On Friday night, Draco was brought back to Malfoy Manor by his father.
"Let me see if you're hurt, Draco."
Narcissa had barely managed to ask before his father pulled Draco into the study.
"Lucius, don't be too harsh. He's still a child." Narcissa's voice came through just before the study door closed, but his father gave no reply.
"Father..."
Draco looked at his father fearfully. He had never seen him so serious before, and for someone whose defining trait was being "a coward," Draco suddenly had no idea what to say.
"I need to speak seriously with you about some things and make you change a few things."
Lucius sat in an ornate chair inlaid with silver trim. He stroked the snake-headed cane in his right hand, his pale gray eyes fixed intently on Draco. "But before that, you need to finish reading this."
He tapped his cane against the floor. A thick book floated up from the desk and landed in front of Draco. Draco reached out to catch it—or, more accurately, to hold it in his arms.
History of the Malfoy Family, Draco read on the cover.
"Time is limited. I don't need you to study it in depth, but you should at least get a general understanding."
Lucius took out his pocket watch and glanced at it. "Start now. I've prepared a potion to keep you awake. Also, if you need anything, ask Hera. Dobby is very busy."
He rattled off one instruction after another, leaving Draco no time to speak.
"I'll come see you tomorrow morning, so..."
Lucius pointed at the enormous book in Draco's arms. "I want to see some results by tomorrow morning."
"Bang."
Staring at the firmly shut study door, Draco was a little dazed.
He had no idea what was going