Draco Malfoy, Broken

Chapter 36 - Marked

Published: 1/3/2019

TRIGGER WARNING: for self-harm and bullying

Happy New Year!  Hang in there... it's a long, painful one.

Draco woke up exhausted. He had been too tired to even dream. He had had a difficult time finishing his homework and stayed up until near three. Blaise tried to stay awake, but he fell asleep near one. Theo didn't even try to stay up, but he woke up a few times crying. It was Defense Against the Dark Arts day. It hurt Theo almost more than him.

"You finish?" Blaise asked when he sat up in bed.

"Yeah. Barely."

"Sucks... man I wish I could..." Blaise started with some anger.

"Don't he's not worth it," Draco said.

Blaise practically spat as he let out a tirade of swear words. Draco figured that was all he would do, after he promised the headmistress to stay his wand. He grumbled all the way to the bathroom and slammed the door. Draco sighed and slowly got out of bed. Theo was pulling on his socks, tears coming out, again.

"Theo," Draco called.

But he didn't answer. He wiped his tears away and set on slipping his shoes on. Draco didn't push any further. He knew exactly how he felt. Sometimes, you just want peace and quiet to sort out hard feelings. Blaise appeared after a few moments, still swearing under his breath.

"Are you going to shower?" Blaise asked.

"No, I will tonight," Draco muttered. Blaise hit him with a cleaning spell. "Was that necessary?"

"Yes. You may have dipped in your standards of personal hygiene, but I won't have you looking sloppy... sloppier."

"I'm not sloppy!" he growled, even Theo gave him a patronizing look.

"Sure... I remember when you showered every morning and night," Blaise muttered.

"And spent another hair fixing your hair," Theo chuckled.

"Shut up. I have other things to worry about now."

"Like Potter? And that he's sloppy and likes your h-"

"Hey!"

"You know he just picks up a shirt off the floor and throws it on, whenever I go to wake him up. Does he even wash his clothes?" Blaise pointed out.

"Yes, he does. He just grabs whatever..." Draco started, but sensed he was digging himself into a hole.

"Yeah... sure," Blaise said, giving him a wide smirk.

They met Daphne in the common room, and stopped to get Draco's last nutrient potion. Madam Pomfrey still requested that he come every week so she could reassess him. Draco thanked her and they went to breakfast, claiming their usual spot. Daphne sat next to him, today, and Blaise and Theo sat across from him. They were halfway through the meal when the morning delivery packages arrived. None of them took out a Daily Prophet subscription anymore. Draco especially didn't, but when there were cries of alarm throughout the hall, they knew it was something bad.

"Accio paper!" Blaise said, Summoning a newspaper out of a hapless third-year Hufflepuff's hands. "Shit."

"What?" Draco asked, staring at him. It had to be about him.

Blaise exchanged a look with Theo, who nodded. He handed the paper to Draco, who saw a Dark Mark cast above a home and read the article in some amount of shock.

Death Eaters Brutally Murder Five in York

Ministry officials have released information that Death Eaters Rabastian and Rodolphus Lestrange have murdered five muggles and marked their location with the Dark Mark. Obliviators questioning muggles nearby were able to identity the two Death Eaters and two others that are suspected to be werewolves and part of the pack originally ran by Fenrir Greyback. The victims were two adults and three muggle children, all appeared to have been tortured beforehand and also partially eaten.

Aurors were unable to find any clues to the whereabouts of the Death Eaters and werewolves. Head Auror Gawain Robards is leading the investigation and is also in charge of the hunt for fugitive werewolves. He issued a statement this morning that Werewolf Tracking Team had several leads to the pack, now lead by the werewolf Scabior, who he believes is assisting the wanted Death Eaters.

Head Auror Robards said that the two groups were deeply linked and that there has been a surge in werewolf-related attacks. Twelve people have been killed in the last two months and four have been turned. Head Auror Robards also explained that three of the werewolf-attack survivors have gone missing, presumably joining the mixed group of wanted Death Eaters and werewolves.

Ministry officials have released several new bulletins, including the Lestrange brothers, several other wanted Death Eaters and the violent werewolves in their employ. Rewards have increased to 25,000 galleons for the Lestranges, any marked Death Eater and werewolf pack-leader Scabior, 10,000 for news of their whereabouts and 5,000 for any wanted werewolf captured dead or alive.

The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement Mafalda Hopkirk issued her deepest sympathies to the relatives of the victims. She urges all members of the community to remain highly vigilant, take extreme care in traveling, place protective wards on their residences and report any suspected Death Eater activity at once. In a final comment from Madam Hopkirk, "Voldemort may be gone, but his supporters are still out there. No one is safe until these war criminals are brought to justice and all who supported them."

Draco slowly put down the paper, unable to keep from glancing the names of Fenrir and Rabastian. The vicious werewolf might be dead, but his uncles weren't. Rabastian was still out there, killing for his own amusement. Fenrir and Rabastian had been close and, of all Voldemort's supporters, the Lestrange brothers had no qualms about working with the werewolves. Rabastian loved it. The fact that he was still hunting, a pure-blood traditionalist with a mudblood pack of werewolves, chilled Draco's blood.

"Are you okay?" Daphne whispered.

Draco had confided in her of a lot of things, but he had never told her who. He was retreating inward, again. His eyes rested upon hers. She put her hand on his shoulder and he still lowered it slightly. He never would feel okay being touched, especially when he was vulnerable. They were all stronger then he was. They could defend themselves.

Daphne still left her hand on his arm, regardless. "Draco?"

"I'm okay," he murmured.

"Are you sure? You're very pale... which is hard to do."

Draco's frantic eyes lowered and he trembled. "Don't...."

He glanced at Blaise and Theo, who grimaced, but both had their hands on their wands and were looking out over the hall as though suspecting an attack. Oh, Draco's mind helpfully caught on. Everyone was probably staring at him, the Death Eater. As if today wasn't bad enough. He started to shake. Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Magical Theory all in one day. It was going to be a long, hard day.

"Oh... Draco... it's going to be okay. Don't be scared," Daphne whispered, but how could he not be? They were going to tear him apart.

"Let's head to class," Blaise growled. He was trembling apprehensively, too.

Draco got up and rounded the table to walk on the outer wall side. He stared at the wall as he walked, even past Harry. His friends formed a protective circle around him, again.

"Harry is following us," Daphne whispered and he nodded.

They made it to Transfiguration without issue. Several of his classmates stared, but didn't dare try anything with the Slytherins and the Golden Trio on high alert. McGonagall arrived and issued some warnings about abiding school rules and showing restraint before starting on the lesson.

Blaise walked him to Herbology, regardless of being late to Divination. Several students spit on the ground as they walked by. Blaise didn't hex them though. When they got to the Greenhouse 5, Blaise took a hold of Draco's robes as though straightening them and tried to be reassuring. It wasn't working. Draco thanked him and turned to enter the greenhouse, again sitting at his own table. He tried to focus on his work, ignoring the glares and threats he was getting. However, Terry Boot suddenly screamed when a Theropod plant clamped around his leg and took a large bite of his flesh.

"Oh dear! I warned you it was aggressive today! Come on, Mr. Boot, to the hospital wing. The rest of you just work on your assignments until I get back," Professor Sprout said, levitated Terry out the door and vanishing the large pile of blood.

Draco immediately took a swig of the Calming Draught he made on Tuesday. This was going to be bad. Indeed, it took all of 30 seconds for Michael and Yellow Rivers to come over. Draco was so relaxed he didn't even flinch when they grabbed his arm. But he did grunt in pain when they slammed his face into the desk.

"Your fucking Death Eater friends killed five people yesterday! Did you know they were going to do it?"

"N-No!" Draco said. How the hell would he have known? Even before when Voldemort was alive he knew nothing of their plans.

"Fucking Death Eater spawn!" Michael Corner spat, still holding him against the table.

The potion made it that he didn't care that they would beat the shit out of him, which they did. Fist after fist slammed into his side and back as he hunched over the desk. Some of the class cheered them on, as they continued to hit him. But the pain finally broke though the calm.

"Please stop," he pleaded, dropping to the floor.

"Please didn't make the Carrows stop! You fucking Death Eater!" Michael grabbed his arm and cut open his sleeve, where his mark was. "You should stop hiding what you are!" He cut the rest of his sleeve off and flung it away.

"That's better Mike. He looks like a Death Eater should... beaten and broken," Yellow Rivers laughed, giving him a kick to the back. Draco flinched from the pain.

"Your Slytherin sympathizers made fools out of us!" Michael Corner growled.

"You get Blaise to take this off! Now!" Rivers yelled. His yellow face trying to be red.

"I won't," Draco said, looking up at them with a rare amount of defiance. He smiled even.

Rivers knelt down and punched him right in the face.

"Now, you just get your buddy to remove his hexes... or you'll be sorry!" Michael Corner growled and kicked him, again.

Yellow Rivers spat on him and not even the Calming Draught could stop him from feeling embarrassed as they walked away. The other Ravenclaws clapped them on their backs, celebrating the abuse of the Death Eater. Draco's fellow Slytherins shared in the merriment. He hazarded a glance at them. Both of Tracey and Alexus were enjoying his suffering. He wiped the spit off, gathering the motivation to get to his feet, and glared at Rivers, before returning to his assignment. Professor Sprout thankfully came back and class proceeded on without any more incidents.

Blaise grimaced when he saw Draco's mark open for all to see. Blaise covered it by conjuring a sleeve and attached it. It wasn't exactly right, but then he reached up to check his face.

"Those fuckers!" Blaise spat, indignantly, holding Draco's cheek gently. "They really think they're going to get away with this?"

"What are you going to do?" Daphne asked.

"Don't. You can't talk about it," Draco interjected.

"It's fine, Draco. I will handle this," Blaise muttered and eyed the Yellow bastard himself, as the Ravenclaws sat down.

"They really have thick heads," Daphne sneered.

"You know that it's just going to keep going back and forth right?" Draco muttered, but Blaise ignored him and whispered instructions to Theo.

Draco noted a tawny owl dropped a letter in front of Harry. Draco wasn't sure who it was from, but suddenly a bread pudding exploded near Harry, as he read the letter. It had to be bad.

"Hey!" the students around Harry whined as they were splattered with creamy dessert.

"Just go back to whatever you were doing!" Hermione growled and Vanished the mess. "Harry, what's wrong?"

"I have to go to the Ministry on Sunday," Harry growled, shaking with anger. Ron didn't move.

"Is it abou-"

"No... it's not about Draco," he said and looked down the table at him. Harry's eyes didn't look like they were lying. Draco nodded to show he understood.

The lunchroom was filled with hushed whispers all directed toward him. It was one thing that the war was over and he was on the wrong side, but it was another when they realize the war is completely over. Voldemort's followers were still out there, still murdering. No one was safe.

"You deserve to die, Death Eater!" a cry came from the hall. Draco didn't bother to see who said it.

"Don't listen to them, Draco. They don't know what they are talking about," Theo said.

"They do. I was a Death Eater. I was on the wrong side."

"No, you weren't. You were behind enemy lines," Blaise said, still staring at the Ravenclaws.

"It's nice to say that, Blaise, but no one will ever believe that."

"That's because no one knows what you've been through. If they knew...."

"They wouldn't change their minds. I'm marked. I helped kill Dumbledore. Stop sugar-coating what I've done, Blaise," Draco growled and pushed off from the table and headed out into the entrance hall.

Daphne came up from behind him, but Blaise and Theo stayed behind. "Draco, you can't wander off...."

"Let them have me," he muttered, despondently.

Daphne frowned and pulled him into an empty classroom. "Look here. I know what you've been through, don't you dare downplay it. You were Azkaban for over three months reliving all that pain. Oh, Draco... don't believe that you deserved it... any of it. I know how scared you were."

Draco hung his head, tears forming. "I was... I couldn't... I didn't have a choice... I never had a choice."

"No, you didn't. Draco, you were forced. Every step of the way," Daphne said, pulling him into a hug.

Draco never regretted sharing his most painful secrets with her. She never broke his confidence when she had plenty of opportunities, even for his benefit.

"Draco... you never... told me... who it was," she said and he lifted his head to stare into her eyes. "When you were reading that 온라인카지노게임... you were so scared. It wasn't until you looked at Blaise and saw the reaction to the article that you even considered that problem. Was it them? The Lestranges?"

Draco shivered, all but confirming her guess. "I...."

"It's okay, Draco... you can tell me... you can tell me anything," she whispered, gripping his hands.

He let out a sob and nodded, "One... Ra... Rabastian."

"I'm so sorry, Draco. He'll get what's coming to him. He's already wanted for murder. The Aurors will get him. He'll never hurt you, again," she said, rubbing his back.

Draco felt the tears come out. He wished he could believe that, but with his rapist's picture plastered on the front page of the newspaper, he couldn't help but feel... scared. Rabastian would love nothing more than to break him completely. He so wanted to. He wanted him to be his plaything and he would try to get him back. He would come for him. Draco believed that at least.

"Draco... it'll be...."

"We should go. We can't be late to class, especially Defense Against the Dark Arts," he said, quietly wiping his eyes.

"Draco... no. We can skip. I'll take you to the hospital wing," Daphne said.

"We might as well not put this off, Daphne. I can't get into trouble. Please," he begged.

She nodded, as though understanding his over-whelming fear of going back to prison. She opened the door and nearly walked into Dean and Seamus. Draco froze, unable to do much of anything else.

"Well, well... is the Death Eater enjoying his little clandestine make-out session? Didn't know you were a traitor's slut, Daphne, but I should have guessed it," Dean spat viciously. Daphne went red. "But judging by the tears in his eyes, I'm guessing he couldn't get it up."

Daphne glared at him and faster than Dean, brought her arm up and yelled, "Incarcerous!"

Dean's wand was knocked out of his hand as the ropes wrapped around his body. He dropped to the floor as he struggled to fight them. Daphne pointed her wand at Seamus.

"Don't, he's H-Potter's friend," Draco said, touching her arm.

She raised an eyebrow at Seamus, who held up his hands in mock surrender. She didn't lower her wand but looked down at Dean. Seamus eyed him warily.

"This isn't over, Gryffindor. I might not be as skilled as my friends when it comes to curses, but I can still defend myself. Besides, I'm sure Blaise will quite interested to hear about this conversation. You should expect his reply within the next 24 hours. But for now, enjoy your pain-free living. I'll be sure to ask for a special gift for you, asshole."

"I'm not afraid of you!"

"Me? No, not me. Blaise and Theo. They're my big, over-protective brothers. They'll annihilate you," Daphne scoffed and then pointed her wand at Seamus, again. "Don't let him go until we're gone or I'll stun you."

Seamus nodded, still holding up his hands. Daphne took Draco's hand and pulled him toward Defense Against the Dark Arts. Draco took another swig of the Calming Draught on the way. He was going to need it. Blaise and Theo were outside. Draco wouldn't met their eyes regardless of the potion. Class was due to start any minute. Daphne whispered what had happened into Blaise's ear. He growled under his breath.

"Are you sure you're okay to go to class?" Theo asked him.

He nodded, still looking away. "Let's go in, before we're late."

"I might snap if that asshole...."

"Don't Blaise. He's not worth it."

"Neville and Potter will come to get you, after class, as I'm sure I'll manage to get put into detention again," Blaise said, rolling his eyes. Draco nodded and they entered the classroom.

"Detention," Dawlish announced. "You three are late."

"No, we're not," Blaise said, looking at his sundial.

"By my watch you are," he said. "Til eleven tonight. Sound good?" Blaise glared at him.

"Draco came in late, too!" Smith happily pointed out.

"I don't want to spend any extra time with the Death Eater. Sit down."

Draco took his seat. He was already shaking. Blaise sat next to him and gripped his hand under the table. He was fighting the tears. The Calming Draught wasn't enough to quiet the mounting fear. He pulled out his essay that Dawlish assigned. The professor took it and tossed it into the trash can, without opening it. Draco grimaced.

"Death Eater... did you see the article in the paper, today?" he asked and several people giggled as they watched the Auror bear down on him. "Answer me!"

"Yes, sir."

"Did you enjoy the article on the front page, Death Eater?"

"No, sir."

"Really? You weren't pleased that your old Death Eater chums killed some lowly muggles? Aren't you proud that they continue to show their support to your dead master?"

"No, sir."

"I have trouble believing that, Death Eater, because don't you also have his fucking mark on your arm?"

"N-Yes."

"Take off your robe!"

"Sir?"

"I said take off your robe. Show your classmates your mark of loyalty, again. Wouldn't want anyone to forget what you are!"

Blaise looked at him and shook his head, but Draco said, "I have to."

"Oh, didn't he tell you? My orders have to be obeyed. He's on probation and I'm an Auror. Any non-compliance will be reported... immediately."

Blaise looked up at the Auror with intense rage, but Draco pulled off his robe. He only had a short-sleeve on underneath.

"Look at his arm class! Go on, hold it up. His friends... no, his family members killed five people yesterday. His uncles. Death Eater, you don't deserve to even be in the same room as the rest of us. Go stand in the corner face the wall. And don't move or talk!" Dawlish ordered.

Draco had no choice but to obey. He walked over to the corner he pointed at, tears being held back by willpower alone. Zacharias tried to trip him, but he made it there, shaking like crazy. Dawlish started his lecture, like nothing had happened. He stared at the lines in the gray brickwork, like they held important information. It was so similar to the time his father put the Imperius Curse on him that he started to hyperventilate. This time there was no curse on him to stop him from going to pieces. He was trembling uncontrollably and nearly sobbing.

"You okay, Malfoy?" Ernie asked, quietly, who was nearby. Concern laced through his voice, but Draco couldn't respond. Dawlish said not to talk. Draco did turn his head and met Macmillan's eyes, but brought his eyes back to the wall, fearing punishment for the slight movement. His father didn't suffer any deviation from his orders.

Shit, he was slipping back. His father was behind him, ready to hit him, again. He would make it hurt. Draco closed his eyes, wishing the pain was over already. He hated when his father drew it out. Lucius wanted him to beg. Tears finally came out, despite his trying to hold them in. More punishment from his father. Showing weakness was severely punished. But the pain never came. He slowly came out of it, hearing Dawlish droned on about dueling spells.

Draco managed to look again, but the Slytherin girls were staring at him, happy at his punishment. Pansy's hard face was neutral. She kept staring, like she was disgusted by him, as well she should be. Draco looked back at the wall, his legs shaking, sore from standing for over on hour.

"Malfoy?" Ernie tried again. "Are you okay?"

"Macmillan, why are you talking to the Death Eater? Are you a sympathizer?" Dawlish asked.

"I show sympathy to anyone in pain, sir. This isn't okay. You're hurting him!" he growled.

"A lot of people were hurt because of him, Macmillan! He's the reason Dumbledore died. He could have prevented so many deaths if he were here."

"Harry said that he was already dying," Ernie said.

"I'm not interested in what Mr. Potter thinks, he is a boy."

"He's the Savior. He's not a boy," Hannah spat, with some force. The girl might not like Draco, not she was loyal to Harry.

"He didn't kill Voldemort, children. He got lucky. Though pure accident, he was able to come out alive. There was no skill to it."

"No, just pure courage," Susan Bones growled. Her aunt was killed in their sixth year.

"Enough, we are not having this discussion. Back to the lesson, then," Dawlish said, and very slowly, the class finally ended with a curt dismissal.

Smith and Hopkins grabbed Draco and pulled him toward the door, but Ernie said, "Stop it, Zach." His wand was already out.

"Go screw, yourself," Smith retorted. "We're taking him."

The professor sent three spells at Blaise, Theo and Daphne, keeping them in their seats, and he growled, "You lot seem to have forgotten that I'm an Auror. You will stay right there. Macmillan, you and your friends should stay here, too, since you have such vocal opinions on the subject. Perhaps some lines will remind you to keep quiet in my class."

"But sir!"

"No buts, Macmillan! Take your seat!" Dawlish spat and Ernie reluctantly sat down.

Zach and Wayne pulled him into the hallway and punched him a few times, with the other Hufflepuffs and Slytherins watching.

"That's enough!" Harry growled and Draco was dropped unceremoniously to the ground. His attackers fled.

"You all are getting detention!" Neville yelled, after them as they took off. "Any ideas?"

"Let me think of something," Harry said, as he knelt down. "Sorry, I got here as quick as I could. Neville and I will start leaving Herbology sooner. Are you okay?"

Draco didn't say anything, he just wrapped his arms around Harry and started crying.

"Bloody wankers," Harry growled, patting his shoulder. "I got you, Draco. Where are your robes?"

Draco motioned to the classroom door, not willing to say it in words.

"I'll get it, and his bag I'm assuming," Neville said, knocking on the door and entering.

"Calm down, Draco. That mother-fucking shitbag made you take them off? I'm so sorry."

Draco nuzzled in closer to Harry's neck, drawing in his natural scent. His tremors subsided, he was home. Neville opened the door and Draco could hear Dawlish spluttering indignantly.

"I don't care if you teach Herbology! You're a student as...."

"I'm not just a student, I'm a member of staff and if I didn't have an obligation not to critique a fellow co-worker, I might be inclined to tell you that your methods of teaching are deplorable and I do look so forward to the day you leave."

"Get out of my classroom!"

"Gladly, also my grandmother says hello. She's doing quite well, now, and she remembers you most fondly," Neville said, shutting the door without waiting for Dawlish's reply.

Draco smiled into Harry's chest, bad thoughts fading. But he looked into Harry's eyes and then lowered them. He hated being so weak.

"It's okay, Draco. Come on, let's get back to the dorm," Harry said and pulled him to his feet. Neville handed him his robes and he pulled them on.

"Thanks," he whispered. Neville nodded.

"Come on," Harry said, guiding him to their dorm.

Neville decided to have the Hufflepuffs and Slytherins report to the kitchens to hand wash the dishes from dinner. Harry agreed it was a good one. Draco didn't say anything until they went up to Draco's room. He took down the wards and pulled Harry inside. He brought Harry over to his bed and pushed him down. Harry didn't resist. Draco curled up on the bed, next to him.

"Please... I don't want to talk," Draco pleaded.

"Okay... we can just lie here. I've got you," Harry said, holding him.

Draco rested his head on Harry's chest and cried. For what, he wasn't sure. Everything hurt so much, everything was coming at him. He was trapped. There was no way out. He wasn't sure his father was dead, nor Voldemort nor Greyback. His tormentors were never gone. They'd always be with him... a part on him. They would never leave him alone.

Harry respected his request and let him cry it out. It wasn't until the sun went down and he whispered, "It's time for class. Do you want to skip?"

"No," he said.

"It's your Magical Theory class... are you sure? I could talk to the headmistress for you."

"No... I'll be fine. Let's get going," Draco said, getting up.

"Draco... you don't have to do this. You're hurting right now, you don't need any more pain."

"I don't have a choice. There is no choice. This is my punishment," Draco said, automatically.

Harry looked at him downright alarmed, now. "No, Draco. This isn't right. You're not meant to be hurting. You're here to finish your education, not be tortured!"

"We don't have time... we have to get to class," he said, grabbing his bag.

Harry got up and grabbed his bag, too. He still was trying to convince Draco not to go, all the way to class.

"I have to. What if I got in trouble for not going? I won't risk it, Harry. I can't go back. I can't take any chances."

"We can go to McGonagall," Harry asked.

"She's not the one I'm worried about. Just let me go," Draco said and walked into his Magical Theory class, rubbing his left forearm the whole time.

He could hear Harry talking in the hallway, trying to persuade his old friends to not hurt him. He wasn't going to win. Each one came in laughing and eyed him suggestively. The last was Ron, who frowned when he saw him, but still sat with the others. The professor slowly came in, not at all aware of her surroundings. Draco swallowed the last of the Calming Draught in a vain attempt to bring his near crippling anxiety down.

Dean got out a straw and was blowing projectiles at him.

"What is that?" Ron asked.

"Spitballs... it's a muggle thing, but very appropriate in this case, right Malfoy?" Dean said, at full volume. Professor Tempura didn't notice anything.

Draco pulled the slimy wads out of his hair, disgusted. His other tormentors laughed. Dean shot another one at him.

"Bastard deserves it," Dean growled. "You should have heard his bitch talking to me today. Saying that she was siccing Zabini on me? Phh... she's probably fucking him, too."

"I'm pretty sure Zabini's gay. He was sleeping with Fawley," Yellow Rivers commented.

"Doesn't that kid have any taste?" Corner muttered.

"It was before the war," Lisa chimed in.

"Hardly matters. Zabini is a Slytherin. He shou-" Dean started.

"I'm a Slytherin," Harper growled, suddenly. Draco froze. He had forgotten he was there.

"Oh... yeah... I forgot there was another one of you here," Zach Smith chuckled. "But your house is a bit on the bad side of school, now, Head Boy."

"That doesn't mean I'll take criticism lying down," Harper snapped.

"Really? What are you going to do about it?" Dean said.

"Besides defend my house? I know how to duel, oh War Hero. I also can put you into detention, dock house points and report you to McGonagall. Just because some people came from my house, doesn't make the rest of us bad. So, hold in your house-bashing until you aren't in my presence," Harper said, without any concern about being outnumbered.

"You'd really report us?" Fay Dunbar snorted.

"Probably not, but I will have my entire house hound every step you take. You think Zabini is bad? Wait until the whole Slytherin house is after you. I'm in charge, remember?"

"You talk a big game. But there's nothing that says you're in charge of the Slytherins. You guys lie like cheap whores. Why should we believe you? Malfoy didn't even control them," Corner said.

Draco grimaced. He thought he did, at least during his fifth year. He had a pretty good handle on the sixth and seventh years and no younger student would dare approach him. He wasn't the Prince of Slytherin for no reason.

"Fine. I'll stage a little walk out at lunch tomorrow, to prove my point. You won't talk shit about my house in front of me."

"And how to you feel about Malfoy, then? Is he a part of your house? Going to protect him, now?" Zach asked.

"I didn't protect him last week, did I?" Harper snorted. "He's a Death Eater. He's all yours. He's not part of my house."

"Really? Didn't you take his spot on the team?" Dean said, giving him a look.

"After he bribed and threatened me. I didn't want to play Quidditch. I wanted to work on my grades. It was my OWL year. He had considerable power over our house back then. He was untouchable and I couldn't say no."

Draco frowned. He hadn't threatened him at all and though he did offer money, Harper never took it. He wanted to play. He only asked for Draco's potions notes for his OWLs. He was having a difficult time getting a passing grade. But Draco figured Harper was saving his own skin, now. When the ship starts sinking, all the rats jump off.

"Huh, so I guess you won't mind us stringing him up after class, then?"

"He's all yours. Just don't bring my house into it. The fucking Death Eaters lorded over us last year like you have no idea. I'm a half-blood, in case you didn't know. My mom is a muggle lawyer. I'm not likely to support muggle torturing, am I?" Harper huffed.

"Alright, sorry... your point is taken... until tomorrow... that is," Corner said.

"Tomorrow then," Harper growled.

"Well... back to planning after-class activities," Dean said, chuckling. "So, how about we ask to leave early?"

Amazingly, the professor continued on about imaginary numbers in the wizard world like the class was deeply enthralled.

"You know guys, you could be a little quieter with your plans," Ron began hesitantly.

"Why? Worried about upsetting Harry? Fuck him. He pushed me down the stairs and broke my arm!" Smith growled.

"He got pretty pissed at me for not doing anything last week. I don't think he'll be happy if I do it, again," Ron said, almost annoyed.

"Why do you care? Malfoy is the bad guy. Don't you want revenge? They killed your brother!"

"You don't need to remind me!" Ron growled.

"Then why?"

"I've been friends with Harry since the first day. He's protecting him, for some damn reason."

"He's a Death Eater. He doesn't deserve to breath!" Dean growled.

"Harry was the one who cursed me into singing in front of everyone!" Michael Corner spat. "He probably used the Imperious Curse!"

"Harry is not using any Unforgivable Curses."

"Then how do you explain it? He's strong enough to take on Voldemort and he can use that spell. He probably thinks he can get away with it and no one would say anything!"

"He wouldn't. I can't do this guys, as much as I want to. I promised Harry."

"I understand, Ron. I hope you can, too," Dean said, sadly.

Draco turned his head to see Ron's confused face as Zach hit him with the Binding Spell. Ron fall to the floor entangled in the ropes. Dean gagged him and Draco took the opportunity to flee. The professor made no notice that anything happened, that he left or that no one was paying attention to her. Draco almost made it to the dorm, when they caught him with a Trip Jinx.

Draco stopped fighting the moment they caught up to him. He curled up into a ball, defensively, but that didn't stop them from dragging him to a corridor on the seventh floor. At the statue of Lachlan the Lanky, Smith let go of him and Draco tried to scoot away. But Corner and Hopkins pulled him to his feet, to give the others, including Lisa and Fay, open shots. It wasn't long until he could feel his ribs crack and he started coughing up blood.

"Alright... we don't want to kill him... yet," Dean said.

They let Draco go and he dropped painfully to the floor, whimpering. He was trying to shut off his emotions, but he was strangely awake for the whole thing.

"Get on your knees, Death Eater," Zach Smith ordered.

A direct order. Draco felt compelled to obey. He slowly got up to a kneeling position, his head lowered.

"Well, aren't you accommodating?" Dean chuckled.

Please don't notice, Draco pleaded internally. If they knew how easy it was to control him, it would be that much more painful.

Corner grabbed his throat and pushed him backward into the statue. He forced his head up to look him in the eyes.

"Please...."

"Save your begging, Death Eater. Put your left arm up," Michael ordered.

Draco did as he said, slowly rising his left arm. Corner took it and cut the sleeve off again. Letting his Dark Mark be visible to all. Then he slammed it hard into the statue and Draco heard the bone crack. He screamed until Dean gagged him with a spell. He moaned through the gag and cradled his arm.

"Shut up, Death Eater. Put your arm back up!" Smith said. Draco didn't comply this time.

"Do it or I'll break the other arm!" Rivers said and Draco slowly lifted his broken arm up.

"Incarcerous!" Dean said and ropes bound Draco to Lachlan's statue, his broken arm above his head, mark showing to all. "That is for your mouthy girlfriend, by the way."

"Have fun Death Eater. Please remind your fuck buddy that we aren't afraid of him. We will just take out everything he does onto you!" Zach said, taking a picture.

Draco's eyes watered, but thankfully they left him there without hurting him anymore. He tried to get calm down, but it wasn't working. How he longed for the numbness... the lack of emotions. It probably was the Calming Draught limiting his survival mechanisms.

Several seventh year Gryffindors passed him, but no one did anything, including Ginny Weasley. She pretended like he wasn't there. He hung his head.

"Holy Dumbledore! Are you okay?" a younger Gryffindor finally said.

Draco looked up at fifth-year girl McGonagall had placed in charge of her class a few days ago. Natalie McDonald and a young Hufflepuff was next to her. Draco lowered his eyes back down. He didn't really think that they would help him.

"Alright... I'm going to try to Vanish the ropes. We only just tried it today... so... I hope this works," Natalie said and aimed her wand.

Draco shut his eyes and braced for pain, but he felt the ropes disappear and he fell forward. The two underclassman caught him. Unfortunately, they grabbed his broken arm, so he screamed into the gag.

"Oh my! Sorry," Natalie said and let go of his arm, letting him drop to the floor. "Let me get that gag."

"Thanks," he muttered, when it was out of his mouth. "You didn't have to help me."

"Of course we did! You're hurt and it's wrong."

"I'm a Death Eater," Draco said, bluntly.

"Harry said you weren't. We believe Harry. He's the Savior. He knows who's good and bad. He says you are good and you must be."

"You're very optimistic. You best go before your friends see that you helped me. I'm fine, thank you."

Both the girls gave him a sad look.

"Draco!" Harry called, coming up the hallway, he gave the scene a look, but knelt down next to him. "Draco, I looked everywhere for you. Are you okay?"

"Hi, Harry!" Natalie said. "We didn't hurt him."

"They cut me loose."

"Thank you, Natalie... and Laura," Harry said, gratefully.

"No problem! Do you need any more help?" Natalie asked, eagerly.

"No, I got it from here, thank you," Harry said, bowing his head.

"You're welcome, Harry!" Laura Madley said.

"Feel better, Draco!" Natalie said.

"Thanks..." he mumbled and they left.

Harry helped him to his feet. "Wow. We convinced two younger students at least."

"They're impressionable. They probably have a shrine worshiping you, Oh Savior."

"Shut up. You don't have to be so cynical. They did help you."

"That they did. Strange, as members of their house were the ones who lashed me up there, again."

"Same people as before then?"

Draco nodded.

"I found Ron tied up and gagged in your classroom," Harry said and Draco noted that the Weasel wasn't there with him.

"They did that and I took off running. They still caught me."

"I'm sorry, Draco."

"It's not your fault," he said, quietly.

"Come on, Madam Pomfrey can mend this in a jiffy," Harry said, and pulled Draco's good arm over his shoulder, bearing his weight.

"Thanks, Harry," he said and then fell into silence as Harry half-carried him to the hospital wing.

The matron was very upset when she saw that he had been attacked for the second week in a row. She healed his arm and ribs and gave him a pain potion, nutrient potion and Dreamless Sleep. He thanked her and it was nearly eleven by the time Harry walked him back to the dorm. Hermione and Ron were waiting in the common room when they came through the portrait. Draco guardedly rubbed his arm, keeping the mark from them.

Regardless that the Weasel didn't partake in the drama, Draco still couldn't meet his eyes. He gave a nod, but didn't look to see if Ron responded.

"I'm going to my room," Draco announced.

"Do you want me...."

"No... no... I'll be fine. Blaise and Theo should be back soon. Thank you," he whispered. Harry handed him his bag.

Draco took it and slowly walked up the steps. He lowered the wards and entered his room. He dropped his backpack and collapsed on his bed. It wasn't ten minutes later that Blaise and Theo came up.

"Dray, are you okay?" Blaise asked.

He nodded and stood up, having no desire to reiterate the 온라인카지노게임. "I'm going to take a shower."

"Are you sure? It's been a rough night," Theo said.

"I'm sure," he muttered and went into the bathroom, shutting the door.

He stared at his reflection and to the fading Dark Mark very much visible on his pale arm. He rubbed it and started crying. The mark would never go away. It would always be on his arm, forever defining him as an enemy, a traitor and a murderer. He would never be free of it. His fingers raked across it, trying to scratch it off, but only a few layers of skin came off. He dug deeper. Anything to get the taint of his skin, his symbol. He scratched until the blood started oozing. Pain didn't matter. He couldn't feel it, now. He looked around the bathroom for something better.

Blaise stopped keeping razor blades since their sixth year, forcing Draco to shave with magic. Maybe he was always worried that he'd do something. But Draco opened the cupboard under the sink desperate to find something. His eyes fell upon a scrub brush. He picked up the wood-backed brush and ran his fingers across the hard, stiff bristles. It was made to scrub filth away. He sank down to the floor and stretched his arm out.

Draco pressed the brush into his mark, raking it slowly across his forearm. He winced, but still brought it back across the already bleeding wounds. He sucked in a breath as he ran it back, pressing it harder into his skin. Back and forth. It hurt, but not as much as when he was branded. The pain was better than anything else he had felt that day. He welcomed it. Humiliation and abuse from everyone had shook him to the core. The fight was gone, he wanted the familiarity of pain. He deserved it. His family had hurt so many people... he hurt so many people... he deserved to suffer.

He scrubbed until the bristles were soaked with blood and it dripped down his arm to the floor. But the mark was still there, now blackened as if it had absorbed his blood to protect itself from destruction. It burned slightly as though reminding him that he would never be rid of it. Draco let out a sob, realizing it was hopeless, releasing the skin-remover and letting it clank on the floor.

He heard footsteps and only fleetingly thought of covering up what he had done, but there was no way to do it fast enough. Draco covered up the angry, pulsating sore with his hand, gripping it tightly. The door opened and Blaise looked down at him, stunned.

He unfroze immediately and said, "Fuck, Draco." Blaise knelt down next to him and put his hand on his back.

Draco whimpered from his touch and started sobbing, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry...."

"Theo!" Blaise called pushing the bloodied brush away. He wrapped his arms around him. "I got you, Draco."

Draco rocked back and forth in his arms and wouldn't let go of his mark. He just kept apologizing.

"What's wr-" Theo asked, as he stepped into the threshold. "Shit."

"Get the Dittany and the healing salve out of my trunk," Blaise ordered. Theo quickly followed his command. "Dray, calm down. Shhh..."

Draco couldn't stop the poisonous thoughts. He couldn't stop any of it. He couldn't stop the pain, the abuse, the anguish. He couldn't protect his mother, he couldn't even protect himself. He didn't fight back. He let him... them... hurt him. He let Rabastian rip out whatever innocence he had left. He should have done something, anything. He was a Slytherin. He should have thought of a way out. He should fought, used his magic, but he didn't. It was his fault he was... raped. It was all his fault. His father always told him that. He deserved it, deserved everything.

Blaise tightened his grip as more sobs broke through. He pulled Draco into his lap, holding him close. Draco couldn't stop the tears as he nearly wailed into Blaise's chest. Blaise rubbed his back and whispered words that Draco couldn't hear into his ear. Theo sat down on the floor, too, his hand connecting with his shoulder.

"Draco... it's okay. We're here," Blaise said, louder and he lifted Draco's head. "Hey, look at me!"

Draco flinched from his tone, but he stopped crying and looked at him.

"There you go... I'm sorry for yelling. Everything's okay, now. I got you. You are okay."

Draco nodded and lowered his eyes. He still wouldn't let go of his left arm.

"Come on... let's get you cleaned up. Give me a hand, Theo."

Between the two of them, they managed to lift him up to the sink. Blaise turned on the water, while Theo cleaned the mess on the floor. Blaise tried to pull his arm free, but Draco wouldn't release his grip. Theo set a clean set of clothes on the counter next to them.

"Draco let go," Blaise whispered, gently into his ear, still trying to prise his hand free. "Dray... I need you to let go."

"No," Draco whimpered, starting to rock back and forth, again.

"Theo..." Blaise sighed. "Take his other side."

"Are you sure? He doesn't seem gone," he said, taking his left arm.

"He isn't. Come on, Dray. Let me have it," Blaise said, prying his fingers loose from the mark.

"I don't want you to see," Draco whined.

"I know you don't. Dray, I've seen it before, remember? I just want to clean it. Please let go," Blaise said.

Between Blaise's pleas and Theo's attempts to pull his arms apart, Draco finally let go, splattering blood all over the counter.

"That's good, Dray. Everything is fine. I'm just cleaning the blood off, okay?"

Draco nodded as Blaise lowered his arm into the sink. Warm water drizzled over his arm and swirled pink as it landed in the sink. The black mark was prominent on his arm, not reduced, at all, in appearance. Draco turned his head away, tears filling his eyes. Blaise dropped a few droplets of the Essence of Dittany on his arm, which burned as the skin grew to cover the open wounds. Blaise then rubbed a healing salve on it, which cooled the burn of the Dittany. Draco looked back and his arm was an irritated red patch of skin surrounding the fading Dark Mark.

"Ferula," Blaise said, and white linen wrapped around his healing arm. "There. Okay, Dray?"

Draco nodded, leaning into Blaise.

"There's blood all over him," Theo commented.

"Let's get his robes off," Blaise said and they pulled his clothes off.

Draco shuttered at being exposed, even to his dorm mates. They had seen his scars before. Blaise kept a strong grip on his arm, holding him up.

"Spell him clean, Theo."

"Scourgify," he said, quietly. The blood evaporated off his skin. Theo brought the clothes over and pulled a fresh shirt over his head.

"Okay, let's get you to your bed," Blaise whispered, pulling him out of the bathroom and over to his bed.

He sat him down and pulled his blanket around him. Rubbing it to warm him up. Blaise had a frown on his face and pulled Draco's head up to look at him.

"I'm sorry," Draco mumbled.

"Don't. It's okay... we got you," Blaise pushed the fringe out of Draco's eyes.

Tears welled up in both their eyes and Blaise hugged him, again. "I'm sorry."

"Oh, Draco. Stop apologizing. I know you are hurting. I know they are tearing you apart, but you can't hurt yourself. I can't... I can't lose you, Dray. You're too important to me." Blaise said, as Theo walked back out of the bathroom. He must have cleaned up the place.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"I know you are. Guess that means shower watch is back," Blaise said, sadly.

"Oh, goodie," Theo said as he came to sit on Draco's bed, too.

Draco looked at him and realized what he meant. "No, I won't...."

"I can't take that chance, Dray. I'm not leaving you alone. I don't like where your mind is at," Blaise said.

"You can't watch me all the time, Blaise. You have detention all day tomorrow," Draco countered.

"I'll get Potter and Neville to watch you," Blaise said and Draco felt his heart stop.

"Please... please don't tell Harry," he begged, grabbing Blaise's robes and lowering his head.

"Easy..." Blaise said, hugging him. "Don't you think he'd want to know?"

"He would. But I don't want him...."

"Don't you think he deserves to know?" Blaise pointed out.

Draco lifted his head to look at his best friend. He nodded. "I'll tell him... eventually. I don't want to upset him."

"I'm upset, Dray," Blaise growled, dangerously.

Draco flinched. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry doesn't cut it, Dray. You will never do this, again. Not while we're here protecting you. I won't be able to stop worrying about you, if I can't even trust you not to hurt yourself!"

Draco lowered his head. "I... didn't mean...."

"But you did Draco. You did hurt yourself. How many times have you tried to kill yourself?"

Draco paled. "I haven't...."

"Slashed your wrists? Poisoned yourself? No, you haven't done that. You tried to get the Wizengamot to execute you. You stopped eating, more than once. You tried to give up... you told me that."

"I was trapped... I didn't think I'd get out... it was the dementors," Draco cried, lowering his head.

"Oh, yeah? What about going after Crabbe and Goyle and getting the shit beat out of you? You could have waited for us."

"I didn't want you to get hurt," he whispered.

"And in doing so, you got hurt. You never heal yourself, not for any pain. And don't tell me that Voldemort would know. You like the pain. You think you deserve it, but you don't, Draco. You don't deserve any of this."

"Yes, I do," Draco said and leaned forward into Blaise's chest. "I'm marked, Blaise. I'm one of them."

Blaise held him tightly. "You're not, though. Dumbledore was going to die, anyway. You didn't kill him. You didn't want to. Voldemort forced you to take the mark, you never wanted it. He was a monster who wanted to punish your father by hurting you."

"I thought I was going to get my mother killed. He said he would... if I failed," Draco sniffled, into his chest.

"He didn't and you still didn't kill Dumbledore, Dray. A devoted Death Eater would have killed him without hesitation. You aren't one. You couldn't do it. You knew it was wrong."

Draco started sobbing, gripping Blaise, desperately. Blaise tightened his hold and patted his back as he cried it out.

Theo put his hand on his shoulder. "We're right here, Draco."

Draco didn't know how long they were there, but eventually the tears stopped. Blaise looked down at him and brushed the hair out of his eyes, again.

"Thanks," Draco said, his voice hoarse.

"It's not a problem. I'm here for you, Dray. We are here for you. Please don't give up."

"I won't. I'm sorry... I just wanted it gone."

"It's not just a Protean Charm, Dray. He made it so you can't get rid of it. It's a curse, too."

"I should just cut off my arm," Draco muttered.

"It'll grow back with the mark. It might even move to another part of your body. Snape couldn't get rid of it after near two decades with it, you aren't going to get rid of it," Blaise said, looking at him.

"I know. I'm stuck with it."

"It sucks, I know. But Draco, I won't tell Potter, but I think you should. He deserves that much. But understand this... this is the last time you get away with this. You do anything to hurt yourself and no amount of begging will stop me."

"You'll tell him," Draco said, dropping his head.

"Oh, no. That ship has sailed," Blaise growled. "Potter isn't emotionally stable either. He understands what you are going through and he won't make the hard decisions. No, Dray, if you hurt yourself again... I'll go to Madam Pomfrey and the headmistress. I'll take you to see a mind healer, because you are right. I can't watch you every second of the day."

Draco stared at him with some fear. He wanted nothing to do with a mind healer.

"I don't want to force you, Draco. But if Theo, Daphne, Potter and I can't convince you not to hurt yourself... than you need help. Professional help. Maybe you already need it, but I don't want to... make you do it. But for now, if you're hurting... if you need escape... we are right here. Harry's right down the stairs. Neville, Luna, Daphne... your friends are here for you. Don't give up. Don't start doing worse things, cutting or trying to burn it off. It won't work. It'll only hurt you more."

Draco nodded. "I won't."

Blaise sighed. "Good." Then he put his hand onto the bandaged Dark Mark. "This isn't you, Draco. This mark doesn't define who you are and if it does, it shows that you are survivor. That you were a prisoner and fought the war from all sides. I was so proud of you... standing up to Goyle in the battle."

Blaise ran his hand through Draco's long hair. Draco shivered.

"It was amazing. I thought that you were broken, but you stared him down like he was nothing."

"I am broken."

"But not unfixable. Harry will see to that, if you let him," Blaise said and Draco looked at him.

"I don't deserve him."

"Love doesn't make sense, Dray. Besides, I would argue that he doesn't deserve you."

"Ha," Draco gave a weak laugh.

Theo chuckled. "I agree. Potter's not smart enough for you, Draco."

"He's smart. He figured out the Elder Wand thing. He figured out how to kill him. He saved me."

"That he did. And don't forget Dray. Potter is marked, too. People treat him differently because of it and he doesn't like it."

"It's different."

"Not by much. He sees his mark as the price everyone paid to save him, not the price he paid to save everyone."

"How do you know that?" Draco said. He knew it was true, but how did Blaise know it?

"I'm a Slytherin, Dray. I watch, plot and make accurate assumptions about people. Potter feels overly guilty every time he uses his fame or someone else suggests it. That comment you made at the beginning of the year, that he wouldn't take the Head Boy spot unless he earned it? Add the nightmares and that dead look in his eyes... he's hurting. He feels guilty and his only source of happiness is you."

Draco looked at Blaise, unfathomably.

"You haven't noticed how his pain melts away as soon as you talk to him?"

Draco's eyes watered. "He deserves better. I'm so fucked up, Blaise. You don't even know."

"I do know. I'm not saying that it's normal for you two to be with each other. He knows you're shattered, but he is barely hanging in there, too. He's depressed, Draco. He needs a mind healer, like you. He's got like shell shock... or something. Have you noticed how jittery he is in public? How he stares off into nowhere? If it wasn't for this incident, I would have said I'd be more worried about Potter doing something stupid."

"You would?" Draco said, looking at Blaise, worried.

"Yes, Draco. You know he was thinner than you when we got here? He didn't have your dementor excuse. His break with his friends seems to have unhinged him. Neville said that he yelled that drank himself to sleep every night."

"He said it made him not care."

"Yeah, that's healthy. Amazing that he didn't die of alcohol poisoning or his liver shut down. Hell, he might have already killed it. Don't think you are the only one struggling, Dray. I don't think he'll survive if something happens to you."

"But why? What does he see in me? I'm hopeless, I tormented him for years...."

"He sees your pain, your love for your friends and family, your fight to do the right thing against horrible circumstances. He loves you because you're strong, smart and loyal."

"I'm not strong... and I betrayed both sides... betrayed my father."

"You're loyal to us... and him. He saw that... he knew he had to save you."

"He lost so much because of it."

"And gained that much more. He got you, your mom, and me, Theo and Daphne. You think I would have talked to the Savior if he and Neville hadn't asked about rescuing you?"

"Yeah... but everyone hates me."

"No, everyone hates Death Eaters. They don't know what happened or don't care."

"What if they hurt him... like they hurt me?"

"Merlin, save them if they try. Harry's a little scary sometimes. Those pussies wouldn't dare openly challenge him. They won't even go after you unless they're in groups. I'd like to see the tables turn when the public finds out the Savior was attacked by bullies. Regardless of the reason, they won't forget that he destroyed Voldemort. Stop panicking so much."

"Public opinion can be swayed."

"They tried and failed."

"What?"

"Daily Prophet? They tried to print some articles about Harry's push for leniency, on not just you, but the other Death Eaters... you know... the Dementor's Kiss. The Prophet ran a headline almost calling Harry a "sympathizer" and their office received so many howlers and threats that they had to hire extra security and everything. Skeeter was fired for her near open attack on Potter. They barely have printed anything against him all summer, including why you were released."

"They didn't report that?"

"They didn't report that Harry was the reason, though people talk, the members of the Wizengamot and the ministry. That's why some people don't know why you were released and some blame Harry for making it happen."

"So, people don't know about what I went through?"

"It was a closed court. I barely know. They have Harry's word and for some people that's enough. But really, Draco... you can't go through life based on what might happen. Sure maybe the public will turn on him, maybe his friends won't accept him, but maybe they will. Maybe this fear is all in your head. Those shitheads that attacked you, are only doing it because they want someone to blame, it has nothing to do with you being gay or Potter. Won't you at least try it out, Dray? Try for some happiness?"

"I'll think about it."

"I guess that's the best I can do. Let's get some sleep."

Blaise pulled the blanket off his bed and laid down next to Draco, pulling him into his arms. Theo laid on the other side of Blaise, again.

"You know, this is going to be embarrassing when we get older," Draco mumbled.

"Embarrassing for me. You two are gay. Imagine trying to explain to my future wife about how I used to share a bed with two guys who are gay," Theo muttered, but he pressed up against Blaise.

"At least you two aren't in the middle," Blaise chuckled.

"Someone has to be," Theo laughed.

"Thank you for the sacrifice, Blaise," Draco muttered.

"Hey... you just think that I could be Potter if you weren't being so stubborn and I could be with Neville," Blaise said. Draco frowned when he thought of it and how wonderful it would be. "And Theo... who do you want to be with?"

"No one. I want to be alone," Theo said, sadly.

Blaise turned to face them. "We'll find someone for you, Theo. I promise."

"I don't need you to set me up. I'm fine."

"Sure... sure... we'll talk about it, tomorrow."

Draco closed his eyes, fleetingly remembering the Dreamless Sleep potion, but he was too warm and content. Blaise would anchor him for the night. Draco brought his arms to his chest. He rubbed the bandage over his mark and wished it so much to be gone. But Blaise was right, there was no getting rid of it. He'd be marked forever. It was on him to accept it, just like Harry.

Holy Merlin! Nearly 10,000 words. This is the longest chapter... I couldn't find a good stopping point. I honestly could have edited a bunch out, I mean how many times does Draco need to be beaten up? But I wrote it, you get to read it, however repetitive it might be. Draco's weekend will be better... i think. I'm sure some writers actually write plot outlines and notes, but I just keep typing, hence 10,000 words.

But take hold, it's almost here.... 

Hopefully, now that the holidays are over, life might return to normal and I can write more.