(no subject)

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Draco was sitting to the back of the bar, watching. Even asking for simple tea was a chore. Been bringing his own supplies for some of it. Just until this tofu nonsense was sorted out. Watchful eyes for some key people in fact. That month extension was almost up. And he still owed debts to people.

Happy Christmas indeed.

Comments

[iambetadraconis]

That's not a problem his uncle has. Even bar won't try and slip anything soy-based into the supply of firewhiskey [or any other alcoholic beverage for that matter], for which we can be cautiously grateful for.

"Draco! Merlin I haven't seen you in... How long has it been now? By jove you don't look so good..."

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Draco glanced at him.

"It's been over a month." Very pointed emphasis on the month part.

[iambetadraconis]

Stare.

Whut?

"Over a month since what?"

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Draco facepalmed, and muttered, "How long has it been for you? Do you even remember? About your brother wanting your head?"

[iambetadraconis]

"I know he wanted me dead and that he's here in this bar but I'm not quite sure what you're talking about."

Hard to remember something if you don't remember talking about it.

"I know he won't give up until he's got me, but I still don't know what you're getting at here."

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Draco nearly headdesked. He could have sworn he told his uncle.

"The deal. Asking me to deliver you to him. He gave me a month, but he decided to extend it. But only if you're at a certain place where he can trap you."

[iambetadraconis]

Rabastan would swear he wasn't told but now's not a time to argue.

Especially when he's goggling at Draco as if the boy's turned green and scaly.

"Don't tell me you agreed to this?!"

And he thought he could trust Draco...

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

"For all he knows, I want to save those I consider important, keep the Dark Lord from wanting me dead, and getting rid of something dangerous," He coldly stated. And who knows? Maybe that is the truth.

"And yet, maybe I'm delivering your brother to you so you can have *his* head."

[iambetadraconis]

"Save? Save who? From what?"

Colour's returning to his face.

"What sort of bargain did you strike with my brother?"

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Draco bluntly stated, "I told you, and I'm not going to repeat just because your lovely holiday and drink has addled your brain."

He added in a sharp but quieter tone, "The new deal is I arrange for us to meet somewhere, only I tell him where and when that is. Got an extra month out of that deal."

[iambetadraconis]

He's never felt it before with any child, but right now giving Draco a slap is proving to be a temptation that's difficult to resist.

Honestly. People do forget.

"And he kills you if you don't." He frowns. That can't be allowed to happen. "It seems as though you'll have to do what he wants. Regardless of what you or I want."

Letting people die isn't an option here.

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Draco nodded.

You don't know what I want. I wanted the blasted Dark Lord never to have returned in the first place. We were just fine without him. And actually how do you know this isn't what *I* want?

"Exactly. The deal goes through." One way or another, I'll win.

[iambetadraconis]

He says nothing for at least a good five minutes. Rabastan needs to formulate a plan. A way to deal with Rodolphus once and for all and in a non-violent manner. And he's going to need help. Outside help. Someone who can carry out what Rabastan wants done.

We have to neutralise him. Render him harmless. We can't give him the Kiss there's no Dementors here. No. We need to do something else. But what? And who would be willing to do it?

"We have to counter him. Make him think he's won. Let him believe you've somehow tricked me into meeting you so he'll be willing to walk into a trap of our own making. One he won't walk out of the way he walked into it...

But how? I don't want more people dead. Not even my own brother."

[not-death-eater.livejournal.com]

"Son."

His father is there, leaning on his cane, just looking at the fruit of his loins.

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Draco glanced up, grey eyes peering back.

"Evening, Father," he replied with civility. Easy to keep up such appearances when one's been trained since birth practically.

[not-death-eater.livejournal.com]

Easy. But not fun.

"And how does this evening find you?"

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Not fun, but necessary. A way to have order and control.

"Rather well. And you?" Draco remarked evenly.

[not-death-eater.livejournal.com]

"I am."

Which is good enough.

"Tis the season."

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

"Hmmm?" Draco glanced around, "Oh yes, it is. I wouldn't recommend the eggnog or most orders right now."

[not-death-eater.livejournal.com]

"I have heard."

Lucius Eyes the signs.

"And do you have any plans for the time?"

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Draco shook his head, thinking of recent notes.

"Not anymore." Seemed rather sullen about something.

[not-death-eater.livejournal.com]

"You had some?"

Curiously.

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

"Just possible ones." But that was unlikely to happen now. She had gone home. Right around the same time as...

"It's nothing. Things have changed."

He then added, "Speaking of such, you saw the note? About Mother?"

[not-death-eater.livejournal.com]

"Yes."

He reaches inside his robe, then pulls out a medium size pouch.

"This, is for you. For the Holidays."

[dragonofgrey.livejournal.com]

Oooh, gifties. Gimme.

Ok, he can be dignified. But you know that's what was going through his mind as he accepted the pouch.

"Thank you, Father." Manners were all important, even if they were usually lip service. Well, except here. And not that he could get away with being anything but sincere usually.