A Whispered Confession Can Change Everything
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Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult
Chapters:
38
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5,857
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9
Recommended:
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Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult
Chapters:
38
Views:
5,857
Reviews:
9
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.
Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Pale didn’t even begin to describe Draco’s face as the Daily Prophet all but fell from his fingers to lie innocently on the lunch table. His body was rigid, eyes frozen where the paper had been. Alex and Hen crowded around Draco in concern, “Are you okay, Draco?
“Hey, are you- breathe Draco. Draco breathe!”
Cassie spun around in alarm, her plate crashing to the floor. Jumping to her feet, pushing Alex out of the way she reached over to smack him in the back. A gasp of a hiccup escaped him as he slumped forward, laying his head on the table and tears fairly rolling down his face. All three of them glanced at each other in alarm, “Get the Headmaster.” Hen and Alex ran to do so, Cassie scooting over and pulling Draco into her arms. He rested his head against her shoulder while Severus stood up in alarm and hurried from the teacher’s table. He froze halfway, staring at Draco in horror even as Cassie ran a hand repeatedly over his head, talking softly, “He was just reading and...”
Draco choked out a sob and Severus was there instantly, pulling the boy into his arms and carrying him out of the Great Hall. He didn’t know what was going on but the boy needed his family. He was both grateful and resentful Albus had filled that need for his godson.
Her hair blue today, she bit her lip. Cassie looked around for a moment before frowning down at the paper. With a single finger, concerned it might jump at her or something, she moved it within reading distance. On the front page there was a picture of the Malfoy adults at some sort of previous society ball, and below it the Headline:
Malfoy Family in Disgrace: Mother Disowns Only Son
She glared at the paper and crumpled it in her hands, watching in satisfaction as the two adults in the picture were crushed beneath her fingers. Her hands shook as she pushed back her midnight black hair behind her ears and clenched her jaw, “That evil Voldemort whore...son of a bitch...”
***
Severus glared at the woman. Rita Skeeter. Her very name grated on his last nerve. And the fact that her article had caused distraught in his godson was inexcusable. Did she have no tact? At the very least to warn them so the news could be broken to him at least a little more gently. Apparently not. She didn’t even seem apologetic or the slightest bit concerned.
Hands clasped firmly behind his back less he reach for his wand and do something hasty, “Have you no morals, you unforgivable wench?”
Albus raised his hands in a placating manner though he was equally as unamused, “Severus, please...”
Chin jutted out defiantly, gawdy glasses gleaming in the torchlight, “My readers have a right to know. You cannot keep the truth hidden.”
Eyes narrowing, moving closer to the seated witch, “And you could not have informed the Headmaster before you published, the child can read. What is he to think or react to such news?”
As if questioning his up bringing, or their ability to bring a child up, “Why is a ten year old reading the Daily Prophet?”
Severus froze, “How do you know Draco’s ten?” That was not common knowledge. In fact, save for the Ministry and his immediately family, no one knew Draco’s age. It was just assumed he would be twelve or thirteen because of his schooling.
She blinked behind her glasses for a moment before sitting up straighter, “It’s public knowledge, of course. Although I think his mother brought it up during our interview, yes, I’m sure of that.”
“Are you, Miss Skeeter? Are you absolutely certain?” A paper hit the floor, a figure flowing into the light, “Then she must have attending the trial of Mr. Malfoy under an invisibility cloak for she knew many details that only someone who was actually there could have known.” Aurora Nightly slowly entered the room, her eyes flashing in anger. Anger at the presumption. Anger at the danger this woman was posing to a child, “Because I am becoming certain that you were there. Can you turn invisible, Miss Skeeter, or perhaps are you an unregistered animagus? Something small and...squashable? I should hope not. I’d hate for you to have your wand broken for such a crime.”
And there was dripping sarcasm with her last sentence. Now it was Rita who was two shades whiter, “You.. you have no proof.”
Nodding, “You’re right, I do not. But I do have leverage I think and that is almost as important. And with this leverage I am putting you to a task, Miss Skeeter, for make no mistake, my anger will come down on you swiftly if you veer even a little from my mandate.”
“Why would...why involve yourself in a matter outside of your...jurisdiction?”
Smiling evilly, “It would seem that way but it really isn’t. You see...my entire purpose, is to the safety of children. And when I find people who threaten their health or well being, it is my civic duty and responsibility...to rectify the situation. And I think you understand me, Miss Skeeter.”
Swallowing but listening attentively. She’d heard stories of this new mistress. Powerful. Strong. With a certain persuasion that left nothing but the truth, “I understand.”
“I hope you do. Now, your task is really very simple. You and your paper, will stay out of the affairs of anyone not of wizarding age. There will be no interviews of the she-said-he-said gossip of this school, I don’t care who the interviewer is. You will keep your nose away from these children and if something directly effects them this school is to be notified immediately, before publishing. I will not have another child traumatized because of your callousness or I will ruin you...am I perfectly clear?”
Nodding her head convulsively, slinking down in her chair to avoid the figure towering over her, “Yes. Crystal.”
***
Draco wiped at his eyes in irritation, staring from his bed out his window. He’d known, on some level, that he could never go home. It was rather painfully obvious when his room and all of his things had been moved here. But he’d never heard from his mother and that gave him a false sense of hope that maybe she cared or she hadn’t known or maybe, just maybe, she’d leave him be and let him be happy.
She hadn’t been a large part of his life. But being disowned, it just made it so...final. And that she hadn’t talked to him, sent him a letter or something. That he had to discover the truth from second hand knowledge hurt. On the one hand he could understand that even if she had written the letter would never have reached him, but Albus would have known and warned him...which meant she hadn’t...and she didn’t care.
It was just like his father had always preached. Family meant to produce an heir. A possession. No emotional attachment. He’d understood, but he hadn’t. Another sob worked it’s way out of him and he gave up, throwing his pillow over his head and burying himself into his covers. At least that was his intention until he felt a gentle hand rubbing his back.
He knew that hand. Larger than his own and the owner of that hand strong enough to keep the misery of the world away. Throwing his pillow away, he scrambled into Albus’ arms and sobbed in loss. He would understand. He would make it better. This kind man was the father he’d never had and had never known he’d needed. The old wizard held him gently, rocking him and murmuring softly. He didn’t understand what Albus was saying and he didn’t care. He could hear the murmur under his ear, pressed to Albus’ chest and it comforted him. There was no discussion. No placating speeches. He didn’t need it. Albus here was enough.
***
Cassie, Alex, and Hen were waiting anxiously on the stairs for Draco to appear. He’d been holed up the last couple of days but he appeared today, giving them all a tired nod. They all swamped around him, not questioning but hugging and he appreciated that even more. Albus chuckled softly, “Why don’t you all go downstairs and eat. I believe the elves went to a lot of trouble today.”
Draco glanced back and Albus winked. For him. He grinned a little and nodded, quietly following Cassie and listening to her excitedly chatter of all the things he had missed and catching him up on the latest secret passage Alex had discovered. Hen had snorted that Alex had discovered it and Alex glared, “Hey, I didn’t fall this time.”
“Nope, just the two times before.”
“Did not.
“Did too.”
“Did NOT!”
Cassie sighed, “Children! Stop it!”
They both glared at her but subsided when she didn’t back down. A slow smile, tentative and the first one in days, flickered across Draco’s face. He’d missed this. He caught Cassie’s eye and his smile grew. Everything was okay again.
Pale didn’t even begin to describe Draco’s face as the Daily Prophet all but fell from his fingers to lie innocently on the lunch table. His body was rigid, eyes frozen where the paper had been. Alex and Hen crowded around Draco in concern, “Are you okay, Draco?
“Hey, are you- breathe Draco. Draco breathe!”
Cassie spun around in alarm, her plate crashing to the floor. Jumping to her feet, pushing Alex out of the way she reached over to smack him in the back. A gasp of a hiccup escaped him as he slumped forward, laying his head on the table and tears fairly rolling down his face. All three of them glanced at each other in alarm, “Get the Headmaster.” Hen and Alex ran to do so, Cassie scooting over and pulling Draco into her arms. He rested his head against her shoulder while Severus stood up in alarm and hurried from the teacher’s table. He froze halfway, staring at Draco in horror even as Cassie ran a hand repeatedly over his head, talking softly, “He was just reading and...”
Draco choked out a sob and Severus was there instantly, pulling the boy into his arms and carrying him out of the Great Hall. He didn’t know what was going on but the boy needed his family. He was both grateful and resentful Albus had filled that need for his godson.
Her hair blue today, she bit her lip. Cassie looked around for a moment before frowning down at the paper. With a single finger, concerned it might jump at her or something, she moved it within reading distance. On the front page there was a picture of the Malfoy adults at some sort of previous society ball, and below it the Headline:
Malfoy Family in Disgrace: Mother Disowns Only Son
She glared at the paper and crumpled it in her hands, watching in satisfaction as the two adults in the picture were crushed beneath her fingers. Her hands shook as she pushed back her midnight black hair behind her ears and clenched her jaw, “That evil Voldemort whore...son of a bitch...”
***
Severus glared at the woman. Rita Skeeter. Her very name grated on his last nerve. And the fact that her article had caused distraught in his godson was inexcusable. Did she have no tact? At the very least to warn them so the news could be broken to him at least a little more gently. Apparently not. She didn’t even seem apologetic or the slightest bit concerned.
Hands clasped firmly behind his back less he reach for his wand and do something hasty, “Have you no morals, you unforgivable wench?”
Albus raised his hands in a placating manner though he was equally as unamused, “Severus, please...”
Chin jutted out defiantly, gawdy glasses gleaming in the torchlight, “My readers have a right to know. You cannot keep the truth hidden.”
Eyes narrowing, moving closer to the seated witch, “And you could not have informed the Headmaster before you published, the child can read. What is he to think or react to such news?”
As if questioning his up bringing, or their ability to bring a child up, “Why is a ten year old reading the Daily Prophet?”
Severus froze, “How do you know Draco’s ten?” That was not common knowledge. In fact, save for the Ministry and his immediately family, no one knew Draco’s age. It was just assumed he would be twelve or thirteen because of his schooling.
She blinked behind her glasses for a moment before sitting up straighter, “It’s public knowledge, of course. Although I think his mother brought it up during our interview, yes, I’m sure of that.”
“Are you, Miss Skeeter? Are you absolutely certain?” A paper hit the floor, a figure flowing into the light, “Then she must have attending the trial of Mr. Malfoy under an invisibility cloak for she knew many details that only someone who was actually there could have known.” Aurora Nightly slowly entered the room, her eyes flashing in anger. Anger at the presumption. Anger at the danger this woman was posing to a child, “Because I am becoming certain that you were there. Can you turn invisible, Miss Skeeter, or perhaps are you an unregistered animagus? Something small and...squashable? I should hope not. I’d hate for you to have your wand broken for such a crime.”
And there was dripping sarcasm with her last sentence. Now it was Rita who was two shades whiter, “You.. you have no proof.”
Nodding, “You’re right, I do not. But I do have leverage I think and that is almost as important. And with this leverage I am putting you to a task, Miss Skeeter, for make no mistake, my anger will come down on you swiftly if you veer even a little from my mandate.”
“Why would...why involve yourself in a matter outside of your...jurisdiction?”
Smiling evilly, “It would seem that way but it really isn’t. You see...my entire purpose, is to the safety of children. And when I find people who threaten their health or well being, it is my civic duty and responsibility...to rectify the situation. And I think you understand me, Miss Skeeter.”
Swallowing but listening attentively. She’d heard stories of this new mistress. Powerful. Strong. With a certain persuasion that left nothing but the truth, “I understand.”
“I hope you do. Now, your task is really very simple. You and your paper, will stay out of the affairs of anyone not of wizarding age. There will be no interviews of the she-said-he-said gossip of this school, I don’t care who the interviewer is. You will keep your nose away from these children and if something directly effects them this school is to be notified immediately, before publishing. I will not have another child traumatized because of your callousness or I will ruin you...am I perfectly clear?”
Nodding her head convulsively, slinking down in her chair to avoid the figure towering over her, “Yes. Crystal.”
***
Draco wiped at his eyes in irritation, staring from his bed out his window. He’d known, on some level, that he could never go home. It was rather painfully obvious when his room and all of his things had been moved here. But he’d never heard from his mother and that gave him a false sense of hope that maybe she cared or she hadn’t known or maybe, just maybe, she’d leave him be and let him be happy.
She hadn’t been a large part of his life. But being disowned, it just made it so...final. And that she hadn’t talked to him, sent him a letter or something. That he had to discover the truth from second hand knowledge hurt. On the one hand he could understand that even if she had written the letter would never have reached him, but Albus would have known and warned him...which meant she hadn’t...and she didn’t care.
It was just like his father had always preached. Family meant to produce an heir. A possession. No emotional attachment. He’d understood, but he hadn’t. Another sob worked it’s way out of him and he gave up, throwing his pillow over his head and burying himself into his covers. At least that was his intention until he felt a gentle hand rubbing his back.
He knew that hand. Larger than his own and the owner of that hand strong enough to keep the misery of the world away. Throwing his pillow away, he scrambled into Albus’ arms and sobbed in loss. He would understand. He would make it better. This kind man was the father he’d never had and had never known he’d needed. The old wizard held him gently, rocking him and murmuring softly. He didn’t understand what Albus was saying and he didn’t care. He could hear the murmur under his ear, pressed to Albus’ chest and it comforted him. There was no discussion. No placating speeches. He didn’t need it. Albus here was enough.
***
Cassie, Alex, and Hen were waiting anxiously on the stairs for Draco to appear. He’d been holed up the last couple of days but he appeared today, giving them all a tired nod. They all swamped around him, not questioning but hugging and he appreciated that even more. Albus chuckled softly, “Why don’t you all go downstairs and eat. I believe the elves went to a lot of trouble today.”
Draco glanced back and Albus winked. For him. He grinned a little and nodded, quietly following Cassie and listening to her excitedly chatter of all the things he had missed and catching him up on the latest secret passage Alex had discovered. Hen had snorted that Alex had discovered it and Alex glared, “Hey, I didn’t fall this time.”
“Nope, just the two times before.”
“Did not.
“Did too.”
“Did NOT!”
Cassie sighed, “Children! Stop it!”
They both glared at her but subsided when she didn’t back down. A slow smile, tentative and the first one in days, flickered across Draco’s face. He’d missed this. He caught Cassie’s eye and his smile grew. Everything was okay again.