The Slytherin curse

Part 11 - Not so great meeting!

(Draco pov)

Tuesday started quietly.

In the morning, Draco took a tour of the halls, already reviewing his notes for the day and making his schedule. Part of that was to make a quick visit to Azkaban, but he had to make sure everything was OK while he was gone.

On his way to the potions room, he was interrupted by some Slytherin students who wanted to apologize for what happened the day before. That included the part about them trying to convert Scorpius and all that. They explained that they only had the best interests of Slytherin House in mind.

Draco raised an eyebrow skeptically, though, still wondering why they showed such high respect for him instead of going to another adult. The students' gestures touched him ever so slightly in an unexpected way and made him think about the dynamics in his house.

Al also came up to him out of nowhere, in total stress. It was strange to see the boy out and about without Scorpius, but if he didn't know any better, it was likely that was the point. He skillfully shooed the boys away with just a look and a growl to go with it, and as soon as they were gone, Al expressed his concern about Draco's son.

He told him that he hadn't woken up since last night. You'd say that's normal for teenagers, but not here. Because normally Scorpius was the one who took care of everything that had to do with preparations. That included being the first to wake up in the morning and making sure Albus didn't slack off or avoid tasks.

Draco noticed how Albus' voice and mood quickly changed from worried to obsessed. Albus was increasingly blaming others. At first he started to blame Rose, as Scorpius was too worried about her and was now sleeping off his worries due to exhaustion and mental stress and worry. He then cursed his sister Lily for being a burden, as well as James and some other Slytherins for being such assholes. Albus didn't seem to notice how his expression changed and how little he acted like Albus Potter. Draco did, however. Draco raised an eyebrow at this again and tried to calm him down at the end of his outburst. He encouraged Albus not to worry, as Scorpius was strong, it was nothing and if it was, he could just have had a restless night and could use a little more sleep due to exhaustion. He also advised him to go to his father if he needed anything, as Draco had to leave the house later on business.

And of course Harry found out that he would be visiting his father in Azkaban today. Because someone had to watch the snakes while he was away. He didn't need anyone following him or knowing where he was going; it wouldn't be anyone's business and would have no positive consequences.

He couldn't take Harry with him even if he was an Auror. Harry would be very emotional and alone at the thought of dealing with his and Draco's past in such a place. But it was Draco's responsibility to go through with it first and foremost. And, knowing that this place was not for children or the faint of heart, he preferred to do it alone. He also hoped to be back before Scorpius woke up to be assured that everything was OK.

He didn't want to let anyone know every detail that might come. The burden of questions and conversations he would have with his father was heavy enough on him and he didn't want to pin it on anyone else.

It would be a challenging and uncomfortable conversation, Draco knew that, but he also knew that he had to have it.

It was easy to get there. It took him perhaps an hour to reach the gate and the huge doors, before and behind which were the guards, where one led him to the prison cells.

And here he saw the one he had always feared and hated in his childhood.

His father was right here in a cell. Behind bars. Locked up. Without anything but himself. In front of him and powerless. And now Draco was back here after a long time and couldn't help but stare at the man with hatred. The thought and the fact of seeing his father behind bars again caused him mixed feelings - anger, hatred and even sadness.