Draco's Pov
"Mr. Malfoy, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Professor Umbridge greeted me, her wide-mouthed smile reminding me of a gaping fish or tode.
"I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the changes you've made here," I lied, flashing her a smile as I sat in one of her gaudy pink chairs and tried to hold myself respectfully.
A surprised look flashes across her face, but it is gone as quickly as it appeared, "Really? I was starting to believe that most of the students were unhappy with my presence here," she set her teacup down. The kittens in her thousands of pictures began to meow in comfort to her.
I shook my head, "Only those," I paused, "Excuse my language, nitwits, that find themselves incapable of following the rules that provide our school with order."
Umbridge straightened in her chair and folded her fingers together in her lap. She looked me over carefully, "Mr. Malfoy, why are you here?"
Crossing my ankles and straightening my spine, I feigned nervousness and pulled on my robes, "I was hoping you would allow me and a select few other Slytherins to help you."
Her brow rose, and she smiled, pouring herself more tea before adding some to a second cup with a lump of sugar and pushing it my way, "Here, have some tea."
I knew her tick. Everyone did.
Veritaserum in the tea while she asked you question after question until she got what she wanted. Typically, it was reserved for those she found breaking the rules and lying: pranksters and general pains in the ass who broke the rules and got caught.
Even knowing she had put something in my tea, I took a sip. The feeling of the potion was taking effect immediately. A tingle swept over my tongue, and a fog settled over my mind. I couldn't risk disrespecting her when I needed her on my side—I needed her to do what I wanted.
"Mr. Malfoy, why are you here?" she asked sweetly.
"I wish to work with you."
Pushing her papers around on her desk, she asked another question, "Work with me doing what?"
My mouth opened of its own accord, and I spoke slowly but honestly, omitting names and keeping it general, "I want to keep the school in order. I want to push those who break the rules."
"Punish? Oh my, oh my. You seem to have some ideas brewing in your head. Tell me what they are."
"I want to take Blaise, Theo, Lorenzo, Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyal and watch students when you can't," I looked at her and took another sip of my tea, "I want to catch them breaking the rules, and I want them to suffer for it, for disturbing me, and the school," my words came out calm, almost as if I were ashamed, but I wasn't.
My words were valid, but my attitude was not. I was pretending to be a meek student, wanting to help myself and the school and fearing Umbridge's opinions, but I knew I wanted to do this for only one reason.
To make Flint suffer, and I would do whatever I needed to do that.
Intrigued by the idea, she gave me her full attention, "How would you do that?"
"We watch them, keep track of who is breaking the rules, sneaking out, and then report back to you. Then you can-"
"Punish them," she finished for me, a twinkle in her eyes.
I nod, agreeing with her, "We would go to class, patrol at night, and allow you to keep working on your decrees."
"I like this, Mr. Malfoy, very much," Umbridge muttered, "We will call you the Inquisitorial Squad," she spoke excitedly. Standing from her desk, she pulled open several drawers and used her wand to start twelve little needles sewing with silver thread.
She began writing a letter and used her wand again to duplicate it before spelling them to fly out the door to their intended recipients. The needles fell to the desk and landed on the desktop.
"The letters will be delivered by owl tomorrow morning, but tonight, all teachers will be notified of the formation of the student-led team that will be working on my behalf," she picked up the tiny sewing needle and waved me forward.
I placed my teacup on her desk and stood before her. She waved her wand, and the needle began sewing a tiny silver 'I' on my school robes.
"This will let everyone know you are working to enforce the rules."
I flinched as the needle stuck me but stood still as it finished its job and fell lifeless to the desktop again, allowing me to admire the embroidery. It was smooth and elegant.
"Have a seat, Mr. Malfoy. We have a lot to discuss," she instructed with a grin, "First, I want you to become familiar with all of the rules," she pulled out a large, thick, spiral-bound book and handed it to me.
The black cover read Suggested Ministry of Magic School Rules in a bold gold font. I began flipping past the first few pages until I landed on a rule that matched with Decree number one: students are forbidden from using spell-check charmed quills.
I read through more decrees and stopped, wondering how many could be within this book.
A slip of parchment was added between the pages, adding a rule that had yet to be in the book initially, Decree number nine: Students must be found possessing sweets from unauthorized suppliers to be expelled. The Weasleys must have inspired this one with their snack boxes.
"I haven't implemented all of them yet," Umbridge said cheerily, "But as soon as that Headmaster of yours is put in his place and begins to respect the Ministry, I will make sure that this school is the picture of order."
The urge to roll my eyes was strong, but I resisted as I continued to read. Many of the decrees I was familiar with. They had been implemented slowly over the weeks, and students had been chattering about it nonstop.
I pointed to my current page in the book and looked at her, "I like this one quite a lot," I showed her the page and watched as her face lit up.
"You have a good eye!" she clapped her hands together, "Muggle clothing not being allowed on school grounds is a wonderful idea!" she made a note and encouraged me to continue reading.
I read the rules for hours, pointing out the ones I liked, and showed them to her. She seemed pleased to have someone interested in her favorite activity. My mind grew numb the more I read, but I did my best to store the knowledge for later, knowing that I would need it again to keep her placated and keep things going how I wanted them to.
The sun was setting as I reached the last page and the final rule in the book, which encouraged students to be forthcoming about any illicit activities they may have seen happening in the school, with the promise of reward.
Umbridge took her book back and tucked it neatly away in her drawer before turning back to me again, "Oh, look at the hour, nearly seven already! We have spent all day going over these rules. Mr. Malfoy, you best go to dinner and return to your common room. You have a big day tomorrow!"
I nodded and thanked her for her time, promising to meet her after breakfast in her office with the other members of the Inquisitorial Squad. She praised me for my excellent idea and waved me from her office.
Slowly, at first, I walked down the empty corridor and quickened my strides the further from her I got. I wanted to be as far from her and quickly as possible. Taking the stairs two and even three at a time, I nearly ran down to the Slytherin common room. Unleashing my wand and opening the door, I stepped inside and immediately relaxed.
Mattheo, Lorenzo, and Blaise were seated around the fire, playing cards with a stack of Galleons and Sickles off to the side as they threw their cards down.
Mattheo howled with laughter as he claimed his winnings, only stopping when I walked over and sat next to them, my eyes darting around, looking for Fey and Theo.
"They're not here," Blaise told me without looking up as he shuffled the cards and passed them out, dealing me into their game.
"Where are they?" I asked, picking up my hand and putting it back down. It was shit.
"Paris."
Lorenzo looked up, confused, "I thought they were in France?"
I rolled my eyes and threw a few Galleons down, "Paris is in France, you dumbass."
"Ohhhh, Theo took her to Paris before dinner."
"How the fuck did he manage that?" The school was locked down. Students rarely got in or out without permission.
"He called in a favor or something," Mattheo shrugged, "We've got to let them in at eleven."
"Eleven? Are you sure?" I asked, my eyes darting to the clock.
"Yeah, why?"
It was late, that was why. Why in the hell would he need to keep her out so fucking late?
...
Fey's Pov
"Come darling, we need to be going soon. Are you almost ready?" Theo's voice called from outside my bedroom dorm.
I looked myself over in the mirror and nodded to myself. I was as ready as I would ever be. He instructed me to dress warmly, and I believe I had with the tight-fitted black jeans and black turtle neck that had been sitting in my wardrobe.
Sexy was what I was going for, and I was taking what I considered to be a risk. I ignored my thudding heart and took a deep breath.
"They said they like me just as I am," I whispered to myself, trying to calm my nerves.
It was easy to listen to their words but harder to make myself believe them. No matter what, I was still insecure, but I didn't want to live myself restricted by my self-doubt and fear. I needed to trust and believe what they said to be true. They had given me no reason to doubt them.
Tucking my wand into my boot, I tugged my sleeves down into my fingers and took my purse off the hook in my wardrobe before greeting Theo at the door.
His eyes trailed down my body slowly, taking me in slowly, "You are stunning, Cara Mia," he whispered, his voice husky as his hands slithered down my sides to rest over my arse.
"Thank you," I took him in, dressed in black trousers and a deep gray jumper fitted around his chest. He was drool-worthy, "You look amazing, Theo."
He chuckled and took my hand, "Nowhere near as amazing as you do, love," he led us out, holding my hand and proudly keeping me close to his side as others watched us, not caring about the whispers.
Theo took us out of the castle and down the darkening path to Hogsmeade, but we didn't stop at any of the usual first-date spots. He took us into the Three Broomsticks.
I expected him to lead us to a table in the corner, but he brought us to the bar and explained that we would need the floo.
So many questions ran through my mind, but I kept my mouth shut and waited to see what he would do next.
The bartender, an older man tonight, took us to an old fireplace in the back and handed Theo a sack of floo powder, "We close at 11; be here at 10:30. The floo is closed at 10:45, and you don't want to be stuck where ever you're going."
Theo nodded, and the man left us alone. I stepped into the soot with Theo, and he tugged me close, so I wrapped my arms around his waist and held him tightly.
"Pumpkin Lounge, Paris," he spoke loudly and clearly as he threw the powder at our feet.
Immediately, we were pulled through a tight space, our bodies squeezed and stretched to their limits before we were released on the other end, stumbling out of a new fireplace.
I looked up at Theo, still slightly off, "Did you say Paris?"
He nodded, a little grin twitching his lips, "I did. We've just arrived at my favorite lounge for a few drinks, and then..." he trailed off, his eyes twinkling.
"Alright, Mr. Nott, you've whisked me away to a new country, so lead the way," I teased.
He kept his hand around my waist, took us through the busy lounge, and waved at a few people seated around the room before settling us in a booth far from the others.
We sat thigh to thigh, and he placed his arm around my shoulders before a young woman approached us.
"Hello again, Mr. Nott," she greeted in her thick French accent, ignoring me entirely and placing the menus in front of Theo.
He nodded and asked me, "What would you like to drink, Tesoro Mio?"
I hummed before deciding, "What would you suggest?"
He smiled, and without looking away, he ordered us two glasses of Elf-made wine. Our waitress lingered for a moment, but we ignored her, thoroughly absorbed in each other as Theo walked me through the French menu, explaining each item and what he liked best when he dined there.
Eventually, she left us, "I thought she would never leave," I sighed, leaning into him.
"Yes, she is 'attentive,'" he cringed, pulling his cigarettes from his pockets and placing one between his lips.
Giggling, I looked up at him from where I leaned on his shoulder, "I can why. You are very handsome, but it is slightly annoying that she ignored me and only spoke to you."
He nodded, lighting his cigarette, "But you are the only woman that can hold my attention."
Blushing, I ducked my head from his intense stare. Our waitress arrived once more with our drinks, and Theo gave her our order again, sparing her only the smallest amount of attention. She left with a huff and looked at me with loathing for the first time that night.
Theo was the one to start laughing this time, "I am sorry, Fey, but I think I have made you your first enemy."
I shrugged, "It does not matter; she is here, and tonight you will be coming home with me."
His eyes blazed, "Yes, I will be, amore, nothing could stop me," his eyes stared into mine but seemed to tear away at my outside and dig straight down to my soul.
Shivering from the intensity, I leaned closer to him still, but he had other ideas, lifting my legs to rest over his lap while his arm moved to wrap around me and grip my hip.
Our server came back and placed our dishes in front of us. She stood there a moment longer and tucked her dark hair behind her ear before leaning forward, "Théo, je suis tellement contente que tu sois revenu, mais j'espérais que tu viendrais seul." (Theo, I am so glad you came back, but I was hoping you would come alone.)
She was desperate for his attention, and watching her try to put on a show while I sat in his lap had me fuming.
Her breasts were squished together by her arms, nearly flashing us, "Quand tu la ramèneras à la maison, reviens et je veillerai à ce que tu repartes heureux," she whispered, flashing him a teasing grin. (When you take her home, come back, and I will make sure you leave happy.)
Rage filled me at her words; years of French lessons from my grandmother, who was unwilling to learn English, were now at the forefront of my mind as I looked her in the eyes and spoke to her in French, "Il quittera ce salon très heureux," I gripped Theo's thigh pressed my breasts against his chest, "et il sera encore plus heureux ce soir quand je crierai son nom." (He will be leaving this lounge very happy, and he will be even happier tonight when I am screaming his name.)
Her shocked expression was priceless. She stood and placed our bill on the table before turning and walking away from us, her mouth still gaping.
Theo's laughter filled the air, and he kissed my cheek, "I have never been more turned on in my life," he put out his cigarette and cupped my face, "When did you learn French?"
"My grandmother taught me. She's from a small city outside Paris," I took a sip of my wine, "She refused to learn English and forced me to learn so she could talk to me."
"But you have never been to Paris?"
I shook my head, "Never, my grandmother refused to take me, and my parents were always too busy," I explained.
He stroked his thumb across my lips, "I will take you anywhere you wish to go, pretty girl. Just say the words, and I will make it happen to see you smile."
I did smile as he kissed my lips, "We should eat. I don't want to spend our entire night here."
"You're right. I have plans for us, and they do not involve spending our night in Paris inside the Pumpkin Lounge," he teased, handing me my fork and watching as I took my first bite. It was amazing. The favors were like nothing I had ever had before. Spicy and savory as they melted in my mouth.
We ate, and he told me about his family, as I had told him about mine. His mother had passed years ago when he was a small child, and now it was just him and his father. His father is a Death Eater. He spoke plainly, not ashamed nor embarrassed, just resigned to his father's ways.
I gripped his arm, sadness filling me as I pictured a little boy with Theo's face, grieving his mother and abandoned by his father as he took orders from the Dark Lord.
"I want you to know that I am not my father," he held up his hand to silence me when I spoke to reassure him, "I do not want to be a Death Eater, nor do I want to serve the Dark lord as he does," he smiled gazing into the lounge and watching as the other patrons ate and laughed, "I want to separate myself from him. I want to do something that I love and will make me happy."
"Oh, Theo, that is beautiful," I tossed my arms around his neck, knocking his fork onto his plate, "I know you can do it. You're so smart and clever, kind and caring. You can do anything you wish. I just know it." I whispered, my words muffled by his neck.
He wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly, burying his face in my hair, "Grazie, amore mio," (Thank you, my love.) He pulled away from me and stood, taking my hand and bringing me to my feet beside him, "Let's go. I want to spoil you tonight."
He led me from the lounge, instructed the staff to place our bill on his family account, and pulled me into the night. The streets were busy with shoppers and tourists, and I couldn't help but be in awe at the sights. Everything was beautiful. The buildings and the parks were a work of art. Intertwining and mingling so perfectly, they blended like two perfect shades of paint on canvas.
As we walked, our fingers laced together, Theo took me down a row of shops, pulling me into each one and smiling as I giggled and laughed alongside him. We browsed through books on ridiculous topics like 'How to Get Your Cat to Listen,' and "How to Polish Your Broom Handle,' and one book that Theo insisted on buying for 'us' he said, as it listed and described many positions to practice with your lover.
He sent the book to Hogwarts through Owl Post and kissed my blushing cheeks as he took me into another store filled with wall-to-wall clothing I had never seen before.
An assistant came up to us and offered her help to me. I shook my head to refuse, but my devious Theo encouraged her to help me find many, many sets of lingerie. He suggested emerald green, black, and white. Despite my protests, the woman took me away from Theo as he laughed and browsed the dresses, waiting for me to return.
The lovely woman measured me and fitted me with lacy sets I would never have gone near, even insisting that I wear the deep green set out today. She tore the tags off and dressed me quickly before gathering the items she found and ringing them up.
I approached Theo, red as a tomato, "Theo, you shouldn't."
"But I am because I want to spoil you with everything you should have," he insisted, taking my hand and telling the woman to gather a few other things he had found while I was busy.
"Really, Theo, it's unnecessary."
The shop assistant grinned and wagged her finger, "Let the young man buy you what he wishes. He is showing you his love language, darling," she scolded me as she handed Theo his receipt and promised that it would all arrive at the castle the next day.
I followed Theo as he led me from the store, clung to his arm, and spoke softly, "She is right, you know."
"Right about what?"
"That I love you," he told me softly, "I am not good with these things. I never really had someone to love before."
We were walking through a quiet park when the weight of his words hit me like a thousand-kilo weight in the heart, "You love me, Theo?"
He nodded, pulling me to his side and taking me in his arms, "I do. I have never felt this way before. Possessive and protective over you," he spoke, gazing into me, his blue eyes crashing waves of emotion as he spoke again, "I would kill for you, Fey."
"I would never ask you to do that."
"You wouldn't need to. I just would for you, to protect you," his lips fell onto mine, "My heart is pounding in my chest. I am so scared that you will always be taken from me, but I am the happiest I have ever been."
Overwhelmed and filled again with nerves, I kissed him, drowning out the world and basking in all that is Theo. When I pulled away, gasping for breath, I looked into his eyes and found the same depth of emotion that I felt deep inside, nestled where I kept my feelings for all of them. What I felt for them was deeper and darker than the ocean and more vast than space, "I love you too, Theo."