Rain pattered outside the Malfoy Manor. The forecast was correct once again, it was indeed chilly. Tom continued to read over the Daily Prophet, making sure to annotate certain excerpts and taking mental photos of certain images. He was waiting in his chair in the study for a certain Snow ferret who had snuck out late at night.
Abraxas scurried in his animagi form, feeling full of power and energy as the information he’d gathered for his Lord. That was one of the pluses of being a small critter that could wiggle into any space almost.
Trying his level best, he tiptoed through a crack, and began running through an hall, hoping to make it back into bed without anyone noticing when he was suddenly picked up. Immediately, he began squeaking, a wave of panic rushing over him.
“Shh.” Tom’s voice was a command, as his hands ran over the white fur, which was a tad bit wet, yet still retained some of the usual softness. He carried the ferret in his arms back to the study, where he placed Abraxas-ferret on the table.
Tom sat himself down, relishing the temporary comfort of the chair. He draped a thin blanket over Abraxas, waiting for him to transform back into a human.
Abraxas made sure he completely drowning in the fabric before he switched. When he’d finished, he wrapped the blanket tight around him, trying to get it to absorb some of the water.
“Where exactly have you been?”
Ever so calculating and determined, Tom began to rapidly ask quesitons. Abraxas gave vague answers, refusing to divulge anything until he knew Tom was beyond annoyed.
“I’ve got something for you. Something important, you know.”
“Then like a loyal servant, tell me.”
Abraxas shook his head. “I’d like a reward.”
The suggestive smile he wore told Tom all he needed to know.
“No. You’re the one that left, I didn’t make you. And if it really is as important as you say, then I’ll find other means of figuring it out.”
Abraxas rolled his eyes and sighed. “Dumbledore has changed his plans...”. Abraxas recounted in great detail what he exactly heard, and even though Tom’s expression never once wavered, Abraxas knew he had pleased Tom.
“That’s all. Now if you’ll excuse me-“ but before Abraxas could walk away, Tom pulled him into his lap and stroked his hair.
“I’ve changed my mind.”
“About?”
“Don’t push it.”
Abraxas grinned at Tom. “You know I always do.”