The Art of Betrayal by katehathaway

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- NOT MY STORY!! ALL CREDITS TO @katehathaway ON A03!!

24 December 1924

BELOVED BACHELOR MISSING: A REFLECTION OF HIS LIFE AND LEGACY

By Rita Skeeter

Mr. Draco Malfoy is an extraordinarily talented man, of that Great Britain has no doubt, but what is also interesting is that one of his skills is seeking out talent. His close friends are wonderful examples of this fact because all of the men he surrounds himself with are as distinguished and successful in their endeavors as he is.

Mr. Blaise Zabini, Mr. Malfoy's financial advisor, is one of the most hired and well-connected men in his industry. Nearly every famous or half-famous individual with any sense has used Mr. Zabini's brilliant head for numbers, and on more than one occasion has also saved them from fiscal disaster. Mr. Graham Montague owns the third most profitable betting shops in London, following behind well-known entrepreneurs Mr. Xenophilius Lovegood and Mr. Amycus Carrow. Mr. Marcus Flint owns and operates the largest home for orphaned children in London and hires many of the boys once they are of age.

Mr. Theodore Nott, Jr, however – the heir and now sole owner of Nott Holdings, the second most profitable business in Great Britain (second to Malfoy Company Limited, of course!) – is the most remarkable and most notable among Mr. Draco Malfoy's friends because of their lifelong friendship and mutual success. The pair have been constantly at each other's side and basking the public in their charismatic glow.

It is from Mr. Nott that the Daily Prophet expects to learn more about Mr. Draco Malfoy's disappearance, and ultimately to discover his whereabouts. We, as a nation, wait patiently for Mr. Malfoy's best mate and tireless protector to uncover the truth and share it with us.

I would describe Theo as more of a merciless protector, personally, but perhaps that's because I have been on both sides of his defense of Draco. He can be wicked and cruel, attacking you at your weakest point in a matter of seconds. He was always particularly gifted at that – at figuring out your weakest point.

What you wanted to keep hidden – to protect – above all else.

I would like to think we might be best mates ourselves now, but there was definitely a time even after establishing myself among the Death Eaters that I doubted that was possible, and it had a lot to do with our secrets and fragile bridge of trust.

Honestly?

There were far too many secrets among those who I thought were closest to me. Though, I suppose, that's a bit hypocritical seeing as I wasn't specifically forthcoming with truths either. Although, if anyone were to know where Draco would be right now perhaps Theo was the best guess. He was certainly the horse that the country wanted to put their money on in the race to find their missing, beloved bachelor.

Then again, I sincerely hope that I am not too far behind in the race. Otherwise, Draco will surely be dead soon, and I don't think I can stomach that. In fact, as I've likely proven more than once already, I would readily trade my life for his if the opportunity arose.

13 February 1923

Hermione was not the superstitious type.

Superstitions were irrational practices based in ignorance, a positive belief in fate or magic, and a misunderstanding of science or causality. It was for all three reasons that she chose not to indulge in the supernaturality of such behaviors.

When she won the first hand of poker the other night against Draco, Astoria and Theo, her brain did not immediately relate her novice status to her chance of winning and deem the result to be beginner's luck. When a black kitten sprinted across her feet in a hurry to cross the same road she walked along, Hermione did not suddenly fear a witch to be haunting her in the form of a starved feline eager to find food in the dirty streets of London.