What if He had a Choice?

68

Draco grumbled, predictably, had being forced to speak with McGonagall about his father. It was less the insinuation, and more the fact that she was a gryffindor, and according to Draco, gryffindors simply could not be trusted. It was not that Tom wanted to disavow that notion, but he also knew McGonagall would prove to be useful if they could get her on their side. Difficult as it may be, he intended to use her endlessly 'good' heart to pursue his own means. Lucius was a future problem, but a current asset, and Tom knew that as long as Draco did not give any overt reasons for them to continue an investigation, Lucius would be acquitted, at least for now. He was not stupid, he knew that they would continue on their own, but that was neither here nor there.

They would not have the auror's to help, and that was the point.

-

Tom, regrettably, was unable to see Draco for most of the next day. They were in different years, and Draco did have his talk with the headmistress to deal with, something which Tom was certain he would do well on his own. A test, of sorts. Meanwhile, Tom had many letters he needed to write and send off, something he had been neglecting to do for the past two days. Now that he had the time, he intended to get it done, and get it done he did.

It was during his reading time by the fire in the Slytherin Common Room that Draco entered all wrath and no calm. His eyes stormed, his body trembled, he was storming across the room before pasting himself to Tom's side. Tom just lifted a brow, flicked another page, and muttered to the room softly what exactly had happened to cause Draco to be so angry. His gaze turned to Blaise and Pansy, who were staring with discomforted looks.

They knew what he was doing, of course, they were far more worldly than Draco was, but they could do nothing to stop him, and wasn't that just so painfully sad. Tom wanted to laugh at the situation, but instead, Draco answered him, drawing his attention away from the child's friends and back onto him.

"It was that annoying Potter. Apparently, since news of my boggart has gotten out, Potter has gotten it up in his head that he must 'save' me. Well I didn't ask to be saved, and I almost hexed him, it was a rather near thing, because he simply would not leave me alone! He dogged me through all my classes, followed me to the headmistresses office, and I simply could not get away from him! I do not understand, I finally leave him and his stupid posse alone, and all of a sudden he thinks himself a martyr to my cause? I left him alone! He should be rejoicing and instead he is dogging me around instead!"

"I see," Tom said slowly. "And how did your talk with the headmistress go?" Draco huffed, rolling his eyes and folding his arms petulantly.

"I do not know. That is the problem. I think maybe I convinced her, but there is this feeling I get that she didn't really believe me. Who knows, it doesn't really matter as the Ministry has refused to pursue the matter, but at the end of the day, she is a Gryffindor, and so I doubt that she will let it go! Why is everyone suddenly so concerned! They were not concerned before! Now it is as if they all want to help me, well too bad!"

Draco was clearly in a foul mood. Tom sighed, running his fingers through his hair to calm him. Draco was a lot like a human pet. Hence Tom's nickname for him. Carding hands through his hair never seemed to fail to get him to calm down, and sometimes even sleepy.

"You cannot get mad at them for being concerned," Tom said slowly, running his fingers into the muscles of the boy's neck to loosen his stiffness. "They did not think that your home life was as...complicated as it is. That is why, it will fade, soon enough." 

"I don't want it to fade, because I know that it won't be over." Draco burried his head in Tom's side. "I am not stupid, I know father can be a lot, but he isn't as bad as everyone makes him out to seem. It is irritating having them think he is so awful when is not! How am I supposed to walk around Hogwarts, or anywhere, with everyone staring at me with that...that pity in their eyes! It is unfuriating!" 

"I am sure that it is, but you will, remember, this is to our means, and our ends, you can handle a little pity, I think, yes?" Draco bit his tongue, pouting at Tom, but he did not bend. After about a good minute locked in a stalemate, Draco groaned but conceded. 

"Fine, but I do not have to like it." 

"I do not expect you to." Tom said gently. "I just expect you to endure. That is what Slytherins do. Besides, you can use this pity...your image may take a slight hit, but people look the other way in a lot of things when they pity the person doing the actions. Trust me, this is beneficial." 

"But what about Father?" Draco asked, his voice low, worried. "That...That woman isn't going to stop. I know she isn't. Too salazar forsaken stubborn. What if they decide Father truly should be remanded?" 

"I doubt it will get to that, but never fear. Lucius has money, and as I am quite sure you are aware, money buys everything. Even trials." 

Draco swallowed nervously. He wanted  Tom's words to calm him, he truly did, but he could not help but wonder...and that wonder was spreading through him rapidly. Tom noticed and sighed heavily.

"If it comes down to it, I will handle it. Trust me, dear," Tom said softly, kissing the top of his head. "There is nothing to be worried of, or do you not believe in my capabilities?" Tom smiled at the way the boy immediately jumped to his defense. It was almost too easy at times....almost.