What if He had a Choice?

Thinking it Over

Draco seemed to think on it, before fully agreeing to Tom's proposal. This was a wise decision, and truthfully was something that he was glad the boy was doing in the first place. Many would be eager to learn such a thing, if the interest was in the Dark Arts, and instantly agree. Yet Draco was smart enough to wonder over the offer, and think it through, at least somewhat. Once again, something that endeared the boy to him. It was never wise to simply agree to anything, after all. One had to weigh the benefits, and seemed to be exactly what Draco was doing. Tom waited, watching as the boy thought everything over. He sighed and pushed his books to the side to better see Tom as he spoke. 

"If," Draco paused. "If I agree, we cannot allow Father to know." Tom hummed, giving a short nod. 

"If that is your wish, I will most certainly ensure that your father has no knowledge of what we are doing." Draco looked away, continuing to think it over. 

He could not deny that the unforgiveables were definitely interesting. He was not stupid, he new his father knew these curses. Otherwise, why else would he deny him from being able to study them? It was just lucky that his father usually left him alone whilst studying thanks to Tom. Otherwise, he would for sure know that he was reading the forbidden books, and well Draco was not exactly keen to know what he would do after that. His father was not the most gracious person...far from it actually. The fact that the Dark Lord was willing to teach him was something that was...beyond comprehension. Taking time out of his day to bother with him. That was something that Draco could most certainly appreciate, but he also had to be certain. 

"Why are you so eager to ensure your father does not know you are studying the Dark Arts?" Tom asked, his curiosity finally getting the better of him. He had said that he would not mention anything about it, but he felt as though he had been quite patient enough. He had waited quite a while after all. 

"Ah, that," Draco seemed rather hesitant to speak on it. Though Tom supposed that may be because he did not wish to get his father into trouble on some matter. It was a rather interesting thing that the boy seemed to fear. After all, if it was no big deal, why would he be so hesitant to speak on it? Rather, if Lucius was simply waiting for him to be old enough, that would be one thing, but it would seem as though there was a little more to the story then Tom had originally wondered. 

"Draco," Tom looked at the boy, his eyes dark, filled with warning. His tone of voice lowered, danger implicated within it. Draco cring3ed backwards, fear filling through him as he saw Tom's anger within him at being denied an answer that he wished for. Draco looked down at the table. He knew that Tom would not be happy but he was not sure that he was ready to say what was going on. Though Tom was nice enough to him, he was still the Dark Lord, and he was not entirely sure that the Dark Lord would take well to the reasons his Father had. 

Tom huffed an amused sigh. So it was going to be like that was it? This was exactly why Tom had needed time with the boy. It would seem as though his loyalty was to his father, at least for now. While he most certainly admired him, it was a dangerous situation in many ways. For instance, he could not trust Draco not to keep information from him, such as in this case. Tom wanted to know something, and it would seem as though Draco felt it necessary to keep him in the dark! of all things. It was a rather interesting matter, he had to admit to himself. 

The reason why Draco felt that this needed to be kept secret, yet would willingly admit his father's betrayal. Perhaps it was because he felt confident that he would be able to vouge for his father ,whereas in this situation it was far different. Which would mean that there was something that was likely to cause his ire. Still, he wished to know. 

Tom knew that it would take time, managing to coerce Draco's loyalty from his father and to himself. It would take time, but he could be patient. He was willing to wait if that was what he needed to do. Furthermore, it was a challenge, after all, something that he greatly enjoyed. The processes would be a slow one, but he was certain that he would manage it well enough. 

"Father was uncertain that it was a good idea to allow me to learn about the Dark Arts. He wanted me to choose to come to it if I wanted to, but only if he deemed me old enough." Draco looked down, seemingly ashamed. "I tried to convince Father but he simply was not having it. According to him starting the learning of Dark Arts early is dangerous." Draco sighed heavily. Tom thought on the words of the boy's father. He supposed the father was not necessarily wrong. Practicing the Dark Arts at a young age was dangerous, but with proper training Draco would be perfectly fine, which hinted to the fact that there was something else at play, something which Draco seemed to notice as well.

"Is that why?" Draco glanced up at Tom, before looking back down at his books and sighing.

"I am not really sure, My Lord." Draco admitted. Tom raised a brow, he was not necessarily expecting the boy to admit it. "That is what Father said, but he started practice much younger. Furthermore, Malfoys always study the Dark Arts. I do not know why he desired to keep me from it. It is rather troublesome." Tom looked at Draco carefully. The boy did not seem to be lying to him, he would know. 

"Draco, if you wish, I would be more then willing to teach you what I know." Tom said, a hand over his heart, his eyes gazing straight to Draco indicating his sincerity. Draco gave him a wide eyed look and a dazzling smile, before glancing back at the table. 

"Are you sure, My Lord," Draco questioned. "I, would not wish to take up your time, as I know you are likely very busy."

"Of course I am sure," Tom said, stamping down the residual anger at the fact that this boy was questioning his choices. Draco gave him a grateful smile. 

"Then I would of course be more the willing to be taught under you my Lord." Draco said eyes  gleaming with joy.