Determination| 𝐴 𝐷𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 (𝚈𝚎𝚊𝚛 4, 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 2)

Chaper Three | Bad Guy

Bad Guy, by Billie Eilish

Draco laid on his back, weaving his wand through his fingers and staring up at the ceiling of the room he'd claimed in their tent when his father rushed in, his cloak flailing behind him. He scowled when he saw his son lounging lazily on his bed. "Sit up, Draco!" Draco did as he was commanded and Lucius growled. "Stand up son! Show some respect and don't be smart with me today. You will regret it if you disobey me."

   Clearing his throat, Lucius started to speak. "Now, I have some business to attend to. Some of my old..." Lucius hesitated and raised an eyebrow. "...colleagues are gathering tonight for a meeting. There will be some movement in the cause and I want you to accompany us. It will be a good experience for you and at such a young age you should be honored to have been invited."

Lucius straightened his robes and cleared his throat before continuing. "It is a proud thing for me that you have been chosen. There were also others for consideration. Parkinson, Nott, and Zabini have been also carefully considered. It has been decided that you, however, will be the most influential of the next generation. You will be the first to take up the title and the others shall follow suit. It will be up to you to lead them and follow your superior unquestionably."

   Draco swallowed and his father looked down, meeting his eyes. "You have been waiting for this your entire life. This is your chance. The chance you have been waiting for. All your life, your mother and I have groomed you and trained you for this. But I'll tell you now if you are not going to take this seriously don't even consider joining us. I will not have you making a mockery of me amongst some of the most influential followers of the cause."

Of course, Draco knew why his father wasn't saying anything about Death Eaters or the Dark Lord. It was a precaution in case anyone from the ministry was listening in. Instead, he referred to them as colleagues and the cause. That way nothing could be traced back to their family's involvement when the Dark Lord did return. Draco shuddered at the thought. He prayed that it wasn't true but indeed with the support and help of his followers the Dark Lord was on his way to returning.

   What Draco didn't understand was how his father could be so happy about this. He had rarely been treated with respect under the Dark Lord and was constantly under threats. Whether it be death threats or just constant torture. The Malfoys had much more respect from the ministry and fellow pureblood families than they ever had under Voldemort. Draco shuddered again at the thought of his name. But then he heard Hermione's voice from their second year ringing in his head. "Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself." She was right, as usual.

Draco straightened himself and faced his father. "I think it would be wise if I stayed behind." Draco quickly pulled out his wand and placed a silencing spell on the room so that no one could hear their conversation. He truly didn't understand why his father had not done so earlier. Lucius raised an eyebrow and looked almost impressed. Almost. Draco pocketed his was again and nodded. "I do have a good reason father," Draco added quickly so that his father would not lash out.

Lucius nodded. "I should hope so..."

   Taking a deep breath, Draco continued. "I think if there is to be a raid tonight it would be best if I did not go. See if both you and I were to disappear upon the event then suspicion would rise. Our family is known to have been involved in such activities in the past. But, if I were to join the other wizards, when they are in turmoil and in search of a safe hiding place, then suspicion should be drawn away from our family's involvement."

Lucius hesitated, pondering this. "I believe I have underestimated you." He said after a minute. "You have more brains than I had anticipated." Draco tried not to wince at the insult and nodded. Lucius continued. "You might make a good leader yet. But remember..." Lucius places a hand on Draco's shoulder. "You must always remember that you are first and foremost a follower, before a leader." Lucius nodded. "Very well. You are to follow the others, but I want to you act as a spy on the blood traitors and mudbloods."