Early September
The cat found Draco on the morning of the first of September.
It was large, and had long, snow white fur and eyes that were so golden they almost glowed. Somehow it had managed to get into his room and onto his bed and was mrowing and patting Draco awake with its velvety paws.
"Fine fine" Draco muttered "I'm awake"
He pulled himself upright and then stared at the animal that had plopped down to sit smugly in front of him. Draco was pretty sure he'd never seen it before. It was large - probably a cat/kneazle mix, heavy on the kneazle.
Once the cat was sure it had his attention, it padded over to the door and scratched at it, then looked back at him imperiously. In his half-asleep state, Draco followed the unspoken demand willingly, throwing his robe over his pyjamas and pocketing his wand, then crossing to let the cat out and follow it down the winding narrow staircase that lead down from his room.
In the main hallway Draco immediately saw what the cat had been alerting him to - a pile of ragged clothing in the corner of the room revealed itself to be the Hogwarts Caretaker. He was dead, and appeared to have been for some hours. There was no sign of Mrs Norris.
"Bollocks. Just in time for the pupils arriving. I don't know why you came to me about this Cat"
With a sigh, Draco jogged to McGonagall's chambers and knocked on her door. The headmistress answered quickly, she was wearing her nightdress, with her iron-grey hair loose around her shoulders.
"Sorry for disturbing you Headmistress" Draco said sheepishly "but I've found Mr Filch in the entrance hall. He's dead. It doesn't look suspicious, but I've left him undisturbed in case you wish to examine him. I thought I'd let you know as soon as possible given the children will be arriving in a few hours"
"Goodness. Yes, thankyou Draco - give me a minute and I'll be with you"
Exactly one minute later McGonagall reappeared dressed in her formal robes, her hair was once again in its customary bun, and her spectacles perched back on her long nose.
"Mr Malfoy" the headmistress commented as she marched alongside him "you seem to have a new friend"
Draco looked down at the cat that was walking silently alongside him.
"Yes - it appeared from nowhere and dragged me down to the hall. Is it someone's familiar perhaps? I don't recognise it from anywhere"
"She - Mr Malfoy - it is a she" McGonagall said, and Draco swore he almost saw a curve of the woman's lips "and she is yours I'm afraid. When cats decide these things it's easier for all involved if you just politely go along with it"
Draco almost tripped over his own feet.
"Mine? But I'm not really a cat person, or a pet person at all if I'm going to be honest. Are you sure?"
"Yes, quite certain" McGonagall seemed to take pity on him "I wouldn't worry too much Mr Malfoy. I believe the cat is willing to overlook your shortcomings, all you need do is to accede to her demands occasionally and have a word with the kitchen elves to make sure she's well fed."
They had reached the main hall and the remains of the old caretaker. Filch looked different in death, no longer alight with annoyance and anger. McGonagall cast a charm over him, then sniffed loudly.
"His heart. He never really recovered properly after the battle, the damage was so extensive. The bond between castle and caretaker is a strange one indeed, but you will soon know better than me"
"Pardon?" Draco said, in utter confusion
"That cat" McGonagall said, pointing at the animal sitting calmly next to Draco "is no ordinary cat. It’s existence means you have been called by Hogwarts to undertake a role that is currently vacant. Tell me Mr Malfoy - would you be interested in becoming the new caretaker of Hogwarts?"
Draco's mouth fell open in horror. Visions of Mr Filch slinking around the castle with his mad cat, spitting and shouting at children dancing through his head.
"It is just a question - for now. You need not accept. But you do not have much time to decide I'm afraid. An hour or two, no more"
"But... what? How?"
"I'm afraid I don't know much about it - it's one of the great mysteries of Hogwarts. But what I do know is that each caretaker makes the role of it what they will. If you are chosen it means you have the potential. I would encourage you to think of it not as a curse or a sentence, but instead... an opportunity."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then someone else will be asked. You can decline now, or if you accept, then at any time you may still decline if you no longer want to serve. It's a vocation, not a life sentence. Don't worry Mr Malfoy - I promised that you will always have a home here if you wish it, and I meant that promise. That will remain whether you take this offer or not. Frankly, I think you might be just what we all need. But I shall let you decide. Please take some time to think about it."
Mind whirring, Draco went back to his rooms, the cat padding behind him. What did it mean?
Draco sat on the bed and the cat butted him with her head, then sprawled over his lap, purring away. Draco let his fingers sink into the warm fur of her belly, feeling the small heart flutter in her chest. A pulse of connection and welcome spun through him, and for a second his senses stretched out like invisible wings to encompass stone walls and rocky castle grounds. Hogwarts welcomed him like an old, loving friend
Fuck. He was going to do it.