Draco's discovery
Entering the dungeon his pace had slowed to a steady walk, the familiar smell of the dungeons wafting through the air always calmed him some what. A cold chill flowed down the dark passage, making the stone icy cold to the touch as his robed shoulder brushed against it accidently. The floating torches hovering near the ceiling only released a weak light that made shadows faintly dance across the walls. There was no more faint screaming or tense atmosphere, it was quiet and calm.
Reaching the open door of his potions class he walked in to find something he hadn't expected to see. It made him stop in his tracks but not from shock, just mild and well disguised surprise. The other he had met in the room turned his head calmly to meet the potions master's stare.
"Draco..." Snape was about to lecture him on why he was there when he trailed off at noticing something. Looking around his once destroyed potions lab he found it completely repaired with not a single thing out of place.
"Professor Dumbledore came down here at noticing I hadn't come up to the Hospital Wing," Draco began softly, turning his gaze to his wand in his hands to fiddle with it. "He found me here...cleaning the damage, and told me I could also have the day off. But if you want me to go back to-"
"Silence," Snape interrupted in a strangely soft tone, there was no harshness behind it which comforted Draco more than he would care to admit. "I am not one to go against the headmaster's decisions."
Draco couldn't help but smile fondly at the other man's disguised agreement of the matter, meeting his dazzling silver eyes with Severus' own onyx ones. Severus was always kinder to him when no one else was around; when other people were there he would always continue to hold up his freezing and horrid charade. Draco's sincere smile broadened as he looked away from the calm gaze of his Godfather to look around the room, Draco only smirked around anyone else.
"I am...proud of you, Draco," Severus began and Draco snapped his attention back to the man, it was obvious that praise was foreign to his tongue as there was hesitation. "For utilising the Biliwig sting slime's property...now get outside before I change my mind."
Draco released a chuckle at the mock harshness of the last part and knew it was Severus' own way of saying, `get outside and enjoy the extra free time while it lasts`. Nodding to the potions professor he smiled before beginning to walk past the man to leave. He was suddenly stopped by a gentle grasp on his shoulder. He questionably looked up.
"Return to your dormitory and change, it is not necessary to be in your learning attire. Besides, I do not want you returning with ruined beyond repair robes." Snape demanded, but it had no trace of his usual coldness.
Draco Malfoy just rolled his eyes and nodded, leaving casually without another word when Severus loosened his grip and let the young man go. Severus stepped out and watched the retreating back of hid Godson as he disappeared further into the dungeons, disappeared to head for the Slytherin common room. He felt his eyes steel up involuntarily as his thoughts trailed to Lucius, Draco acted all tough and mighty but deep down he was actually quite a kind and understanding person. The only reason he acted the way he did to others was because Lucius had forced him to grow up that way. Narrowing his eyes into a glare he felt his fists clench at his sides, Lucius was always controlling Draco and the boy could not be what he wanted to be, could not choose his own path.
Quickly retreating back inside his now tidy and repaired lab he began to prepare for his third year class. All the while furious thoughts of Lucius and calming thoughts of Draco flashed through his mind. The Draco he had just seen with a Weasley, the one that had cleaned his lab, the one that had a twinkle in his eyes and smiled genuinely, that was the true Draco. Not the constantly sneering one that resembled an exact replica of his father.
Lucius was turning Draco into him against his will and he hated Lucius for it, even though the man was his best friend. Draco saw him, Severus Snape, more like a father than his real one because he didn't force him to be something he didn't want to be...he let Draco Lucius Malfoy be himself.
Sighing he closed his thoughtful black eyes and tried to stop his thoughts of Lucius, but it was so difficult. Opening his eyes halfway and looking through his black eyelashes it hurt to think of Lucius' controlling nature towards his son. It especially hurt Severus more because he knew...what Lucius wanted innocent Draco to do.
As soon as his mind threw out the thoughts of his best friend he instantly growled and fisted the table, flashes of a common Harry Potter entered his thoughts instead. A certain insolent Potter that would be joining him tomorrow for his due punishment. He didn't blame Harry for what had happened to Ginny, the Slytherin girl was there for that. He just truly, truly hated that insolent boy...or that's what he assumed anyway.
XXXX
Draco had changed into his normal suit attire: wearing a white shirt beneath the black overcoat, matching black trousers and his favourite black dragon scaled boots that he practically never took off. It clung to his body in all the right places as he walked leisurely through the grounds, thoroughly enjoying the fresh air. Overall, he looked positively dashing.
It was simply just a divine day as Draco happily looked up into the clear blue sky, occasionally a flock of birds would glide across it and his eyes would follow them until they disappeared out of sight. The sun was hot for a late autumn day as Draco covered his eyes with a slender hand to look up into it, its bright rays sparkling magnificently off his pearly white hair.
He closed his eyes with a relaxed smile as a cool breeze blew over him from the lake to his left, the breeze carrying grey waves that lapped peacefully against the stony shore. Deciding to walk on the pebbly beach he heard the stones crunch beneath his boots, the smell of the wet pebbles was relaxing as it filled his lungs. He walked carefully into the thin film of water lapping against his boots, his feet making little splashes. Putting his hands behind his back he treaded through the centimetre deep aqua without a care in the world.
The breeze gently ruffled his hair as he travelled down the stony shore, it didn't bother him when his fringe that usually covered his left eye was blown gently out of place. Watching the brown autumn leaves swirling in the wind Draco began picturing what this place would look like in winter. A frown then crossed his once tranquil features; he was never here in winter since he had to return to his parents at Malfoy Manor.
He suddenly stopped short in his tracks with widened eyes, spotting something near the edge of the woods that hadn't been there before. Feeling curiosity swell up in him he couldn't resist investigating. Leaving the waters edge he started to walk across the grass, started heading towards the strange thing in the distance.
After travelling for some time under the shade of the orange maple trees he realised it was a building. Malfoy narrowed his eyes in thought; he swore that this strange building had never been there before.
All he could hear was the serene sound of songbirds singing and the waves of the lake now faraway behind him. All he could smell was the freshness of the grass and the trees as it made his lungs feel like they had expanded; it made his whole body feel dazed as step after step he made his way to the building. He was actually quite surprised that none of the other three were out here, but as it was it was completely abandoned which was perfectly fine with him.
Upon getting closer Malfoy began to register particular details, the main one being it looked more like a barn than a house. There was a giant door on one side of the considerably large barn, and for the life of him he couldn't figure out why, because there was a more reasonably sized black door at the front.
He was now getting quite close and realised that it was indeed quite big, it being so tall that it greatly towered over him and blocked out the sun. He spotted several windows on what he could gather was the second floor, the only windows. He started to feel a little cautious as there were no windows on the first floor, making it impossible to see what was inside. Draco decided he would explore it anyway; he assumed it to be empty by the darkness behind the upper windows.
Draco raised a curious eyebrow as he ascended the three stone steps leading to the black door and looked at the golden, circular doorknob. What if there was someone in there and he was intruding? Deciding to brush this aside he shrugged and hesitantly reached his pale fingers for the handle. It was cold and smooth to the touch as his fingers firmly wrapped around its rounded surface. Slowly, he began to turn it, and suddenly jumped as it clicked and the door gave way a little.
If someone isn't home they are a complete and utter idiot, Malfoy thought and rolled his eyes, who didn't lock their front door when they left for some where? But this just made him hesitate in his action of heading inside, yeah, but wouldn't that mean that someone is in for it not to be locked? Or even nearby?
Shaking his head he was determined to look inside and carefully opened the door just enough for him to shuffle in. Quietly he closed the door behind him, feeling it click securely back into place.
Taking a deep breath he turned from the closed door and gaped as another door was directly in front of him. It looked like a large sliding door and Draco cocked an eyebrow in confusion. What was the point in having a door that lead to another?
This had, of course, increased his curiosity further as he slowly approached the metal door. It had chains across it which was quite unnerving, yet the chains were not stopping any access as Draco noted that there was no padlock present. He discovered a small indent in the right of door and found that his hand could fit perfectly into it to slide the door across; the heavy metal door actually sliding with relative ease as Draco fluently pulled it aside.
What he was met with shocked him and he had to rein in his fear at the large creature in the middle of the room. The room itself was amazingly bright with sunlight, as a huge glass window in the ceiling was allowing the sunshine through. This light came down in rays that revealed the dust sparkling in the air and outlined the mighty beast lying before him. It was lying on a pile of hay and Draco saw that there was hay scattered all over the room.
The creature itself slowly turned its head to look at the intruder, its long neck swerved as it lifted its head from its large talons and met eyes with Draco. It released a threatening growl which revealed razor sharp teeth as it instantly began to stand up; it's muscularly legs effortlessly lifting its large body. Golden and feline-like eyes seemed to strip his soul as they met his contrasting silver ones, the creature was obviously analysing him.
Draco wasn't sure whether to stay or run as the spiked creatures head lowered to eyelevel with him and tasted the air with its tongue, almost like a serpent would. The creature remained in place and Draco spotted a very long tail swishing across the floor in an intimidating manner behind it, the deadly spikes on it leaving large scratches in the floorboards in the process.
As it swayed powerfully in the light Draco's eyes got entranced, entranced by the way the glow of the sun outlined every detail of its lime scales. These shining scales covered the entire beast in all its majesty. Yes, Draco was slightly frightened of the creature, but he also admired it for how naturally wonderful it was. What it did next made Draco finally grasp what the amazing creature was and he took an uncertain step back.
Never breaking eye contact with Draco the creature stopped growling and closed its mouth to hide away its vicious fangs. Even as its head kept moving in an almost hypnotising manner it kept its thin slits locked on the young man as it abruptly lifted its outstanding wings, displaying its enormous wingspan as if challenging Draco. The young man couldn't withhold the gasp that escaped his lips as the wings barely had enough space to hit full length in the giant room. The creature was a dragon!
Its wings had a glassy sheen to them making them glitter in the rays of light descending from above, the strong bones of the graceful wings holding the flaps of flesh up with ease. As fast as it had unfolded its spectacular wings it folded them back up again, the room's appearance looking immensely larger at the lack of them. Its golden orbs seemed to sparkle at him as it judged him thoroughly after the action.
Malfoy almost felt annoyed as he swore the dragon's mouth had upturned slightly in the corner as if smiling at him, however at the same time the tension in the atmosphere had lessened. Feeling the change he became more confident as his eyes never left the staring ones of the dragon's. Hesitantly, he took a step closer, freezing immediately to see if it offended the mighty beast. The dragon just cocked its head to side, as if patiently waiting and curious of the male standing before it.
"Wait a minute..." Draco whispered, the sound of his voice not even affecting the beast. The beast was now laying back down with a snort of approval at the others slowly advancing steps.
Draco had gained more courage as he was now literally close enough to touch the beast, silver eyes never left the golden ones as if silently asking for permission. The lime dragon just gave a small snort, which caused a tiny puff of black smoke to shoot out of its nostrils, in answer. Narrowing his eyes in confusion at the dragon Draco couldn't help but detect a strange familiarity in the air.
Gradually he kneeled down onto the hay, the hay which rustled softly beneath him. Taking a deep and shaky breath he slowly lifted his hand, his arm outstretching cautiously for the dragons scaly side. He hesitated just before his fingers brushed the glistening scales, as if afraid the dragon would suddenly snap at his hand. However, the dragon didn't seem fazed by the brewing fear in the human and was looking at him as if he had seen Draco before.
"Why do I get the feeling I've met you before?" Draco asked more to himself than the actual dragon. It was obvious the dragon was listening intently to his voice since it lifted its head to look at the white blonde in curiosity.
His hand was still hovering unsurely in the air and Draco would swear on his life the dragon had rolled its golden eyes at his hesitation. Sighing in defeat, he finally allowed his fingers to brush against the beast's smooth side. He hadn't counted on jumping however as an almost purr like rumble erupted in the dragons long and magnificent throat. Draco couldn't bite back the smirk as the dragon's scaly eyelids drooped in pleasure. He felt the vibration of the rumble travel through the dragon's entire body and through his fingers, had the dragon been eagerly expecting his touch? It then hit him like a ton of bricks and he froze abruptly in his now confident stroking of the fine beast.
"No..." Draco smirked in disbelief and it almost looked as if the dragon mimicked the smirk as the corner of its mouth upturned once again. "You're that blasted dragon from first year aren't you? You're Norbert!"
The dragon's tail began to repeatedly hit the hay covered ground like a happy dogs and Malfoy couldn't restrain his full blown laugh as hay strands were thrown into the air, he supposed he had to take that as a positive yes.
"But, you're huge!" Draco continued and when he stroked the dragons side there was absolutely no fear being harboured in him anymore. "It has only been six years and you have grown enormous, I guess dragons grow quickly huh?"
"Touching."
Draco shot up instantly with a racing heart as a voice had sounded from behind him; he noticed how Norbert was also staring at the other in the room but showed no signs of hostility. At seeing someone come out of the shadows and into the rays of dust filled light Draco instantly snarled on impulse, snarled at seeing the telltale signs of ginger hair.
"Oh great, another of the weasel spawn I take it?" Draco spat out as he crossed his arms in a sign of loathing, he was shocked to see that the other was not fazed and just gave a quite...attractive chuckle.
"Indeed," was the others reply and Malfoy couldn't find a better word to describe his deep voice other than...charming. "Charlie Weasley at your service, if I am not mistaken you decided that by my hair. Doing the same gesture to you your rare hair colour suggests that you are a Malfoy, correct?"
Malfoy felt a little unnerved to say the least, he felt his straight stance falter somewhat from his confusion. This guy, he seemed to be considerably more mature than Ron. This one didn't fall for his retorts and remarks in the slightest, all the other spawn fell without fail! This was just unreal as Malfoy felt his glare falter as a result. He felt hesitant to answer the older Weasley's question, but it seemed the other already knew the answer as he stepped closer to him and Norbert. Draco noted how the dragon purred at Charlie's presence in delight, which was when his silver eyes widened in understanding.
"You, you're that one from Romainia. The one that took Norbert in first year and the one everyone talked about in fourth year when the dragons were brought for the first trial. Like serving your head on a burning platter, don't you?" Malfoy remarked with a dazzling evil smirk, the rays of light making his hair practically glow along with the challenging glint in his eyes.
"I suppose that is a good way to put it," Charlie chuckled and Draco immediately forced himself to look away from the infuriatingly pleasant smile gracing the others lips, completely in disbelief at the fact the other seemed to take everything he threw at him in stride. "But it is worth the risk."
"You would put a dragon's life over your own? Ridiculous." Malfoy hissed in the hopes it would provoke a negative reaction.
"Ah, when you find something you love dearly in the world you find you automatically strive to protect it. Dragons are magnificent beasts that are becoming extinct and my job is to protect them. Not because I have to, but because I want to." Charlie answered calmly with a soft smile, as if he answered the question everyday. Malfoy felt his eye twitch at the unfazed reply.
"Before we continue, may I ask your name?" Charlie asked with a smile.
Malfoy grit his teeth as the only words that came to his mind was that his voice was positively charming; however he forced that aside with distaste. What was with this guy?
"...Draco," the white blonde stated stiffly after a few moments of silence, and swapped resting his weight on his left leg to his right. "Draco Lucius Malfoy."
"Draco?" Charlie repeated in a very, very interested tone. Malfoy felt a little uneasy at the almost alluring grin that had settled on Charlie's lips, Draco himself also understanding the strange irony of his name linked to this situation. "A very lovely name indeed."
Norbert had all been forgotten until he snorted in approval at the name and nuzzled Draco's back with his snout affectionately. Charlie chuckled at Draco's unsure expression.
"I think you should understand something about Norbert, he attacks everyone," Charlie began and gave an almost heart stopping laugh that rang in Draco's ears.
At feeling Norbert continue to snuggle his side Draco just raised a delicate eyebrow at the Weasley in doubt.
"The only person he does not attack is me, and that took years of trust bonding. You, Draco, must be very special for Norbert to act like this after merely half an hour in his presence. Tell me, have you been in contact with Norbert before?"
"That's really none of your business and it's Malfoy to you!" Draco spat defensively; he didn't like the idea of parting too much knowledge about himself to another he barely knew.
"Come now, Draco, it is merely an innocent question." Charlie stated calmly and Draco didn't miss the way he had disobeyed his command and rolled his first name charmingly off his tongue as if savouring it. It seemed nothing would faze this strange Weasley.
"Fine, if you really must know you weasel, then no. I merely saw Norbert in first year." Draco replied reluctantly, making sure to put as much venom and distain in `weasel` as possible.
"Indeed," Charlie gave him a genuine smile and raised an eyebrow in pure interest at the reply. "You must be naturally gifted then."
"Of course I am I'm a Malfoy," was the proudly arrogant retort.
This just made Charlie laugh gently with closed eyes instead of showing repulsion, if anything this unnerved Malfoy more.
"Well, Draco," Charlie said in a silky tone and Draco felt himself seethe at him disobeying his order again. "I am sadly afraid that I must ask you to leave, I deeply hope you come down to visit occasionally."
It was the fact that he truly held remorse in his eyes as he made an elegant motion with his hand, like a gentleman, to show Draco to the door that inwardly startled the blonde. The Weasley couldn't seriously not want him to leave! Could he?
"It's Malfoy and you will do well to remember it, weasel!" Draco huffed as he made his own way to the door, not missing the strangely appealing smile Charlie gave him as he left the room.
"Oh I am sure it will be very, very difficult to forget you, Draco." Charlie replied behind him in such an attractively alluring tone that Malfoy had to withhold the strange shivers it was threatening to cause.
"Malfoy!" Draco corrected furiously before leaving.
After leaving the front door, making sure to slam it shut quite loudly on purpose, Draco felt seriously confused and annoyed. His mind could only summarise the way that Weasley talked, the way that he walked, and the actions he did in two words-infuriatingly charming.
xXEnd of ChapterXx
I fricken love this chapter! It was so fun to do XD Thanks for reading this far and bare with me, this is Snarry and it will all start from their punishment on Saturday. All you've read so far is relevant for it all fits together later on! Big adventure coming! Snarry coming! I estimate that it will begin at chap 11.