Chapter 8 Choices [Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson]
The following day, during a meeting of the governors, Draco listened to the politicking. Forcefully, he interjected his ideas and suggested some goals that captivated their attention. Decidedly, he liked being in charge which further solidified his choice of a career in politics.
Now that nearly one month had passed since his last visit, the time arrived for him to visit his father once more. After an exchange of pleasantries, he figured he would give his father a little shock. "I got a tattoo."
"What! That's ludicrous. Why on earth would you do that?"
"Since when have you had anything against tattoos?" Draco pushed back his sleeve to reveal a bare forearm where The Dark Mark used to be. "I seem to remember you were quite fond of them."
Folding his arms, his father glared at him for a minute before he sighed in exasperation. "How's your engagement going? I haven't seen anything in the society pages."
"Bianca's been busy. Don't worry I'll only marry pure," he assured him.
"Of course, you don't want someone beneath your station," he affirmed. "And how's the family business?"
"The governorship is going well and I've decided to pursue a career in the government as well. I've been getting more and more power which I really like," he replied. "However, I've come to a crossroads. My first option is to achieve sovereign political power through effort, subtle manipulation, and creating an efficient organization of benevolence. Based on past politics, this would only have a ten percent chance of overthrow since most moderates, a mere eighty percent of the population, would gladly live in such a state where they were safe and happy."
His father looked at him with astonishment. "My second option is to obtain that same position with that same power through subjugation and blatant dictatorial tendencies, showing outright hatred. That would rally most of the moderates into violent revolt with a seventy-five percent chance of overthrow." His father looked at him in utter disdain. "I'm mulling it over." He awaited his father's response.
"That's interesting," replied his father. "You weren't mocking me were you?"
"A mere jest, when have I ever defied you?"
"You're defying my wishes by pursuing this career," his father countered.
"I'm not really defying you. I'm just exploring options." This date happened to be a few days after his father's forty-third birthday so he had the guards bring his present before he needed to leave. He handed him the wooden box containing a pipe and some rare tobacco. Though his father rarely smoked, when he did, he enjoyed a highly refined tobacco. "Happy Birthday," he announced.
"Thank you." He seemed pleased when he opened it. Lucius looked around as if expecting something more. "Is there anything you wish to tell me?"
Draco pondered a moment. "I think I've told you all I needed to."
Lucius prepared his pipe and seemed a little upset at that point. "By the way, I still have contacts in the outside world. I know you're participating in that potions competition." He awaited a shameful reaction from his son but instead received a cool almost challenging glance. "Rumor has it that you were paired that mudblood Granger."
Draco chuckled a moment. "Yes, I am."
"And, you're still going through with this?"
"Of course, because now I have a chance of winning." Smiling snidely, Draco paused at the door to watch his father be at a loss for words. "Goodbye, Father."
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The next morning, Draco hurried to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Everyone anxiously awaited today: field combat. The veteran interns trained the non-veterans. Draco paired with Glasses. The spelled and counter spelled for a few rounds and switched up.
The teacher, Sybil Fearclaw, a Native American transfer teacher lectured. "You must be prepared for anything. Knowing your opponent can be your best defense. Now that you have dueled, you should know your opponent better. Think about a new strategy and we will begin in five minutes."
Glasses and Granger whispered to each other in a corner causing the hair on the back of Draco's neck bristled. Watching for weakness, he twirled his wand. They squared off once more.
"Begin," yelled Fearclaw.
Mickey shot a lightning bolt at Draco which he dodged as he physically charged him. With a giant leap, Draco punched Glasses square in the chest that sent him flying through the air, landing with a loud thud against the wooden floor with a strength that shocked him. When Glasses didn't get up, Fearclaw and Hermione rushed to him along with several other students. Several minutes later, they removed him to the clinic while Hermione held his hand.
As the ranking intern, Draco addressed the class. "While physical attacks are uncommon, they can be quite effective as you have just observed. Class dismissed."
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In the infirmary, the nurse administered one drop of potion which revived Mickey. "It was shock. A day's rest well make him better."
"Thank you," Hermione replied smiling at her cousin. "Is there anything I can get you?"
"No, but thank you for being here." Glancing around to see no one around anymore, Mickey took her hand. "We're family and we need to stick together. Please be careful, you could be Draco's next victim."
"It was just combat practice and he got carried away."
"No, it was pure hatred because he's a Malfoy."
Carefully Hermione considered his words as she stared into Mickey's eyes. He's right. After all of Malfoy's torments, why did I think he could change? Malfoy's just using his charm to make me like him and win this competition.
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Later, Draco went to the courtyard feeling gleeful about besting Glasses until Hermione crossed his path. Her face stern and flushed with glassy eyes, she glared at him. "I thought you had changed but you are still the same old Malfoy. Once we're done with the potions project, will I be your next hate crime?" Before he could answer, she stormed off.
Revus and Gangley observed and sauntered to him, snickering. "So how's it going with Granger?"
"It's not going to happen. Here's your money. I should have never made that bet."
