A Whispered Confession Can Change Everything
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Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult
Chapters:
38
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5,864
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Recommended:
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Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult
Chapters:
38
Views:
5,864
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 25
Chapter 25
“Now, Draco, I want you to be sure of this. You don’t have to.”
Draco looked down for a moment before clutching his instrument more firmly, “I really want to, Albus. If I’m really as good as you think I am-...”
“You are, dear boy.”
Nodding, “Then I want to try.”
Albus smiled at him and squeezed his shoulder, “Then they’re ready when you are, child.”
Gulping a little in nervousness, Draco pulled out his violin and held it firmly, trying to hide his twitching hands. Five rather dour faced adults were seated behind a long table, watching him intently even as he glanced rather unsurely at Albus. Dumbledore just nodded to him, eyes twinkling and with a forced sigh Draco closed his eyes and let his instincts guide him. His fingers flew across the strings, bow moving smoothly as he skimmed through two pieces he’d developed over the summer. It was nerve wracking. These were supposed to be some of the finest musical talents in the world and they would be deciding his fate after five minutes of playing. All too soon it came to an end and with a swallow, he opened his eyes and bowed slightly in respect, turning on his heel and leaving as fast as dignity would allow. He needed to throw up.
***
Draco had just enough time to run to the coat room and carefully put away his violin, placing a secure charm on it before running for the auditorium. He skidded in, freezing for just a moment to see the room teaming with wizarding families from all over. Weasley, Parkinson, Granger- he brightened considerably and worked his way around the families before tapping Hermione lightly on the shoulder.
Hermione spun around in shock, before a grin crossed her face and she pulled him into a hug, “How are
you, Draco? How’s your summer been?”
He patted her back awkwardly before pulling back and giving her a smirk, mentally putting a face to the person he’d been conversing with all summer. A friend, “We write nearly every day and you want to know how my summer’s been?”
Rolling her eyes, “It’s just what is said in politeness, no need to be snide.”
Fake pouting and scuffing his boot, “But I like being snide. As a Slytherin it is what I’m good at.” Mr. and Mrs. Granger glanced at one another, smiling between the two of them but saying nothing.
Tugging on one of her curls, “How’s Harry, really?”
Draco considered his response carefully before looking to her honestly, “He’s scared and angry, but he’s hiding it well. He misses you and he wants someone to choose him instead of being dumped on another family.”
Hermione blinked in surprise. Draco wasn’t usually so open with her but she accepted his candor with a grateful nod. Actually, now that she thought of it, he wasn’t as candid in person but he was on paper, “I needed to hear that, thank you.” She glanced at his clothing, “That’s a new look for you.”
He sighed softly, pouting more than a little, “Albus insists I not wear wizarding clothing during the summer.” He leaned in to whisper conspiringly, “I think he’s convinced I’ll tear them or get them dirty.”
“And I’ve been doing my best to help him accomplish his mission.”
Hermione glanced over at the purple haired girl who looked eleven or twelve. Hand sticking out, “Cassie. Draco’s friend and 1st year in the autumn.”
Shaking the offered hand, “Hermione, 3rd year and also Draco’s friend.” Draco had a goofy little grin on
his face but both girls ignored it, knowing the blond was self conscious. They each gave each other a look that clearly indicated there would be talking later, just the two of them.
“Gryffindor, right?” Hermione nodded.
“If I could have everyone’s attentions, please...we’d best commence with this historic event.” Families moved to find seats on the benches, Hermione making room for Draco to sit next to her. She pointed out Harry sitting next to Ron and sent the brunette a wave. He smiled back at them. Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully, smiling and looking to the sea of faces, “Now, first of all, I want to thank all of you for coming. It gives me hope to see so many parents actively involved in their children’s futures. Secondly, instead of separating out the students by house or even by age, we will do so alphabetically to help minimize the confusion. Keep in mind that this is a test purely to see what your children know and what we, as a school, need to do to improve their education. Within two weeks you will each receive by owl revised schedules and the individual supplies that your child will need, rather than a summation by year. If there are any problems or concerns we, at Hogwarts, will be readily standing by to assist you in any way that we can.” Gesturing to his right, “With your last names, let’s have A thru G go with Professor McGonagall...”
Hermione gave a little wave and joined the others following the transfiguration professor, along with Alexandra and Henrietta. They both waved her off, ignoring the murmurs and the points in Draco’s direction, “H thru N with Professor Snape...” Cassie and Draco shared a look before piling down off the benches and joining the line that followed after Severus.
“Look, there’s little orphan Malfoy...actually, that’s not right...he’s DISOWNED!” Draco jerked to the left, seeing Ron snickering and nudging Ginny. Ginny just rolled her eyes at her brother and said nothing. The redhead didn’t see Harry’s face darken even as the blond was forced to keep up with the line and missing whatever happened next. Harry ground his teeth together, trying with every ounce of patience he had left not to lose his temper, “I guess he finally got what’s coming to him, huh Harry?” The redhead’s grin slipped off, seeing the expression on his best friend’s face, “Harry?”
Giving Ron a cold glare, standing as the last group was called, “You’ve forgotten, Ron...I’m an orphan too...so I guess we both got what we deserved.” And without another word he joined the line and followed after Professor Sprout, ignoring the redhead’s stuttered apologies.
***
Draco was about ready to pull his hair out, he was so frustrated. And the sad fact was he’d helped to develop this nightmare. Every test. Every blasted one was so easy for him he’d been bored stiff. Again. Potions, well he’d already accepted that. Charms, don’t get him started. But even Runes and Arithmancy had been a joke and he’d actually been looking forward to those classes this year. And the sad fact was that the classes he really wanted to get involved with weren’t even offered for several more years. He would kill to learn about medical magic or animagus training. Well, his violin audition had been a nerve wracking experience but at least it was over with. As soon as he’d stumbled, half asleep, out of Astronomy testing he’d slumped against the nearest wall.
If nothing else, this was giving him a chance to return to his old wizarding grammar school, even if classes weren’t in session. Weasley came dragging himself out of a classroom, shirt untucked and hair a mess. He looked around before sneering at Draco, “So, Malfoy, ready to start Hogwarts without your little pureblood protection. I’ll bet the other Slytherins eat you alive.”
Draco stiffened. A pureblood disowned...it didn’t get much lower in some of their minds. He was a split second from reaching for his wand, “Is there a problem, Mr. Weasley?” The redhead backed up a step from a sneering Snape before turning and marching outside.
Severus gave Draco a small nod before continued to patrol the halls. Draco just rolled his eyes and ignored Weasley, thinking. He was so immersed in his thoughts, he started when Albus put a hand on each of his shoulders and steered him down the hall.
Looking up with a frown, “Albus?”
Eyes twinkling down at him, “I have something special for you, my boy.”
Pouting, “Not another bloody test. We both know I’m shit when it comes to Defense.”
Albus frowned down at him, “There will be no vulgarity here, Draco.”
Whining, “I’m sorry but I’m bored again.”
Smiling just a little, “Then this should appease you.”
Still pouting, he allowed himself to be walked down a staircase, and around the corner but Professor
McGonagall caught his eye, “Not Transfiguration.”
Albus chuckled softly, “Don’t let Minerva hear you say that.”
“But I already took this test.”
Patting his shoulder, “This is something else.” Draco sighed petulantly but didn’t resist. Opening the door, he steered the boy inside, past two seventh years and sitting next to Hermione who gave him a smile.
“Hey, Draco.”
Looking down shyly, the blond gave a soft hey back and Minerva cleared her throat. She looked close to
bursting with pride, “Your attention. Now, you four have been selected for these particular tests. They will be conducted by this individual. Follow directions precisely for there will be no cheating. I will not elaborate further. Simply do your best.”
“Now, Draco, I want you to be sure of this. You don’t have to.”
Draco looked down for a moment before clutching his instrument more firmly, “I really want to, Albus. If I’m really as good as you think I am-...”
“You are, dear boy.”
Nodding, “Then I want to try.”
Albus smiled at him and squeezed his shoulder, “Then they’re ready when you are, child.”
Gulping a little in nervousness, Draco pulled out his violin and held it firmly, trying to hide his twitching hands. Five rather dour faced adults were seated behind a long table, watching him intently even as he glanced rather unsurely at Albus. Dumbledore just nodded to him, eyes twinkling and with a forced sigh Draco closed his eyes and let his instincts guide him. His fingers flew across the strings, bow moving smoothly as he skimmed through two pieces he’d developed over the summer. It was nerve wracking. These were supposed to be some of the finest musical talents in the world and they would be deciding his fate after five minutes of playing. All too soon it came to an end and with a swallow, he opened his eyes and bowed slightly in respect, turning on his heel and leaving as fast as dignity would allow. He needed to throw up.
***
Draco had just enough time to run to the coat room and carefully put away his violin, placing a secure charm on it before running for the auditorium. He skidded in, freezing for just a moment to see the room teaming with wizarding families from all over. Weasley, Parkinson, Granger- he brightened considerably and worked his way around the families before tapping Hermione lightly on the shoulder.
Hermione spun around in shock, before a grin crossed her face and she pulled him into a hug, “How are
you, Draco? How’s your summer been?”
He patted her back awkwardly before pulling back and giving her a smirk, mentally putting a face to the person he’d been conversing with all summer. A friend, “We write nearly every day and you want to know how my summer’s been?”
Rolling her eyes, “It’s just what is said in politeness, no need to be snide.”
Fake pouting and scuffing his boot, “But I like being snide. As a Slytherin it is what I’m good at.” Mr. and Mrs. Granger glanced at one another, smiling between the two of them but saying nothing.
Tugging on one of her curls, “How’s Harry, really?”
Draco considered his response carefully before looking to her honestly, “He’s scared and angry, but he’s hiding it well. He misses you and he wants someone to choose him instead of being dumped on another family.”
Hermione blinked in surprise. Draco wasn’t usually so open with her but she accepted his candor with a grateful nod. Actually, now that she thought of it, he wasn’t as candid in person but he was on paper, “I needed to hear that, thank you.” She glanced at his clothing, “That’s a new look for you.”
He sighed softly, pouting more than a little, “Albus insists I not wear wizarding clothing during the summer.” He leaned in to whisper conspiringly, “I think he’s convinced I’ll tear them or get them dirty.”
“And I’ve been doing my best to help him accomplish his mission.”
Hermione glanced over at the purple haired girl who looked eleven or twelve. Hand sticking out, “Cassie. Draco’s friend and 1st year in the autumn.”
Shaking the offered hand, “Hermione, 3rd year and also Draco’s friend.” Draco had a goofy little grin on
his face but both girls ignored it, knowing the blond was self conscious. They each gave each other a look that clearly indicated there would be talking later, just the two of them.
“Gryffindor, right?” Hermione nodded.
“If I could have everyone’s attentions, please...we’d best commence with this historic event.” Families moved to find seats on the benches, Hermione making room for Draco to sit next to her. She pointed out Harry sitting next to Ron and sent the brunette a wave. He smiled back at them. Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully, smiling and looking to the sea of faces, “Now, first of all, I want to thank all of you for coming. It gives me hope to see so many parents actively involved in their children’s futures. Secondly, instead of separating out the students by house or even by age, we will do so alphabetically to help minimize the confusion. Keep in mind that this is a test purely to see what your children know and what we, as a school, need to do to improve their education. Within two weeks you will each receive by owl revised schedules and the individual supplies that your child will need, rather than a summation by year. If there are any problems or concerns we, at Hogwarts, will be readily standing by to assist you in any way that we can.” Gesturing to his right, “With your last names, let’s have A thru G go with Professor McGonagall...”
Hermione gave a little wave and joined the others following the transfiguration professor, along with Alexandra and Henrietta. They both waved her off, ignoring the murmurs and the points in Draco’s direction, “H thru N with Professor Snape...” Cassie and Draco shared a look before piling down off the benches and joining the line that followed after Severus.
“Look, there’s little orphan Malfoy...actually, that’s not right...he’s DISOWNED!” Draco jerked to the left, seeing Ron snickering and nudging Ginny. Ginny just rolled her eyes at her brother and said nothing. The redhead didn’t see Harry’s face darken even as the blond was forced to keep up with the line and missing whatever happened next. Harry ground his teeth together, trying with every ounce of patience he had left not to lose his temper, “I guess he finally got what’s coming to him, huh Harry?” The redhead’s grin slipped off, seeing the expression on his best friend’s face, “Harry?”
Giving Ron a cold glare, standing as the last group was called, “You’ve forgotten, Ron...I’m an orphan too...so I guess we both got what we deserved.” And without another word he joined the line and followed after Professor Sprout, ignoring the redhead’s stuttered apologies.
***
Draco was about ready to pull his hair out, he was so frustrated. And the sad fact was he’d helped to develop this nightmare. Every test. Every blasted one was so easy for him he’d been bored stiff. Again. Potions, well he’d already accepted that. Charms, don’t get him started. But even Runes and Arithmancy had been a joke and he’d actually been looking forward to those classes this year. And the sad fact was that the classes he really wanted to get involved with weren’t even offered for several more years. He would kill to learn about medical magic or animagus training. Well, his violin audition had been a nerve wracking experience but at least it was over with. As soon as he’d stumbled, half asleep, out of Astronomy testing he’d slumped against the nearest wall.
If nothing else, this was giving him a chance to return to his old wizarding grammar school, even if classes weren’t in session. Weasley came dragging himself out of a classroom, shirt untucked and hair a mess. He looked around before sneering at Draco, “So, Malfoy, ready to start Hogwarts without your little pureblood protection. I’ll bet the other Slytherins eat you alive.”
Draco stiffened. A pureblood disowned...it didn’t get much lower in some of their minds. He was a split second from reaching for his wand, “Is there a problem, Mr. Weasley?” The redhead backed up a step from a sneering Snape before turning and marching outside.
Severus gave Draco a small nod before continued to patrol the halls. Draco just rolled his eyes and ignored Weasley, thinking. He was so immersed in his thoughts, he started when Albus put a hand on each of his shoulders and steered him down the hall.
Looking up with a frown, “Albus?”
Eyes twinkling down at him, “I have something special for you, my boy.”
Pouting, “Not another bloody test. We both know I’m shit when it comes to Defense.”
Albus frowned down at him, “There will be no vulgarity here, Draco.”
Whining, “I’m sorry but I’m bored again.”
Smiling just a little, “Then this should appease you.”
Still pouting, he allowed himself to be walked down a staircase, and around the corner but Professor
McGonagall caught his eye, “Not Transfiguration.”
Albus chuckled softly, “Don’t let Minerva hear you say that.”
“But I already took this test.”
Patting his shoulder, “This is something else.” Draco sighed petulantly but didn’t resist. Opening the door, he steered the boy inside, past two seventh years and sitting next to Hermione who gave him a smile.
“Hey, Draco.”
Looking down shyly, the blond gave a soft hey back and Minerva cleared her throat. She looked close to
bursting with pride, “Your attention. Now, you four have been selected for these particular tests. They will be conducted by this individual. Follow directions precisely for there will be no cheating. I will not elaborate further. Simply do your best.”