A Gilded Cage

A/N: sorry this took so long. I just.. Couldn’t write lol. Writers block of sorts. This chapter hints at a Severus/Harry relationship. Ok maybe hints isn’t the right word. But none the less. Well enjoy chapter 7 and Review, review, review.

Chapter 7
Enter the Potions Master

Draco groaned at the sight that greeted him as he entered the ministry building a few days later. He’d been able to avoid the damn papers since the prophets big reveal, but now he was stuck. A horde of reporters stood chatting among themselves, obviously waiting for him. He looked around trying to find a way around them, any way at all to get out of talking to them without going home.

He took a deep breath and prepared to face the animals. As he started towards them one spotted him and alerted the others with a screech,

“Mr. Malfoy!” he shouted running towards him, everyone else on his heels. Draco stopped moving and sighed forcing a smile onto his face. He had finally prepared himself, when the group stopped short. Bright red hair headed a group of Aurors blocking the reporters. Draco felt as if he could have hugged the Weasley boy,

“Mr. Malfoy has a job to do. While I realize you do as well, his job ranks a bit higher than yours. And until Mr. Malfoy finds it fit to speak to you all, you will be escorted off the premises.” Ron said confidently and Draco had never heard the other speak that way before. He was impressed. Ron nodded once to the Aurors began to escort complaining reporters away from Draco. Ron waved Draco on and Draco did, though he stopped to talk to Ron,

“Thank you Mr. Weasley. I wasn’t quite prepared for them.” Ron Shrugged,

“Doing my job Malfoy. And Harry explained everything to us. So Mione wants me to ask if Harry, you and the kids want to come over to dinner tomorrow night. It’s just a group get together we do it every year. But you’ve seemed to taken up Harry’s time. SO you showing up means Harry can too.” Ron explained why Draco was invited, then realized how bad that sounded, “And Mione says that if Harry thinks your ok, we should get to know you. And we figured the kids… you know… it’d be good for them.” Draco nodded to Ron,

“Already anticipating house differences?” when Ron nodded Draco smirked, “We’ll be there.” Ron grinned and nodded heading off.

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Cassandra met Draco at his office door, handing him office memos and then following him inside the office. She went through a list of people who wished to speak with him. 90 percent of those people were reporters trying to get an exclusive interview with him. He sighed as he sat down behind his desk,

“Don’t look so glum.” Cassandra said, “You passed out on top of a hottie!” she said with a grin, “I’m so jealous.” she said trying to get a rise out of her boss. But he didn’t even bother to glare,

“Cassandra,” he began quietly waving his wand to cast a silencing charm, “I’m going to trust you, can I?” she nodded and sat in the chair in front of his desk,

“I would never betray your trust willingly. You are my boss and my friend Draco.” she assured him and Draco sighed,

“This is a nightmare.” he admitted, “I’ve done everything expected of me. Worked at the ministry like my father wanted, married whom my mother wanted and had an heir. I’ve done everything they’ve ever expected of me. But in the process I think I’ve lost part of myself. My last year of school I had what I thought of as a school boy crush. But as the year ended, I buried all those feelings. But now… in these past few weeks those feelings have been coming back.” he said stopping for a moment to think and to see the comprehension on Cassandra’s face. He was about to start speaking again when Cassandra let out a squeal of delight,

“Oh you two are so adorable together… and hot. I’m really jealous now! Oh! But what if he’s not…” she looked at Draco who had a amused look on his face, “Errr.. Please continue.” she said with a smile before covering her mouth. Draco chuckled and leaned back in his seat and did continue,

“I’m not sure how to deal with it. I’m married, have two children… but having him there… it’s a temptation I’m having problems resisting. I don’t love Pansy, but she-” Cassandra interrupted him with a snort,

“She loves your money Draco. And you know that. She’d be the first to kill you off if she thought she could get away with it.” Draco frowned, but couldn’t totally disagree with her, “Shes a fraud Draco. Divorce her and get it over with.” Draco shook his head at this,

“Pansy may not like me and I her, but I will not dishonor her by divorcing her.” he said,

“But it’s Potter! The complete God of hotness! Not to mention he’s really nice, smart. He’s the complete package… and your kids love him!” she said and again Draco shook his head,

“That’s based on him actually being attracted to me. And he is all those things and more. The perfect blend of Gryffindor courage and Slytherin cunning. His loyalty is…amazing. But he can have anyone he wants. I very much doubt I’m on that list.” he said standing. Cassandra was about to respond when a knock sounded at the door. Cassandra stood and opened it. She jumped back as Severus Snape walked in,

“Hello Mr. Snape…” she said and Severs paused long enough to nod in greeting. Before advancing on Draco,

“Severus!” Draco walked around his desk and hugged the man, who surprisingly hugged him back. Cassandra stared for a moment before walking out and closing the door,

“What brings you out of your potions lab?” Draco asked after sitting again. It had been a while since he’d seen his godfather. It had been… since Lucius funeral, and the man had never looked better. His hair looked clean and pulled back and his skin had more of a healthy glow to it,

“Your mother.” he said shifting in his seat. Narcissa, after Lucius’ death had moved to America with a new boyfriend. But had enjoyed it so much she’d stayed there even after she’d left him. She sent owls occasionally, but other then that Draco didn’t hear from her, “She’s requested I come see you and make sure you haven’t lost your mind.” Severus said in an annoyed voice. Draco sighed,

“Not happy about the photo in the prophet…?” he asked and surprisingly Severus shook his head,

“For not divorcing Pansy before the photo.” he said with a smirk, “Making her own choices lately have been good for her. She’s quite a bit more forgiving and able to accept things than she was.” he said, “but she still doesn’t like the idea of you cheating on Pansy in your own home…” Draco laughed and Severus seemed surprised,

“I was drunk unfortunately and had to retrieve something for Maria, who wants you to visit more often, and passed out.” he said with a slight blush, “It just happened to be in Potters room.” he said and Severus gave him a look that said he clearly didn’t believe it. Draco shrugged,

“it’s the truth.” Draco said, “I don’t particularly care if you believe it when I know it’s the truth. Pansy on the other hand is rather unhappy about it as well. But I promise. I am not cheating on Pansy.” Severus nodded,

“Well now that’s out of the way, why is Potter in your home to begin with? Lucius would have a heart attack.” Draco smirked and shook his head,

“I can tell it’s been a while since you’ve left your lab Severus. Harry saved Maria, so he’s playing body guard until after the election.” he explained and Severus nodded,

“that makes sense then.” he said standing to walk around the office examining different pictures and items,

“Be careful with Potter.” Severus said glancing back at Draco finally and Draco arched an eyebrow in confusion, “He’s a bit much to handle. And I’m not talking about just his personality.” he said smirking at a staring Draco, “Perhaps you should talk to your mother sometime soon?” Severus suggested as he headed to the door to leave,

“wait… you and Potter?” he asked standing. Almost demanding an answer. Severus simply smirked at him and waved his goodbye. Draco continued to stare blankly at the place he’d been before laughing, unnerving Cassandra who watched the usually stoic potions master leave laughing.

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Thrnbrooke: thanks for the review ^_^