. What about the Riddler? And Padfoot?"
Damian jumped up and had Niki and Teddy follow him to the kitchen for hot coco and Draco followed his lead and ushered the kids into the other room. They got them settled into bed and noticed that Harry was still in the room with Lexie and sat at the kitchen table, waiting.
"He's telling her who he is and the whole story, because she's going to Hogwarts next year and would find out anyway."
Draco said nothing, only looked at him. Damian looked back. "I know who you are. You're Draco Malfoy. The Burner."
Draco looked away.
"You're also the Snake."
Draco's lip twisted in a cruel smile. "I was a horrible, nasty child. You know that," Draco looked him in the eye. "You've known ever since you saw me brought in. You knew, yet you welcomed me. You don't care."
"I don't, because you were horrible but also terribly lost. You were one of us, without a hero to help you, and you still are one of us, with everyone trying their best to help."
Draco snorted. "They only help after they think I died."
Damian nodded. "Sometimes it works out that way, but without you doing what you did, I wouldn't be here." He stood up. 'And I'm glad you're here too."
"Wait!" Draco called. "What do you mean?" but he didn't get and answer and realized he probably never would.
They next morning brought muffins, letters and Lexie happily floating on a bubble of sheer joy. She bounded down the stairs, and plopped down in her seat breaking the awkward silence between Harry and Draco. "I'm going to Hogwarts!" she giggled. Dog rubbed her ankles and got her knee to stop bouncing enough to sit in her lap.
Draco grinned. "Really? Good for you, Lex."
Damian, Remus, Niki and Teddy came downstairs as muffins were served and a miffed owl pecked at the window. Harry let them in and placed the five letters in front of Draco. "Everything you need to know about the Hogwarts Crew. I'd be prepared when reading Immi's letter though; she's a bit… imaginative."
Damian snorted.
Draco excused himself and curled up in an armchair with a muffin to read the letters.
He first went for the only name he recognized: Sebastian.
Dear Draco,
I really don't understand the point of writing this essay if I've already met you, but that's Dad for you. Alright so the basics then. My name is Sebastian Michael Potter; I'm a 14 year old Slytherin about to enter my fifth year. So I could drone on and on about how I'm such a good little Snake like I am sure my Gryffindor brother is doing, but I am going to scandalize a fellow Slytherin by telling you how awful I am at it. Ciel calls me 'quirky' to be nice.
I am not rich. I am not pureblood, (not that it matters anymore since your little stunt. Yes, I know who you are, no I haven't told anyone.) I don't make a point of telling people who my father is. I don't talk a lot, but everyone says I'm easier to understand because I don't talk in riddles, which is a riddle for everyone else. I don't wear masks. I am a terrible liar. I don't go out of my way to be mean unless I have to and even then I speak honestly. The truth is a formidable weapon.
I do care about what people think though. Knowledge is key to wisdom. Most wonder how, this weirdo raised by the Golden Boy, had managed to become the Ice King, the Snake Prince. (Both horrible names anyway.) Just how, had I gained the respect of all the snakes in the school? You've seen by eye patch. When my eye isn't hurting, I take it off and scare all the first years.
I have scars that viciously claw through my eye like paper. I am proud of it. It shows I'm different. I survived. It is better to be feared than loved. Those who don't fear me and see me as I am are my friends. The rest I can't be bothered with.
When you first met me, you were scared of me. Not for my scar, but because I was a stranger. And then, later, you looked me in the eye and shook my hand, even though you knew I hate your kind. You have scars too, you're a victim. And I realize how close I had been to becoming what I hated.
I won't make your life any harder. From one snake, victim and tenant in this crazy family to another, I promise that you will not be bothered by anyone when you come to the school. And if you want, the password is Salazar. You are under the Snake's protection from now on.
~Sebastian
Draco smiled. Sebastian had spent all his time trying to convince Draco that he was not an ambitious clever child which really was ingenious in itself. Sebastian was a true Slytherin because he marched in and manipulated the school for power when everyone thinks he's a sweetie. He also tried to make himself an ally. He played on what Draco wanted: the common room, and just made the Slytherin's be in a celebrity's favor. That is if Draco ever decided to go out in public. He also thought that while he spout off his so called 'weaknesses' Draco would never ask what he real faults were. And he never once lied. Draco was impressed. Which was probably another of Sebastian's goals. Plus, he gave Draco the loyalty of the Snakes. Once you gained the true friendship of a Slytherin, their loyalty stays with you forever.
Draco grabbed the next letter, which was someone named Riley. It was filled with inked out words and spelling mistakes. If he could guess from the scarlet ink, it was a Gryffindor. He was right.
Ah Hello! Er, The name's Riley and I'm going into my 6th year as a Gryffindor. I really don't know what else to say. We've gotten letters about you from Damian and Lexie. They love you and Sebby said that your 'fine' which means your probably bloody fantastic. Anyone who can get that stubborn git's respect (no less a werewolf!) has got to be awesome. I'm tall with spiky brown hair and dazzling blue eyes that make girls swoon. I'm the Quidditch commintator. I'd play but then I'd actually like to give the other teams a chance. Damian said that you knew my dad from school. And honestly, just because Sebby-poo figured it out first doesn't make the rest of us idiots. I know that Dad doesn't like to talk about it or go out in public because he hates the attention. I mean the press must be annoying but he's a Hero! He's famous and we're famous by default. I think it pretty cool. It doesn't hurt with all the pretty ladies either. (I hope my girlfriend Karen doesn't read that. She's wicked smart, a Ravenclaw.) but by what Damian says, you don't really look for female attention.
Don't yell at him we would've found out eventually. (I have my doubts with Seb anyway) I really don't know what else to say. Just try to be friends with our little brother Ciel. He's young and quiet and doesn't have a lot of friends or talents and stays in his own little world. He's one of the more messed up kids here but he's a good kid. I wasn't as bad. I was just mad and got frustrated easily. My temper and ego were huge. (One out of two went away.) I just fought everybody. All those wise people say you got to fight to make it in the world but I over fought til I was tired and realized I had no one left to fight. I love my family, and I say this to every person I know who I think can handle it. If you hurt anyone I will have no problem fighting you.
Can't wait to see you at the party!
-Riley
Alrighty then. So far Draco had gotten a declaration of love and a death threat in the same letter. Typical Gryffindor. Riley seemed … interesting. He was also going to get Damian for that. And who was Ciel?
He was slightly reassured by the next letter. It was actually written by two people and very short.
Dear Draco,
Dad said we had to each write a letter about ourselves but we thought it would be easier if I started the letter and my sister Maria finished it. My name is Mary and we're in Hufflepuff together. We're both 12 and our birthday is November 8th. I'm six minutes older and we've been with Dad for six years. –Almost Seven!—we have matching bracelets and long straight black hair, and narrow black eyes. And we sing but that about ends the similarities. I'm sorry if Mary is boring you, our mom died when we were born and our dad disappeared during the war. Our Aunt didn't have enough money to support us and we stayed with dad ever since.
Everyone says you're awfully nice and I hope we can be friends over the summer. That is if I don't trip over something and crush you. Maria gets hurt a lot. The tables attack me without warning and I'm contently testing gravity's patience. Welcome to the family! Ya welcome! You'll love it here! What's not to love? We can't wait to see you but please watch out for Ciel. He gets lonely sometimes.
~Love Mary~
AND MARIA!
Draco smiled at the antics of the polar opposite twins, glad to see a friendly letter. And there was the mysterious Ciel again. Curiosity peaked; he picked up the next letter written in sparkly blue ink.
Imagine a short stylish young Ravenclaw with a dazzling smile, notebook in hand and piercing honest chocolate eyes. Now imagine her gently coaxing all stories and secrets out of you and then see her narrowing her eyes at you later as you do something dishonest or cruel. Then imagine her crushing your reputation, humiliating you with the fine stroke of a pen as your pleas for mercy fall on deaf ears.
That's me. Imogen Cain Potter. Call me Immi.
I want to be a journalist. Not a horrible dramatic one. Lies are not fun. It's the truth that can claw out people's hearts. Everyone says you're a good person and I intend to see for myself. I'm just giving you a fair warning. I am 14 years old and I'm dramatic, rude, creative and evil. I wear twice as many masks as a Slytherin and I'm not ashamed. I am on a quest for truth and knowledge like all Ravenclaws just a different kind. Everyone in our family already has wisdom far beyond their years. And it seems you have too.
I also have this weird thing where I can make you spill your secrets and make life miserable. I won't do that of course. Dad would never forgive me, but I can save your secrets for future blackmail, since it seems you're going to become our new daddy.
Oops did I say that? And if you break his heart I will break your future, Riley will break your face and Sebastian will break your soul. Yes, I really did say that.
-Immi
Draco wondered if he should fear for his life or not.
He finally made it too the last letter. Ciel.
My name is Ciel. I have an owl named Kustos and I love to fly. I am eleven years old. I am not brave. I am not strong. I cry easily. I want to be seeker next year. I wear a red and gold tie but I am not a Gryffindor. I am not special. I have green eyes and dark unruly hair. And I'm the shortest kid in my year.
My favorite spot in the whole castle is this hidden alcove on the fifth floor where I can sit and read with Kustos. I love to read. Seb will tell you that a picture is worth a thousand words. And his pictures are. Mary and Maria say that each note of a song can create a thousand pictures. Seb's drawings are amazing, and the girl's voices are beautiful, but so are my books. I believe that one word can mean something different to everyone who reads it. It creates a different story for everyone.
So I read. Fantasy is better than reality. Harry says I'm better than what I was, but I'm not completely healed. I don't think I'll ever be. What was it like living without words for so long Mr. Malfoy? How did you survive? We're both unlucky I guess. Fantasy is fake and reality is all too real. That's all you need to know about me. I'm trapped in my own head. And the scary thing is, I'm not sure I want to come out.
~Ciel.
Draco set the letter down and thought for a long, long time. Then he took a piece of paper and wrote a story. He wrote a story about a lost puppy in the woods who was afraid of fire; about an alcove on the fifth floor where two little initials are carved, and about a diary, hidden in the walls of the alcove, telling another story of the Lion and the Snake.
He signed it and placed it carefully with the rest of the letters, addressing it to Ciel Potter. His ears perked when the Floo flared to life and Draco dropped his pen with a strangled gasp.
Lucius Malfoy had arrived.
A/N I am so happy with how this turned out I blew my own frickin mind. KetsuekiNoAoiNamida got to choose the name of a kid and his name is Ciel. is my amazing beta and for that she got to choose the name of a girl. Also please go look at her story Malfoy's Don't Get Hurt, I have no words for how awesome it is. I hope you like the introduction of the kids!
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