分卷阅读70（2 / 2）

“Voldemort is a Legimens, and a very good one. Those memories are ones that your father considered so precious to him, he couldn’t bear the thought of Voldemort knowing them. So he kept them safe.”

The train ride back to Hogwarts was more silent than the one leaving the school, with both Harry and Draco back in the normal Hogwarts uniform. Draco gazed out the window as the train took them closer and closer to the school. After he’d checked in with Dumbledore, he would have to begin his school work. He had the rest of today and all of tomorrow to finish all the assignments that he’d missed Friday and all that he would miss on Monday. He would not let the trial inconvenience him as Narcissa so obviously was trying to do.

This was such a mess. He had to gain his inheritance, he had to. It wasn’t just Malfoy Manor, or the money, or knowing that he had won over Narcissa Black. His father had promised him everything. He didn’t remember it himself, but seeing the memory in the pensive…losing to Narcissa, losing his inheritance, he would lose his father’s promise. In essence, he would be throwing that away. And he would not do that…he could not do that. But if it came down to it, would he allow himself to go the route of engagement just for that?

Draco’s eyes closed as he immersed himself deep in thought. He’d have to win. Not only for himself, not only for his father. If he didn’t win his inheritance, then he would have nothing, would have to stay with his godfather. And Harry would have to stay with him, the Veriae bond would make that happen. But for Harry to stay that close to Snape would make him vulnerable. Voldemort would order Harry brought to him.

Draco respected his godfather, maybe even loved him at times if that were possible, but he did not know where his godfather’s loyalties lay in the approaching war. He could not risk Harry’s life if his godfather was given no choice but to obey Voldemort. And he could not risk his godfather’s life were his godfather to defy Voldemort. No, the only way to protect both of them was to keep his inheritance.

But engagement? Even as a…last resort? Engagement shouldn’t be used in such a careless way. If he were to propose to Harry…or anyone really, he’d want it to be real. Heart and soul included…whatever heart and soul he possessed. Would Harry realize that if he were to go through with it? Would he understand what it was? Or would he treat it as another duty that he had to do, throwing it away when Draco turned seventeen?

Draco’s thoughts returned to the two bands of gold that had sat comfortably on their silken pillow when he’d looked at them the night before. I finally realize what you meant Father, when you said that. ‘If I choose to”…I could keep my contact with Harry to a minimum if I choose to. I didn’t choose that route then, Father…but I’m not sure when it shifted. What would you think, Father, if I were to ask you for permission to propose engagement to Harry Potter? Would you laugh? I think you would. You saw it coming. Even back then…yes, even when I was eleven years old and you encouraged me to become friends with him…you knew even that long ago. But you never told me. You never pushed me into it. You let me deal with it, not minding that I never once asked you for advice. Now I wish for your council and you aren’t there to give it to me. If I choose to…It was always my choice, wasn’t it? It just took me this long to realize it. I’m going to ask my godfather for permission in your place. He won’t tell the Dark Lord, will he? I don’t think he will. You would not have taken him into your confidence if he was untrustworthy. It would be too dangerous for Harry to live under his roof, but it will not be a disaster for him to play your role in this, I think. Unless, of course, he does not give me permission. But we shall see what happens, won’t we?

And as Draco drifted off to sleep, lulled by the movement of the train, his hand reached to touch the two shrunken items in his pocket: his father’s pensive, and the box that held the Malfoy engagement rings.

Chapter 35: Trial by Heart

Of all the things Professor Severus Snape expected to hear Draco ask him during his entire lifetime, this was not one of them.

“Why in Merlin’s name would you ask such a question?” he asked, partly in shock, and partly hoping that Draco was not serious in having an answer. “And why, also, would you ask my opinion?”

“It’s very simple, Godfather. Legally, you’re my guardian, and that makes you my Auctor, so I have to have your approval.”

Snape sighed. “Draco, this kind of a question puts me in a very bad position. Please find someone else to act as your Auctor and ask them. Do not ask me to give permission to such a thing.”

“And who would you have me ask? Dumbledore? I think not. I did not choose who my Auctor would be, it just happened, and you are my Auctor. I can’t change that.”

“Then do not ask me for permission to propose an engagement between yourself and Harry-Bloody-Potter!” Snape snapped. His voice lowered to a calmer tone. “Do not forget my status with the Dark Lord. As such, there is no way I could give my consent. Again, I beg you Draco, do not ask this of me.”

“You’re lying to me. I don’t care what you say, you’re not a Death Eater, not really.”

“And how would you know this?”

“I just do. And I can’t get permission from anyone other than you. But I will ask you a different question instead. As my Godfather and my Auctor, would you do everything in your power to allow me to propose an engagement to someone I felt worthy of myself?”