Not Your Average Slytherin

Chapter 13 (Draco's Chapter)

I had planned to stay longer, I really did. I thought after eating, I could see him and we could share a few more minutes together until everyone had to leave. But, when I got to my room, there was someone sitting on my bed.
"Father?" I said, stunned.
"You're already packed up, aren't you?" He said, standing. His cane tapped the hardwood floors. "Let's go."
"You're here early.," I said, grabbing my bag. "Is something wrong?"
"Does something have to be wrong for me to pick up my son?"
There are so many ways to answer that, but I stay silent. He walks out of my room and I grab my bag, following him out.
My father's hair was neatly combed and pulled back in a ponytail longer than the last time I saw him. Sometimes I imagined myself with those long locks, but I'd never be caught dead following my father's footsteps. Not anymore.
People stare as my father escorts me out of Hogwarts and I keep my chin up, not looking at anyone besides the back of my father's head.
I used to be proud of who I was. Of being a Malfoy. I think my father used to be, too. But, after the war, we were disgraced. My father's ego never recovered but he puts on a front to keep anyone from seeing that. His true anger and sadness is only revealed in the privacy of our home.
As we walk into the cold, winter air, he speaks. He can finally say what's on his mind now that we're alone. "I've been hearing things."
"What kind of things?" I ask, swallowing my fear.
"You've been hanging out with that boy."
The way he says it, I know exactly who he means. "That's not true. We just haven't been fighting, getting into trouble. I thought you'd be happy about that." But when is he ever happy with me?
He stays quiet, but I can tell he doesn't believe me. He's more paranoid now. As though everyone's out to get him. Maybe everyone is.
"Father, why did you pick me up? I know the way home."
He doesn't answer.
We go the rest of the way home in silence. It's not until he closes our front door that he speaks.
"You thought you could sneak around without me finding out?"
I grip my suitcase tightly. "I haven't been-"
"Don't lie to me, Draco.," he snapped. "You and.. Potter. Have you got some evil ploy going on in that big head of yours?"
"Father, I don't know what you're talking about." I answer, ignoring the acidic tone.
"Oh, so it's just an accident that you've said nothing but horrible things about that boy for 7 years but now you've realised he'd be a good friend? It's just some happy accident?"
I stay silent, not knowing how to answer. I could tell him it is a happy accident, that I haven't been longing for Harry for years. But who's to say he'll believe me? He seems rather sceptical now
"In the name of Merlin, Draco, you're still my son. You're still a Malfoy. But, at this rate, you'll be marrying some Mudblood. I mean, look at you. Befriending the Chosen One. You'll ruin the only tiny shrewd of dignity us Malfoys have left." I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes.
I used to believe this shit. I used to buy into rescuing the Malfoy name and being the next great Malfoy. Destroying Harry and what not. It's almost embarrassing the way I let my father use me. The way I used to let him treat me. I wish I could change it, I do. But here we are again, getting chastised by dad.
I wonder if it's worth it to tell him the truth. I don't know what would shock him more. My dating the Harry Potter? Harry's lack of the pure blood my father so desires? Or my homosexuality?
One of the house elves brought my father a glass of wine. He took one sip, clearly needing more alcohol to continue his rant.
"What about your other friends? The good ones who don't try to destroy us." He said bitterly.
"I hang out with them, too." I lie. I don't know the last time I've spoken to a Slytherin. I've either been alone or with Harry. I wouldn't say that was healthy but.. it's Been taxing, keeping this a secret.
"Any girls?" He asked, seeming to have calmed down a little. But this was the touchy subject for me.
"Father-"
"Alright, Alright. I'm going to let you get settled. Dinner will be ready soon though." He said, suddenly backing off. That scared me more than yelling. More than anything he's done to me in the past.
I begin to walk to my room, happy to be alone. Until I open the door and find another special guest. Today seems to be full of surprises.