A Son of Slytherin

A Son of Slytherin

Chapter Five

Plans

Theo Nott sat alone by the fireplace, gazing absently at the faces carved along the edges of the mantle. He realized he'd been staring into the dark wooden eyes of a monkey-faced man. He didn't know who the man was, or if he had ever been real, but for some reason it was that face that drew his attention whenever he was particularly worried or deep in thought. And he was worried.

He kept seeing an image from the Daily Prophet of 14 years ago. His father, flanked by Aurors, was a younger, angrier man than Theo ever remembered. That vision blurred with a real memory: his Dad grinning proudly as he held out Theo's birthday present, a new broom. Theo didn't know what would happen to his father, or how the old man could manage in prison.

He didn't know what was going to happen to him either. Or how he would manage by himself. Theo frowned at the monkey-faced man who seemed to be sneering at him. "You aren't much help," he grumbled out loud and instantly regretted it.

"Who isn't?" Draco asked, coming up from behind. "Talking to the furniture again? What did it answer?"

"I get better advice from furnishings than I'd expect from you, Malfoy. Not that I'd ever be desperate enough to go to you for advice."

"Your father comes to Malfoy for advice, all the time."

"And look where it's landed him!" Theo snapped back.

The boys scowled at each other as several more Fifth years joined them. "Have you made plans?" Pansy asked. Theo was caught off guard by the sincerity in her voice, but was too wary to trust it.

"Where are you going when term is over?" Millicent probed. Her glance towards Draco told Theo what he needed to know.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Blaise on the other side of the common room with Tracy Davis. He forced himself not to look, keeping his eyes on Millicent. "I don't actually know, yet, but I have some ideas."

"Orphanage no doubt," Draco drawled, bringing Theo's attention back. "I hear they're terrible places. You'll have to do Muggle work and eat awful, Muggle food. Nasty little things living in the beds. I hope you can survive the holiday: eight long weeks."

"I suspect you're right. Eight weeks with Muggles will be a holiday after sharing a dormitory with you."

Pansy stepped between him and Draco. "We've come to see how you are, Theo. We are concerned."

Curious, more likely, Theo thought to himself, noticing the look in her eyes didn't match her smile. Not concerned enough to offer any help.

"We'll all send you packages," Millicent said, looking around at the others. Crabbe and Goyle actually nodded. "It'll help pass the time. We're Slytherin. We stick together." She hooked her arm around Gregory's. He looked surprised.

"You can't send an owl to a Muggle orphanage!" Draco snapped.

Millicent gasped - "That's right! Oh, Theo, it's horrible!"

"I'm fine. Thank you," he said, not sure if Millicent was playing at something or truly concerned. She and Draco didn't seem to be using the same script. He realized he should be concerned too. He wasn't the only one with a father going to Azkaban. "How is your mother?" He asked Crabbe.

"Mum's all right, I guess. She said that Mrs. Goyle was with her," Vincent answered.

"I'm sure Gregory's mother is a comfort," Millicent suggested squeezing Goyle's arm.

"Our Mums are great friends. Always swapping recipes and..." Gregory started.

"My Mother is doing fine. She's first rate, you know. And anyway, it won't be for long." Malfoy butted in.

Theo bristled at Malfoy's rudeness. "You idiot, of course it'll be a long time. Even if they get out they won't be free! You think your father will just Apparate into the dining room for tea one afternoon?"

"No, of course not. We have wards up," Malfoy started before he realized the sarcasm. "All right, then. What are your plans?" he sneered. "My family is strong and we know whose side we're on. If you asked politely, I might be able to help you."

Theo took a step forward: "My plans are none of your business. I don't want your curiosity or concern or anything else from any Malfoy. Malfoy has done enough for Nott, thank you very much."

"Go on to your orphanage then. See how you like living with Muggles. Can't use magic over the holiday you know. Once the Muggles get hold of you, you'll be calling for Malfoy. You'll be calling the first night!"

"Not likely. I don't need you and I don't need your bloody Dark Lord!" Without thinking, Theo swung his fist and hit the prefect in the face. The force of the blow spun Draco around, blood spurting from his nose. Everyone else had frozen. For a long second nothing happened then everything became a roaring blur.

Draco yelled, and lunged, fists pounding. Theo fought back, vaguely aware of voices cheering them on, some for Malfoy some for Nott. A small part of him wondered that Crabbe and Goyle hadn't interfered. Then a Prefect took charge: "Impedimenta!"

Theo was on the ground struggling against nothing. He felt a grip on his collar and was jerked to his feet, along with Draco. He saw in a flash that Blaise stood, blocking Crabbe and Goyle, his wand at the ready. He had just enough time to register that it wasn't a prefect who had intervened, but Professor Snape, before his head made resounding contact with Draco's and the Professor let go of them both. Draco staggered and raised a hand to his head, but remained standing. Theo hit the floor again, stars spinning in front of his eyes. Professor's voice echoed in his head: "My office, gentlemen."

Theo struggled to his feet and stumbled after the billowing robes. He was aware of Malfoy just as unsteady beside him. The temperature dropped as soon as they stepped into the passageway, and again in Professor's office. Usually Nott enjoyed the cool, but now he began to shiver and his head was pounding. The office was back to its usual stark condition. Dead creatures stared from jars and the fireplace was empty. He and Draco were left to stand as Snape sat behind the desk and studied them.

Theo dared a glance in Draco's direction and saw his nose was streaming blood. Theo knew that he was in big trouble. He rubbed at his own face and was surprised to see a red smear on his hand. For one moment he had the idea that it was Draco's blood before realizing how badly his face ached.

Professor pulled out his wand, pointed it to a door at one side of his office, muttered a spell and spoke to the boys, "Wash up." The boys turned to obey, and he added, "Leave it clean."

As they stepped into Professor's lavatory, two sets of towels appeared. The boys stood silently beside each other and washed at the sink, trying not to splash or to bump each other. Theo fell into the Slytherin habit of deferring to Malfoy and so finished after him. Theo used his wand to work a clearing spell and both of them looked around before stepping back into the office. There was no sign of blood or water and the towels disappeared as soon as they dropped into the hamper.

Professor's eyes glared at them as they approached the desk. A small fire had been lit, but it barely touched the chill in the room. No chairs had been Conjured. They stood waiting for Professor. When at last he spoke it was with a deathly quietness that made Theo feel even colder. "Fighting is against the rules at Hogwarts. Slytherin fighting Slytherin is unacceptable. I should expel both of you for this." He paused and added, "Draco, I expected better of a Malfoy."

Draco reddened at the idea that he didn't measure up to his family and Theo blanched at the silent implication that Nott didn't measure up to Malfoy. Draco started to protest, "Did you hear what he said, sir? He..."

Professor had raised his hand. "Enough! There will be a war, gentlemen, and when you are of age you may choose your sides. But the war has no place in Hogwarts. There is to be no more fighting at all. And there is to be no arguing out side of the common room. Do I make myself plain?"

"Yes, sir," both boys answered quickly.

"You, Mr. Malfoy, are confined to the common room until dinner. You may go."

Draco responded with an oily, "Yes, Sir," then turned and smirked at Theo. Theo supposed that as usual, Draco had gotten off lightly and he would be in for something worse. He was staring, unseeing, at the ink well on the desk. There was a long, uncomfortable silence.

Without warning he was struck in the chest by a book. He jumped back, looking up in case something else was coming. Theo had heard other Slytherins speak of Professor Snape throwing things at them, but he had never experienced it himself. His eyes darted to the shelves, wondering if the jars were within Professor's reach.

"Idiot boy!" Theo took another step back, surprised. Professor was on his feet, moving toward him. "Half of Slytherin House is loyal to the Dark Lord!"

"Then the other half of us aren't!" Theo snapped. He met the professor's glare for several seconds, then added, apologetically, "Sir."

"Most of the 7^th years will be Marked before the summer is out," Snape added.

"I'm not. I won't be. I don't care if my Father is." He glared back into the beetle black eyes of his Head of House, not quite understanding what was meant by "Marked." After a moment he began to regret his outburst, but he stood resolute.

"I see." Professor said coldly.

Theo had a sick feeling in his stomach, not from the ringing headache, but from a sudden thought. Professor was supposed to be a friend of Mr. Malfoy and he had known Theo's father years ago. What if he was a Death Eater? Never once had Theo doubted Professor's support of Dumbledore. The trust between the men had been plain to see at every crisis at Hogwarts. But now he wondered, and his eyes shot an unasked question.

"Sit, Theo" Professor said, drawing a chair with his wand. It was a soft, enveloping chair, like the ones in the common room. The unexpected comfort weakened Theo and he blinked back tears.

As if he had read Theo's mind, Professor Snape began to talk. "I am very familiar with the Death Eaters' organization. Slytherins, by their very nature are attracted to the philosophies espoused by the Dark Lord, and are easily swayed by his rhetoric." He paused, absently rubbing his left wrist. His face grew stern and his eyes bore into Theo's. "You should use more discretion around your housemates. Keep your opinions to yourself. You are a Slytherin, be cunning."

"Cunning?" Theo snorted, "I think the stupid Hat made a mistake."

"Where do you belong, then? Hufflepuff?" Professor asked with an edge to his voice.

Theo thought about his father and felt worse. "No, I'm not loyal enough for Hufflepuff..." He rubbed at the sorest place on his head.

"Misplaced loyalty is no virtue," Professor answered. "Although you might have been happier in Ravenclaw, you are a Slytherin. It's ambition that drives you. The trick with ambition, is to see that it takes you where you want to go, and doesn't lead you somewhere you hadn't intended."

Theo was surprised. Did Professor know how badly he had wanted Ravenclaw five years ago? But he let that question slide away and instead asked, "Do you know who does follow the Dark Lord?"

"I know one who does not," Professor answered, with a slight hint of a smile. Theo wondered if Professor was referring to himself or to Theo. Professor's smile faded quickly and his face grew pale. "We did not see much support for Dumbledore in our House this year."

Theo didn't know what to say, so sat quietly.

After a moment Professor went on, "You do not have to support everything Draco says, but do not go around challenging him. I am serious about Slytherins fighting. You are also confined to the common room until dinner." Theo made a face, but didn't speak. The common room was going to seem very small with both of them stuck there.

"I have a letter from Madam Zabini," Professor began, his tone making Theo feel even worse.

"She said no, didn't she?"

"Madam Zabini has her own reasons for avoiding any connection to the Dark Lord. It has nothing to do with you. As it..."

Theo had taken a deep breath to make his own case and didn't even realize he'd interrupted: "Sir, I think I have a solution to the Holiday. I can cook, and I can do my own laundry. I know how to keep a place clean, so I was thinking..."

"Of hiring out as a Domestic?"

Theo was stung by the sarcasm. "No, sir. I can manage on my own at the house. Dad has an assistant who could help if I needed it, but I don't..."

"The assistant will come to work, as usual, collect the rents as usual, and go home at the end of the day, as usual. Where does that leave you? Wandering around Diagon Alley on your own? Not at all acceptable."

"It would just be for a few weeks. I'll come back to Hogwarts in September."

"No."

Theo stood and began to pace. He was still massaging the side of his head, and Snape's eyes followed him. "I cannot go to a Muggle orphanage. I don't know how I would manage. It's nothing like Hogwarts. The food is different. They starve the kids. Their ways are different. I would have to do Muggle labour. Orphanages are terrible places. I wouldn't even be able to send owls for help."

"You've been reading too much Muggle literature."

Theo stared. He thought that was a secret. He had to say something, so he blurted, "Sir, Even Draco says..."

"Draco Malfoy is an expert on Muggle social services?" Professor sneered.

The fire crackled and a voice sounded softly, "Professor Snape, are you available?"

"Professor McGonagall," he answered, rising from the desk and walking closer to the fireplace. "I am just finishing a conference. How can I help you?"

"At your convenience, could you have Mr. Nott sent to my office?"

"Nott is here. Do you have news?"

"Yes, when you've finished, could you both come?"

Snape exchanged glances with Theo and answered, "We can come now." The Professor turned to Theo and explained, "The Deputy Headmistress has been looking into arrangements for you."

To Theo's surprise, the professor motioned to the fireplace. Were they going to Floo to the office? Snape gathered his robes about him, tossed a handful of powder into the flame and stepped in. Theo stared, then gathered his wits and followed.

Professor was dusting off a small bit of soot from his robes but Theo felt covered in it. He brushed himself down hastily, wishing they had walked to the Deputy Headmistress' office. Professor McGonagall's face was no sterner than usual. That was a good sign, he hoped. She indicated chairs and took the one behind her desk.

"Mr. Nott, we are all very sorry about the recent events, and we've been most concerned about your future."

Theo's throat had gone dry and he croaked out a "Thank you." Professor was watching him, and Theo wasn't sure if he was glad Sir had come or wished he had not.

Professor McGonagall continued, "Everything is best said up front, Mr. Nott. Your father will not be able to manage your affairs or make decisions concerning your care. He has appointed a guardian to take charge of you. The gentleman wishes to remain anonymous, and that is magically binding. But he does have your best interests at heart."

"Another Death Eater?" Theo asked.

"No, Mr. Nott. Fortunately your father agreed to appoint someone who is not a follower of You-Know-Who. Your guardian and I are of one mind concerning your future. You should continue at Hogwarts until taking your N.E.W.T.s and you will be positioned at St. Mungo's to study for Healer. That is your career plan?"

"Nothing could change my mind about that," Theo sighed, and he was dismayed to feel a lump forming in his throat. His father was completely against Healer training. "Who is he?"

"I told you, he wishes to stay anonymous, and that is magically binding."

Theo was anoyed now, "Well, if I'm going to be staying with him, it'll be sort of hard..." He caught the slightest of movements from Professor Snape, and when their eyes met, he read the warning. Professor McGonagall continued as if nothing was amiss.

"Your guardian has asked us to make arrangements for your lodging over the summer. He has many other responsibilities and will be traveling," Professor McGonagall explained. "I think we've found the perfect solution. Are you familiar with the Hogsmeade Apothecary? The proprietress, Madam Wood has need of an apprentice and is willing to take you during the summer. She'll expect you to work in her shop and she'll provide you with room and board."

"Madam Wood?" Theo said, amazed. "She hates students almost as much as Fil- Mr. Filch does." He could not imagine staying with her for two months.

"Yes, and with good reason, but you'll not find her so unpleasant as you might think," McGonagall answered.

"That's a resounding endorsement," Theo muttered under his breath but realized that both professors had heard him. He began to stammer, "I mean, are you sure she agreed?"

Professor McGonagall answered, " Professor Snape suggested the arrangement and Madam Wood agreed to it, fully understanding the situation. She knows you by name and described you in great detail as well as the supplies you've bought and the potions you more than likely made. Yet she is willing to have you over the summer. You are expected to work and make yourself useful. It's this or the orphanage. Take your pick."

"I'm sorry, Professor. Of course, it's better than an orphanage. I'd like to go to Madam Wood's." He was ashamed that he had protested, but was no more enthusiastic about it.

Professor Snape studied him a moment. "I've given you a strong recommendation. I would be most displeased, if proven wrong."

"No, sir," Theo agreed, feeling even worse about the arrangement.

Professor McGonagall continued, "I do not want you to tell anyone about your holiday plans. I would rather...It would be wiser if certain people didn't know. It's just as well for everyone to think you are going to an orphanage. After you're settled you could send an owl to your close friends."

"Yes, Professor."

"Then I think that's all."

He and Professor Snape rose and, started for the door. "Mr. Nott," McGonagall added, "I'm very glad this worked out."

"Thank you," he answered and followed Professor Snape into the hallway. They walked in silence until they were in the dungeon passageway. Theo asked, "Do you know my guardian too?"

"For many years. He wishes to remain anonymous." Their eyes met for a long time, and Professor finally dismissed him. "Good day, Theo."

"Yes, sir. Good day," Theo answered.

He went straight to the common room, having no other choice. The door closed behind him and he looked around. Slytherins were scattered in what looked like three loose groups. Draco was holding court in a far corner with former members of the Inquisitorial Squad. Others were sitting in pairs or alone in the middle of the room. Blaise, Tracy and a few of the older students were sitting near the fire. He went to join them, his eye catching the monkey-faced man in the mantle. Theo wouldn't need his help after all.