As soon as Draco stepped through the floo, he knew something wasn't right. He'd expected Lucius to be waiting with a scowl but instead was met with silence. Hearing Mr Shanks give a soft purr, Draco thought it best to take the cat to his room before being discovered. Taking a few cautious steps out of the hall, Draco quietly made his way to the grand foyer, where he quickly ascended the staircase and then went to the correct corridor leading to his bedroom.
"Fuck," he said in relief as he entered the space and shut the door. He went to his bed, gently removing the backpack to let Mr Shanks free. And, of course, the cat immediately began kneading all over the duvet until he finally laid down right on top of Draco's pillow. "You know, the amount of orange fur I've ingested in my sleep can't be healthy. Could you at least sleep below my pillow?"
Mr Shanks lifted his head, licked his paw – might have even rolled his eyes – and then went to sleep.
"Right," laughed Draco. "I suppose you'll need some food," he said, looking around his room. "And a place to wee," he muttered, wondering if he could train the cat to use the toilet. Hermione mentioned she'd tried it, but of course, Mr Shanks is a stubborn bastard and preferred to shit in a weird box of sand.
Finally, Draco pulled the Galleon out of his pocket and held it firmly in his palm.
D: The dragon has landed.
D: Mr Shanks has already
D: Commandeered my bed
H: Floor for you then :)
H: We are still in the car
H: Should be home soon
D: Wish I was with you :(
H: Me too :(
H: Also there's a bag of
H: Catnip in your backpack
H: In case Crooks gets restless
H: :)
D: You're letting me
D: Get him high?
H: And you :P
D: ?
H: For the stress
H: Of course
D: What?
H: Theo put Orla's
H: Xmas gift to you
H: In your bag as well
H: :P
D: I might survive
D: This terrible holiday
D: After all :-}
Draco's head shot up when he heard three sharp knocks. Then, without even having a chance to answer, the door opened.
"You can't just come in here anymore," said Draco coldly.
Lucius took only two steps into the space before resting the end of his cane on the floor. "As the presiding Head of Malfoy Manor, I can do as I please," he said calmly. "You are to wear the robes Wendy has tailored for you and report to the dining hall for dinner. Our guest will be arriving shortly. You have ten minutes."
"Who?" asked Draco as he eyed the sombre-looking robes slung over the back of a chair.
Lucius stared at Draco for a moment before giving a curt nod. "The Dark Lord." And with that, the wizard abruptly left.
Draco stood frozen in shock until he felt Mr Shanks nudge his hand, already sensing he needed comfort. "The Dark Lord," he muttered to himself, trying to wrap his head around the fact he was about to have fucking dinner with Lord Fucking Voldemort. Then, figuring it best not to show any fear, Draco began to Occlude as he silently put on the stuffy robes. He considered messaging Hermione, but the thought of worrying her had him simply put the Galleon in his pocket, petting Mr Shanks' head and exiting his room.
Walking into the dining hall, Draco could see the long table already seated with several Death Eaters. He eyed the ugly Carrot, who narrowed her eyes at him, but Draco only smirked, causing the witch to look away. He could see the Malfoys were already seated, so he slowly walked forward and took his place beside his witch lady guardian. A few seconds later, Severus fucking Snape entered the room and sat in the empty chair beside Draco.
Of fucking course, the wizard was still a Death Eater. It shouldn't have been surprising that Hogwarts harboured yet another of Voldecunt's minions. He thought the wizard supposedly was with the Order, but apparently not.
Draco knew Dumbledore to be daft, but - fuck.
Suddenly, everyone rose to their feet as Draco followed suit, wondering what a wizard risen from the dead would look like. He'd prepared himself for something awful, but when the room ran cold, and the Dark Lord finally entered the space, not even all the Muggle horror films he'd seen could have prepared Draco for such an unnatural and just plain disgusting sight.
This was no wizard. Move over, Mr Shanks; this was the devil incarnate.
Trying not to gag or pass out – probably both, Draco watched as the fucking cunt oddly floated his fucking self to the head of the table, all the while his beady red eyes were scanning each face. Draco held his breath when his creepy gaze landed on him.
"Lucius," came a slow, hiss-like voice. "Please introduce me to our – newest arrival."
Draco glanced at Lucius as the wizard gave a nod.
"Of course, my Lord. This is my son, Draco Lucius Malfoy, heir of the Malfoy Estate. He's staying at the manor whilst on holiday from his fifth year at Hogwarts. He was sorted into Slytherin in his first year, became an accomplished Seeker for the House Team in his second, and has maintained high marks and been promoting the pure-blood way of life – a true sign that he is a supporter of all we hold dear."
If Draco hadn't been Occluding, he probably would have started laughing hearing Lucius speak so fondly of him. Never in his life had the wizard complemented him – although all the complements were complete bullshite – it was still strange to hear.
"Very good," said Voldemort, still staring right at Draco. "Are you prepared to take on the mantel should your father fail at his — task?"
It took a second for Draco to realise that the Lizard Wizard was addressing him. "Yes," he said softly, knowing he sure as fuck wouldn't be taking on any tasks from Voldecunt. "Yes, my Lord," he added more confidently when the Dark Lord narrowed his eyes.
"Then so it shall be," he said as he picked up a goblet, causing everyone to mimic the gesture. "At the stroke of midnight –" Voldemort looked back at Draco. "You will take the Dark Mark and ensure your loyalty to me."
…
Draco quickly began stuffing his backpack with food stolen from the kitchen in a panic. He would have to sneak out of the manor and find a way to hide to avoid becoming a fucking Death Eater.
"FUCK," he cursed, hands shaking as he tried to close his bag. He could see Mr Shanks still sleeping on his bed. He'd also have to figure out how to get his friend back to Hermione before disappearing in some foreign land, never seeing anyone he cared about again.
Draco jumped slightly when he felt the coin burn in his pocket.
H: Watching Home Alone
H: I think you'd
H: Like it.
D: Sounds fun.
D: Wish I was with you
H: We'll be together
H: In a fortnight :)
D: Counting the days
D: :)
Draco wiped a tear from his eye as he placed the Galleon in his pocket, knowing he'd never be going back to Hogwarts. There was no way he would take the Dark Mark – even if it meant he had to give up on his hopes and dreams of reuniting with his family and being with Hermione. He looked at the fob and saw he still had a few hours before midnight.
Feeling helpless, Draco put the backpack on as he quietly went over to Mr Shanks to pick him up. Suddenly, the door to his room opened, causing him to whirl around.
"Go away," he said in anger, seeing Narcissa and Snape entering his room. Draco slumped down on the bed. "You can't make me do it. I won't do it — I'll – I'll kill myself," he said with a sob, knowing he very well might have no other option. He could see Narcissa looked like she'd been crying, and Snape even had slight concern in his features – which was odd.
"Draco," began Snape as he pulled out a small vial. "Drink this."
"What is it?" he asked.
"It will help," he said as Draco watched Narcissa move to his wardrobe and pull out some clothes.
"How? How will some fucking potion help me? Are you just drugging me to comply?" asked Draco angrily.
"It's simply a Calming Draught," said Snape.
Draco looked around the room and hesitantly took the vial, feeling pressured and knowing he was an idiot for trusting two adults he thought were bound by the Vow to protect him.
"Drink," Snape commanded.
Without even a thought, Draco felt himself raise the vial to his lips and take a drink. His eyes widened when he realised Snape had Imperiused him, feeling his body slumping over. "Y-you f-fucking cunt," he slurred as everything went black.
…
Draco opened his eyes to see that he was lying on his bed and, in his confusion, began to push himself into a seated position. Unfortunately, the motion sent an odd sensation through his left arm, causing Draco to push up his sleeve in a panic.
"No!" he cried. "No, no, no, no!" he growled, seeing the Dark fucking Mark on his arm.
"It's alright, Draco," came Snape's voice.
"How could you?" he said, trying to get out of bed. "You are monsters! I don't want this!"
"Draco," came Snape's stern voice again. "It's just a tattoo."
"Just a tattoo?" he said in disbelief. "Just a tattoo?" he repeated in anger. "I–"
"Draco."
Draco furrowed his brow upon hearing a voice that shouldn't have been coming from another direction. Sure enough, Draco turned his head to see himself standing on the other side of the bed.
"What the fuck is going on?"
"It's me – Narcissa," said his doppelganger. "I've taken Polyjuice to get you through the ceremony," she continued in a rush as Snape pulled out another vial. "The Mark on your arm isn't real, but we had to be convincing," she added, setting her own fucking robes on the bed. "We're switching places. I'm taking the Dark Mark for you."
"What?" said Draco, mind reeling, trying to understand what the fuck was happening.
"Drink," ordered Snape. "It's near midnight. We've not much time."
"Wait, what the fuck?"
"Do it, Draco – this is the only way. If you were to take the Mark – which I'd die before I'd let that happen - our theory is that it would kill you, given your blood status. So, I'm taking your place tonight, and the true Dark Mark will stay with me."
Still in shock, Draco took the vial as the reality he was about to become Narcissa finally hit. "I – what?"
"Just stand by Lucius and keep quiet," said Snape. "You have to trust us."
Finally, Draco drank the Polyjuice and tried not to think about his transformation as Narcissa helped him into her robes. He then followed behind Snape while holding his own fucking hand as they walked to the drawing room where the ceremony was to take place. Entering the room, Draco could see everyone waiting as he took his place at Lucius' side, with Narcissa standing slightly in front of them.
"Wonderful," hissed Voldemort. "Shall we begin?" he questioned, and Draco's heart nearly stopped when his eyes fell onto him – well– him as Narcissa, specifically.
"Narcissa née Black, would you so kindly escort your son? After tonight, he will no longer be your child to coddle but a great wizard bringing honour to both House Black and House Malfoy."
Draco simply retook his own fucking hand as he slowly walked with Narcissa to stand in front of the Dark Lord. "Lucius," he said while eyeing Draco (Narcissa). "You've done well to raise your son with such high standards. Let's see if he can take the Mark as bravely as you had all those years ago." Voldemort looked back at Narcissa (Draco). "You may join your husband." Draco felt Narcissa squeeze his hand before he moved back to Lucius' side.
"Kneel," said Voldemort. Draco watched himself take a knee and present his left arm, all the while hoping to Godric this fucking absurd plan would work. The creepy wizard then held out his hand. "Lucius – your wand."
Lucius stepped forward, pulled his wand out of his cane and handed it to the Dark Lord before stepping back. Then, without any more pretence, the Dark Lord pressed his wand into Narcissa/Draco's forearm as he muttered the incantation.
Draco held his breath as he watched the same image hidden under his sleeve begin forming on his impostor's arm. Narcissa kept her head down, not even flinching as the dark magic continued to work through the Polyjuiced flesh and into her magical core. Finally, the Dark Lord pulled his wand away and stepped back.
"Rise, Draco," he commanded coldly as Narcissa rose.
"It is an honour to serve you, my Lord."
Draco nearly cringed hearing the words come from his own voice.
"You have done well, my boy," Voldemort said with a sickening fondness. Then he looked to the rest of the Death Eaters. "Let it be known that Draco Lucius Malfoy is the youngest wizard to take the Dark Mark at fifteen." Finally, he looked at "Narcissa" and Lucius. "You should be proud."
…
"Fucking fuck," cursed Draco as he and Narcissa essentially ran back to his room once Voldemort finally left. He could feel Narcissa's robes getting tighter, indicating the Polyjuice was wearing off – thank Merlin – and he couldn't help letting out a small laugh when he turned around to see Narcissa, back to herself, standing in his formal suit, now swimming on her slight frame. He watched as she slumped into his chair, gripping her forearm, which still clearly had the Dark Mark.
Draco quickly grabbed his much more comfortable Muggle clothing and went into his bathroom, thankful to find his own reflection as he quickly redressed, not wanting to dwell on the fact he just had fucking tits for nearly two hours. Thankfully, with the nature of Occlusion, he didn't really feel any different, so other than the long hair, he could have sworn he was still in his own body throughout the ordeal.
"Does it hurt?" he asked, looking at his own tattoo, grateful it was only superficial and could easily be removed in the future.
Narcissa quickly pulled down her sleeve. "No more than I'd expect," she sighed as she rubbed her head.
"How did he not notice? Isn't he a Legilimens?" asked Draco, still trying to absorb what the witch had done for him.
"I'm an Occlumens, Draco," she said in a strained voice. "And given I – well – raised you, I had plenty of memories to fill my mind of your childhood and such."
"What if – what if it didn't work?" he asked hesitantly as he sat on his bed across from the tired-looking witch.
"I expect I'd have been Avada'd, and Lucius would have been punished."
"What would have happened to me?"
"We had a contingency plan with Snape to take you away – hide you somewhere and hope you'd never be found. Of course, Lucius planned to frame it as simply parental fear – thinking you were too young - that you wanted the Mark and we wouldn't let you."
Draco sat up straighter. "Wait – Lucius knows that you took my place?" he asked in shock.
"It was his idea."
"You're fucking joking – what the fuck? I thought he didn't give a fuck about me?"
Narcissa gave a heavy sigh. "Draco – everything Lucius does is for Hanna. He didn't want to risk your true identity being discovered – there's never been a Muggle-born to have taken the Dark Mark. So, he came up with the plan to protect Hanna – not you. I'm sorry."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Right, yes. I'm his daughter's fucking shield," he muttered, lying back on his bed. "He risked your death," stated Draco at the realisation.
"Again – what was once a drive to protect us both – with the Dark Lord gaining power – he'd risk even me for the sake of his daughter."
"He actually loves her?" said Draco in disbelief. "I find it hard to believe that Lucius could love anyone, let alone someone he'd never really met."
"When we lost our son – something shifted in him."
Draco slowly looked over to Narcissa, who was simply staring out the window. "Your son?"
Narcissa looked back at Draco with a sad smile. "Leo – he – he was so small. But brave," she said wistfully. "He was born too early, you see. We didn't know at the time, but –" Narcissa took a shuddering breath. "Remember the blood oath I told you about? How the Lord of the House ensures he won't be betrayed?"
"Yes," said Draco tentatively.
"It's a family secret until the Lord of the House passes on the knowledge of the oath at his choosing. Lucius – he'd attempted to kill Abraxas before – before Leo was born. He Avada'd Abraxas right in the back, and I went into labour shortly after," she said as she wiped a tear. "Abraxas had taken Leo's body and had Lucius cast the diagnostic spells to prove what had happened. It was barbaric," she said in a choked voice. "Lucius believes he murdered his son, not knowing the consequences of attempting to kill his father."
"That's horrible," Draco said, sitting up, not knowing what else to say or do.
Narcissa took a breath and wiped her eyes. "I'm so sorry –" she said. "I'm not trying to give excuses for my husband's – for our actions in what we've done to you and your family."
"I–" Draco felt Mr Shanks jump onto his lap and looked at Narcissa to see her curiously look over the cat, thankful she chose not to say anything. "I don't know what to say to that," he said honestly. "I was a baby and –" he could feel himself tearing up. "You – he not only took me from my family – but the way you both raised me –" Draco closed his eyes, feeling the tears rolling down his cheeks. "I was horrible to her," he said softly.
Thankfully, Draco didn't need to explain, and Narcissa nodded in understanding. "There are no words I could say that would ever be enough to convey the depth of how utterly deplorable I've come to realise that I am. I've been blind, Draco. I was living in a delusion that what we were doing with you – we were saving you. But in the end, you've only been a victim of cruelty."
Draco could feel Mr Shanks licking his tears as he closed his eyes.
"I don't know if I can ever forgive you," he said shakily.
"Nor do I think you should, Draco. I watched you grow into a wizard, knowing you were a Muggle-born and still believing that they were filthy. I believed you were an exception because you were raised in a pure-blood culture. And now – I can see how wrong we've been – I've been."
"Does Lucius still believe that? That I'm – filthy? That Muggles and Muggle-borns deserve to die?" he asked as he lay back down on the bed with Mr Shanks taking his rightful place on his chest.
"The only thing Lucius Malfoy believes in is doing whatever it takes to keep Hanna safe. I believe it is his only motivation in this life - that he wouldn't hesitate to commit many more atrocities to ensure Hanna's survival. I don't think he cares about blood status anymore – everyone is a threat."
"Fuck," sighed Draco, but then he sat up when something occurred to him. "So – if it was in Hanna's best interest for the Dark Lord to fail – which I'm inclined to believe is the case – why is he still a fucking Death Eater? Why is he letting that monster into our – your home and doing his bidding?"
Narcissa stood and slowly began to walk to the other side of the room as Draco's eyes followed her every movement. "Draco –" she started, turning to look at him. "Not everything is as it seems," she said, hand on the door handle. "Lucius has no intention of completing his task – he intends to fail, and when he does – you need to be as far away from the manor as possible."
…
20 December 1995
D: Hey Cat girl
H: Hello Dragon Boy
H: :D
D: I wish I could come
D: Visit you
H: Are you okay?
D: I'm spiffing
D: ( –_–)
H: :(
D: But Mr Shanks
D: Lets me vent
D: To him
H: He's a great
H: Listener
D: So are you :)
H: I'm worried about
H: You
D: Don't be. I'm okay
H: Liar
D: Got me. But really
D: I'm safe
H: :(
D: Tell me what
D: You all are up
D: To so I can
D: Be jealous :P
H: You are
H: Deflecting
D: It's a gift :o)
D: Please Granger
D: Distract me
H: Theo and I
H: Are on our way
H: To the shopping centre
H: To get some gifts
D: Well done
D: I'm jealous :)
H: I aim to please :)
…
22 December 1995
D: How's your day?
D: Because I just
D: Transfigured a
D: Shite box for
D: Mr Shanks (x_x)
H: Lovely
H: I sprained my
H: Ankle because
H: I slipped on
H: The ice :'(
D: !
D: Are you okay?
H: I'll live :)
H: But now I must
H: Spend hours
H: Being lazy and
H: Watching films
H: :o)
D: How terrible
D: And I'm jealous
D: Again.
D: So thank you :P
H: Are there still
H: Dung Eaters
H: Around?
D: Yes (._.)
H: Who wanted to
H: Meet you?
D: Some nutter
D: All good
H: Draco…
D: Hermione…
H: You'd tell me
H: If you're in danger
H: Right?
D: I'm always
D: In danger
H: DRACO!
D: Might change my
D: Middle name to
D: Danger :P
H: :(
D: Sorry
D: I swear I'll tell
D: You if I'm
D: In imminent
D: Danger
D: Promise
H: If you die
H: I WILL
H: Murder you
D: Noted :-}
…
23 December 1995
D: Dinner with Dung
D: Eaters is
D: The worst (X_X)
H: Are you okay?
D: They all smell
D: And like to kiss
D: Arse
D: :-{
D: But they leave
D: Me alone
D: I'm mostly bored
H: I find that I
H: Actually believe you
D: I'm going to use
D: Orla's gift :P
H: Oh boy
Draco placed the Galleon in his pocket and then took out one of the pre-rolled joints Orla had so generously given him. But before he partook in his new favourite plant, Draco gave Mr Shanks his own generous helping of catnip.
"Come on, Mr Shanks, let's take a trip," he laughed as he lit the joint and took a hit, proud to not cough up a lung. He then opened the door to his balcony and cast a warming charm on his clothes while Mr Shanks followed him outside, carrying the tiny toy mouse stuffed with his own "magical" plant. After some time, Draco found himself giggling as Mr Shanks began to roll around with his tongue lolling out of his mouth. "I think Orla would be proud to know that I've corrupted you," he said, seeing his breath in the cold air.
After another few minutes, Draco pulled the Galleon out of his pocket and held it firm as he felt the drugs beginning to take full effect. "Fuck I wish Hermione was here," he sighed. "I want to snog her again," he laughed, leaning back in his chair, continuing to muse about the witch. Mr Shanks made a purring noise as Draco opened an eye. "Your mum has great tits," he giggled.
Suddenly, he felt the Galleon burn in his palm. Draco held it up to his face, trying to focus his eyes to read the tiny message.
H: ?
D: ?
H: Draco
H: What?
D: What?
H: You asked me
H: To show you
H: My tits
D: OH FUCK
D: I'm high
D: Oh shite
D: Granger
D: Fuck
D: Sorry
D: I'm sorry
D: I didn't
D: Mean to send
D: That
D: Sorry
H: (o)(o)
D: What
D: What is that
D: ?
D: Wait
D: :-D
D: Fucking
D: Gorgeous
H: You are
H: An idiot
D: It's why
D: You like me
D: :P
H: ;P
…
24 December 1995
H: Harry owled me
D: And I care?
H: Draco (–_–)
D: Sorry :P
D: What did he say?
H: Snape is going to
H: Give him Occlumency
H: Lessons when he gets
H: Back in January
D: NO
H: I'm sure he'll
H: Keep your lessons
H: Separate
D: (–_–)
D: I'm inclined
D: To disagree
H: Why?
D: Because I'm
D: Cursed :'(
H: Maybe you can bond
D: Solid no
D: I will transfer to
D: Beauxbaton
D: And wear a stupid
D: Pointy blue hat
D: Before that happens
H: You're being dramatic
D: Yes and what's new?
H: :)
H: Also Harry asked if
H: I noticed anything
H: Odd about you
D: What the fuck?
D: Why?
H: He said he thinks
H: Something is going
H: On but he
H: Didn't elaborate
H: Just that he
H: Found something
H: At Grimmauld Place
D: What does that
D: Have to do with me?
H: I'm not sure
D: Respectfully
D: He's a nutter
H: Respectfully
H: So are you :P
D: :o)
D: Merry Christmas!
H: We still have a
H: Few hours numpty
D: I'm taking a moment
D: To bask in the glory
D: That I know something
D: You don't
H: ?
D: I learned that in
D: Sweden they celebrate
D: On the 24th :)
H: Wow
H: So this is what it
H: Is like for the
H: Common folk?
D: I can lecture you
D: About it in person
D: When we meet
D: For SECS ;P
H: Oh my (0_0)
D: I'm being serious
D: You pervert ;-)
H: Touche :)
H: Merry Christmas Draco
D: Merry Christmas Hermione
…
25 December 1995
D: Merry Christmas :)
H: Merry Christmas :)
H: Did you get your gift
H: From "Theo"
H: :)
D: Yes :D
D: I put it on my
D: Nightstand and
D: Now I get to see
D: Your beautiful
D: Face all the time
H: :)
H: Fair warning
D: ?
H: I charmed it so
H: Everyone else will
H: See a picture of
H: Jabba the Pink
D: NO :-O
H: :D
D: Granger! People already
D: Are saying that
D: I've got
D: A fucking
D: Hard-on for her
D: (X_X)
H: I'm joking!
H: It's charmed to
H: Look like a
H: Picture of
H: Royston Idlewind
D: You know who
D: That is?!
H: I figured I'd learn
H: More about my
H: Boyfriend's favourite
H: Sport ;)
D: I'm your boyfriend?
D: :-D
H: Yes you are :D
D: As you wish :)
…
1 January 1996
Draco stood in the drawing room watching the Death Eaters drunkenly smash all sorts of Malfoy family heirlooms and other priceless artefacts as the group celebrated the New Year. It was hard not to roll his eyes at the stupidity of most of Voldemort's followers – to the point Draco seriously began to wonder if the Dark Lord was really even that much of a threat. The creep didn't even have his own wand and surrounded himself with idiots.
Could he just – Avada him and be done with it?
As Draco mused about yet another assassination, he felt the Galleon burning in his pocket. The temptation to take it out was strong but Draco knew he couldn't risk anyone seeing him, knowing just how fucking nosy the Dung Eaters were. He could see Narcissa calmly walking around and restoring all the smashed vases and such, only for another idiot to come behind and knock into a table to break everything all over again. Lucius was simply sitting in the corner, looking – murderous.
Draco could feel in his bones when the Dark Lord was nearby. And judging by the way everyone straightened up, he knew Voldecunt would enter the room any moment. Sure enough, his ugly face came into the drawing room, raising his hands to further calm everyone down.
"We are on the cusp of a new era," began Voldemort as he waved his arm, and a goblet appeared in everyone's hand. Draco eyed the red liquid that smelled like wine, but he was sure it was probably the blood of a virgin or some shite. "The New Year has arrived, and soon – some of our old friends will be here to join us, strengthening our ranks."
All the Death Eaters began to cheer, while Draco could only look around, not understanding what the Dark Lord was talking about. Then, not wanting to stay in the room any longer than need be, Draco simply waited until the Dark Lord was done posturing and quietly made his way over to Narcissa.
"Can I go to my room now," he asked softly as the witch vanished more broken glass off the floor. Voldemort had already left to fuck knows where and Draco figured everyone else was too pissed to notice if he was still in the room. He could see it was nearing two in the morning and was growing concerned when the Galleon stopped burning in his pocket.
"You may go," said Narcissa.
"Thank fucking Salazar," he muttered just as a Death Eater hurled all over the rug.
Draco slipped into the corridor and began walking towards the foyer when a large, creepy-looking man approached him. "Aren't you a young thing?" he nearly growled as he grabbed Draco's left arm and roughly pushed up his sleeve. "So, it's true," he spat. "Now he's giving the Dark Mark to babies while he still refuses to bestow the Mark upon someone like me?" he snarled as Draco pulled his arm back and quickly drew his wand. The man took a step back, laughing. "Do you know who I am, little one?"
"Let me guess, Freddy Krueger?" said Draco with an eye roll.
"It's pronounced Fenrir Greyback, you brat," the man said as he roughly pushed Draco against the wall, gripping his wrist and causing him to drop his wand. "And I eat little bitches like you for breakfast."
Draco scrunched his nose as the man breathed in his face. "I think you might have one of your little bitches still stuck in your fucking teeth," he gagged.
"You fucking –"
"Fenrir."
Draco and Greyback turned their heads to see Lucius standing in the corridor. The large man immediately backed up, and Draco quickly picked up his wand as he watched Lucius calmly walk towards them. The wizard lifted his cane, putting the end right into the man's fat neck as he backed him into the opposite wall.
"Have you come into my home and dined on my food – drank from my cellar – only to insult me?" Lucius accused coldly.
"Not at all," scoffed Greyback. "Just complementing the boy on his new tattoo."
Lucius lowered his cane and held it under his arm as he roughly pulled up Greyback's sleeve, only to make a tutting sound. "And yet you still have none," he said near mockingly. "Which means my son is your superior." Lucius dropped the man's arm and stepped back, only to pull his wand out. "If I so much as catch you sniffing around here – I will Avada you. You know I will. The Dark Lord would see it as a service to not have you mangling any more toddlers in the night, causing the Ministry to bring you in for questioning and risk betraying the Dark Lord's efforts – again." Lucius then pushed Greyback roughly into the wall once more. "You are an abomination to the wizarding world, and I am very much aware you are only serving the Dark Lord to spread your Lycanthropy like the disease it is."
Lucius finally backed up, and without a word, Greyback adjusted his tattered shirt before stalking off down the corridor. Draco watched silently as Lucius looked him over and then quickly turned, walking away in the other direction.
Draco stood in the corridor for another minute, absorbing the reality that Fenrir Greyback was a fucking werewolf. Not wanting to dwell on the thought, Draco quickly ran to his room and slammed the door shut. Then, he pulled out the Galleon to read the most recent message that Hermione had attempted to send an hour before.
H: Draco?
D: Sorry I'm okay
D: I promise.
H: Thank fuck
H: This is Theo
H: Hermione is distraught
D: What happened?
H: She didn't hear back
H: From you all night
H: And thought something
H: Bad hap
H: I'm here
H: Are you okay?
D: I'm okay
D: I'm sorry
D: I couldn't take
D: Out the Galleon
D: All night
H: Okay I'm just
H: Glad you are okay
D: Are you okay?
H: I'm okay
H: I sort of was
H: Yelling at everyone
H: :(
H: I nearly used magic
H: To try and apparate
H: To you
D: Hermione :(
D: You could have
D: Splinched yourself
D: To death
H: I thought you
H: Were hurt
D: I'm safe in my
D: Room with Mr Shanks
H: Okay
D: Two more days
D: And we'll be
D: Back on the train
H: Promise?
D: Promise.
…
3 January 1996
Draco stood next to Narcissa as he scanned the platform for Hermione, hoping to at least get a glimpse of her before getting on the train. He'd tried to contact her with the Galleon, but her last message said that she had her hands full, bringing back a few sacks of books and trying to shuffle through the station with Theo trailing behind.
"Draco," came Narcissa's voice. Draco turned his head to see the sombre expression on her face. "Whatever happens –" she began but was cut off when a wizard began to yell into the crowd, holding a stack of the Daily Prophet.
"Read all about it! Mass break out from Azkaban! Sirius Black strikes again, letting loose his deranged cousin Bellatrix Lestrange and nine others!"
Draco's eyes widened as Narcissa shook her head. "It's him, isn't it – it wasn't Sirius. Did you know?" he asked angrily. "Did you know this was going to happen?"
"I did," she said softly.
"Fuck!" said Draco, roughly grabbing one of the papers. "I'm assuming they're already traipsing through the manor?" he accused. "I – I could have told someone. This could have been prevented –" Draco stopped short when Narcissa grabbed her left arm. "Wait – I – what do I do?" he asked in panic.
"Stay here – the Dark Lord knows you are to remain at Hogwarts. You'll be fine," she said curtly. "I'm sorry, Draco." And with that, Narcissa disapparated.
"Fucking—" cursed Draco as he threw the paper on the ground. He looked around again, feeling distressed, seeing everyone shuffling onto the train. But then he felt the Galleon burn as a slight smile graced his features.
H: I see you :)
D: Creeper
D: Where the fuck
D: Are you?
Draco lifted his head when he heard someone clearing their throat. He slowly turned and smiled, seeing Hermione standing, facing the train, clearly pretending to be looking for someone. Draco also turned, looking in another direction, not wanting to get caught staring at her.
"Hello," he said with a nervous laugh. It was one thing to message nearly all hours of the day – but seeing Hermione in person – seeing his girlfriendin person — made his stomach flip. That and he was terrified she'd immediately break up with him when he finally told her what had really been happening at the manor.
"Hello," she replied out of the side of her mouth. "Did you see the Prophet?" she asked worriedly.
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Meet me in the luggage compartment in an hour," she said with a nod before walking away.
"As you wish."
…
…
…
21 December 1995 – 12 Grimmauld Place
Harry wandered around the darkened corridors of the old Black family home, still reeling from the horrible vision of Mr Weasley being attacked. Thankfully he would be alright, and Ron owled him, saying they would come to visit on Christmas.
So other than the looming threat of Voldemort, all was well.
Of course, now that Dumbledore was aware of his strange visions, Harry also had the joy of looking forward to spending some extra time with Professor Snape come January for Occlumency lessons.
Continuing to explore another dusty space, Harry turned his head when he heard the gravelly voice of Kreacher as he skulked around, dusting some of the portraits.
"Filthy Mudblood," the old House Elf grumbled as he exited one of the many rooms. "Shame – such a shame. Mistress would be appalled if she knew–"
Harry studied the elf – so different from Dobby and then looked into the strange room where he saw small portraits all over the fabric-like wall– each face branching off a large image of a tree. He took a few cautious steps inside the room but was startled when he heard Sirius' voice.
"I see you've found the Black Family Tapestry – proud pure-blood tradition."
"Do all pure-bloods have these in their homes?" Harry asked curiously, looking at all the Black family names.
"Oh, yes. The Family Tapestries are anchored to the magic in the ancestral homes." Sirius moved towards his own name. "I remember standing right here when I was little, proud to see my name," said Sirius softly. Harry watched as he gently placed his hand over a large burn mark. "Of course, mother burned me off when I was sixteen."
"Why?" asked Harry as he noticed more burn marks scattered throughout the room.
"I didn't adhere to their pure-blood mania – they kicked me out and – well –" he shrugged. "Such is the way of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black."
"Where did you go?" Harry asked as he scanned the other faces and names.
"Your father's," said Sirius with a smile, but then he furrowed his brow as he reached out his hand. "I– haven't been in here since–" he muttered.
Harry's eyes followed the motion to where Sirius's fingers gently pressed onto a distorted-looking image - different from any of the burn marks. Next, Sirius trailed his finger along a path to a name that had Harry's eyes widening.
"Narcissa," he read. "Narcissa Malfoy?"
"My cousin," muttered Sirius, pulling his hand back. Harry inspected the distorted face again and read the name underneath. "Why is it like that?" he asked in confusion, seeing it only said "Malfoy."
Sirius took a few steps back and scanned the room before looking at Harry. "The Malfoy boy – he's in your year, correct?"
"Yes," said Harry as he moved closer and placed his hand over where he assumed Draco's name and creepy face should have been. He quickly pulled it away when he felt a strange feeling in his chest. "Draco," said Harry with a nod.
"Yes – Hermione mentioned him when we talked about –" Harry watched as Sirius paused and tilted his head. "Oh, Cissy –" Sirius sighed. "What have you done?"
