Tom Riddle is Here-Plan in Action

33

Draco felt distressed, enough that it was not hard to fake it, because he was honestly feeling it. Anxiety wrapped itself around his throat and cut off his breathing. He knocked on that ragged Professor's door, sharp, but not urgent, knocks. One...Two...Three...and the Professor opened the door abruptly, leaving Draco startling back slightly at that suddenness. He had not expected that, but easily schooled himself once again.

"Professor, I was wondering if we could have some tea." The Professor seemed surprised, and a bit unprepared, but Draco simply pushed his way through, and dropped his body onto the armchair. He turned to look at Lupin, waiting to see if he would be tossed out. He knew he would not, after all that Professor was simply too soft. HIs godfather would not bother to throw him out if he had showed such blatant disrespect. Walking into the office with no regard. He would be lucky if all his father did was flay him a few times. Give him a few lashes, maybe a good couple of hexes if he wanted to be tame.

"What can I help you with, Mr. Malfoy?" Draco tapped his fingers along the arm of the chair and waited, silently, for the tea to steam, and be poured, watching idly as the smoke curled up from the pot and the cups. He grabbed the cup with one hand, tasting it, before returning it to its saucer.

"I have a request, for you..."

"A request?" The professor had to be absoutely dim, seriously. Draco tried to keep himself from getting irritated but it was really difficult. He was having a rather tough time, and while he knew Tom's plan was brilliant, it still required him to be an uncomfortable level of vulderable, and even ask...ask for a favor! Something Malfoys' simply did not do. This was drilled into Draco's mind over and over and over again and here he was going against everything his father taught him at the behest of Tom.

"My father is coming to the school tomorrow." Draco began, and Lupin could tell that this was something that was difficult for the boy, so he did not bother to interrupt, simply waiting patiently for him to continue. The anxiety seemed to drip off him in waves. Lupin could smell it. "I wanted to request that you write to see him tomorrow."

"Any particular reason as to why?" Lupin asked, tilting his head towards the boy. He could hear how his heart was racing, thumping in his chest violently.

"I wish for you to speak with him on my...adaquecy in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and to reassure him that I am a diligent student."

"Why?" He could not help but ask, but noticed how Draco's nails scratched against the fabric of the chair.

"Because, Professor, he was unhappy with my grade last year. I wish for him to be reassured that I am doing well. Barring that, I know you have your...concerns. You may speak to my father about them." The permission was interesting, but Lupin would take what he was given. He had been trying to talk to Draco for the better part of two years now, and constantly being rebuffed. While this was not really the preferred way of gathering information, he also knew that he had to be grateful for what he would be given. This was a chance to get some insight into Draco, and his homelife, even if it was just meeting with Lucius in person.

Lucius was not someone that Lupin knew well. That was more Sirius' area before he defected, and from what Lupin gathered Sirius was not exactly the most unbiased and reliable source of information. He knew that Severus was entangled with Lucius, and had been since Lily broke their friendship, but he did not know Lucius himself. Not well. He knew the man was wealthy, noble, and had a lot of power and influence. Still, he wondered...

"Draco, you are doing quite well in my class, I do not understand why I must speak with your father." Draco rolled his eyes, as if the answer to that question was obvious and he was being obtuse.

"You have been dogging me around like a wayward puppy, Professor. I know you have concerns, I think speaking with Father will set to rest your irritating actions, and concerns, so I ask you to do it. Just ask father, speak to him, and you will see there is nothing to be so annoying about!" Draco stood defensively, narrowing his eyes. "Tis up to you, but I tire of your constant questions. Your need for answers is simple. Ask father, or leave me alone!" He left the room, angry, upset, and knowing he definitely did not do what Tom had wanted.