Chapter 6
Young Draco’s POV:
As Lucius led young Draco back to his parents' bedroom, the boy clung to him desperately, seeking solace in his father's comforting embrace. Tears continued to flow unabated, leaving trails of dampness on Draco's pale cheeks as he buried his flushed cheeks against Lucius's chest, leaving salty trails that mingled with the fabric of Lucius's robes. The chill of the dungeon still clung to his skin, a stark reminder of the terror the young boy had just endured. His small body trembled with each step, the fear and confusion swirling inside him like a whirlpool threatening to drag him under. But amidst the darkness, Lucius's presence offered a glimmer of hope, a beacon of warmth in the cold expanse of uncertainty.
As they trudged towards the door to his parents' bedroom, Draco's heart fluttered like a trapped bird, caught between fear and the slim hope of finding solace behind that wooden barrier. The soft glow of candlelight oozed out into the hallway, teasing him with promises of warmth and comfort. He clung to his father's hand like a lifeline, seeking the reassurance of that solid grip in the swirling chaos of his mind. With each step, Draco's hope rose like a helium balloon, threatening to burst at any moment.
With every heartbeat, Draco felt the weight of his father's arms around him, offering a sense of security that he so desperately needed. Lucius's soothing words, whispered like a gentle lullaby, washed over him, easing the tension that knotted his muscles and calming the frantic rhythm of his racing heart. In that moment, Draco felt a sense of belonging, of being cherished and protected, that he had yearned for since this whole nightmare began. His father's love was a lifeline, tethering him to reality amidst the chaos that threatened to consume him.
The sickeningly sweet scent of Bergamot filled the air, mingling with the oppressive warmth of the candlelight to create a suffocating cocoon around Draco. His mother's presence loomed over him like a storm cloud, her usual soothing voice now a distant memory. But beneath the surface, Draco's mind churned with a toxic mix of doubt and desperation.
As they made their way down the dimly lit corridors of Malfoy Manor, Draco's mind replayed the events of the night, each memory more vivid and terrifying than the last. The sudden attack, the confusion of facing an identical imposter, the coldness of his parents' suspicions—each moment etched into his young mind like a nightmare from which he couldn't awaken. His cheeks burned with the shame of his tears, his sobs echoing through the empty halls as he clung to his father, desperate for the comfort only he could provide.
Despite the physical warmth of his father's embrace, Draco couldn't shake the chill that gripped his soul. The fear of being mistaken for the imposter again loomed large in his mind, casting a shadow over the fragile bond between father and son. What if Lucius pushed him away, unable to see past the deception that threatened to tear their family apart? The thought sent a shiver down Draco's spine, a coldness that no amount of warmth could dispel.
What if his parents didn't believe him?
What if they threw him to the wolves, picking the bastar-–er,* imposter—
What if this changes everything, and they won’t embrace him like they used to?
As they shuffled across the threshold into the room, Draco's eyes swept over the familiar furnishings, once a sanctuary but now a prison of opulence. The plush fabrics and elegant decor mocked him, reminding him of the life he once knew, now twisted and distorted beyond recognition. He yearned for the simplicity of days past, when his biggest worry was whether to ask for a new broomstick or the latest fashion in robes.
In that fleeting moment of hope, surrounded by the stifling presence of his family, Draco clung to the fragile belief that maybe, just maybe, everything would be alright. But lurking beneath that fragile facade was a gnawing sense of dread, a creeping fear that threatened to swallow him whole. As he squeezed his father's hand with all the desperation of a drowning man, Draco couldn't shake the feeling that his world was crumbling around him, leaving him adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
I hope I never have to see that imposter again!
I hope mother throws him away– NO kills him!
I hate him I hate him I hate him!
That savage barbaric mudblood** that stole my face! And tried to take my place!
But to think it almost worked, enough at least that his own beloved parents couldn’t differentiate the two of them, and he would still be stuck there with the imposter, if not for the imposter admitting himself as the imposter….
But Draco doesn’t want to think of the ramifications of that, because for now, in the tenuous embrace of his father’s love, something he never thought he’d ever worry about losing until now, he allowed himself to indulge in the illusion of safety and security, desperately clinging to the hope that it would be enough to keep the darkness at bay.
Lucius POV:
As Lucius carried his precious son into bed, the weight of Draco's trembling body pressed against him like a heavy burden. He couldn't shake the feeling of regret that coursed through him, a relentless tide of self-reproach for not taking better care of Draco earlier. The coldness of the dungeon had seeped into Draco's small frame, making him shiver uncontrollably in Lucius's arms. With each step towards Draco's bed, Lucius cursed himself silently for not casting a warming charm on the boy sooner, chastising his own negligence as a father. He vowed to make it up to Draco, to ensure that he never had to endure such discomfort again.
Draco's grip on him was vice-like, his nails digging into Lucius's skin with a desperate urgency that spoke volumes of the boy's fear of being abandoned. Lucius felt a pang of guilt twist in his gut at the realisation that his actions had caused Draco such distress. He cursed himself for ever doubting his own son, for allowing suspicion to cloud his judgement and drive a wedge between them. In that moment, all he wanted was to ease Draco's pain, to reassure him that he was loved and cherished beyond measure.
The sight of Draco's tear-stained face and trembling form broke Lucius's heart into a thousand pieces. He longed to take away his son's pain, to shield him from the harsh realities of the world and wrap him in a cocoon of love and protection. As he held Draco close, he felt a swell of tenderness wash over him, an overwhelming desire to comfort the boy and banish the shadows of fear that haunted his every step. Lucius vowed to be a better father, to always be there for Draco no matter what challenges they faced.
Despite the turmoil raging within him, Lucius continued to whisper soothing, loving words to his son, his voice a gentle melody that filled the room with warmth and reassurance. He brushed away Draco's tears with tender fingers, his touch as soft as a feather against the boy's flushed cheeks. In that moment, surrounded by the love of his father, Draco felt a sense of peace wash over him, the last vestiges of his fear melting away into the comforting embrace of sleep.
As Draco's breathing grew steady and even, Lucius watched over him with a mixture of pride and gratitude. He marvelled at the strength and resilience of his son, amazed by the depth of love that bound them together. And as he held Draco close, he made a silent promise to always be there for him, to protect him from harm and cherish him for all eternity. In that moment, as father and son drifted off to sleep, Lucius knew that nothing in the world could ever break the bond between them.
!! SPOILERS !! - A/N: Some questions I answered in past comments that I was recommended to share in the next chapters so you guys may have some idea of where I'm going with this fic, but also if you have ideas that you think are better/interesting I would love to bounce ideas off with in the comments...
Introduction of Abraxas Disturbing Draco's Life: Draco is already established in his own world at Hogwarts, with his own group of friends and familiar routines. However, when Abraxas enters the scene, Draco's carefully constructed world is thrown into disarray. As a territorial and possessive individual, Draco feels threatened by Abraxas's presence and the changes he brings with him, but they both slowly grow on each other. But before that, look forward to Little Shit! Bratty! Draco.
My 'Why' for the Timing of Abraxas's Arrival: Abraxas's arrival in Draco's life had to be carefully timed to avoid disrupting crucial events, such as Draco's introduction to Harry Potter and the Golden Trio. Introducing Abraxas too early would have altered the dynamics of Draco's relationships and potentially eliminated the childhood rivalry that adds depth to the story.
Abraxas's Character and Agenda: While Abraxas is not aligned with the light or the dark, he has his own agenda and plans based on his future knowledge and mature perspective. Unlike Draco, who is still immature and prone to drama, Abraxas is calculated and driven by his own beliefs and ambitions. He seeks to shape the Malfoy family's image and political connections, steering them towards a more progressive and grey stance.
Gaslighting Abraxas's Existence: The Malfoys orchestrate a gaslighting campaign to introduce Abraxas into their social circle, portraying him as a prodigious and enigmatic figure. They exploit Abraxas's connection to the Black family to legitimize his existence, weaving a narrative that justifies his absence from Hogwarts until now. Other pureblood families are coerced into accepting this narrative, despite their skepticism - its very 'Emperor's New Clothes' nobody wants to admit they faux pas and didn't realise they've met and hosted Abraxas without their knowledge, the twin's very feud means they rarely socialise together.
Abraxas's Social Isolation and Black Family Connections: Abraxas's upbringing has been solitary, with limited social interactions beyond the Black family circle. He is rumored to possess traits of the Black madness, further isolating him from his peers. His few interactions with other families is a result of his ridiculous maturity/intelligence/and disinterest in children his age as a natural prodigy, and he's been carefully curated by his parents and the Blacks as the future Black lord. Draco and Abraxas dont get along and have different interest so were rarely seen together (read never cz Abraxas doesn't exist) in public until now.
Malfoys will imply Draco outshining Abraxas in being known socially as a result of their Family Dynamics and clear Favoritism of Draco which the Malfoys will refuse to admit is true despite sowing the seeds themselves: Abraxas maturity and disinterest in being smothered combined with Draco being the younger surprise twin/the baby/his younger personality naturally made him the 'favourite' which is why he's most often mentioned compared to Abraxas, and Draco is more needy, attention seeking, and loud, so more memorable - The Malfoys often gush about Draco, whilst Abraxas's accomplishments were shared often the public clearly misunderstood it all as Draco's accomplishment. The Malfoys will stare down anyone who'll say
Acceptance of Abraxas's Existence: While some families may question Abraxas's sudden appearance, they ultimately acquiesce to the Malfoys' version of events. Abraxas's identical appearance to Draco, his magical signature, and his familial connections make it difficult to refute his existence. The Malfoys capitalize on this uncertainty to solidify Abraxas's place in their social circle, painting those who question his legitimacy as ignorant or envious. Abraxas is naturally very powerful, intelligent, mature, and disinterested in childish things (since he's a practically a young adult in mind) so it makes sense that he recluses himself and only wants to socialise with older people now that he's had the opportunity to learn - being forced to by going to hogwarts instead of home schooling in the black family libraries.
Abraxas's Inheritance of the Black Lordship: Abraxas, as the magical eldest and physically identical to Draco, is set to inherit the prestigious Black lordship. The Black family magic acknowledges him as the oldest legitimate pureblooded heir, granting him approval and recognition. This inheritance takes precedence over the Malfoy lordship due to the Black family's older and more esteemed lineage, aligning with polite society's expectations of aristocratic succession.
Dual Inheritance and Lucius's Decision: In polite society, Abraxas is also entitled to inherit the Malfoy lordship as the eldest son, making him a Lord twice over. Lucius, however, has the power to alter this inheritance by favoring Draco over Abraxas. By actively choosing Draco as the heir apparent to the Malfoy lordship, Lucius demonstrates his love and commitment to his youngest son. This decision requires effort and dedication to change the established precedent, emphasizing Lucius's genuine affection for Draco.
Respectability of Lucius's Choice: Despite the unexpected nature of Lucius's decision, it is still regarded as respectable within wizarding circles. Lucius aims to ensure the survival and prominence of the Malfoy name while acknowledging Abraxas's rightful claim to the Black lordship. This choice highlights the Malfoy family's adaptability and willingness to evolve with the times, presenting two powerful titles within the family.
Abraxas's Status as Lord Black: Abraxas assumes the title of Lord Black despite his young age, as he is the last remaining heir following the death of Arcturus, the previous lord. Rumors suggest that Abraxas's claim to the title is also bolstered by the Black family's adherence to traditional inheritance rules. This unexpected ascension to lordship elevates Abraxas's status and grants him autonomy and authority within wizarding society.
Distinctive Identities of Abraxas and Draco: Despite their identical appearance, Abraxas and Draco possess distinct personalities and mannerisms. Abraxas's controlled and intense demeanor contrasts with Draco's more flamboyant and impulsive nature. This divergence in character makes it impossible for others, including Harry and Hermione, to confuse the two siblings, despite their identical appearances.
Reactions of Other Characters: While characters like Severus Snape may sense something amiss, they are unlikely to uncover the truth behind Abraxas's existence. The Marauder's Map, too, remains oblivious to the distinction between Abraxas and Draco, causing confusion among Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Despite their efforts to rationalize the situation, they ultimately accept the anomaly as part of their reality, albeit with frustration and curiosity lingering.
Harry's Perception of Abraxas: Harry is wary of Abraxas due to his intense and disinterested demeanor, which makes him feel unbalanced. But Harry isn't worried about Abraxas like book 6 level, more like school yard bulling level, the same way he is with Draco atm. Unlike Draco, who drives Harry up the walls with his antics, Abraxas comes across as polite and respectful, albeit somewhat boring, but Harry still finds that suspicious since he's influenced by Ron's anti Malfoy agenda. However, Harry's focus remains on Draco, his crush-nemesis, rather than on Abraxas, whose presence doesn't evoke the same strong emotions in him. But later, when Drarry starts, Harry does get a bit more intimidated by protective, traditional, and dangerous big brother Abraxas, but thats not going to stop the courageous gryffindork!
Distinct Identities of Draco and Abraxas: Despite their identical looks, Draco and Abraxas have different fashion tastes, body language, facial expressions, tones of voice, and speech patterns. These differences make it impossible for Harry and others to confuse the two siblings, even though they share the same appearance. As they grow older and experience different environments and lifestyles, their individuality becomes even more pronounced.
Severus Snape's Suspicion: Severus senses that something is off with the situation involving Draco and Abraxas but misinterprets the signs. His suspicions lead him to believe in a false narrative, which he shares with Dumbledore. However, this misinformation ultimately has no significant impact on the story's plot, and Severus remains unaware of the truth behind Abraxas's existence.
Marauders Map Confusion: The Marauders Map continues to display both Draco and Abraxas as Draco Lucius Malfoy, perplexing characters like Hermione, Remus, and the Weasley twins. Hermione attempts to recreate the map to resolve the issue but struggles to magically differentiate between the two brothers - she blames her faulty logic/magic driving her mad in finding out what she's missing. Her initial theory for why 2 draco's are on the map was timetravel since its 3rd year and she's introduced to a time turner, but the two Draco's she see's lounging in the library according to the Map is clearly Abraxas and Draco and not Draco with a time turner so the map must be faulty.
Acceptance of the Anomaly: Despite the confusion caused by the Marauders Map, characters eventually accept the situation as the norm and move on. They concoct various explanations, ranging from glitches to conspiracy theories, to rationalize the presence of two identical individuals. Ultimately, they resign themselves to the mystery, focusing instead on other aspects of their lives and adventures. Future Harry Potter-Malfoy finds out the truth, and he loses his shit (laughter) since he knows the conundrum drives Hermione insane till today, and he can't picture marrying Abraxas since he's SO not his type.
- Abraxas Romantic Partner? thats a secret, but I hope people will like it cz i worry if I say it before introducing it people will be put off without giving him a chance. But Abraxas is going to date multiple people first since i feel like thats a realistic thing to do, and I dont want just one love prospect be their entire world/experience, however, I'm kinda going to do that with Draco & Harry since i think it fits them.