Malfoy Manor

Chapter 2

"Get up." The loud, commanding voice had come from outside my door. I sighed and stood up from my window seat, stretching as I went. Father didn't know that I had been awake since he had left me on the floor last night. I made my way over to my closet, stepping inside and flicking the switch. My closet is almost as big as my room, but that doesn't matter to me. It's just a room. I finally decided on black jeans, a black shirt, and a faux-fur lined jacket, before taking one last look at myself in the full length mirror. I popped the collar of my jacket a bit before stepping out into the hallway, hidden slightly by the long, cold, shadows. The house isn't much of a home. It's a manor. Cold, imposing... just like the people that live inside. My room is the only place in the entire manor where I feel truly welcomed. It's still impressive, of course, but it's a bit more... me. At least I was able to decorate it the way I wanted to. As I made my way closer to the dining room, I let my normal self slip away, and allowed my false, arrogant demeanor to take over. "Good morning Mother, Father." I gave a shallow nod to the both of them. Mother gave me a soft smile, whereas Father just gave a curt tilt of the head in response. Breakfast was served almost instantly after I sat down, and not one word was said as we ate. Just as I finished, I felt Father clamp his hand down upon my arm. "We're off to Diagon Alley today. We need to get stuff for your... school." Father had said 'school' with such spite, that I saw a house-elf cower away and around the corner. He had wanted me to attend Durmstrang Institute, a Scandinavian wizarding school in either northern Norway or northern Sweden. He probably wanted me to go because they feature the dark arts in their curriculum. The only reason I'm not going there, is because Mother wanted me to be closer to home, so I'll be attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry instead.I felt Father's grip on me tighten to a point where I was surely going to bruise, but I kept my face blank. "And you better not make a fool of yourself, boy. I don't need you dishonoring our family name anymore." "Yes Father." Father gave a sigh and released me. "You better be down here at 11:00 sharp. We're leaving then." "Yes Father." I kept my demeanor up until I was back in my room, the door shut safely behind me. I made my way towards the center of my room before flopping face first onto my four-poster bed. Life outside of my Father's watch was rare, and it was getting rarer the older I got. I couldn't wait to get to Hogwarts. Then I wouldn't have to see Father until the holidays. Father is such a stickler for all kinds of old beliefs. He hate's muggles, marrying muggles, muggle-borns, and blood-traitors. Stuff like that. I don't exactly agree with all that, but it's not like I can change his mind. It's just how he learned to live. But even with all the things we disagree about, I still respect Father a great deal. He's a fantastic wizard, even if most people don't see that. He can be cruel and harsh sometimes, but that's only because of his work. He's worked to build up his life; he's made himself a reputation to live up to, and he doesn't want to see all of his hard work demolished. He puts all kinds of pressure on Mother and I to keep up with him, and it can be overwhelming, but I understand why. He's my role model. When I get older, I want to be just as respected and successful as Father is. I just wish... I just wish I could make him proud. "Boy! Hurry up! I said 11:00 sharp! Where is your sense of time?" With a start, I rolled over to see that my clock now read 11:01. I don't think I've ever moved so fast before in my life. I hurdled myself out of bed, flung open my door, rushed out into the hallway, skittered around the corners, and almost fell down the grand staircase to the entrance hall. The whole thing would have been quite comedic if I hadn't been fearing Father's next words and actions. "Draco, how many times am I going to have to tell you to watch the time?" I looked down at the floor, and I felt him move in front of me. "Listen. I'm trying to be patient with you, but you continue to defy me, as always." I was expecting the slap, but it came harder than usual. I didn't cry out - Father wouldn't have approved - but I did wince slightly. "You will look at me when I'm talking to you, boy." This slap I wasn't expecting. When his hand made contact with my face, I have to admit the sting was worse this time because the effect of the first slap still hadn't worn off. I had let the tiniest little whimper escape, but Father still heard it. He grabbed my chin roughly, forcing my eyes to meet his own harsh grey ones. "Pathetic. You're a Malfoy. Malfoy's don't show emotions. It's a sign of weakness." That lesson had been drilled into my mind ever since I was little. Malfoys don't show emotions. "Now remember Draco, behave yourself, and don't forget your place. You're a Malfoy. Now start acting like one." He let his hand drop to my shoulder, and squeezed it in what he probably thought was a comforting way, but it just left me feeling empty inside. "Yes Father." "Now, let's go. I don't know why, but your Mother insists on us taking the muggle way in. Don't ask me why. Something about getting the full experience. Now hurry up. You're already slow as it is." "Yes Father." Long gone were the days of being happy and carefree. I had a name to live up to, and a Father to please. I had to make him proud. A new chapter in my life was about to start, and I was going to do everything I could to get Father's approval. No matter what it takes. Malfoys don't show emotions. Remember your place. You're a Malfoy. Now start acting like one.