The Impermissible Feelings of Admiration

The Ministry - 2

Solid grey sheets draped off the bed, half covering the body of Draco. A week had passed since he had turned twenty-six, no gifts, no invitations for lavish birthday parties or letters wishing him a good time, and a month had passed since Draco entered his depressive state.

The elf had come and gone, leaving meals out on his dresser until they had given up with trying to feed him and instead had moved onto tending the gardens. The other elf that had roamed the manor was Astoria's, whom had done the garden, previously, and was probably living a free life now. Draco wondered what Astoria was doing - he couldn't stand to think about who's bed she was tangled up in, the thought caused Draco's heart to ache.

His despairs were interrupted when a sandwich splattered it's content onto Draco's sheets, a slice of bread glueing itself to Draco's hair. He quickly rose up from his fetal position (pathetic, he knows), and looked towards the doorway to find Theodore Nott standing there with a wide smile painted onto his face. "You're alive," he said coolly.

Draco wiped the tomato off his face and grabbed his wand, jinxing Theo with a 'flipendo'. He then used his wand to rid the sandwich and it's toppings out of his hair and off his bed. "What was that for?" Draco muttered, finally rising up from his bed. "Such a waste of a sandwich."

After a minute or two, after adjusting himself, Theodore helped himself up, using Draco's desk as an aid, and began to explore the dark room, half-limping to the large, thick curtains, opening them to reveal the bright sun. "How can you see in here?" He takes a dramatic sniff of the room. "It's smells awfully horrid, like a rotting carcass."

This time Draco throws a pillow at him, "Fuck off, it does not. You're being ridiculous." He walked towards the curtains and closed it. "Also, what are you doing here?"

Theodore defended himself by turning the pillow into a colourful beach ball. "Sorry- craving a beach getaway and also enjoy not being assualted by pillows." This earned him a cold stare from the blonde boy, who still had strings of sauce in his hair. "Right-"

"I'm checking up on you, you muppet. Daphne caught me up with the... uh, news." Theo became quiet as he spoke, looking at Draco for any clues for how he was feeling. Unfortunately, Draco's month in his personalised hell hole had caused him to become somewhat 'numb'.

Theodore looked around the room, feeling unsure of what to do, he began to fidget with the fabric of the bedsheets. He quickly popped the balloon and rid it's content before realising what he had done. "I'll replace that, don't worry about it, though you probably have a million pillows-" Theodore stopped, assessing Draco's bored expression. "... I want to be here for you, always have, you're my friend," he fiddled with his brown jacket's sleeve, looking into Draco's eyes. "And, by the way, I'm sorry for missing your birthday. I was a tinsy bit in trouble with the ministry, though I believe they may have forgiven me."

Draco laughed dryly. "I'm not surprised-"

"I bought you a gift." Theodore cut him off. He threw him a brown envelope, with Draco's name plastered on the front. It landed a metre or so away from him, Draco serves him a look.

"I also may be a bit tipsy, forgive me, I spent a few rounds at the Hog's Head - the Three Broomsticks threw me out after one." Theodore moved over to sit beside Draco, snatching the envelope, holding it out on his lap. "But that does not mean we can't raid your dad's wine celler later."

Theodore chortled, nodding his head quietly. "Look inside it, you might enjoy the surprise." He handed the envelope to Draco, whom hesitantly took it, assessing the ripped envelope "It's already opened, mate. Had a bit of a glance, eh?"

"Could you blame me, I was curious!" Theodore put the back of his hand to his forehead, displaying a dramatic but sarcastic act. Draco sighed and took out the letter with his frail fingers.

Dear Mr. Draco Malfoy

We have reviewed your profile and have concluded that your position at the Ministry of Magic as an officer of the Ministry of Magic Investigations Department - a subdivision of our Auror Department - would be greatly appreciated. Your skills and knowledge has impressed us immensly. We would enjoy welcoming you to our team after a quick interview with our Auror Head - Mr Harry Potter. Please consider our owl, we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Minister of Magic - Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"The Ministry, Nott? I thought you were-"

"I am, they found me with a dusty old, er- nevermind about that, that's for a later discussion... I found the letter sitting on the floor near your front door, thought to bring it to you, you know, because I am so awfully nice."

Draco rolled his eyes, shaking his head but secretly smiling, humoured by Theodore's troubles. "I'm not sure if I can accept this, Theo. I mean, look at me, honestly. Okay, maybe a few years ago, or even months, I would have said yes but now-" Draco bit the inside of his lip, fiddling with the letter. "I'm not cut out for that shit right now."

"Come on, mate. They want you, you're skilled as fuck. How often does the Ministry do shit like this? And for a death eater?"

"Don't flatter me." Draco got up and circled around the room, trying to find the words.

"The Ministry despises us, I mean," He looks at the letter in his hand and laughs dryly "My 'skills and knowledge' has impressed them? Seriously? A bunch of bullshit." Draco scrunches the paper with his hand.

Theodore sighs, looking around the room, unble to commit to eye contact with his friend. "This is a rare opportunity for you.. for us! Seriously, this could change how people see us."

"We're not good people, Theo. We did a bunch of fucked up shit, working for fucked up people. People have their thoughts about us and it's not going to change any time soon. You have to just accept that this is who we are always going to be. You're in trouble with the Ministry, Nott! Do you think that helps our image? Why do we even care about our image?" Draco drew a long, deep sigh, dragging his hands through his hair.

The room was quiet, Theodore's feet tapping on the wooden floors were the only sound heard. "Just think about it, alright? How about we grab a butterbeer or two, get out of the house, or rather, mansion, it is quite fucking big. Come on, it's June, you really want to miss it?" He pursed his lips. "I hate to see you in this state, Draco." Theodore got up from the bed and walked out of the bedroom door.

Draco stood there, the cogs in his brain turning. "No you don't!" He called out, groaning as flopped back into bed.