Fire and Ice

Throwing Rope

Whipping out his wand, Draco strengthened his stance, facing his father as a man. His eyes slashed against the chamber, searching for anybody else. Only stone wall met him.

Lucius laughed harshly.

"You're supposed to be in Azkaban," Draco breathed. "How did you-"

"Relax, Draco," his father said, as he deftly removed Draco's wand from his hand. "Severus told me everything."

Severus.... Snape...

"Snape?"

"Yes, Draco, he told me about your undercover mission, " Lucius said impatiently, "and how you are pretending to be on the blood traitor's side to gain information. My, my, Draco!" he said suddenly, "what a stroke of genius! Never would I have thought that you would come up with something like this!" He ignored Draco's quiet snarl and continued. "The Dark Lord will be most pleased. I expect he will have missions for you immediately, as you are in the perfect position to conduct his deeds. I daresay Severus' services will no longer be needed!" he cackled. Draco blinked.

Professor Snape has thrown him some rope, but Draco wasn't ready to grab hold.

"But what..." he began weakly. Lucius looked at him directly and Draco repeated himself in his usual, strong, bored voice.

"But what are you doing here? What about Azkaban?"

"Son, when you have as much power as us Malfoys, things as pitiful as Azkaban aren't even worth thinking about. Everything has been smoothed over."

Lucius hasn't called Draco "son" since his first day of Hogwarts. He must be proud of him for once. Draco shook of the feeling of unease at the prospect that his father was proud of him.

Wrapping his hands around Snape's rope, Draco tugged as he said coolly, "Well, good. As for my undercover work, I shall presume as normal?"

"Yes. Draco, when you hexed me, you even had me fooled. Good work, boy."

Draco nodded as he looked down to his father, who stood two inches below him.

"I will be leaving sometime tonight, for I have business with your Aunt Bellatrix. However, I have eyes and ears all around the school, Draco. I will be watching and I will be making sure you play your part well. Tell no one of my arrival."

Draco nodded again. Before turning away, Draco called, "how's mother?". He was met with a wave of unconcern.

As they walked opposite directions, Lucius thought of the Dark Lord, while Draco thought of his mother.