Changing Times...
Title: Changing Times
Author:
ciceronian_00
Type: Fiction
Length: 2,222
Main character or Pairing: Draco Malfoy
Card: Knight of Swords
Card Interpretation: "A spy, an enemy, a bigot; a treacherous young man."
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the world that he occupies, that belongs to J.K. Rowling and those she has entrusted her world to. I am not one of these people. I write this piece of fiction purely out of love for her characters and the world she has enchanted us with. I make no money with this, in fact it costs me money what with the paper and pens I use as well as the cost of running my computer and connecting to the internet. That’s all, because in Willow’s words, a vague disclaimer is nobody’s friend.
Warnings: None
Summary: After the night in the tower Draco Malfoy tries to change.
Author Notes: I just want to thank my beta,
lisabird for making this better than it was. Any remaining mistakes are my own.
Draco had been stuck in the cell for three days, ever since Severus and he had fled Hogwarts. The Dark Lord had already been informed of his failure to complete his task and Draco was simply awaiting his punishment. Three days in which he had nothing to do but think on everything that had happened in the last year. Hell, if he was truthful, think on everything that had happened in his life. He knew that he had made the wrong decision and that he should have gone to Dumbledore. It was up to him to change the future.
When he was finally brought up to the main chamber it was to find all the Death Eaters that had participated in the attack on Hogwarts present. Each of the Death Eaters presented their accounts, the others that had been on the tower relayed his inability to complete the task given to him, and Draco had felt the cold fear grip his heart and lungs. He was going to die.
Severus stepped forward in at that moment, informing the Dark Lord of the vow he had made to protect Draco and that he had to continue to protect him. The Dark Lord's face contorted with anger, looking furious at the admission. His red eyes turned to Draco’s mother and a hand had gripped Draco's shoulder tightly. He flinched when the first curse hit his mother, her scream echoing in the room. It seemed to go on forever but it was probably only seconds before Severus spoke again. “My lord, I may have a solution. Malfoy would make a good apprentice; he is well skilled in potions. It would be beneficial to have another qualified Potion’s Master.”
His words held bite and there was slight laughter at his words that Draco didn’t understand until he saw a Death Eater off to the side, his face flushed with anger and embarrassment. The Dark Lord was nodding and he looked at Snape with something in his face, on anyone else he would say it was respect. “Agreed Severus. I will expect results.”
“As always, my lord.” Severus bowed his head, Draco copied the actions of the man who was to be his master, bowing his head to the Dark Lord also.
They were excused and Draco followed Severus out of the room trying not to listen to the sounds of his mother’s renewed screams. After they were some ways away from the chamber Severus spoke, “Narcissa will be fine. The Dark Lord understands her need to protect you but she must be punished for going against him.”
It was weeks later that he decided to finally act on his thoughts from his time in the dungeon. It was time to make things right and he was given the opportunity to do so after he listened to his mother and Severus talk about the plan to remove the prisoners from Azkaban. Just a day after learning the plan Severus informed Draco that he would need to go out to gather ingredients while Severus finished the potion he was working on. Before Draco had even begun to formulate a plan to contact Potter, Snape had thrown the Prophet down in disgust making a comment about blood traitors. On the front page was an announcement for the eldest Weasley’s wedding to the Delacour girl. Potter would be there, of course he would. Everything seemed to go so smoothly that Draco was slightly frightened at the ease in which his treachery against the Dark Lord was progressing.
Later that night Draco stepped forward, careful to keep his head covered. It would do no good to be recognized before he had a chance to talk to Potter. Even though it had only been a month since Draco had seen him last, it seemed as if Potter had grown at least another four inches in height. He stood beside the Weasel laughing at some joke that the taller man was telling. He seemed to exude strength and power much more than Draco remembered though perhaps it was Draco’s perception that had changed. He needed Potter to be powerful, powerful enough to win this war. As if noticing Draco’s gaze Potter looked up and locked eyes with Draco’s own.
Potter’s green eyes widened slightly and Draco knew he had been recognized and though everything in him was telling him to flee, he stood his ground meeting Potter’s gaze with a steady one of his own. He had come here for a reason and he would not be leaving without at least presenting his plan to Potter. For a brief moment Draco would have sworn he saw something in Potter’s eyes, a softening if it were possible, but seconds later it was gone and Potter’s eyes had gone cold. Draco moved back from the celebration edging his way towards a shed that he had seen near the edge of the Weasley property.
A brief glance at Potter showed him that the man was following him, leaving the Weasel behind. Draco stood at the door of the shed and waited for Potter to reach him. The man’s long strides brought him to Draco’s side within moments and Draco found himself pressed against the wall of the shed, facing away from the guests of course. Potter wouldn’t allow anyone to interrupt this meeting, Draco was certain of that. A hand pressed at his throat. “What the hell are you doing here Malfoy?”
The words were growled at him and Draco looked up into the eyes of the man who was to be their savior. The future, his future, was dependent on this one man. The hand tightened against his throat and a choked noise escaped Draco. “Potter, I came to ask for help.”
“Help?” Potter laughed, the sound cold and hollow. “Help? Why the hell would you think I would help you? I was up there on that tower, Malfoy. I saw and heard everything! You may not have performed the actual curse but you let them in there!”
With Potter’s hand moved from its grip around Draco’s throat he took a deep breath, preparing the speech he had been going over in his head. “I was scared Potter. I came home from school to find the Dark Lord waiting for me. He threatened to kill my parents and I didn’t know what to do. I had no one to go to. My dad was in Azkaban and my mum wouldn’t stand a chance going up against the Dark Lord. She was punished for hours just for going to Snape for help. I made a mistake but I didn’t know what else to do. I couldn’t do it in the end, I couldn’t kill him. I wish I could go back and change things but I can’t. I’m sorry and I need your help; I am asking you for help.”
Potter looked torn and Draco wasn’t sure what else to say. That was all he had even after a month and Draco was frightened that it wouldn’t be enough. But Draco didn’t know what else to say; he had been wrong and his apology was the best that he could offer. Potter seemed to be thinking things through and finally it looked as if he had come to a decision. Green eyes locked with his again, looking for something, searching almost. Whatever he was looking for had apparently been found because Potter’s voice was calm when he spoke, slightly above a whisper. “I can hide you. Keep you safe.”
Draco felt warmth spread in his chest at the offer, the offer of Potter’s protection, and a part of him was tempted to take it but he couldn’t do it. Not after the promise he had made to himself. He was going to change; he was going to make up for what happened. Draco shook his head, “No, I can’t do that Potter. The Dark Lord would kill them if I did. Thank you, but I can’t. I have a proposal for you.”
Potter looked startled at his refusal but he nodded after a moment, “What is your plan?”
“In three days my mum will be visiting Azkaban relaying the Dark Lord’s plan to remove his followers from the prison.” Potter’s quick intake of breath at that news had Draco hurrying through his plan. “Get both of my parents out of there at that time and hide them. The prisoners need to be moved anyway, keeping them all together in Azkaban is foolish. Get word to me that they are safe and I will relay any information I can. I will spy for you.”
“You want me to protect your father, a convicted Death Eater? Someone who tried to kill me, my friends?”
Draco knew that asking this was going to be hard. “He is my father, Potter. I know what he has done but he is my father. He does not deserve a second chance, I know this but you must realize he was pressured into this like I was. You have no idea how hard it is to oppose the Dark Lord. When everyone expects you to join him, there’s nowhere to turn. Please.”
“So, if I were to do this, how would it work?” Draco nearly breathed a sigh of relief; Potter was actually thinking about it.
Laughter and music drifted from the party and Draco looked around again making certain that they were still alone. “Snape convinced the Dark Lord to let him take me as an apprentice. I am rarely out of Snape’s sight. What he knows, I know. And he is one of the Dark Lord’s trusted followers. Every two weeks I am sent out to gather ingredients I can contact you at those times.”
“Can you make it to a meeting?” Draco knew Potter was talking about the Order of the Phoenix and he had been prepared that Potter would mention them, probably wanting him to swear an allegiance to their Order. It was one thing he wouldn’t be doing. “No, Potter. I am spying for you and my only contact will be with you. It will be safer that way for the both of us. I will swear an unbreakable vow to you.”
“It will need to be witnessed.”
Draco didn’t trust a wizard or witch to witness the vow. “A house elf can be the bonder. They won’t ever talk about it with anyone if you order them not to. I don’t have much time left; you’ll need to call one now.”
“Dobby?” A brief second after the name was offered to the air the house elf appeared with a slight clap of noise.
“Harry Potter needs Dobby?” The house elf hadn’t even noticed Draco, his big eyes staring reverently at Potter.
“I need you to witness an unbreakable vow Dobby. And you mustn’t ever mention it to anyone. Ever.” Dobby took notice of Draco’s presence in that second and his eyes widened almost comically. Draco nearly flinched at the fear he saw bleed into the eyes. Dobby began shaking his head, “No Harry Potter mustn’t trust-”
Potter interrupted the house elf and began speaking rapidly in a low voice to Dobby. Finally Dobby nodded and Potter thanked the house elf. Potter nodded to Draco, they knelt down in order to let Dobby reach them, and they clasped hands. Draco decided to go first, “Will you, Harry Potter, assist my parents, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, by hiding them and keeping them safe through this war to the best of your ability?”
Potter hesitated a moment before responding, “I will.”
A cord of flame slipped from Dobby’s long spindly fingers wrapping around Draco and Potter’s gripped hands. Draco looked into Potter’s eyes as he waited for his turn. “Will you, Draco Malfoy, pass on information to me that concerns this war as long as it brings no direct harm to yourself?”
Draco stared in shock at Potter as the last bit was added. Why Potter would care about his well-being, Draco didn’t know. Potter looked at him in expectation and Draco nodded, “I will.”
------
His mother had left for Azkaban hours ago and had yet to return. No word had come yet and Draco was frightened that something had gone wrong; he thought that Snape would have been informed by now what had happened. As if answering his thoughts there was a knock at the door. Draco looked to Snape who nodded slightly and Draco rose from his chair. He opened the door and Yaxley entered the room. “Severus, something went wrong. Narcissa was taken into custody and the prisoners have all been moved to an undisclosed location. It’s been reported that Potter and Scrimgeour were both at the prison. Just thought it might be best to inform you.”
Severus inclined his head toward Yaxley in thanks and the man exited the room. Draco closed the door and returned to his desk to continue in his study that Severus had assigned to him. Potter had done it, now it was his turn to keep up the bargain. A slight shuffling noise had him look up briefly to catch a slight pull at the corner of his master’s mouth. As if he was happy about what had happened, though that obviously couldn’t be the case, could it?
Feedback makes an author's world go round.
Author:
ciceronian_00
Type: Fiction
Length: 2,222
Main character or Pairing: Draco Malfoy
Card: Knight of Swords
Card Interpretation: "A spy, an enemy, a bigot; a treacherous young man."
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the world that he occupies, that belongs to J.K. Rowling and those she has entrusted her world to. I am not one of these people. I write this piece of fiction purely out of love for her characters and the world she has enchanted us with. I make no money with this, in fact it costs me money what with the paper and pens I use as well as the cost of running my computer and connecting to the internet. That’s all, because in Willow’s words, a vague disclaimer is nobody’s friend.
Warnings: None
Summary: After the night in the tower Draco Malfoy tries to change.
Author Notes: I just want to thank my beta,
lisabird for making this better than it was. Any remaining mistakes are my own.
Draco had been stuck in the cell for three days, ever since Severus and he had fled Hogwarts. The Dark Lord had already been informed of his failure to complete his task and Draco was simply awaiting his punishment. Three days in which he had nothing to do but think on everything that had happened in the last year. Hell, if he was truthful, think on everything that had happened in his life. He knew that he had made the wrong decision and that he should have gone to Dumbledore. It was up to him to change the future.
When he was finally brought up to the main chamber it was to find all the Death Eaters that had participated in the attack on Hogwarts present. Each of the Death Eaters presented their accounts, the others that had been on the tower relayed his inability to complete the task given to him, and Draco had felt the cold fear grip his heart and lungs. He was going to die.
Severus stepped forward in at that moment, informing the Dark Lord of the vow he had made to protect Draco and that he had to continue to protect him. The Dark Lord's face contorted with anger, looking furious at the admission. His red eyes turned to Draco’s mother and a hand had gripped Draco's shoulder tightly. He flinched when the first curse hit his mother, her scream echoing in the room. It seemed to go on forever but it was probably only seconds before Severus spoke again. “My lord, I may have a solution. Malfoy would make a good apprentice; he is well skilled in potions. It would be beneficial to have another qualified Potion’s Master.”
His words held bite and there was slight laughter at his words that Draco didn’t understand until he saw a Death Eater off to the side, his face flushed with anger and embarrassment. The Dark Lord was nodding and he looked at Snape with something in his face, on anyone else he would say it was respect. “Agreed Severus. I will expect results.”
“As always, my lord.” Severus bowed his head, Draco copied the actions of the man who was to be his master, bowing his head to the Dark Lord also.
They were excused and Draco followed Severus out of the room trying not to listen to the sounds of his mother’s renewed screams. After they were some ways away from the chamber Severus spoke, “Narcissa will be fine. The Dark Lord understands her need to protect you but she must be punished for going against him.”
It was weeks later that he decided to finally act on his thoughts from his time in the dungeon. It was time to make things right and he was given the opportunity to do so after he listened to his mother and Severus talk about the plan to remove the prisoners from Azkaban. Just a day after learning the plan Severus informed Draco that he would need to go out to gather ingredients while Severus finished the potion he was working on. Before Draco had even begun to formulate a plan to contact Potter, Snape had thrown the Prophet down in disgust making a comment about blood traitors. On the front page was an announcement for the eldest Weasley’s wedding to the Delacour girl. Potter would be there, of course he would. Everything seemed to go so smoothly that Draco was slightly frightened at the ease in which his treachery against the Dark Lord was progressing.
Later that night Draco stepped forward, careful to keep his head covered. It would do no good to be recognized before he had a chance to talk to Potter. Even though it had only been a month since Draco had seen him last, it seemed as if Potter had grown at least another four inches in height. He stood beside the Weasel laughing at some joke that the taller man was telling. He seemed to exude strength and power much more than Draco remembered though perhaps it was Draco’s perception that had changed. He needed Potter to be powerful, powerful enough to win this war. As if noticing Draco’s gaze Potter looked up and locked eyes with Draco’s own.
Potter’s green eyes widened slightly and Draco knew he had been recognized and though everything in him was telling him to flee, he stood his ground meeting Potter’s gaze with a steady one of his own. He had come here for a reason and he would not be leaving without at least presenting his plan to Potter. For a brief moment Draco would have sworn he saw something in Potter’s eyes, a softening if it were possible, but seconds later it was gone and Potter’s eyes had gone cold. Draco moved back from the celebration edging his way towards a shed that he had seen near the edge of the Weasley property.
A brief glance at Potter showed him that the man was following him, leaving the Weasel behind. Draco stood at the door of the shed and waited for Potter to reach him. The man’s long strides brought him to Draco’s side within moments and Draco found himself pressed against the wall of the shed, facing away from the guests of course. Potter wouldn’t allow anyone to interrupt this meeting, Draco was certain of that. A hand pressed at his throat. “What the hell are you doing here Malfoy?”
The words were growled at him and Draco looked up into the eyes of the man who was to be their savior. The future, his future, was dependent on this one man. The hand tightened against his throat and a choked noise escaped Draco. “Potter, I came to ask for help.”
“Help?” Potter laughed, the sound cold and hollow. “Help? Why the hell would you think I would help you? I was up there on that tower, Malfoy. I saw and heard everything! You may not have performed the actual curse but you let them in there!”
With Potter’s hand moved from its grip around Draco’s throat he took a deep breath, preparing the speech he had been going over in his head. “I was scared Potter. I came home from school to find the Dark Lord waiting for me. He threatened to kill my parents and I didn’t know what to do. I had no one to go to. My dad was in Azkaban and my mum wouldn’t stand a chance going up against the Dark Lord. She was punished for hours just for going to Snape for help. I made a mistake but I didn’t know what else to do. I couldn’t do it in the end, I couldn’t kill him. I wish I could go back and change things but I can’t. I’m sorry and I need your help; I am asking you for help.”
Potter looked torn and Draco wasn’t sure what else to say. That was all he had even after a month and Draco was frightened that it wouldn’t be enough. But Draco didn’t know what else to say; he had been wrong and his apology was the best that he could offer. Potter seemed to be thinking things through and finally it looked as if he had come to a decision. Green eyes locked with his again, looking for something, searching almost. Whatever he was looking for had apparently been found because Potter’s voice was calm when he spoke, slightly above a whisper. “I can hide you. Keep you safe.”
Draco felt warmth spread in his chest at the offer, the offer of Potter’s protection, and a part of him was tempted to take it but he couldn’t do it. Not after the promise he had made to himself. He was going to change; he was going to make up for what happened. Draco shook his head, “No, I can’t do that Potter. The Dark Lord would kill them if I did. Thank you, but I can’t. I have a proposal for you.”
Potter looked startled at his refusal but he nodded after a moment, “What is your plan?”
“In three days my mum will be visiting Azkaban relaying the Dark Lord’s plan to remove his followers from the prison.” Potter’s quick intake of breath at that news had Draco hurrying through his plan. “Get both of my parents out of there at that time and hide them. The prisoners need to be moved anyway, keeping them all together in Azkaban is foolish. Get word to me that they are safe and I will relay any information I can. I will spy for you.”
“You want me to protect your father, a convicted Death Eater? Someone who tried to kill me, my friends?”
Draco knew that asking this was going to be hard. “He is my father, Potter. I know what he has done but he is my father. He does not deserve a second chance, I know this but you must realize he was pressured into this like I was. You have no idea how hard it is to oppose the Dark Lord. When everyone expects you to join him, there’s nowhere to turn. Please.”
“So, if I were to do this, how would it work?” Draco nearly breathed a sigh of relief; Potter was actually thinking about it.
Laughter and music drifted from the party and Draco looked around again making certain that they were still alone. “Snape convinced the Dark Lord to let him take me as an apprentice. I am rarely out of Snape’s sight. What he knows, I know. And he is one of the Dark Lord’s trusted followers. Every two weeks I am sent out to gather ingredients I can contact you at those times.”
“Can you make it to a meeting?” Draco knew Potter was talking about the Order of the Phoenix and he had been prepared that Potter would mention them, probably wanting him to swear an allegiance to their Order. It was one thing he wouldn’t be doing. “No, Potter. I am spying for you and my only contact will be with you. It will be safer that way for the both of us. I will swear an unbreakable vow to you.”
“It will need to be witnessed.”
Draco didn’t trust a wizard or witch to witness the vow. “A house elf can be the bonder. They won’t ever talk about it with anyone if you order them not to. I don’t have much time left; you’ll need to call one now.”
“Dobby?” A brief second after the name was offered to the air the house elf appeared with a slight clap of noise.
“Harry Potter needs Dobby?” The house elf hadn’t even noticed Draco, his big eyes staring reverently at Potter.
“I need you to witness an unbreakable vow Dobby. And you mustn’t ever mention it to anyone. Ever.” Dobby took notice of Draco’s presence in that second and his eyes widened almost comically. Draco nearly flinched at the fear he saw bleed into the eyes. Dobby began shaking his head, “No Harry Potter mustn’t trust-”
Potter interrupted the house elf and began speaking rapidly in a low voice to Dobby. Finally Dobby nodded and Potter thanked the house elf. Potter nodded to Draco, they knelt down in order to let Dobby reach them, and they clasped hands. Draco decided to go first, “Will you, Harry Potter, assist my parents, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, by hiding them and keeping them safe through this war to the best of your ability?”
Potter hesitated a moment before responding, “I will.”
A cord of flame slipped from Dobby’s long spindly fingers wrapping around Draco and Potter’s gripped hands. Draco looked into Potter’s eyes as he waited for his turn. “Will you, Draco Malfoy, pass on information to me that concerns this war as long as it brings no direct harm to yourself?”
Draco stared in shock at Potter as the last bit was added. Why Potter would care about his well-being, Draco didn’t know. Potter looked at him in expectation and Draco nodded, “I will.”
------
His mother had left for Azkaban hours ago and had yet to return. No word had come yet and Draco was frightened that something had gone wrong; he thought that Snape would have been informed by now what had happened. As if answering his thoughts there was a knock at the door. Draco looked to Snape who nodded slightly and Draco rose from his chair. He opened the door and Yaxley entered the room. “Severus, something went wrong. Narcissa was taken into custody and the prisoners have all been moved to an undisclosed location. It’s been reported that Potter and Scrimgeour were both at the prison. Just thought it might be best to inform you.”
Severus inclined his head toward Yaxley in thanks and the man exited the room. Draco closed the door and returned to his desk to continue in his study that Severus had assigned to him. Potter had done it, now it was his turn to keep up the bargain. A slight shuffling noise had him look up briefly to catch a slight pull at the corner of his master’s mouth. As if he was happy about what had happened, though that obviously couldn’t be the case, could it?
Feedback makes an author's world go round.