Disclaimer: I am just a mere visitor in the sublime world constructed by the brilliant mind that is J.K Rowling. Anything that rings a bell is hers

Chapter 52

Draco's POV

The leather of the black ottoman squeaked as I lowered onto it, I watched as the black laces of my shoes danced together in twists and turns until they settled atop my feet in a perfect bow.

I leaned back against the foot of my bed, transfixed on the small knot as if it had insulted me... in a way it did... I glanced around the room which took considerable time considering the size of it... at the dark grey walls that held neither frame nor poster, at the expanse of glass that overlooked the perfectly pruned garden that was yet another stranger to me...

Memories of tears and days spent sweating over practicing this spell and that... of debilitating fear as my father ensured that I could dress myself with a wave of a wand without a stitch out of place, all the while frowning and complaining how Goyle and Avery allowed Vincent and Alexander to dress themselves manually as if they were common muggles. And how the whole world was going to the mudbloods as Ministry dogs were knocking on the door and questioning the wards on the Manors, questioning whether it blocked the use of underage magic and taking them down when proven right, debating about special treatment and unfairness.

He'd then smirk in pride as he'd announce that he alone was one of the few that managed to prevent interference on our wards. I would then think that perhaps the fact that Goyle and Avery didn't have money to throw at the situation like he did, that there wards were taken down and hence the need for Vincent and Alexander to tie their own shoelaces...but I would never voice those defying thoughts.

Was it because I was proud of the victory as well? Happy that we, even among the crème de la crème were lounging at the top... how naive I was. How childish to think that galleons were the solution to all problems and if the problem resisted the figure obviously wasn't long enough.

My fingers trembled as I smoothed out my shirt and walked to the mirror, laughing inwardly at my reflection. All my life I was told how much I looked like my father and it seems I'm cursed to always do so, I glared at the dark bags under my eyes and the looseness of the shirt... he was in Azkhaban yet I was suffering the effects of a prisoner. And not just a prisoner in my own house... in my own skin...

What wouldn't I do to trade skin with someone else... to exist nameless without expectation and responsibility. The contrast that lay on my left arm glared up at me making my skin look sickeningly pale... I used to think it was a crown when I was a child, as if my father was a king for wearing it, or at least a soldier for cleaning our world of mudbloods...

Mudbloods... I scoffed aloud; I remember the days that the most offensive thing in my life was their presence. Yet now I'd even trade places with one to... no... no... I wouldn't. Now wasn't a good time to trade place with mudbloods of all people... maybe a half blood. A half blood who had a father who'd tie his shoe lace for him, who'd have no political standing, who lived in a small house, only six or seven bedrooms. Who'd pat my back when I excelled like I saw Carrow doing to Aren once. Or who'd cry shamelessly without the fear of humiliation like Diggory's father did for him.

I can only imagine father handling my death. I shook my head, he practically let me inherent a death sentence, like he'd shed a tear, probably the saddest thing would be the lack of an heir.

"Draco?"

I snapped around, far-gone in my what-if's and daydreams that I didn't hear my door open.

"Mother."

My smile emerged without force as I walked towards her, pecking her on the cheek in greeting. She glowed up at me and my smile widened further, I truly didn't understand how much I missed her until I got home from break and saw her lying in that bed, unmoving except for her chest rising and falling in a slow tempo.

"You missed breakfast darling." I nodded, walking to my drawer and grabbing my watch.

"I overslept." I lied with ease, having spent a good few hours staring at the ceiling, not feeling like even getting out of the bed...nor facing the world and the demons that resided in it.

I glanced up momentarily to see if she bought the lie. She was too busy staring out the window though, with a swift movement she pushed it open and I ran forward, letting the silver metal of my watch meet the plush green floor with a soft thud.

"Draco!" She gasped as I pulled her roughly away by the shoulder, her blue eyes wide with shock, "What on Earth is the matter."

I swallowed thickly, tossing a glance at the window as Alya's threats rang in my head...

"And who's going to tell her? You? The pitiful little boy who couldn't even harm a fly let alone kill an old man much past his prime? Anyway, mother and you yourself instructed me to help Aunt Cissy, and my help can only go so far. Grief stricken women do silly things Draco. And Aunt Cissy was never that strong to begin with. You utter so much as an alarmed look to my mother and I will have Aunt Cissy take to the skies faster than you can say suicide."

I didn't respond and she sighed, "Why you insist on keeping the windows shut is beyond me. This room is always so stuffy, I know you like your privacy but you know the wards-"

"Prevent anyone on the outside looking in, I'm well aware of the intricacies of the wards Mother, let's not forget the prized gift of my tenth birthday accompanied by what I hoped to be a once in a lifetime lecture which sadly became an annual thing."

She laughed at my response, smoothing out my shirt, "Your father is just proud of his heritage, can you blame him for wanting his son to share that?"

I shook my head, sometimes I wondered whether we spoke of the same man, "Force feeding facts down a ten year olds throat does not transfer pride. Actions Mother."

"Your father isn't much of an actor." She smiled down at her wedding ring and I shook my head, after all that he lay on her shoulders she was still misty eyed for the man.

"He wasn't much of a father either." I grumbled, fastening the watch on my wrist.

I touched the little dent on the strap, my chest heating up at the memory of dark manes and broom cupboards and passion that flung hands around carelessly. I collected myself and looked up to find mother glaring at me.

"What?" I half expected her to attack me... I half expected any amount of things from her these days. Alya may have said she lifted the Imperius on her... but Alya, unlike father, was an excellent actress. I took a small step back, "What?"

"Was?" She raised a brow and I cocked my head to the side in confusion. "Wasn't much of a father? Was Draco?"

I sighed, she was more offended that I referred to him in the past tense rather than the nature of the sentence, "My mistake, he ISN'T a good father."

"Draco your father's done the best with the hand he was dealt."

I laughed, each tremble soaked with cinysm, "I'm sorry, was father born a homeless peasant forced to roam the streets of Knocturn Alley? You talk as if he had no other choice but to land us in this..." I glanced at the closed door out of habit, knowing nobody could pass my quarters without a password, "situation."

"He wants the best Draco. For you. For this family."

"Well that's just splendid mother, he can lay the best on my grave at the end of the year."

She stepped back, hand at her chest as if I had slapped her. She lowered onto my bed as if she were going to faint and I immediately felt guilty. She may not be a prisoner in her head anymore, figuratively chained to her bed at the hands of that mad bitch but she was still mother. "I'm sorry."

Her hand lifted to her mouth as she shook her head, staring at the carpet and I closed my eyes. The last thing I wanted was to upset her, to bring anymore pain to her doorstep. I lowered onto the ottoman, her knees and mine touching in the small space between the furniture. "Mother."

"He loves you Draco." She raised her eyes to me, "He does. He never wanted this for you."

I wasn't going to get into this argument and I bit my lip to still my angry words which fluttered up my throat and died on my tongue.

"I never wanted this for you." Her lips trembled, "I'm so sorry." She burst, leaning forward onto my shoulder and I closed my eyes. I hated to see her tears, it's as if they solidified and cut through my heart.

"Mother. Stop this. You've nothing to be sorry for."

She shook her head and pulled back, "If I was stronger, I could have helped you. I could have..."

"Mother I don't need help." I laughed confidently, "Everything is going just according to plan. You'll see."

She sniffled, "Severus says-"

"I don't need Snape." I snapped, "Just trust me!" I groaned to my feet and walked to the window, "Will you stop running to him? It makes it seem like I can't handle this."

"He only means to help." I heard her soft footsteps approaching, "Blaise and Theodore are wonderful boys, but Severus can help you in ways they cannot."

"I don't care." I grit out, his constant interference was jeopardising everything. "I'm fine on my own."

"Are you?" I turned around as she gave me a level stare, "I heard about the Mead and the necklace."

I rolled my eyes and she frowned at the action. I was never one for such actions and I distracted myself with the garden to forget who I learned the action from. "Been up for a few days but aunt Bella caught you up quickly. I suppose she expressed her disappointment in the whole matter."

"Bella's opinions are unimportant. What matters is-"

"What matters is that I've been given a practically impossible task so I'd really appreciate if everyone saves their comments and advice as this is none of their business."

She cocked a perfectly trimmed brow, "Draco what you do is my business! I want to-"

"PLEASE!" I snapped, "Just drop it Mother! I don't want to have the same conversation over and over again! Talking DOES NOT help so for Salazar's sake just..." I took a deep breath and clutched my forehead, "Please."

She straightened her back and lifted her chin haughtily at the tone of my voice. "Will you be coming to the Fawley's later on?"

I turned to her frowning accepting the change of subject, "Is Mason's engagement tonight?"

Her face softened and she nodded, mother could be such a romantic, "Aideen is so excited. I can understand, it's a mother's proudest moment to see her son with the woman he loves."

I smirked, "As long as the woman in question is of the right blood and family."

Mother narrowed her eyes at my comment, "Well of course. A marriage involves more than two people in love, it's the merging of two families. At least I don't have to worry about such things with you, poor Miranda having to deal with Poppy running off with that half-blood boy last year." She shivered at the thought of it all and turned her attention back on me. "Speaking of such things, Alya should come along as well. She's spent such a ghastly amount of time out of society I fear that she'll be forgotten as a viable prospect. Then again, even with her absence they've been suitors. Travers has a fondness for her and I do believe I spotted her whispering with the Davis boy... I'm not too happy about that considering their history."

I rolled my eyes as at the faint reflection of me in the window, the good old game of 'are they or aren't they pureblood?'Tracey's family was one of those few debateable cases. Mother wasn't so off though, Davis and Alya did share a bed a few times and from what I witnessed of their interactions the boy loved her. Salazar knows how.

"Tell me darling," Mother's mood was immediately lightened by her favourite topic of matchmaking, suddenly downstairs didn't sound like such a bad idea and I glanced at the door wanting to leave, "Is Aren Carrow still single? I heard he and Elizabeth Lexington went their separate ways last Summer. He and Alya would indeed make quite a couple, but oh his aunt is dreadful. I would hate to have to dine with her every Yuletide to come. Speaking of such things, I haven't seen Pansy around? She's not visited."

I huffed, mother and her beating around the bush. "For the last time mother, Pansy is not my girlfriend."

She smiled, "I see... there is someone though."

"What?"

Her smile widened and her eyes twinkled, "A mother knows Draco. I've seen you staring off, deep in thought with a wistful look on your face. Draco." I looked down at her at the intonation in her voice and her smile continued its shining. "I know it's difficult to discuss such matters with one's mother. I just want to say... if she makes you happy... it need not be kept secret. We've already left the matter of your proposal for such a long time as is."

I schooled my features to not let anything on as if her name will display on my forehead if I thought of her too much, "You and father said that you'll at least allow me till my seventeenth to decide."

"Which is in two months darling. Just think on it."

I scoffed, with everything going on I was to think of this as well.

"Plus," She giggled and my brows rose, "I have a feeling I'll not dread dining with her aunt in the future."

"What?"

"Actually I think I like her aunt... quite a lot really." She tittered and walked towards the door and my brows deepened as I followed her.

Aunt? I racked my brains to think of who she might think I was in love with because it was definitely not Ky.

"Mother, I don't love Daphne. I think you know that." She laughed at my response.

"I know that! And I happened to dislike her aunt Cecilia so I can't imagine why you would think it was her!"

"Mother!" I snapped and she sighed turning around.

"Oh Draco just forget I said anything. Bella says its best to not interfere."

"For once the woman speaks sense." I muttered eager to get off the topic.

I watched as her hand landed on the door knob two rooms away from my own and she pushed the door open and I shut it before she could enter. She looked up at me wide eyed, "Draco? What is wrong with you this morning. I need to fetch Liam for lunch."

"Liam's not having lunch with us today." I had moved Kyra into Liam's adjoining room, hence he spent most of the holiday holed up in there doing Merlin knows what. Between him, Blaise in Barcelona and Theo resigned to his own house, it was as if I was back to being an only child this holiday.

Liam had informed me last night that he was planning a nice lunch for Kyra as it was her birthday, he invited me but I declined, remembering what Theo said about the girl developing feelings for me for some reason. I couldn't help noticing the relief in the boys eyes when I said no.

Theo had stopped by for a few minutes yesterday to drop of a pie Granger made for the occasion, the way he went on about the pastry as if the dessert could cure dragon pox. I hated to admit that it did taste decent and I actually snacked on the piece he left me for breakfast. I wouldn't tell him though, let him think that I tossed it to the elves like I promised to. I suppose I was slightly annoyed at his disappearance this break but his mobile phone didn't get reception here. Yes, mobile phone. The bleeding fool purchased one to message Granger for most of the day, as if he doesn't see enough of the witch at school.

I noticed mother frowning at the door as if contemplating opening it. She knew of Kyra but never spoke of her, and she wasn't stupid. She grew to love Liam like a son and the thought of him with a girl such as Kyra angered her. I quickly let go of the handle and walked away from the door, trusting with the right distraction I can lure her away.

"Aria wrote last night."

"Did she!" She gasped in excitement and followed me as I smirked at my success, "Oh how I miss her Draco, why did she have to stay at school over Easter!"

Because your niece is a maniac with a penchant for strangling little girls. I closed my eyes as her earlier words clicked in my head...aunt...niece... oh Salazar.

"Mother, if you have any fancy ideas about me and Alya-"

"Alya?" She gasped in astonishment.

I pursed my lips at her as my eyes flickered down the passage to ensure that we were indeed alone. I may have taken Theo's advice and... spent time with Alya. Dining with her and spending more than one evening with her...I shivered at the memory of her lips on mine and cleared my head. The whole point of my returning her affection was to convince her to relinquish her hold on mother, and it worked, mother was her own person once again. Ensuring Alya's happiness was key in my plans, having her as an enemy was interference that was both a hindrance and unnecessary. Yet the last thing I wanted was mother acting on any sort of love she thinks she is witnessing unfold before her.

"Don't." I chided and she dropped the act with an exasperated look.

"Fine, I might have a few fancy ideas about you and Alya but why should I not Draco. You and she will be perfect together! Everyone will be happy and I see how happy she makes you."

"Mother she's my cousin." I grumbled, ignoring the last statement. At least it meant I was playing my part well enough considering mother believed it. "My first cousin." I stressed and she sighed heavily.

"I swear all this forced interaction with muggleborns and such is corrupting your mind. It's perfectly normal to wed your cousins, my family had been doing it for ages. It's disrespectful to the bloodline to have such high minded notions."

I shook my head, "I'm not getting into this." I turned to walk down the steps and she followed, whispering furiously next to me.

"I don't expect you to listen Draco but I shall speak. Do not make the same mistake your father did." I stilled at that comment and I cooled at the forlorn look on her face, "Your father should have married someone strong. Someone who could handle all that he strived for. Someone who wouldn't be bed ridden for months at the absence of her spouse and a death of a friend."

"Mother-"

"No Draco." She swallowed and stepped towards me, holding my cheek against her palm, "You deserve better than the weakness I have to offer. This war, this horrible monstrosity that has lay claim on our lives, could go on for years and I would be damned if it breaks you. You need strength at your side Draco, Alya can give you that. She's a better wife than any of the other girls enamoured by parties and boys. She'll fight alongside you Draco. You both will keep each other safe."

I touched her hand, quietened by her tearful expression.

"Just think on it."

I nodded, lying easily to prevent further argument and I pulled her hand down and lead her into the Dining Room. One brilliant thing about this holiday was the absence of the Red Cloaks. Apparently one day they just disappeared, summoned by Karetnikov probably and never returned. Talk was as if they vanished into thin air but that was impossible. Whatever it was Karetnikov never sent a replacement which was a relief. The Manor felt less like a prison cell these days.

Just as I pulled out mother's chair I sighed inwardly, my warden waltzing in. Her red lips bordered perfect white teeth and she flounced over me, white dress fluttering about her.

"Draco! I missed you at breakfast." She pecked me on both my cheeks, nuzzling her nose on my neck discreetly as she set back on the balls of her feet just as her uncle and stepfather waltzed in.

"I apologise, I overslept." I pulled out her chair and she settled in, leaning back quickly so her shoulders brushed my fingers momentarily. I settled into the seat next to her and pulled the first dish towards me, hastening to get out of here already.

"Ahh to be young again." Rabastan grumbled, heaping mashed potatoes into his plate, "Sleep till late and eat to your heart's content. Not to forget the love making-"

"Rabastan." Chided mother and he grinned at her innocently.

"Cissy dear it might surprise you to note there are no children at this table." He nodded his head at Alya and me.

"I beg to differ." Mumbled Rodolphus over his steak, not even sparing his brother a glance.

"Alya is a beautiful young lady and Draco is a brother in arms Rod, don't tell me you still think them children."

Rodolphus' right eye twitched slightly at his brother's nickname for him as he raised a piece of meat to his lips, "I wasn't talking about them."

"Now now." Mother chided unnecessarily as Rabastan didn't catch up to his older brother's insult. "Bella not joining us?"

I refrained from jumping at the feel of small fingers on my knee, I abstained from scowling as she ventured up my leg as Rabastan explained that Aunt Bella had left for France this morning. Some business with the vampires or something.

Just as her fingers inched ever closer to her prize, I slipped them into my own, holding it under the table and tossed her an affectionate look over my fork. Her blue eyes sparkled at me as she licked her spoon and I lowered my lashes to give her a heated stare.

"Did you see him Draco?"

I turned to mother, "Pardon?"

"Severus visited last night, did you see him?"

Rabastan scoffed before I could answer, "I doubt he did. The bastard was gone in minutes. Left something or the other down in the dungeons when he was interviewing Fortescue Jr. last week, collected it without a hi or bye."

"Hurt your feelings did he, Rabastan? Should we write him a letter telling him to play nice or you both won't get any sweets."

I smiled as Rodolphus belittled his brother, it was probably the only great thing about dining with the two. Rodolphus was extremely private and spent most time in his quarters, only dining downstairs when Aunt Bella wasn't around. I don't blame him, the woman grated on everyone's nerves.

"Shut it Rod. You've always liked that snivelling bastard. Bella will have your head if she sees the arse sucking-"

"Rabastan!" Mother snapped as I sniggered into my plate, Alya laughing out loud. "Rodolphus, will you be joining Bella in France?"

"Unfortunately." He replied bluntly, his hard face softening minutely at mother's expression. He placed his fork and knife down and wiped his mouth upon his napkin, "Do you need anything while I'm away?"

She laughed politely, "Nothing I could ask you to fetch for me or we'd never avoid the scandal."

He nodded his head and rose whilst I tried to pretend that I didn't understand that my mother still shopped at Madame Zangara's lingerie boutique in Paris.

"Will you be joining us at the Fawley's, Rabastan?"

He snorted as he filled up his plate yet again, "And have Aideen stare down her nose at me for the whole evening? I'd rather remove the rod that's up Rod's arse."

He laughed loudly at his joke as mother sighed. I smiled at her conspiratorially; it was her own fault for trying to converse with the man in the first place.

"Alya darling, you must come. Aideen does like you so, you remind her of Bella and she and Bella were very close when they were younger. Everyone will be there. And of course Draco will escort you, won't you Draco?"

I smiled, hoping it translated to my eyes and rubbed my thumb up her hands, "It would be my pleasure."

She placed her glass down and licked her lips, "I live to please." She stood fluidly and let go of my hand, "Excuse us Aunt Cissy." She shrugged her shoulders and her dress pooled at her feet, showing off her white two piece bikini, "Draco promised me a swim in the pool and I'd like to get wet now." She rested her hands on my shoulders and I smirked up at her, "So I can be nice and dry for our Dinner later."

Mother was polite enough to ignore the reference and Alya's provincial display as Rabastan leered at his niece. Fuck, there was seriously something wrong with this whole family.

I followed her out into the garden and to the pool, we barely used it. Father wasn't fond of swimming thinking it muggle somehow but he never removed it considering it was part of the Manor and therefore it would be sacrilege to touch. A hand stopped me as I walked to the pool and I turned to the raven haired witch.

She jumped on me like a cat on a wall and I jostled as I steadied, letting her wrap her bare legs about my waist and ignoring the twisting in my stomach as she kissed me. My fingers trembled as I patted her back and I quickly transformed her in my mind. Blue turned to stormy grey, pale turned to tan, B turned to C. My hands steadied on her back but she jumped down, pulling me down on the grass and sitting atop me.

"Alya-"

"Shhhh..." She purred, flicking a wrist and a black cloth appeared. "Let's play a game?"

I looked at the blindfold and back at her, I had skirted around the situation for days. Kissing her and fondling her yet never taking it further and hoping each day she wouldn't ask for more. It seems my luck ran out.

I slipped the material out of her hand and played with her waist with the other, "Fine." She jostled slightly as I sat up, falling deeper into me by the action. I pushed her hair behind her ears and raised the cloth to her face but she grabbed my wrist.

"Ah uh uh. Not so fast. It's my turn first."

I smirked, hiding my apprehension with a kiss on her neck, "What's the game?"

She laughed and her throat shook against my lips, "Nothing sinister I promise." My eyes were blocked by the material and I straightened uncomfortably. Of course I heard about chains and blindfolds and such but surely she wouldn't want to enact such things out in the garden. "Relax Drake. It's just a taste test. If you guess right you get a surprise."

I took a deep breath, catching her spicy scent and my heart slowed down as my vision turned black, I needed her happy. I had to go with it... she needed to be happy...

I felt cold metal at my lips and I hoped that she didn't have any questionable piercings. My brows furrowed as I felt the shape of a spoon engulf my mouth and my tongue latch around contrasting textures of hard and soft but the taste was definitely familiar. I chewed and swallowed and my frown deepened. Very familiar indeed...

She licked my neck and whispered into my ear, "Want another taste."

I nodded slowly, racking my brains for to recognise the taste and taking my time with the second bite. Just as the softness slithered down my throat and the smell infiltrated my nostrils my lips fell open with a gasp and my hands ripped the blindfold off.

Her electric blue eyes glared down at me as she straightened up on my waist, I looked at the pie she held in her hand, the familiar red ribbon along its circumference marking it...

"How did you..." I breathed and a shiver went down my back at the glint in her eye as her fake smile fell.

"Surprised Draco?"

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