Tom Riddle is Here-Plan in Action

29

Draco began classes again, but couldn't quite quell his trembling fingers. They were anxious, and his body showed it. He was quite grateful that his lover was aiding him, but he also could not help but be nervous. His father was quite good at showing up in unexpected places and at the most inconvienant times. He knew his father better than anyone else, and even though he knew that Tom had promised to aid him in dealing with Lucius, he also knew that his father would know the moment that he was alone. He would be lying in wait, and that was always when he was most dangerous. He would not be happy with Draco either, and the boy knew that it would be quite unlikely that he would last in one whole at the end of his meeting. His times with his father typically tended to go as such, after all.

He knew that Tom had some sort of levy over his father, had heard him order the elder around, but despite knowing that, he still found himself worrying. He supposed it was only understandable. After all, his father was the single most vital person in his life, or at least he had been for quite a long time. Draco's respect and fear for his father outgrew most others. Tom was a more recent development, but he also knew Tom was-not exactly reliable at the best of times. Then again, Tom was a Slytherin, it would not make sense for him to be the most reliable person. He was rather grateful that Tom trusted and accepted him, otherwise he shuddered to think what would happen otherwise.

Even still, his inability to quite calm himself had caught the attention of a few of the teachers. Most noteable, his godfather. Draco knew the moment that he was called back. He glanced over at Tom, but the other merely gave him a mysterious smile and left the room. Draco couldn't help but stare with wide eyes before sighing. Of course he would not stay with him. He does not trust Uncle Sev. Furthermore, he knows that I do. I doubt he will have left fully though. Likely he will be waiting outside of the room for me to return. It's fine. Besides, i don't need him antagonizing Uncle whilst i am trying to talk to him. I know he would definitely antagonize too.

"I am glad you have made a rather speedy recovery." Severus began, leaving Draco to twitch anxiously. He was not entirely sure what it was that Tom had told them, and he did not want to give anything that would contradict what he had said. He also knew that Severus was very observant, and managed to become rather skilled at Legilimacy, though his specialty would always lie in the opposite. He knew that it was...special, but sometimes he just...he just...It was annoying, and made him anxious, not knowing what Severus was thinking. He was just grateful that his occlumency skills were decent. Granted they were not the best, of course, and they were not nearly as strong as Severus'. It was, however, some comfort to him to know that Severus would not manage to break into his mind without him being notified immediately. Since most people could not get even the most basic level of capability in mind arts, Draco found himself home to a proud Uncle, and a decently proud mother, although his father almost always stated he should practice more, and become better. For whatever reason, it was never enough for his father. He had become used to such things though, and, whilst it still bothered him a little, it was not as bad as it had been when he was younger. The feeling of horrid guilt cloying through his veins at his father's words never managed to make it's way to him anymore.

"Thank you, Uncle," Severus hummed, but Draco knew that he was not off the hook yet. Not by a long shot. It would be quite a while before he was able to be let off, but he knew that it was okay, that it would have to be okay because in the end he was not going to be able to fight Severus, and it would be dangerous to anger him. Draco may trust Severus, but he was also more than aware of how dangerous the Slytherin Head of House could be when agitated. His wrath was at times more terrifying than his cool disappointment.

"Have you written your father yet?" Draco narrowed his eyes at the question. Uncle never asks me about this. It is possible that Father had questioned him about it...no, almost certain that Father questioned him about it. What am I even supposed to say to this? His mental questions did not show on his face. He merely tilted his head to the side, continuing to narrow his eyes at his Uncle.

"Why are you asking me about this?" He demanded. Severus sighed, sitting down at the head of the classroom. He laced his fingers together and stared at Draco, the pale black eyes boring into him. Draco stood relentless against the stare, not faltering, for once. It would seem that with Tom around, I have grown stronger to certain things. He thought to himself. This was rather surprising because he had not expected that.

"Your father asked me to question you about it." Severus sighed out. Draco had suspected as much.

"Why would father ask you about such things when he should ask me?" Draco grit out, frustration playing with his features.

"Because, Draco, I am your Head of House, and I should be more privy to these sorts of things, and talking to you is more appropriate. Furthermore, he did not wish to distress you." That last part is a big lie. In fact this whole reasoning seems rife with lies. Uncle rarely lies unless Father orders it. That means Father is trying to cover his tracks, for whatever reason. Draco could not help but think this was about Tom. He may not know what it was that Tom had on his father that made the other so careful, but he was not sure he wished to know either. He would prefer to merely put it out of his mind. It was something he could worry about later, and even then he was not too sure that he cared.

"Right, either way I do not think that it is really your place. I will speak to Father about this." He said with a sigh. He shook his head. "He should not be going to you about these sorts of things. I apologize for him getting you involved." He turned to leave, ignoring the surprised sound that his Uncle made behind him. He did not want to stay for this conversation. If his Father was already going to Severus, it meant that he would undoubtedly turn up at the School soon enough.