fic for remeciel: Trouble (Draco, Dobby, G)
Title: Trouble
Recipient: remeciel
Rating: G
Characters: Draco Malfoy, Dobby (some Lucius and Narcissa)
Warnings: cuteness and fluff. Nice!Draco.
Author's Notes: The prompt I received was reeeeeally generic, so I hope that this brings a smile to the mystery giftee's face! Thanks to my beta, he's awesome.
--
It's like a small furry dragon, the small, wiry blonde-headed child thought to himself with some amazement, staring at the creature that had made its nest in the broomshed.
Draco Malfoy sighed, rubbing the cold out of his cheeks. He wasn't supposed to be out on the manor grounds today-- Mother said it was too cold, and Father wasn't around to watch him and make sure he went inside before he was chilled to the bone. He idly scuffed at the snow that had heaped up at the door to the building his father kept his collection of brooms.
Draco's original intent had been to lift one, take it for a quick ride over the frozen grounds, and return it to the shed and himself to his room before anyone (namely his mother) noticed his absence.
Ten year old boys do not like being cooped up, especially in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. He felt he might go mad if he read another book or chased another house elf. He just needed some fresh air, snow and wind or not.
However, his plans had been brought to a halt when he saw that a small bundle of teeth and claws had taken up residence in the very building he had planned on beginning his escapade in. He slowly shut the door behind him, not wishing to disturb the creature.
It sat regally, of course, neck crunched back enough that, from certain angles, it would look like it had none at all. The tip of its tail flicked as the vertical pupils in its golden eyes dilated, watching him intently. It stretched a foreleg nonchalantly, flexing its claws slightly. It yawned, and showed its sharp little fangs.
Draco cocked his head to the side, then cleared his throat. "Well, hullo beastie," he said softly, wondering if he could take a step in without the creature bolting or attacking. The creature regarded him with an aloof look, mimicking his head tilt. "You know," he said, feigning nonchalantness, "Mum would be rather upset if she knew you were here."
No response, except another yawn.
The boy looked mildly annoyed at the lack of response. "So would Father."
Claw flex.
"...I'm going to pet you." He was actually surprised those words flew out out his mouth. The beast in question didn't seem too upset at them, though. "And... you're going to like it."
He took a cautious step towards the creature. It simply regarded him with a tolerant look. Draco grinned slightly, moving a little more bravely until he was sitting on the floor beside it. He reached a pale, thin hand out and fondly rubbed the kitten's head between its ears.
"Good kitty," he murmured quietly, marveling at how soft the kitten's fur was. "I'll have to name you, you know."
The kitten didn't seem to mind that at all. In fact, a curious rumbling sound was its only response. Draco took that to be a good sign.
He carefully picked up the small mound of fur and claws and stared into its golden eyes for a moment before looking it over. The kitten was a rich black with pure white paws, nose, and a small white medallion-shape on her chest.
Draco chuckled as the kitten playfully batted at him. "You want to play then?" he drawled cheerfully. The brooms and the wind were completely forgotten as he and the kitten tumbled about the shed floor.
About an hour later, the boy was leaned against a wall, the kitten happily purring in his lap, eyes half-lidded. "Well, then," Draco said quietly, and mostly to himself. "It's time for me to go in."
The kitten opened one eye all the way, looking at him reproachfully.
"What do you expect me to do?" he queried, arching a brow. "Father would kill me for sure if I took you in with me--" he paused. "Well... if he found out, that is."
The kitten looked at him expectantly.
"All right, all right. But I think I know your name now."
A yawn.
"Trouble."
The kitten seemed pleased, and Draco could tell because her purring got louder. The boy grinned broadly, scooping up the small bundle and tucking her into the crook of his arm. He pulled his cloak around him so that the kitten was concealed, and protected from the cold. Then he slipped out of the shed, making his way back towards the manor house.
He had, of course, instructed one of the house elves to open the kitchen door when he knocked. He had also instructed them not to tell his mother or father that he had gone out on his own. The house elves were nothing if not obedient. As he breezed through the kitchen door, he snapped an order: "I want two glasses of milk, and a plate of cookies, and an extra plate brought up to my room at once."
The house elves bobbed and nodded, but he paid no attention to them. It would be done because he told them to do so, and that was the way things worked. He ignored them as he slipped quietly up the stairs to his room, shutting the door behind him. He listened for a moment for his mother's footsteps, and, relieved that he heard nothing, he placed Trouble on the foot of his bed.
The kitten stretched, kneading her claws into the green and black fleece blanket.
Draco sighed. If his parents found out...
No matter. He'd just tell the house elves not to tell his parents. It was simple.
Speaking of the house elves, a rather annoying one named Dobby chose that moment to appear with Draco's milk and cookies. He took one look at the kitten on the bed and his eyes widened.
"Young master, you is not supposed to be having pets!" he yelped.
Draco whirled on the house elf, snatching the tray from him. "And you shouldn't be speaking to your betters without leave," he snapped with a scowl. "If you tell Mother or Father about this, I'll have your ears." It was a mostly idle threat, but an effective one.
"Of course not, young master! I be keeping your secrets, that is what house elves do." Dobby bowed and scraped for a moment, trembling.
"See that you do," the young Malfoy heir grumbled. He sat down on the floor-- much to Dobby's dismay, seeing the young master lowering himself like that!-- and carefully poured half the contents of one of the glasses into the saucer. The kitten lightly hopped down off the bed and padded towards the milk, purring loudly.
Draco sighed, leaning against his bed thoughtfully.
"Dobby?"
"Yes, master?"
The boy chewed his bottom lip for a moment. "Do you know anything about what else she might be needing? I don't really expect you to, but I don't know anything about taking care of a kitten."
Dobby blinked. Draco had his moments of brattiness, but about half the time it was moments like this-- where he actually seemed somewhat nice. Dobby preferred, obviously, this Draco-- the polite, thoughtful, introspective one. This one didn't threaten him, usually.
At least he only grumbled, unlike the master of the house... Dobby shivered. "I not be knowing how, young master. But Dobby can be asking the other house elves, and I am thinking one of them might."
Draco seemed satisfied with that answer. "Good. Then I want whomever it is that knows how to care for a kitten to be doing so. She is not to leave my room."
Dobby nodded. "Of course, young master."
"See to it." With that, the boy seemed lost again in his own thoughts, one hand idly stroking the kitten's back as she lapped her milk. Dobby disappeared into the kitchen, as he had orders.
* * *
The days passed, and Draco spent most of his time in his room, reading and playing with the kitten. He found that oftentimes, when he wanted quiet, she did too; when he was feeling energetic, she wanted to play. It wasn't odd, in those days, to see him curled up in the window, paging through a book with a small pile of black fur lazing in a puddle in his lap. Nor was it odd to see multiple house elves popping in and out of Draco's room, feeding, watering, and otherwise tending to every conceivable need or desire a small cat could have.
It wasn't odd for Dobby to come in to check on the kitten at night, and find her curled up in a tiny ball on Draco's pillow, inches from his head.
In fact, the only odd thing was that Narcissa and Lucius had not discovered the kitten yet. The only reason, Dobby figured, that they had not, was due to the lack of time either one had been spending in the manor of late. Lucius had his business interests and Narcissa had a dozen (at least) social functions to plan or attend.
Draco was left mostly on his own, except when he had to dress up and attend the boring functions, where, of course, Narcissa would send a house elf in her stead to hurry him along or help him dress.
It was Christmas Eve, and at the moment, Dobby was listening to the young boy's tirade as he pulled on his dress robes.
"I don't want to go, I hate these things!" he tugged miserably at his collar for a moment, then let out a rather unbecoming wail and flopped on the bed beside a sleeping Trouble. The cat leaped into the air, startled, and then began bathing herself. Draco flailed for a moment. "It's not fair! Father doesn't have to go to as many of these stupid things as I do!"
Dobby winced, then said quietly, "Young master, mistress has sent me to--"
"I KNOW!" snapped the boy. "I'm coming." He nuzzled the kitten's head and stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Dobby sighed, then absently petted the kitten. "Dobby IS sorry about young master's anger, little one." The cat cocked her head and purred. "You will make him happy again when he comes back, yes?" The kitten stretched, yawned, and batted at Dobby's ear.
The house elf nodded slightly. "Yes, you will."
"Oh?" a man's voice came from the doorway.
* * *
It was rather late when the Malfoys came back home. Draco had been in a foul mood, but as they reached the manor, he began to brighten. "Well, it's late," he drawled. "I'm going to bed."
"Oh?" Lucius replied with a raised brow. "Alone?"
Draco blinked. "Of course, Father."
The elder Malfoy scowled. "I see." He was silent for a moment, then placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Perhaps I should escort you."
Draco's eyes widened for a moment, then his face was calm again. "That's all right, Father, I'm sure you're tired."
"It wasn't a request."
Narcissa quirked a brow at her husband. "Lucius?"
"Come now, Narcissa. It's been awhile since we've tucked our son in. And it is Christmas eve, after all." A smirk danced on the corners of Lucius's mouth. Narcissa made a small "hmmm" sound, and shrugged.
"You're right, darling."
Draco tried not to panic as his parents walked him to his room. Perhaps Trouble would be hiding under the bed, or they wouldn't see her--
Lucius opened the door. "You may move now, Dobby. But do not leave."
Dobby relaxed some, now staring at the floor. "Yes, master."
The elder Malfoy pointed a finger towards Trouble, where she lay on the foot of Draco's bed. "Explain this, Draco."
Draco looked at his kitten, and then at his father's angry face. He then looked to his mother, who was looking at the cat in surprise.
He knew that there was only one way for things to work out in his favor. He had to be strong, be a man, and tell his father that he was keeping the kitten, and that was that.
He bit his bottom lip.
I have to be strong.
He bit it a little harder. No! I won't--
A tear trickled down his face. "F...Father... I found her in the shed and it was cold and she's my friend please don't take her away," he babbled, hurridly wiping at his very un-Malfoy-like tears.
Lucius looked startled, then knelt down beside his son. "Draco, you know I said no pets."
Draco nodded, swallowing a sob.
"You know you've been dishonest with me and your mother, hiding this cat for two weeks now."
Draco nodded again, fighting the urge to stare down at the floor.
"You also know that I should sent this ball of fur to the shelter and out of my manor."
Draco started to nod, then stopped. "S-should, Father?"
Lucius was silent for a moment. Then a gentle smile crossed his face. "I should, Draco. But... it is Christmas, isn't it?"
Draco didn't dare hope.
"You can keep her," Lucius began, then glanced at Narcissa. "If it's all right with your mother."
Draco's eyes widened and he looked at his mother in askance.
Narcissa sighed. She could never tell her only child no. "Oh, all right."
"As for you, Dobby," Lucius turned to the house elf. "You are never to let Draco do something like this again. If he's hiding anything from us in the future, you come to me immediately."
The house elf nodded. "Of course, master."
Lucius sighed, then ruffled Draco's hair fondly. "Get some sleep, son. Tomorrow is Christmas."
Draco grinned. "All right."
Lucius and Narcissa turned to leave. As Lucius was pulling the door shut, he heard Draco call him.
"Father?"
"Yes?" he replied.
"I'm sorry I hid her from you. I should have asked."
Lucius chuckled. "Go to sleep, Draco. I love you, son."
"Love you too, Father. Night, Mother!"
Narcissa smiled. "Good night, Draco."
Recipient: remeciel
Rating: G
Characters: Draco Malfoy, Dobby (some Lucius and Narcissa)
Warnings: cuteness and fluff. Nice!Draco.
Author's Notes: The prompt I received was reeeeeally generic, so I hope that this brings a smile to the mystery giftee's face! Thanks to my beta, he's awesome.
--
It's like a small furry dragon, the small, wiry blonde-headed child thought to himself with some amazement, staring at the creature that had made its nest in the broomshed.
Draco Malfoy sighed, rubbing the cold out of his cheeks. He wasn't supposed to be out on the manor grounds today-- Mother said it was too cold, and Father wasn't around to watch him and make sure he went inside before he was chilled to the bone. He idly scuffed at the snow that had heaped up at the door to the building his father kept his collection of brooms.
Draco's original intent had been to lift one, take it for a quick ride over the frozen grounds, and return it to the shed and himself to his room before anyone (namely his mother) noticed his absence.
Ten year old boys do not like being cooped up, especially in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. He felt he might go mad if he read another book or chased another house elf. He just needed some fresh air, snow and wind or not.
However, his plans had been brought to a halt when he saw that a small bundle of teeth and claws had taken up residence in the very building he had planned on beginning his escapade in. He slowly shut the door behind him, not wishing to disturb the creature.
It sat regally, of course, neck crunched back enough that, from certain angles, it would look like it had none at all. The tip of its tail flicked as the vertical pupils in its golden eyes dilated, watching him intently. It stretched a foreleg nonchalantly, flexing its claws slightly. It yawned, and showed its sharp little fangs.
Draco cocked his head to the side, then cleared his throat. "Well, hullo beastie," he said softly, wondering if he could take a step in without the creature bolting or attacking. The creature regarded him with an aloof look, mimicking his head tilt. "You know," he said, feigning nonchalantness, "Mum would be rather upset if she knew you were here."
No response, except another yawn.
The boy looked mildly annoyed at the lack of response. "So would Father."
Claw flex.
"...I'm going to pet you." He was actually surprised those words flew out out his mouth. The beast in question didn't seem too upset at them, though. "And... you're going to like it."
He took a cautious step towards the creature. It simply regarded him with a tolerant look. Draco grinned slightly, moving a little more bravely until he was sitting on the floor beside it. He reached a pale, thin hand out and fondly rubbed the kitten's head between its ears.
"Good kitty," he murmured quietly, marveling at how soft the kitten's fur was. "I'll have to name you, you know."
The kitten didn't seem to mind that at all. In fact, a curious rumbling sound was its only response. Draco took that to be a good sign.
He carefully picked up the small mound of fur and claws and stared into its golden eyes for a moment before looking it over. The kitten was a rich black with pure white paws, nose, and a small white medallion-shape on her chest.
Draco chuckled as the kitten playfully batted at him. "You want to play then?" he drawled cheerfully. The brooms and the wind were completely forgotten as he and the kitten tumbled about the shed floor.
About an hour later, the boy was leaned against a wall, the kitten happily purring in his lap, eyes half-lidded. "Well, then," Draco said quietly, and mostly to himself. "It's time for me to go in."
The kitten opened one eye all the way, looking at him reproachfully.
"What do you expect me to do?" he queried, arching a brow. "Father would kill me for sure if I took you in with me--" he paused. "Well... if he found out, that is."
The kitten looked at him expectantly.
"All right, all right. But I think I know your name now."
A yawn.
"Trouble."
The kitten seemed pleased, and Draco could tell because her purring got louder. The boy grinned broadly, scooping up the small bundle and tucking her into the crook of his arm. He pulled his cloak around him so that the kitten was concealed, and protected from the cold. Then he slipped out of the shed, making his way back towards the manor house.
He had, of course, instructed one of the house elves to open the kitchen door when he knocked. He had also instructed them not to tell his mother or father that he had gone out on his own. The house elves were nothing if not obedient. As he breezed through the kitchen door, he snapped an order: "I want two glasses of milk, and a plate of cookies, and an extra plate brought up to my room at once."
The house elves bobbed and nodded, but he paid no attention to them. It would be done because he told them to do so, and that was the way things worked. He ignored them as he slipped quietly up the stairs to his room, shutting the door behind him. He listened for a moment for his mother's footsteps, and, relieved that he heard nothing, he placed Trouble on the foot of his bed.
The kitten stretched, kneading her claws into the green and black fleece blanket.
Draco sighed. If his parents found out...
No matter. He'd just tell the house elves not to tell his parents. It was simple.
Speaking of the house elves, a rather annoying one named Dobby chose that moment to appear with Draco's milk and cookies. He took one look at the kitten on the bed and his eyes widened.
"Young master, you is not supposed to be having pets!" he yelped.
Draco whirled on the house elf, snatching the tray from him. "And you shouldn't be speaking to your betters without leave," he snapped with a scowl. "If you tell Mother or Father about this, I'll have your ears." It was a mostly idle threat, but an effective one.
"Of course not, young master! I be keeping your secrets, that is what house elves do." Dobby bowed and scraped for a moment, trembling.
"See that you do," the young Malfoy heir grumbled. He sat down on the floor-- much to Dobby's dismay, seeing the young master lowering himself like that!-- and carefully poured half the contents of one of the glasses into the saucer. The kitten lightly hopped down off the bed and padded towards the milk, purring loudly.
Draco sighed, leaning against his bed thoughtfully.
"Dobby?"
"Yes, master?"
The boy chewed his bottom lip for a moment. "Do you know anything about what else she might be needing? I don't really expect you to, but I don't know anything about taking care of a kitten."
Dobby blinked. Draco had his moments of brattiness, but about half the time it was moments like this-- where he actually seemed somewhat nice. Dobby preferred, obviously, this Draco-- the polite, thoughtful, introspective one. This one didn't threaten him, usually.
At least he only grumbled, unlike the master of the house... Dobby shivered. "I not be knowing how, young master. But Dobby can be asking the other house elves, and I am thinking one of them might."
Draco seemed satisfied with that answer. "Good. Then I want whomever it is that knows how to care for a kitten to be doing so. She is not to leave my room."
Dobby nodded. "Of course, young master."
"See to it." With that, the boy seemed lost again in his own thoughts, one hand idly stroking the kitten's back as she lapped her milk. Dobby disappeared into the kitchen, as he had orders.
* * *
The days passed, and Draco spent most of his time in his room, reading and playing with the kitten. He found that oftentimes, when he wanted quiet, she did too; when he was feeling energetic, she wanted to play. It wasn't odd, in those days, to see him curled up in the window, paging through a book with a small pile of black fur lazing in a puddle in his lap. Nor was it odd to see multiple house elves popping in and out of Draco's room, feeding, watering, and otherwise tending to every conceivable need or desire a small cat could have.
It wasn't odd for Dobby to come in to check on the kitten at night, and find her curled up in a tiny ball on Draco's pillow, inches from his head.
In fact, the only odd thing was that Narcissa and Lucius had not discovered the kitten yet. The only reason, Dobby figured, that they had not, was due to the lack of time either one had been spending in the manor of late. Lucius had his business interests and Narcissa had a dozen (at least) social functions to plan or attend.
Draco was left mostly on his own, except when he had to dress up and attend the boring functions, where, of course, Narcissa would send a house elf in her stead to hurry him along or help him dress.
It was Christmas Eve, and at the moment, Dobby was listening to the young boy's tirade as he pulled on his dress robes.
"I don't want to go, I hate these things!" he tugged miserably at his collar for a moment, then let out a rather unbecoming wail and flopped on the bed beside a sleeping Trouble. The cat leaped into the air, startled, and then began bathing herself. Draco flailed for a moment. "It's not fair! Father doesn't have to go to as many of these stupid things as I do!"
Dobby winced, then said quietly, "Young master, mistress has sent me to--"
"I KNOW!" snapped the boy. "I'm coming." He nuzzled the kitten's head and stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Dobby sighed, then absently petted the kitten. "Dobby IS sorry about young master's anger, little one." The cat cocked her head and purred. "You will make him happy again when he comes back, yes?" The kitten stretched, yawned, and batted at Dobby's ear.
The house elf nodded slightly. "Yes, you will."
"Oh?" a man's voice came from the doorway.
* * *
It was rather late when the Malfoys came back home. Draco had been in a foul mood, but as they reached the manor, he began to brighten. "Well, it's late," he drawled. "I'm going to bed."
"Oh?" Lucius replied with a raised brow. "Alone?"
Draco blinked. "Of course, Father."
The elder Malfoy scowled. "I see." He was silent for a moment, then placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Perhaps I should escort you."
Draco's eyes widened for a moment, then his face was calm again. "That's all right, Father, I'm sure you're tired."
"It wasn't a request."
Narcissa quirked a brow at her husband. "Lucius?"
"Come now, Narcissa. It's been awhile since we've tucked our son in. And it is Christmas eve, after all." A smirk danced on the corners of Lucius's mouth. Narcissa made a small "hmmm" sound, and shrugged.
"You're right, darling."
Draco tried not to panic as his parents walked him to his room. Perhaps Trouble would be hiding under the bed, or they wouldn't see her--
Lucius opened the door. "You may move now, Dobby. But do not leave."
Dobby relaxed some, now staring at the floor. "Yes, master."
The elder Malfoy pointed a finger towards Trouble, where she lay on the foot of Draco's bed. "Explain this, Draco."
Draco looked at his kitten, and then at his father's angry face. He then looked to his mother, who was looking at the cat in surprise.
He knew that there was only one way for things to work out in his favor. He had to be strong, be a man, and tell his father that he was keeping the kitten, and that was that.
He bit his bottom lip.
I have to be strong.
He bit it a little harder. No! I won't--
A tear trickled down his face. "F...Father... I found her in the shed and it was cold and she's my friend please don't take her away," he babbled, hurridly wiping at his very un-Malfoy-like tears.
Lucius looked startled, then knelt down beside his son. "Draco, you know I said no pets."
Draco nodded, swallowing a sob.
"You know you've been dishonest with me and your mother, hiding this cat for two weeks now."
Draco nodded again, fighting the urge to stare down at the floor.
"You also know that I should sent this ball of fur to the shelter and out of my manor."
Draco started to nod, then stopped. "S-should, Father?"
Lucius was silent for a moment. Then a gentle smile crossed his face. "I should, Draco. But... it is Christmas, isn't it?"
Draco didn't dare hope.
"You can keep her," Lucius began, then glanced at Narcissa. "If it's all right with your mother."
Draco's eyes widened and he looked at his mother in askance.
Narcissa sighed. She could never tell her only child no. "Oh, all right."
"As for you, Dobby," Lucius turned to the house elf. "You are never to let Draco do something like this again. If he's hiding anything from us in the future, you come to me immediately."
The house elf nodded. "Of course, master."
Lucius sighed, then ruffled Draco's hair fondly. "Get some sleep, son. Tomorrow is Christmas."
Draco grinned. "All right."
Lucius and Narcissa turned to leave. As Lucius was pulling the door shut, he heard Draco call him.
"Father?"
"Yes?" he replied.
"I'm sorry I hid her from you. I should have asked."
Lucius chuckled. "Go to sleep, Draco. I love you, son."
"Love you too, Father. Night, Mother!"
Narcissa smiled. "Good night, Draco."