Fidelitas ac Proditio

>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>

Fidelitas ac Proditio

>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>

Prologue

Fear...

He felt it emanating from every one of them, tasted it, understood it and recoiled from it. He watched, his face expressionless. Orders were there to be obeyed, not to be discussed. It was his fate and he was to accept it; he was no longer a child - had he ever been?

A brief touch on his arm comforted him. He was not yet alone. Not yet. But when they hurled him forth into the abyss...

"The time has come."

>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>

He rested his head listlessly on the window pane, staring unseeing into the darkness. He could hear their voices, Crabbe and Goyle squabbling - were they never quiet?- but he didn't know what about. Listening required concentration, and concentration required energy. And that was just what Draco didn't have enough of to waste. He was tired, so tired that he wanted to sleep for ever, slip painlessly into oblivion...

The carriage door slid open.

"Oh, it's Malfoy and his two arse-lickers."

Weasley.

"I'm afraid I don't hold audience for the plebeian crowd on Monday, especially those without money." Draco did not open his eyes. It took so little to irritate the red-haired beanpole, and the reaction was invariably the same. "Get out before you're thrown out Weasley."

"Shut up, Malfoy!"

"Manners, Potter. Your boyfriend started this after all." Draco shifted slightly to face Harry and Ron. Strange, the walking bush wasn't visible; still, he supposed that she couldn't be far away. His eyes flickered towards Crabbe and Goyle who had started up. He could see they were aching for a fight. Weasley snorted.

"Still hiding behind others aren't you Malfoy?" said Ron, scathingly. "What will you do now with your father in Akazban?" His face twisted into a look of contempt. "Just the place for rotten bastards li..." Ron staggered back a few paces as Draco's fist made contact with his chin, more because of the surprise than because the force of impact.

"Get out Weasley. Get out before I hex you to hell and back." Draco's tone was flat, emotionless, but there was no mistaking the look of sheer hatred in his eyes as he stood in front of Ron.

"Why you little ferret, I'll..." Ron had already taken out his wand when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Let's go, Ron." Harry's voice was firm. "He's not important enough to waste your time with."

"But, Harry!" Ron scowled at Harry who held his gaze unflinchingly. Ron looked away. "Fine," he said and stomped off down the train corridor. Harry paused before following him. He looked at Draco and his eyes narrowed.

"Stay away from us, Malfoy, or you'll get what you deserve." He slammed the carriage door shut before Draco could retaliate. Crabbe growled and was about to follow him when a sudden exclamation from Goyle stopped him in his tracks.

"Draco? Are you well?" Crabbe and Goyle stared at the other boy. Draco had collapsed onto the train seat, face ashen and panting violently. "Shall I get someone?" Goyle made as though to move towards the door.

"Sit down and shut up," Draco rasped out as he tried to ignore the pain throbbing through his head. His voice had an underlying tone to it which both Crabbe and Goyle recognised and obeyed without question. They resumed their seats and occupied themselves by staring at the floor or the walls, avoiding looking at each other or at Malfoy. Draco's breathing evened slightly and he turned his face away, returning to stare into the darkness.

Finally there was silence.

>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>

"The time has come."

"Yes."

An involuntary cry of pain.

An everlasting pause.

"You are mine now."

"I am, master."