Growing Up in Malfoy Manor

.: Chapter Four – Repercussions :.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and anything related to it belong to J.K. Rowling and/or Warner Bros.

.:-:.

When the Malfoys returned to the manor after returning Daphne, Pansy, Theo and Blaise to their respective parents, each varying in their outrage, a cold fury surrounded Lucius and Narcissa that made Draco want to shrink back. He had never seen either of them so angry, and all over speaking with a Muggle? All of the lectures and warnings about them had always seemed so abstract and theoretical, something that wouldn't actually affect him—the horror such an interaction inspired in his parents caught him a bit off guard.

"Daphne I can nearly understand; despite their blood and wealth the Greengrasses are sorely lacking in the proper pureblood pride. Pretentious and merely power-hungry, they are. But you Draco! Have we not raised you better?" His father's voice was a hiss of contempt, startling Draco out of his distracted thoughts. He could only look at his parents, wide-eyed.

"Do you know the words my family lived by, Draco? Toujours pur, always pure. You have disgraced your bloodline today, associating with a filthy, common Mudblood," said Narcissa, the softness of her voice rendering it no less effective.

"And yet, Narcissa, he is only a child, not yet Hogwarts age," mused Lucius, eyes narrowing in thought. "Perhaps we have been too…lenient in our parenting…"

His wife lifted her gaze from her son to her husband. "True…it is not Draco's fault that he has been undereducated." A look of understanding passed between them before they both raised their voices to call out, "Dobby!"

Dobby's crack as he appeared in the parlor caused Draco to stiffen in alarm. Would Dobby get into trouble because he got caught misbehaving?

"What is Master and Mistress Malfoy needing Dobby for?" asked Dobby nervously, glancing confusedly over at a still cringing Draco.

"As you well remember, elf, Narcissa and I placed you in charge of ensuring the children were properly looked after," began Lucius coldly.

"Yes, Dobby was being put in charge," the house-elf replied cautiously.

"Obviously you failed to adequately instruct them, as they were found associating with a Muggle child earlier today. As it is apparent that such delicate matters cannot be left to an incompetent creature such as yourself, you are hereby relieved of your duties in regard to the children. Draco will be educated by proper witches and wizards," Lucius finished with a cruel sneer.

"B-but-!" Draco couldn't help protesting.

"This is not up for negotiation, Draco," his mother warned, a slight frown marring her features as she took in his objection.

Dobby gave a low bow and replied quietly, "Yes, Master, of course, Master," before returning to his previous activity.

The next several hours were spent listening to his parents outline a curriculum that would make him understand how Muggles were completely despicable, interspersed with reminders of how disappointing his behavior had been and remonstrations to never repeat it. The other children were forbidden from visiting for at least a month, partly as a punishment and partly to allow Lucius and Narcissa to reevaluate the benefits of their company and influences on their young son.

.:-:.

After the Zabinis returned home, Blaise's mother decided that he would accompany her on all of her future travels so that she could keep a more watchful eye on his behavior and associations. A visible son might also her during her travels, make her seem more approachable or vulnerable or some such rubbish, she thought with amusement. It would beneficial to have her son on hand when she met any future suitors; after all, it was always a headache when Blaise took a particular dislike to one of her new husbands. She gazed at her current husband as she contemplated this; he was starting to bore her already…

.: -:.

When the Notts began berating their son, Theo made the mistake of complaining that he hadn't even done anything, he'd barely even seen the stupid Muggle girl. This did end up causing his parents to scale back their diatribe on his lack of pureblood pride and honor, instead shifting their focus to why he had not backed off immediately upon realizing what his friends were up to. The concern that the other children were damaging their son's future and their reputation prompted his parents to decide he was much better off without the corrupting influences of the other children. He bitterly wished he had kept his mouth shut as his parents espoused the virtues of operating alone and unencumbered.

.:-:.

When Pansy, too, told her parents she had not been involved in the "Muggle incident," her parents were thrilled. Sending their daughter off to her room, they began to plot a scheme to re-ingratiate themselves with the Malfoys, knowing their political power could only benefit them. In doing so, the Parkinsons made sure to emphasize young Daphne Greengrass's role in the debacle and simultaneously elaborate on how Pansy could only be a good influence on Draco.

.:-:.

The Greengrasses were absolutely furious. Not only did their daughter interact with a Muggle, the Parkinsons were pointing fingers at her, insinuating a lack of pureblood pride and good sense. Worse still, it seemed the Malfoys were inclined to believe them. After several vociferous arguments, it surfaced that both Draco and Pansy had independently confirmed that Daphne had initiated and then perpetuated the conversation with the Muggle child. Naturally, her parents were appalled and rebuked Daphne further.

What shocked them most, however, was the Malfoys' severing of ties. They claimed Daphne was too terrible an influence that could not be tolerated around their precious son. It was also made clear that if the relationship were to continue, unpleasant things would happen. The Greengrasses developed a deep grudge against the Parkinsons for leaping at the chance to humiliate them. Thus, a devastated Daphne was informed that she would no longer have any contact with those who had been her dearest friends.

.:-:.

In addition to the restructuring of their son's education, his parents now also monitored his social activities. Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, the sons of Lucius's loyal associates, were deemed ideal companions because they were too dimwitted to lead Draco astray. Pansy Parkinson, whose parents had assured them of her valiant attempts to end the Muggle interaction, was also deemed acceptable company. However, they were still watched carefully and never left unsupervised, lest they fall back into bad habits or worse, reminisce.

Except for Draco and Pansy, none of the children who had grown up together communicated or saw each other until it came time for them to attend Hogwarts.


A/N: This incomplete story has been sitting in a folder and transferred around computers for years because I could never figure out what exactly happened after the kids were taken home; I never came up with anything really organic that fit with an old plotline I'd had in mind. That particular plotbunny has long since transmuted and I've always felt guilty about this sitting here, especially considering my own dislike of stories mysteriously abandoned. So, enjoy this last chapter and the coming epilogue. (Honestly this time. It's mostly written and everything!)