Funerals and Weddings
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
63
Views:
24,917
Reviews:
272
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
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Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
63
Views:
24,917
Reviews:
272
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Ch. 18: Threats and Plans
For disclaimer, summary, story codes and other information, please see the prologue.
Chapter the Eighteenth: Threats and Plans
10 October, continued: The same morning
Draco spent the next half hour on the Quidditch pitch, smashing bludgers with a beater’s bat until his arms ached and the red haze cleared from his brain. Breathing heavily but feeling more in control of himself, he left the pitch and headed to his Head of House’s office. A sharp “Enter!” answered his knock at the door.
“Mr. Malfoy. I’m assuming there is a reason you are here now, instead of in Potions class this morning?” Snape raised an eyebrow, surprised by Draco’s disheveled appearance but withholding comment.
Draco walked forward and placed Lucius’ letter on Snape’s desk. “Yes, sir. This is the reason,” he replied.
Snape picked up the parchment—it had obviously been crumpled up then smoothed out and folded. He read silently to himself, then looked up at Draco, face expressionless.
Draco was well aware that Snape’s silence was a tactic to goad him into speaking first; a typically Slytherin approach. Today, though, Draco had no patience for games. He glared at Snape.
“That trick might work with Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors, Professor, but I’m not in the mood today. What are you thinking?” Draco demanded.
Ignoring Draco’s rudeness in light of the boy’s obvious distress, Snape answered, “I think…” he said slowly. “that I have never heard Lucius apologise to anyone but the Dark Lord before.”
“Exactly!” Draco pounced. “He’d never apologise to me. He’s either completely lost his mind…or he’s planning something.”
Snape cocked his head. “Or both. I think perhaps this discussion would best be held in the presence of the Headmaster; I’m quite sure he will be interested in this letter.” At Draco’s nod of agreement, Snape stepped to the fireplace, tossed in some Floo powder and firecalled Dumbledore’s office. In a few moments, he withdrew his head from the magical fire and turned back to Draco. “He’ll see us now,” was all he said before pocketing the letter and sweeping out of the office, Draco stalking in his wake.
Dumbledore greeted them with his usual offer of tea, which was declined. Seating himself, he studied Draco for a moment before saying, “I’m glad you seem to have yourself back under control, Mr. Malfoy. I’ve only just had a visit from someone who was a bit concerned about the state he found you in earlier this morning.”
Draco blinked. This wasn’t the opening he expected. “Potter?” he asked.
Snape gave him a sharp look, but before Draco could respond, Dumbledore stepped in. “Yes, Mr. Potter seemed to feel you might be a danger--”
Snape’s snort interrupted the Headmaster. “A danger? If anyone’s a danger to others around here, it’s Potter! I’m sure he’s not so concerned about the danger he poses to others, always haring off and getting into impossible situations—“
Dumbledore held up a hand to end what was sure to be another lengthy tirade about the shortcomings of Harry Potter. “Actually, Severus, Mr. Potter was concerned mostly that Mr. Malfoy might be a danger to himself. He didn’t seem to think that anyone else except the target of Mr. Malfoy’s anger was in danger. But he was concerned that, in his anger, Mr. Malfoy might not think clearly and might take action that could place him in jeopardy. He felt someone should be made aware of the…situation…in case Mr. Malfoy found himself in need of assistance.”
Despite the underlying current of anger still running through him, Draco couldn’t help but feel a giddy little spark of hope in his heart. Harry was concerned…about him? He’d come to the Headmaster because he was worried that Draco might put himself in danger? Even after Draco had yelled at him? He hadn’t come tattling to Dumbledore to accuse Draco of being a threat to others—or apparently to himself. He’d wanted someone to help him—not that Draco needed or wanted help, but the thought was nice. Maybe, just maybe, Harry didn’t hate him anymore. Maybe one day…when this was all over…maybe he’d have a chance to make The Dream reality.
Snapping out of his reverie, Draco berated himself for jumping ahead to an unlikely future event. He saw that Dumbledore was reading Lucius’ letter and he focused on the events at hand.
“Mr. Malfoy—Draco—I take it this is not a typical letter from your father?” the elderly wizard asked after finishing the letter.
Draco gave an inelegant snort. “Hardly. It’s about as atypical as possible, sir.” At Dumbledore’s enquiring look, Draco briefly explained all of the abnormalities in the letter—the mentions of forgiveness, love, apologies, etc. He had to make an effort to keep his anger in check.
“Do you have an opinion as to what your father’s intent is with this letter then?” Dumbledore asked.
“I think he’s either completely insane and has no idea what he is saying—or that there is some kind of plot in the making,” Draco replied, glancing at Snape.
“I must agree with Draco, Headmaster. Sane or insane, Lucius and the Dark Lord are clearly up to something. I seriously doubt that Lucius did not tell the Dark Lord of what he assumed to be Draco’s refusal to take the Dark Mark—if he attempted to withhold it, the Dark Lord would have gotten it from him by now anyways. I think it’s a message and a threat: Draco has until the winter holidays to submit and take the Dark Mark.”
“He would be welcomed into the Death Eater ranks if he agreed to take the Dark Mark now?” asked Dumbledore.
Snape sneered. “Of course…after a spot of torture or two to ensure he’d learnt his lesson. And then he’d most likely be assigned a dangerous task--the Dark Lord prefers to send his ‘disposable’ minions on errands where the likelihood of survival is minimal.”
Draco couldn’t help but flinch. What a lovely thought. To think, he’d come so close to joining this maniac…
“So if he refuses to submit, he becomes a target,” Dumbledore stated.
Snape nodded. “I imagine he’d be right near the top of the Dark Lord’s “Most Wanted” list—likely just after Potter and yourself. The Dark Lord does not take betrayal well. And even though Draco never officially joined the Death Eaters, his father long ago promised him to the Dark Lord—so his refusal to join would be seen most definitely as a betrayal.”
Draco was slightly annoyed that they were talking about him as if he weren’t in the room, but it was almost a relief to pretend, just for a moment, that they were discussing someone else, so he didn’t say anything.
“Obviously, Draco, you will be staying here over the winter break. We have some time yet to consider our options for how to keep you safe after that. But what concerns me most urgently is the mention of Hallowe’en. Severus, you have heard no plans of Death Eater activity for Hallowe’en?” Dumbledore sounded apprehensive.
“No, Headmaster, and that bothered me as well. I haven’t been called in some time—I have been expecting a summons. Hopefully, the Dark Lord will reveal his plan soon so that we may take steps to counteract it,” Snape drummed his fingers on his knee, his only outward sign of agitation. “Lucius’ reference to Draco hearing of ‘the news’ is bothersome as well. It indicates that whatever the Dark Lord plans, it will be big. He is expecting it to make quite a statement.”
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. “I shall inform the Order of what we suspect. I’ll have ears and eyes tuned to any mention of Hallowe’en. Draco, I believe you are safe here at Hogwarts, but please be careful. It might be best for you to stay within the caste grounds at all times—so Hogsmeade visits are out.” He paused. “Perhaps it would be best to…quietly…reschedule the regular Hogsmeade visit altogether. It is set now for the Hallowe’en weekend. I fear it would be unwise to send students outside the castle wards. Draco, say nothing about Hogsmeade to the other students. Go along with any plans your friends may make. The trip will be cancelled at the last possible minute, so as not to tip off Voldemort if an attack on Hogsmeade is indeed his plan. Understood?”
Draco nodded. “Of course. Should I compose a reply to Lucius?”
The Headmaster looked at the Potions master. “Yes, I think that would be wise. Don’t you, Severus?”
“Quite. Would you like some help with it, Draco?” Seeing Draco nod, Snape continued. “Give me tonight to think on it. Meet me at my office at half seven tomorrow morning and we’ll get it done.”
Again, Draco nodded. He hesitated, then decided it couldn’t hurt to ask. “Headmaster, Professor…I’m meant to be in Transfigurations class right now. Could one of you…write me an excuse, please? I doubt Professor McGonagall will let me in the door without one, seeing as I’ve missed more than half the lesson.” He risked a wry smile.
“Of course,” Dumbledore agreed immediately, looking at Draco critically. “In fact, why don’t you take the rest of the day off? I believe a Dreamless Drought and some quality sleep would greatly benefit you, Mr. Malfoy. Yes?”
Draco wondered again if the Headmaster knew about The Dream that woke him several times a week. Fervently hoping not, he simply nodded gratefully at the old man. “Yes, sir, thank you. I could indeed do with some sleep.”
With that, Draco was excused to the hospital wing for his sleeping potion. A short time later, cozily cocooned in the darkness behind his bed curtains, Draco allowed the spark of hope that Harry might one day look at him as someone other than an enemy—and ideally as a lover—to flare to life once more before downing the potion and drifting off into deep, uninterrupted slumber for the first time in months.
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A/N: Thanks again to my lovely reviewers, especially ichie-chan, amessis, thrnbrooke and tatemshope! People like you keep me going! Thrnbrooke, when I read your review, I thought for a second you’d gotten into my files somehow because you figured out the letter so well! I hope you enjoyed seeing how right you were in this chapter! Tatemshope—this fic is not posted anywhere else, I’m posting as I write. So just pray that the muse (and my reviewers!) keep me writing! Thanks again!
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Chapter the Eighteenth: Threats and Plans
10 October, continued: The same morning
Draco spent the next half hour on the Quidditch pitch, smashing bludgers with a beater’s bat until his arms ached and the red haze cleared from his brain. Breathing heavily but feeling more in control of himself, he left the pitch and headed to his Head of House’s office. A sharp “Enter!” answered his knock at the door.
“Mr. Malfoy. I’m assuming there is a reason you are here now, instead of in Potions class this morning?” Snape raised an eyebrow, surprised by Draco’s disheveled appearance but withholding comment.
Draco walked forward and placed Lucius’ letter on Snape’s desk. “Yes, sir. This is the reason,” he replied.
Snape picked up the parchment—it had obviously been crumpled up then smoothed out and folded. He read silently to himself, then looked up at Draco, face expressionless.
Draco was well aware that Snape’s silence was a tactic to goad him into speaking first; a typically Slytherin approach. Today, though, Draco had no patience for games. He glared at Snape.
“That trick might work with Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors, Professor, but I’m not in the mood today. What are you thinking?” Draco demanded.
Ignoring Draco’s rudeness in light of the boy’s obvious distress, Snape answered, “I think…” he said slowly. “that I have never heard Lucius apologise to anyone but the Dark Lord before.”
“Exactly!” Draco pounced. “He’d never apologise to me. He’s either completely lost his mind…or he’s planning something.”
Snape cocked his head. “Or both. I think perhaps this discussion would best be held in the presence of the Headmaster; I’m quite sure he will be interested in this letter.” At Draco’s nod of agreement, Snape stepped to the fireplace, tossed in some Floo powder and firecalled Dumbledore’s office. In a few moments, he withdrew his head from the magical fire and turned back to Draco. “He’ll see us now,” was all he said before pocketing the letter and sweeping out of the office, Draco stalking in his wake.
Dumbledore greeted them with his usual offer of tea, which was declined. Seating himself, he studied Draco for a moment before saying, “I’m glad you seem to have yourself back under control, Mr. Malfoy. I’ve only just had a visit from someone who was a bit concerned about the state he found you in earlier this morning.”
Draco blinked. This wasn’t the opening he expected. “Potter?” he asked.
Snape gave him a sharp look, but before Draco could respond, Dumbledore stepped in. “Yes, Mr. Potter seemed to feel you might be a danger--”
Snape’s snort interrupted the Headmaster. “A danger? If anyone’s a danger to others around here, it’s Potter! I’m sure he’s not so concerned about the danger he poses to others, always haring off and getting into impossible situations—“
Dumbledore held up a hand to end what was sure to be another lengthy tirade about the shortcomings of Harry Potter. “Actually, Severus, Mr. Potter was concerned mostly that Mr. Malfoy might be a danger to himself. He didn’t seem to think that anyone else except the target of Mr. Malfoy’s anger was in danger. But he was concerned that, in his anger, Mr. Malfoy might not think clearly and might take action that could place him in jeopardy. He felt someone should be made aware of the…situation…in case Mr. Malfoy found himself in need of assistance.”
Despite the underlying current of anger still running through him, Draco couldn’t help but feel a giddy little spark of hope in his heart. Harry was concerned…about him? He’d come to the Headmaster because he was worried that Draco might put himself in danger? Even after Draco had yelled at him? He hadn’t come tattling to Dumbledore to accuse Draco of being a threat to others—or apparently to himself. He’d wanted someone to help him—not that Draco needed or wanted help, but the thought was nice. Maybe, just maybe, Harry didn’t hate him anymore. Maybe one day…when this was all over…maybe he’d have a chance to make The Dream reality.
Snapping out of his reverie, Draco berated himself for jumping ahead to an unlikely future event. He saw that Dumbledore was reading Lucius’ letter and he focused on the events at hand.
“Mr. Malfoy—Draco—I take it this is not a typical letter from your father?” the elderly wizard asked after finishing the letter.
Draco gave an inelegant snort. “Hardly. It’s about as atypical as possible, sir.” At Dumbledore’s enquiring look, Draco briefly explained all of the abnormalities in the letter—the mentions of forgiveness, love, apologies, etc. He had to make an effort to keep his anger in check.
“Do you have an opinion as to what your father’s intent is with this letter then?” Dumbledore asked.
“I think he’s either completely insane and has no idea what he is saying—or that there is some kind of plot in the making,” Draco replied, glancing at Snape.
“I must agree with Draco, Headmaster. Sane or insane, Lucius and the Dark Lord are clearly up to something. I seriously doubt that Lucius did not tell the Dark Lord of what he assumed to be Draco’s refusal to take the Dark Mark—if he attempted to withhold it, the Dark Lord would have gotten it from him by now anyways. I think it’s a message and a threat: Draco has until the winter holidays to submit and take the Dark Mark.”
“He would be welcomed into the Death Eater ranks if he agreed to take the Dark Mark now?” asked Dumbledore.
Snape sneered. “Of course…after a spot of torture or two to ensure he’d learnt his lesson. And then he’d most likely be assigned a dangerous task--the Dark Lord prefers to send his ‘disposable’ minions on errands where the likelihood of survival is minimal.”
Draco couldn’t help but flinch. What a lovely thought. To think, he’d come so close to joining this maniac…
“So if he refuses to submit, he becomes a target,” Dumbledore stated.
Snape nodded. “I imagine he’d be right near the top of the Dark Lord’s “Most Wanted” list—likely just after Potter and yourself. The Dark Lord does not take betrayal well. And even though Draco never officially joined the Death Eaters, his father long ago promised him to the Dark Lord—so his refusal to join would be seen most definitely as a betrayal.”
Draco was slightly annoyed that they were talking about him as if he weren’t in the room, but it was almost a relief to pretend, just for a moment, that they were discussing someone else, so he didn’t say anything.
“Obviously, Draco, you will be staying here over the winter break. We have some time yet to consider our options for how to keep you safe after that. But what concerns me most urgently is the mention of Hallowe’en. Severus, you have heard no plans of Death Eater activity for Hallowe’en?” Dumbledore sounded apprehensive.
“No, Headmaster, and that bothered me as well. I haven’t been called in some time—I have been expecting a summons. Hopefully, the Dark Lord will reveal his plan soon so that we may take steps to counteract it,” Snape drummed his fingers on his knee, his only outward sign of agitation. “Lucius’ reference to Draco hearing of ‘the news’ is bothersome as well. It indicates that whatever the Dark Lord plans, it will be big. He is expecting it to make quite a statement.”
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. “I shall inform the Order of what we suspect. I’ll have ears and eyes tuned to any mention of Hallowe’en. Draco, I believe you are safe here at Hogwarts, but please be careful. It might be best for you to stay within the caste grounds at all times—so Hogsmeade visits are out.” He paused. “Perhaps it would be best to…quietly…reschedule the regular Hogsmeade visit altogether. It is set now for the Hallowe’en weekend. I fear it would be unwise to send students outside the castle wards. Draco, say nothing about Hogsmeade to the other students. Go along with any plans your friends may make. The trip will be cancelled at the last possible minute, so as not to tip off Voldemort if an attack on Hogsmeade is indeed his plan. Understood?”
Draco nodded. “Of course. Should I compose a reply to Lucius?”
The Headmaster looked at the Potions master. “Yes, I think that would be wise. Don’t you, Severus?”
“Quite. Would you like some help with it, Draco?” Seeing Draco nod, Snape continued. “Give me tonight to think on it. Meet me at my office at half seven tomorrow morning and we’ll get it done.”
Again, Draco nodded. He hesitated, then decided it couldn’t hurt to ask. “Headmaster, Professor…I’m meant to be in Transfigurations class right now. Could one of you…write me an excuse, please? I doubt Professor McGonagall will let me in the door without one, seeing as I’ve missed more than half the lesson.” He risked a wry smile.
“Of course,” Dumbledore agreed immediately, looking at Draco critically. “In fact, why don’t you take the rest of the day off? I believe a Dreamless Drought and some quality sleep would greatly benefit you, Mr. Malfoy. Yes?”
Draco wondered again if the Headmaster knew about The Dream that woke him several times a week. Fervently hoping not, he simply nodded gratefully at the old man. “Yes, sir, thank you. I could indeed do with some sleep.”
With that, Draco was excused to the hospital wing for his sleeping potion. A short time later, cozily cocooned in the darkness behind his bed curtains, Draco allowed the spark of hope that Harry might one day look at him as someone other than an enemy—and ideally as a lover—to flare to life once more before downing the potion and drifting off into deep, uninterrupted slumber for the first time in months.
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A/N: Thanks again to my lovely reviewers, especially ichie-chan, amessis, thrnbrooke and tatemshope! People like you keep me going! Thrnbrooke, when I read your review, I thought for a second you’d gotten into my files somehow because you figured out the letter so well! I hope you enjoyed seeing how right you were in this chapter! Tatemshope—this fic is not posted anywhere else, I’m posting as I write. So just pray that the muse (and my reviewers!) keep me writing! Thanks again!
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