Darkness Falls

Twenty Six

1994 - Third Year

The Hogwarts Express pulled in at Hogsmeade station, filled with students who were mostly reluctant to go back after Christmas. Draco on the other hand, had been most eager to get back to school, away from the doom and gloom that was Malfoy Manor.

He stepped off the train, his bag in hand, the harsh winter breeze scratching against his smooth complexion, staring up at the castle. From where he stood he felt as though he could see the room, his room - their room. It was impossible of course, but his mind was so focused he could imagine the fire light blazing through the window making it possible for him to see and imagine that Hermione was in there.

'She's probably with Saint Potter and Weasley' his bitter voice echoed inside his head.

"Already miserable that you're back?" Theo asked from beside him.

Draco internally flinched at the sudden appearance of his friend, his absence on the train had not gone unnoticed, to Draco at least. He led the way towards the castle, Theo beside him, slightly ahead of the rest of their Slytherin friends.

"So, any plans for tonight?" Theo asked smugly.

"The usual."

"Ah yes, you'll probably fancy a stroll around the castle in about an hour, give those legs of yours a stretch, maybe go up a few flights of stairs, end up on the seventh floor or something."

Draco never wavered his cool persona, no matter how off guard someone had caught him, continuing his steady pace, he chose not to respond to Theo's not so subtle mention of his family's secret room.

"Am I right, or am I right?" Thoe asked.

"You wouldn't be asking if you were wrong now would you, Theodore?"

"No sir, I would not." He grinned. Theo never required verbal or physical confirmation from anyone to know he was right, as what Draco had said was true, he never made a comment off a hearsay, only when he knew it to be a solid fact. Draco had learnt over the years that if Theo knew something, he would find a way to say it indirectly, that was one of the many reasons Draco liked him, with Theo, what you see is what you get.

"So, how was your Christmas?" He asked Draco, changing the subject.

Another thing he liked, Theo would never push a topic with him, it was moments like these were Draco realised that Theo was actually a better friend than he'd given him credit for.

"Same as always."

"Ah yes, well, the Malfoys always did know how to throw a party for hundreds of guests but more private events... not so much."

Draco chuckled and nodded in agreement, "And yours?"

"Oh mine was magnificent. Father treated me to a trip to the Netherlands so that we could have a snowy Christmas and we played games, ate together and he got me loads of presents," Theo's said over excitedly, clapping his hands with excitement, "it was impossible to open them all in one day, in fact, it took me two whole days, but it didn't bother either of us because we opened them together and spent time bonding as father and son."

"He got drunk and fell asleep before lunch then?"

"He got drunk and fell asleep before lunch."

"Ah to be a son of a Death Eater."

"It's a wonderful life, one to be envious of if not lived."

"Mmm, sure."

"Speaking of which. Any funky Death Eater news to report?"