What if He had a Choice?

Part 23

Tom hummed softly as he strolled through Diagon Alley. He had informed Lucius that he would be handling Draco's trip this year. He did not want another issue of his being delayed. The knew that the spells surrounding his family home would be complicated to get into, hence why the list that he had given Lucius was taking so long. A majority of the time would be spent trying to figure out which wards were guarding the house. Could he simply walk through them? Yes, more than likely, but he wanted time with Draco, and as such it was best to have Lucius simply attempt to take them all down. It would also test his devotion to him. His ability as well. It was always fun to test his loyal followers. Enjoyable to see just how desperately they wanted to prove themselves. 

Draco was sticking close to him, eyes glossing over everything that was around him. Tom could almost feel the first time that he had been in this very alley. It had been an experience to remember. He was surprised that he had managed to talk Dumbledore from escorting him to the place. He had expected the other, somewhat, to stick to him like glue and refuse to let him do anything. Still, it was because of that that Tom had learned quite a bit. 

He turned to Draco, gripping the other gently by the wrist, lifting his eyebrows, as he stared Draco down, waiting until he glanced down, not meeting his eyes before he smirked and straightened himself upwards, pulling the other into Knockturn Alley. He was sure that Draco had likely been in this alley before, probably not too long before, but he likely had not gone here without Lucius by his side, or Narcissus, but judging by what he knew of the mother of the one obediently allowing himself to be led wherever it was he was wanted, eyes still dutifully trained on the floor, she was not likely to leave the house outside of Lucius' orders. 

"You have been down Knockturn alley before, correct?" Tom stated, more so than asked. He glanced towards Draco, who just nodded silently. He waited, pausing as he pushed Draco lightly against the walls of one of the stores. "Hey," He pushed his hand underneath Draco's chin, forcing him to look up at him, tilting his head once his eyes met the cool blue of the young malfoy's. "Has Lucius ever taken you here?"

"Yes, a few times. Usually to Borgin and Burkes. It's the creepy shot on the corner of the alley. We went there just last year." Draco replied, and Tom smiled, a pleased look crossing his face. 

"Good, I thought for a moment I was going to throw you in the deep end." That was a lie, of course. He knew that there was no way that Lucius had not brought Draco to Knockturn alley before, especially since a majority of his trips to the alley happened whilst buying Draco's schools supplies from what he could gather. He just wanted to show Draco that little bit of sympathy, and that bit of worry. From what he could tell just now, it latched into Draco like a parasite and the other ate up the excuse. 

"It is fine, Father has brought me to the alley several times before, I just...am not used to going without him with me is all." Draco admitted with a tense smile. Worry was still reflected in his eyes, and Tom definitely noticed that part. "I also...Well, I am not sure why we are here, which I suppose does make me a bit more nervous than I would be otherwise." Tom gave a reassuring smile. 

"I was just curious how much that the area has changed." He admitted, though that was not the entire truth. It was partially true, however, which was really all that Draco needed to know. He wanted to go back to his old work place. He needed to see what had changed, and he was curious if he was easily recognized. From what he could gather from the other members of the Malfoy's family, when he questioned Draco and Narcissa about the alley, well, what was left of it at least, Borgin was the only one still around the shop. Despite the fact that he had not had many interactions with the head family of the shop, they still knew of him, and they had taken to him quite well. Borgin, of the two, was far more likely to remember him, which he supposed worked with his favour, at least for now. 

"Where are we going though?" Draco asked, questioning, Tom allowed it this specific time however, knowing that the boy was simply nervous and wanting to know what they were doing. It would make him look better, knowing that Draco knew that he did not take lightly to unauthorized questions. If nothing else it was obvious by the way he tensed and drew in a sharp breath after he spoke. 

"We are going to Borgin and Burkes. I used to work there." 

"Borgin is the only person there. I don't exactly know what happened to this Burke fellow, but as far as I am aware, Borgin is the only that has worked there for a while." Draco helpfully supplied. Tom barely managed to hold back a pleased smile. The other was giving him information willingly. He was quite glad that his capabilities were getting to Draco, and that the other was becoming a part of his little, following. Granted, it was mostly because likely he had taught him things his father refused to, but that was besides the point. 

"That was insightful," Tom spoke, as though he had not already known that. "Thank you for letting me know that." 

"Of course," Draco said his eyes ducked down shyly. Tom almost rolled his eyes, almost. The young Malfoy was in some ways very similar to Abraxas, and other ways, very different as well. It was a startling realization. 

Tom pulled Draco into the store when they finally reached it. He looked around the shop. It was just as drab and bleak as he remembered. He tapped Draco's hand lightly when the other went out to grab something. 

"Don't touch anything love, I don't want you to get into a mishap." Draco stared at him, shock marring his features. Tom was not sure if it was because of the slip in endearment, or if it was something else, but he was hedging on a little bit of both. 

"I..." Draco pulled his hand away from where he had put it. A look of shock and confusion warred against his features. "Thank you," Was what the younger decided to settle on, and Tom figured that he would find out what exactly it was that had the other in a round about later, for now, he wanted to talk to the owner.