Draco sat in his family's library, attempting to re-read the sentence of the novel he was holding for the umpteenth time. Lately, he just could not concentrate on anything. Malfoy Manor had never been much of a home with it's countless number of cold hallways to get lost in, and high ceilings dusted with gold; but it felt even colder and quite ominous since the events that had taken place there the year previous. With an exasperated sigh, Draco placed the book on the small table near the plush armchair he sat in, and pinched the bridge of his nose. He just needed a change for once. Needed to get out the huge mansion, and do something. He was sick of the pitiful glances his mother sent him when they past each other in the halls, sick of having to deal with his father's brooding glare when he upset him, and sick of this stupid manor. With another sigh, Draco got up from the chair and was heading toward the library doors, when a soft tapping made him pause. He turned around to see the silhouette of a large barn owl outside of the window. He walked to the window and allowed the bird entrance, noticing a thick envelope tied to its' leg. Draco reached for the envelope, when the bird sent him an expectant look and hopped back a bit.
"Bloody owl," Draco murmered before snapping his fingers. A small pop sounded as a timid looking house elf appeared next to the window.
"You is calling Pippy, sir?" the small house elf questioned.
"Yes, Pippy. Get some food for the sack of feathers." Draco replied, gesturing, annoyed at the bird. Pippy nodded her head fervently, before bowing deeply and squeaking a reply.
"Of course sir! Pippy will be fast, she promises!" the elf popped away, and in just a few seconds time reappeared with a large bowl full of fruit and nuts.
"That will be all. On your way," the blonde said, as the elf handed him the bowl. Pippy quickly popped away, leaving Draco alone again with the owl. "Here, birdbrain," Draco said irritatedly. "Now can I have my letter?" The owl hooted in reply, before hopping over to Draco's outstretched hand. Quickly, Draco untied the letter and ripped open the envelope as the owl feasted on the fruit. Included in the envelope were a couple sheets of parchment. He took out the first sheet, reading it to himself.
Mister Draco Malfoy,
You have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This letter may come as a shock to you, as you are no longer a 7th year; but because of incidents priar this Summer, 7th years will be welcomed back to finish their schooling without distractions in the new 8th year program. We are aware that many of you have no desire to come back to Hogwarts, and respect that only those wishing to complete their schooling will do so. Please send a response by owl no later than July the 31st. We hope to see you soon.
Head Mistress,
Minerva McGonnagal
As Draco finished the letter, a smile was tugging at the corners of his mouth. This was exactly what he needed right now. Remembering the second parchment, he hurriedly pulled it out, along with a large badge. Reading it, his smile grew larger before turning into a cocky smirk. Of course I'm Head Boy, he thought. I'm a pureblood, I was 2nd in school each year, behind that Mudblood Granger. At this thought, he paused and the smirk was wiped off momentarily, before finishing his self compliments. And besides, who wouldn't want a devishly handsome Slytherin like myself in charge? Draco was excited, almost giddy at the thought of escaping the manor. No, not giddy. Malfoys do not get "giddy," he reminded himself. Draco looked toward the owl and shooed it out the window before closing the latch. The bowl the owl had been molesting was completely empty. Draco glanced at the slowly fading bird, slightly weighed down he noticed, before muttering to himself. "It eats like a bloody Weasley."
"What's that?" a gentle voice questioned from behind Draco. Draco turned and saw his mother in the library doorway, pointing toward the letters he had set on the table. Before he could answer, Narcissa Malfoy walked toward the table and snatched the sheets up like her nosy self, and began reading. Draco rolled his eyes. He loved his mother more than anyone- heck, he loved her more than himself -but she could get on his nerves sometimes.
"Mother, when you ask a person a question, you're supposed to wait for the answer. That's the polite thing to do. Oh, and NOT reading other people's mail is also another thing you should work on," he lightly chastised, smirking at the older Malfoy. She hushed him, waving her hand and finishing up the letters.
"Didn't your mummy teach you that sarcasm can be rude?" Narcissa questioned. She paused for a moment. "Forget I said that. So, are you going?"
"Hmm?" Draco asked, distracted by his mother's feux paw. "Oh, the letters. Right. Yes Mother, I'd like to go. I just- I need a break."
"You're tired of me," his mother smiled slightly.
"Mum, you know that's not it," Draco retaliated. "I'm tired of sitting around, waiting for things to happen for me. I'm tired of ministry officials and court hearings." Ever since the war, Lucius Malfoy had been taken in for questioning nearly a dozen times. He'd not yet been arrested, though Draco knew bloody well that his father should be rotting in Azkaban for the things he'd done. Lucius, however, being as high up in the wizarding world as he was, and having the money he did, was able to slip out of it. Because of this though, the ministry often sent officials to keep an eye on him, which in turn, meant keeping an eye on Draco. Draco could no longer handle the accusing glares of the officials, and it seemed that Hogwarts would finally come through for Draco. Just this once. "I'm tired of being compared to Father. I am nothing like Lucius," he finished in a huff. Narcissa stared at her only child sadly. With a small shaky breath, she finally spoke.
"You'll make a wonderful Head Boy."
