Diagon Part 1
Draco and Amira waited patiently in the Dark Lord's study. They'd been sent there after breakfast, waiting for instructions on where they would be going today. Draco tapped his foot, slightly impatiently. He was hoping they could get going, because he needed to get to Borgin and Burkes before the day was over. His first payment for the cabinet and the necklace was due. The shop owner was threatening to sell it to someone else if he didn't pay soon. Draco knew no one else would want the cabinet, as it was broken, but the cursed necklace could be in high demand. He had the money, he just needed to get there to pay him.
He glanced over at Amira who was waiting calmly. Yesterday, they'd managed to get her using a wand somewhat believably. She needed to work on pronunciation and the precision of the movements a bit, but he figured that if the spell worked, no one would be looking too closely.
Yesterday had been a truly good day. Their time together in the wooded area felt like an escape to paradise. Even more so when Amira had made it look like one. Draco had been worried for a moment about the after effects, but she just seemed happy. The slightly insane light in her eyes had been contained and she hadn't pushed her limits.
Draco had about had a heart attack when she started climbing the tree, for two reasons. He was worried she would fall, and she'd also removed her robe, revealing the dueling clothes she'd been wearing underneath. Draco had needed to look away for a moment and collect himself.
Sitting there in the tree with her, he'd had a major realization. The wind had been blowing her hair around her face, her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were sparkling. She'd been looking up at him with such trust and excitement, and he realized he was falling for her.
It shouldn't have surprised him. He'd been caring about her for a while. He'd thought she was pretty even before she'd become a full witch. Back then, he'd stopped himself because it would've been impossible. Now, he wasn't sure. He knew his mother didn't think it was safe. He could see the reasoning behind it. She was the Dark Lord's pride and joy. They were at war. But surely, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Bellatrix had gotten married during the war, and that had been okay. Draco wasn't even thinking they would be a couple, he was just wondering if his new feelings were dangerous.
He had really almost kissed her yesterday at that moment. He had even thought that she might have been happy about it. But then reality entered and he'd backed off. She'd been through a lot, and even though she accepted his comfort and help, it didn't mean she wanted more. Even if she did want more, it didn't mean she was ready for more. She was new to things like this, and she had enough trauma that it was going to be difficult. Draco didn't want to push her into anything that she wasn't completely ready for and sure about.
The Dark Lord swept into the room, and they both stood. Amira still didn't say 'my lord', and she was bluntly honest with the snake-like man, but she did stand when he entered as the rest of them did.
"Draco, give me the report on the wands," he said. His tone was hard and words were quick, and Draco could tell he wasn't in the best mood.
"Truly using a wand was difficult for her," he started, "We burned through a few, and though it seemed to be uncomfortable for her, she was able to perform a lumos, summoning charm, and levitation charm."
The Dark Lord nodded.
"After that, we focused on the act of pretending to use one," Draco said, "She'll need to continue to practice, but for anyone not looking, it would be passable."
"Amira, anything to add?" he turned his red eyes to her.
"No," Amira said simply.
"The two of you will go to Diagon today," he ordered promptly, "Show her around, I need her to be familiar with the area for future plans, and also, get her a wand."
"Yes my lord," Draco said. A trip to Diagon Alley, just the two of them, it wasn't work, this was going to be fun.
"It's going to be busy, with the school traffic," the Dark Lord warned, "But stay under the radar."
"If anyone asks who she is?" Draco asked, "Should we disguise her?"
"There's no need for disguise, she won't be recognized by anyone," the Dark Lord said and stood, they stood with him, "If anyone asks, she's your friend."
He didn't say anything else and left. Clearly, he had better things to be doing. Draco was surprised that he even came to tell them in person at all. Those were the types of tasks he normally delegated Bella to do.
Amira and Draco headed out of the room. He had noticed in the past that Amira was quite eager to get out of that room as fast as she could. When he'd asked, she'd said something about the room being saturated with the Dark Lord's cold magic. Another time, she'd mentioned it was almost painful to stand close to the Dark Lord, so Draco supposed it made sense.
"I've never been to Diagon before," Amira said quietly, "What should I wear?"
She was still in her formal robes from breakfast.
"There should be some casual robes and such in your closet, normally on the right side," Draco told her, "We'll wear those so that we don't stand out too much."
The pair changed quickly. Draco debated on the best entrance to take. He knew it was childish, but he wanted to give her the full experience. He decided they would floo to the Leaky Cauldron. It wasn't the safest option, but it would be the most exciting.
"Draco," she said softly as they walked to the main fireplace of the Manor.
"Yes?" he turned immediately.
"I'm worried about all of the people and all of the magic," she admitted to him quietly. He paused in his steps. He hadn't even thought about that. There was going to be a huge variety and amount of different magical energies in the Alley. Still, they had orders from the Dark Lord, and they couldn't disobey them.
"It will be alright, if you get overwhelmed, just let me know and we can find a quiet place," he told her. She nodded.
He told her where to floo, and went first. He gracefully walked into the dimly lit bar. It wasn't too crowded, as it was still early in the morning.
Amira stepped through the fireplace a moment later. Draco had a moment of gratitude that she knew how to use the floo network smoothly. She surveyed the room. Luckily no one looked over at them as she gained her bearings.
"Ready?" he asked her. She nodded shyly. He tried to smile encouragingly and then turned to lead her to the archway. He pulled out his wand and tapped on the required bricks. Then, he stepped back so he could watch her expression as the Alley was revealed. He remembered when he was young, the first time his mother had taken him this way, and he had been in awe, even having been there many times before.
The bricks moved aside to show her the street. It was more lively than it had been a couple of days ago when Draco had visited. It was actually sunny today and there were a lot of people doing very last minute back to school shopping. Draco couldn't believe the summer holidays were almost over. It had flown by so much faster having Amira there with him. Especially the last few weeks since they'd been officially Death Eaters. Or at least he was.
He took in her facial expression. It was one of awe like he'd hoped.
"Wow," she said under her breath, "I didn't realize it was this big."
Draco guided her forward so that the archway could close behind them. "I have enough galleons, so if you want to do any shopping we can."
She nodded and didn't speak. Draco knew it was a lot to take in even without sensing all of the magic presence. As they approached the first stores and people, Amira walked closer to him. He considered offering his hand, but he decided to wait until she said she needed it. He didn't want to assume.
They passed a few robe shops, and the quidditch shop.
"Do you play?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I did," he said, "I think I won't this year. I'll be too busy."
"Did you like it?" she asked.
"It was alright, I liked flying," he said. Internally he thought that he didn't like losing to Potter all of the time, and Slytherin had taken a lot of joy out of the game. "Have you ever been flying?"
She shook her head.
"It's probably something you should learn," Draco said, "You never know when you might need it."
"Ok," she said. Her voice sounded distracted. Draco glanced over at her and noticed her eyes darting around just a bit.
"Alright?" he asked lowly.
"Yeah," she said, "I'm calm, it's just a lot."
"Okay," he said, he reached back and took her hand, and she held it tightly. "Try to keep your eyes focused."
He didn't want to draw attention for the way she was looking around, but he knew she couldn't quite help it. She squeezed his hand to agree.
He led her through the street. The first thing that really caught her attention was the pet shop. Draco rolled his eyes fondly, of course it was.
"You like animals," he said as she stopped to look at the owls outside. She nodded. "After this is all over, you should get a pet."
She laughed darkly, "If I make it that far."
"You will," Draco said, "You of all people will."
"If he wins," she whispered, "And if he does, do you really think he'll let me live?"
Draco felt like his heart fell into his stomach. Suddenly he was the one who needed her hand for support. He'd never once considered what would happen after the war. If they lost, it was easy, they were going to be in prison or dead. If they won, he would be given a Ministry position he was sure. But her, he had no idea.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I have too much power," she said, "And I don't submit to him any more than I have to."
Draco felt in his heart that she was right. He didn't know where her power stood next to the Dark Lord. She was fifty years behind in training, but she was improving exponentially by the day. She was more powerful than anyone else the Dark Lord had in his army. And she was the least obedient. There was absolutely no way the Dark Lord would leave a loose cannon like that. She would either need to submit or... Draco couldn't think about that.
"If you pledge allegiance," he suggested. Amira reached out and stroked a black owl that looked mean. It cuddled right up to her.
"If I lie, you mean," she said, "He'll see through me."
A group of people walked by them. Draco shook his head. "We can't talk about this here."
"I agree," she said. "Can we go inside?"
Draco nodded and held the door for her to walk in. There were cats, dogs, snakes, reptiles, birds, and more. Amira took her time petting each animal that she could. Even the snakes. Draco dropped his hand and kept his distance respectfully. Not out of fear, of course. Animals just didn't like him. They seemed to adore her.
"Is it true Potter can speak parseltongue?" she asked suddenly.
"Yes," he said, "Don't tell me you can do that too."
"No," she laughed, "But it would be really neat."
"It would," he agreed. He'd always been jealous of Potter for that too. It was unfair that he got to speak to the symbol of Slytherin but Draco couldn't.
They left the store after about thirty minutes. When they returned to the street, it was more crowded than it had been before. Amira's steps faltered. She reached her hand behind her and Draco took it. He saw her take two quick breaths.
"It's alright," he said. She nodded, but it was extremely tense. Draco led her down the street, looking for somewhere less crowded. When they passed the Weasley's joke shop he decided they were not going in. Not just because it was the Weasleys, but because it was absolutely packed and the magic was so chaotic that even Draco could feel it.
Amira's eyes caught next on the apothecary. Draco nodded when she asked if they could go in. He wasn't going to tell her no to anything.
"It's calmer in here," she said, taking a big sigh when the door closed behind them. She rubbed her head. "I don't need to learn potions?"
"At some point you should," Draco said, "It's helpful in life, but we already have a competent potions master so you don't need it now."
"Snape right?"
He nodded.
"He hasn't been around," she said as she looked at the ingredients on the shelves.
"No, it's because of you," Draco said in her ear behind her to prevent them from being overheard. He smiled slightly when gooseflesh raised on her neck.
"Me?" she asked.
"Yeah, you're still a secret, and he's a spy who's only half trusted," Draco said, "I don't know what his plans are. Severus will need to come to a dinner soon, you'll probably be instructed not to come to dinner. He's been there a few times when the Dark Lord knows your upstairs."
"Interesting," she said. When they reached the end of the aisle she turned to look up at him. Draco realized he was standing a lot closer than he had meant to. Her eyes were big and locked on his. Another customer walked into their aisle and broke the moment between them. Amira looked down and Draco stepped back.
"Where do you want to go next?" Draco asked her as they walked back to the front of the shop. She shrugged.
"I don't know what there is," she said.
"Do you have a trunk?" Draco suddenly wondered, "I'm sure we have extras, but would you like to pick out one of your own? It might come in handy someday."
"I don't have any money," she said quietly.
"I do, I told you that," he said, "You're in the care of my family now, and we have more money than we could possibly spend."
He wasn't bragging, he just wanted to make her feel comfortable asking for what she wanted.
He took her to the trunk shop.
"You want something that has a lot of compartments and can shrink down," he said, taking her to his favorite section. They were the most expensive.
Amira ran her hand over the lid of one. "There are wards on this."
Draco nodded, impressed, though he should've expected it. "Can you tell what they do?"
Amira took her time analyzing it.
"It's some sort of lock," she said, "And there's... is it keyed into one person?"
He nodded. He had the same trunk at home. "Exactly."
She smiled. She looked over the trunks for a few moments. She picked one that was dark brown and had seven expandable compartments. It would be more than big enough for her, and was very secure. Draco took it to the front for her to buy it. She waited by the window. Draco thanked the storekeeper and then took the trunk outside. He shrunk it and put it in his pocket. Amira watched him.
"Draco!" he heard someone call. He looked up quickly. On his trips so far, he hadn't run into anyone he knew. He was both overjoyed and apprehensive when he noticed it was almost the entire friend group from school. Pansy, Theo, Millie, Blaise, Daphne, and Astoria. Vincent and Gregory were not with them. He felt Amira shift nervously next to him.
"Hello," he said as they approached him. Pansy threw her arms around him in a big hug. He was very aware of Amira's blue eyes on him.
"I've missed you!" the girl squealed. She also made a big show of kissing his cheek. Then she stepped back and eyed Amira. "And who is this?"
Her tone was polite and formal, but not necessarily friendly. Amira was looking back at her, and between them with a thoughtful and slightly closed off expression.
"She's a friend," Draco said, "Amira, these are my friends from school." He tried to emphasize the word friends.
"Friend from where?" Daphne asked, "I'm Daphne Greengrass by the way." Amira nodded politely.
The rest of the group remembered their manners and introduced themselves quickly. Then, they looked to Draco for the answer to her question.
"She's.... been living with us," he said carefully. His friends all knew who resided with his family.
"What's your last name?" Pansy asked, somewhat rudely. Draco interrupted quickly.
"Amira's last name is not of importance," he said, "For security reasons."
He could tell his friends were only more interested but they wouldn't ask again in the open like this. They may not be Death Eaters but their families were for the most part, and they would respect orders from the Dark Lord.
"Is security the reason all of our owls have been returned?" Theo asked. Draco nodded.
"I would love to come visit and see everything," Millie said longingly. Draco suddenly realized that they had no idea what it was like there. They were like him at the end of term. The idea of being a follower of the Dark Lord was grand and shiny to them. It was full of honor and glory and power.
"You are so lucky," Pansy purred, laying a hand on his arm. It so happened to be his left arm, just near his dark mark. He flinched away. Theo's eyes widened, and Blaise's eyes narrowed, but the girls didn't seem to notice. Pansy just looked hurt at the rejection. Draco tried to appease her so she wouldn't throw a fit.
"How has your summer been?" he asked her.
"Oh it's just been lovely. You see we went to France..." she began to tell him all of the details of what she had done that summer. He kept his face attentive and listening, but he was distracted by Blaise, Theo, and Daphne engaging Amira in conversation.
"So Amira, how old are you?" Blaise asked.
"Fifteen," she answered.
"Will you be coming to Hogwarts this year?" Daphne asked excitedly.
"No, I don't think so," Amira said.
"That's a shame," Blaise said, and glanced at Draco quickly, "It would've been nice to have someone new to get to know."
Draco's hackles rose. His tone was intentional. Blaise had been known to get to know a lot of the girls at Hogwarts.
"What school do you attend?" Theo asked.
"I've been homeschooled," she answered smoothly.
"It must get lonely," Theo said. Draco now wanted to hit both of them. "Are you allowed any company?"
"Sometimes," Amira said, "Now... things are different."
"I understand," Blaise nodded, "Security first."
"It's a shame, we would have loved to visit," Theo said.
"Me as well," Daphne said oblivious to the boy's ulterior motives.
"Perhaps you could visit the Zabini manor," Blaise offered, "Or even our villa in Italy."
Draco broke away from his conversation with Pansy.
"She will be staying at the Malfoy Manor," he said firmly, "And she's only just met you."
"Oh, I meant as a group trip, you could chaperone," Blaise told him, eyes glittering with mischief. It made Draco all the more mad that he was doing it on purpose, trying to get a rise out of him.
"And when would we do that?" Draco said, "In the week left before school?"
"Perhaps the Yule, I can wait," Blaise said blithely.
"I wanted Draco to visit me for Yule," Pansy whined.
"I do believe both of us are going to be quite busy around the Yule," Amira broke in calmly, "Perhaps another time."
"I will wait happily," Blaise nodded. Draco was seconds away from hexing him.
"We have errands to run," he said abruptly. Theo covered his mouth with his hand to hide his laugh.
"Why so touchy Draco?" he teased. Pansy and Millie looked confused.
"We have a lot to do," he turned to Amira who was looking at him curiously.
"Yes, we do," she said slowly, "It was nice to meet you all."
"A pleasure," Theo said quickly.
"Until we meet again," Blaise said at the same time.
"Goodbye," Draco said, and began walking away. Amira waved and then followed him. Draco walked briskly to the bookshop.
He browsed the shelves as he let his temper cool.
"They seemed nice," Amira said. His temper flared again. They had been so extra nice to Amira. Draco wasn't stupid, she was pretty, and she was new. And clearly she held some importance to the Dark Lord if she was staying with the Malfoys. Blaise and Theo had a lot to be interested in. "I didn't know you had a girlfriend."
Draco stopped in his tracks. "I don't."
Amira looked at him with suspicion, "Pansy isn't your girlfriend?"
"No," he said quickly. He didn't like the way she was looking at him like he had been hiding something.
"Maybe you should mention that to her," she said airly and turned away.
"Are you upset?" Draco asked and followed her down the row of books.
"No, I don't care if you have a girlfriend, it's just odd that you haven't mentioned it," she said, tone completely neutral.
"I don't have a girlfriend," he defended, "Pansy... she's always been like that."
Amira just hummed and didn't look at him.
"She's very pretty," she said, "And very into you."
"And I'm not into her," he said, baffled. He also had never thought that Pansy was very pretty.
"Ok," she said softly, "I don't think the girls liked me much, but Blaise was very friendly, Theodore as well."
Draco was going to lose his mind.
"They thought you were pretty," he said tightly. "They were flirting."
"I'm aware," she said calmly.
"And you were flirting back," Draco pointed out, trying to sound more composed than he felt. She had every right to flirt with who she wanted.
"I wasn't," she denied, "Would you be upset if I was?"
"I don't think it would be a good idea," he said. "You don't know them like I do. They don't know you."
"Right, but you do?" she said, voice turning hard. Draco was taken aback.
"I- yes?" he cut himself off, "Have I offended you?"
She sighed. She suddenly looked tired.
"No," she said.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm getting tired," she admitted, "It's getting harder to think."
"Ok," he nodded, "Let's get our stuff done then."
To be continued.....