The Villian
Malfoy Manor was constantly dreary during summer. Perhaps that why they always traveled abroad. But today was raining, more so than usual. Or at least, that's what young Draco thought. His father had called for him so they could speak about-
Well, he didnt exactly know what exactly his father wanted to talk about. Draco already knew what was expected of him once he entered Hogwarts. He knew who were the right and wrong sort. The decorum expected of him, along with how he ought to hold himself. Yet his father had wanted to talk with him anyways.
There had been no talking.
All his father did was continue to look outside through his window. At the rain and the garden, but why? Inevitably, his own impatience got the better of him.
"What is it you wanted to speak with me father? Have I done something I shouldn't have?"
Lucius continued to stare outside. Rather than answering his son's questioning he moved his son closer to his side. Getting down to a knee level, with both malfoy's heads almost touching, he began to whisper
"Boy, who is your most important heir to cultivate a relationship with?"
"None father, we stand above all father-"
His father stopped the Beginnings of a rant
"No my son. We are not the greatest. We are powerful through our magic and our allies. Having only one or the other leaves us weak, and both require a steady hand in nurturing them to their fullest forms. I ask you again, my son of sons, who should you endeavor to befriend the most?"
Draco tounge felt parched. He didn't know what his father wanted to hear and he was nervous. But his father wouldn't tolerate no answer at all, so he spoke.
"The Greengrass heiress would bring us the most benefits father."
Lucius's face didn't twitch or reveal any of what he felt, but Draco carried on nonetheless.
"They were neutral in the last major conflict between ourselves and the blood traitors. Those who are already on our side will stay with us, so we should seek to build more allies among those who haven't yet picked a side."
Before Draco could continue his father put a hand on his shoulder, silencing him. Still at an equal level with his son, Lucius turned Draco so that he was fully facing him before giving his heir what he needed to hear.
"The answer is young Harry Potter, my son."
"But why father? You can't believe that he would ever come around to our way of thinking when another war breaks out!"
Lucius's eyes narrowed immediately.
"Draco, you must pray for your own sake that a war of that kind does not reach our shores again. We are politicians Draco. We are strongest when all is well in the country. We are at our best when we can maintain relations with all sides of the political spectrum, putting ourselves and our own agendas as a reasonable alternative to all others. Unless Harry Potter is an invalid he will undoubtedly hold political sway when your time to take my place comes. And that is if he is an underachiever."
"But what if he ends up in Gryffindor or Hu-"
"It does not matter which house he falls to Draco. Though his blood may be diluted he still holds greatness within them. You will do what you must, for the betterment of our family. Do you understand my son?"
"Yes father."
Lucius seemed to be content with that answer, quickly standing up so that he could get back to work. As his son left his room he refocused his attention to his window.
The rain seemed to give way for hail.