What if He had a Choice?

62

Tom pulled Draco into the Room of Requirement in moments after he was dismissed from the Healers office. Draco went eagerly, if a bit jittery still from the Boggart. He was extremely happy, glad that the Dark Lord was still going to teach him things. He was worried that, even though the Dark Lord had agreed earlier to continue to teach him, that he was just not going to have the time. It was not the first time that things did not come to happen the way he wanted because people are just too busy for him. It may be a bit...well a bit treasonous to think that the Dark Lord would rescind his word, but Draco just couldn't help the habits that ran through him like nothing more. 

"Thank you so much, my Lord." Draco said happily, bouncing on his feet. Tom couldn't help but smirk slightly. The joy that plagued the Malfoy boy's face was enough that Tom knew this was the right call. He could have written this off, just to deal with Lupin and Snape, reschedule as it were, but he had a feeling this was the better call. It was nice to know that he was not entirely remiss in his ability to read people now. 

"It is no trouble, but do not think I am going to go easy on you, Draco. I want you to revisit the unforgiveables. It has been a while since we visited them. Almost a week and a half now, I believe." 

"Yes, of course. I don't really see any animals to do it though." Tom raised a brow. He gestured to himself and watched with great pleasure as terror struck the boy's face. 

"I-I could not possibly, My Lord, such a thing...I cannot even begin to even attempt such a blastphe..."

"Draco, Little Dove," Tom said gently ,sliding up to the boy. "I was messing with you." A flick of his wand had a few spiders flying onto the table before them. "Of course, I do not want you to ever draw your wand against me," Tom traced the choker, still admiring that Draco had allowed him to seal it on him. He was careful not to undue it with his magic. "Unless I specifically say so. After all, soon enough we will be sparring with each other." Tom watched his trophy's face pale so deliciously. 

"Spar...My Lord?" Draco whispered, his words low and almost terrified. "Against you, my Lord? I could not possibly..." Tom raised a hand, stopping Draco in his stutter. 

"Rest assured, this is not the time, of course, and I know you are well aware that I am far more superior, you need not worry about hurting me." Draco relaxed, slightly. Tom could still see the anxiety coursing through him though, and decided to change the subject, having tormented his pet a bit too much. "Now, the unforgiveables. If you will, Draco," Draco lit up again, eager to have a chance to prove himself. The boy was truly too easy to read. 

"Of course, My Lord," The words were barely audible, his words shaking in his eagerness. Tom was still entranced by how effortlessly the Dark Arts came to the boy. Particularly considering the boy had a Unicorn core wand. Yet, as per the last time he attempted them, the unforgiveables were done easily, and effortlessly. Tom hummed, dark eyes watching gleefully. Oh, corrupting Lucius' precious son was even better than he truly thought. 

"Wonderful job, Draco," Tom spoke softly, letting his fingers trail the boy's shoulders. "I am quite impressed with you, and now we can delve into things that are a bit..." Tom hummed, pausing to draw out the anticipation. "Darker." The words were deep, entrancing, drawing Malfoy in with glittering and eager eyes. 

"Thank you, My Lord," Tom laughed. He had yet to hear a Malfoy say thank you quite so much. He supposed having a pupil whose father refused to teach him, and was quite...well cruel in his own way...was definitely going to be thanking him for his generosity. 

"It is nothing, but first, one must read to understand the background of these things." A wave of his hand had a book flying towards it. Tom caught it, flicked it open idly, and turned it to Draco. "Sit," The boy followed his command easily, and Tom dropped the book into his lap. "Read, and once you are done, we can begin other spells. But, Draco," Tom crouched down, pulling Draco's chin up to face him, the silver glinting against his neck. Tom ran his tongue against the back of his teeth. "I am going to leave for a bit, but I will return. Do not leave here, until I come back, yes?" 

"Of course, My Lord," Draco said, his own expression confused. "But...what..." 

"Shh," Tom lifted his finger against plush lips. Silencing the boy. "I will tell you later, perhaps, but for now, read..." Draco cowered slightly.

"Yes, My Lord, I apologize for questioning..." 

"It is not the questions that I am irritated with, my dove, but I will tell you later, if I deem it fit for you to know, okay? Until then, I do not want you questioning my motives, or actions. It does not suit you." 

"Yes, My Lord," Draco whispered, fingers curling around the spine of the book Tom had handed him. 

"Good boy," Tom's words seemed slightly mocking, but the gentle way that he held him left Draco confused and jittery. Tom released his chin, gently stroked his fingers through the strands of his hair, and then pulled away. "I shall return promptly. Do not leave, and read the book." Tom slowly exited the Room, moving swiftly through the halls. 

He had two people to visit. Severus and Remus. He would go to Severus first. He wanted to know what the point of his disobedience was. He could not do something so bold as to torment him, he could not allow the man to know who he was, but he was angry. Things such as these could not go unpunished. Severus had hurt Draco, his actions were willful, he was certain, but he would be merciful. He would allow him a chance to explain himself. Something he would not allow with Lupin, and only because Draco cared for him. 

Sighing, Tom couldn't help but finger his temporarily empty wrist. Draco would buy a bracelet, or find one, and imbue it with his magic. Tom needed to know what was going on with the boy, and perhaps he could put a trace on the magic, so that Tom would know where he was at all times. That definitely seemed plausible. A bit difficult, particularly since Draco would have to be the one to do it, but not impossible.