Draco Malfoy, Broken

47 – Trapped, Again

Published: 4/24/19.... I mean 5/1/2019

***TRIGGER WARNING*** mentions of sexual abuse/assault

Neville sat vigilant next to Blaise's bed. He couldn't sleep. Blaise was immobilized. If he woke up, he'd be unable to move and speak. The pain potions that Madam Pomfrey had given him, might wear off, too. Neville had to stay awake, no matter what. Blaise couldn't wake up alone and trapped. Neville couldn't do that to him. He put his hand on the bed next to Blaise's, but did not touch him. He didn't want to wake him.

"Please be okay," Neville prayed, softer than a whisper.

"He'll be alright," a voice came from behind him.

Neville jumped out of his seat and nearly into Blaise's bed. He turned to see a beautiful woman with long black hair and light brown skin. She was lighter than Blaise, but Neville could tell immediately that she was Moira Zabini, eight-time widow. He had no idea how to handle her. His hands shook and he slowly backed further away from Blaise. He gave her all the room she could want. He learned to tell who was dangerous... and she was.

"I'm sorry... I can go," he said, quietly. He had no desire to leave Blaise's side, but his mother had the right to be there.

"You must be Neville," she said, and chills went down his spine. Blaise's strength and abilities came from her.

"I-I am. I'll g-go" he stuttered out. He couldn't help but feel like a scared eleven-year-old, again.

"You can stay," she said and walked up to the other side of Blaise's bed.

Mrs. Zabini ran her finger along his face and murmured a few spells. Blaise seemed to relax, even with the Immobulus Charm on. Neville breathed easier. Her dark eyes then looked up at him and he tensed back up. She was capable of just about anything.

"You are worried," she stated. "...about me."

"Blaise thinks very highly of you. He said that you helped him figure things out," he said, quietly glancing at Blaise for signs that he was awake.

"I never seen him that... hurt... and you were at the source of it," she said, staring at him.

Neville flinched and said, "I'm sorry... I d-didn't m-mean... I can go. I d-don't want him to be in p-pain."

"Love always brings pain. You can't have one without the other. The thing is... I know he's in love with you. That little break of his was enough to prove that to me. But are you in love with him? That's what I am concerned about," she said, coming around the bed and getting closer to him.

She had a few inches on him and he cowered slightly. "I do love him," he declared.

"Really?" she said, not exactly doubting him. "You care about him... that's obvious. But are you willing to take the pain, too?"

Neville was confused about what she meant, but knew that there was only one answer to her question. "I am. I'll take anything. He's worth it."

She tilted her head. "I see." She looked at her son and back at Neville. "Do you know what he's been through? You know what they did to him?"

Neville considered at her words. Blaise had only hinted at his dark past: the quick flings and rough sex. Things he said he wasn't ready for. He was letting others hurt him when he was just a third year. "Not exactly... he said that they... knew he was open... but he didn't say much about what they did to him. I know they hurt him, but he hasn't been able to talk about it."

Mrs. Zabini stared at him until he lowered his head. "You know none of it, then?"

"Just... rumors... but who he was with. It was mostly Slytherins... and they bragged about a lot of things. It's hard to know what is true and what isn't," Neville said.

"I have learned some of what occurred," she declared and they both glanced at Blaise. "He's been brutalized, by several people."

Neville bit his lip. "He said that... he allowed people to...."

"Allowed is... not a very accurate description," she growled, looking at Blaise, again. "He's going to tell you eventually."

His lip trembled and tears started to form. It had been difficult for Blaise to open up and Neville realized that talking about what happened would shake Blaise to the core. "I'll... I'll be right there to help him. I promise."

Mrs. Zabini nodded approvingly, but asked one other question. "And if he tells you what he did... you're going to be okay with it? Sex and games... it's not going to be pleasant."

"I know. He never tried to hide what he did, what things they did to him. I won't judge him... or betray his confidence. I'll stay by his side, no matter what happens."

"Very well. As I understand, what happened last night, the students who attacked him are the ones tormenting Draco?"

"I guess. Dawlish took his wand and left him defenseless. I'm not sure who...."

"But they're the same ones messing with Draco, right? Who are they?"

Neville looked at her, tense. She had a reputation. Blaise was one thing... she was different. Besides, this was Blaise's fight. If he wanted help, he would ask. But he probably wouldn't.

"I'm sorry... I can't tell you that," he said, quietly. She tilted her head and took a step forward. Her eyes bore into his and he shook nervously.

"I want those names," she said, with some coercion.

Neville frowned. "If you want them, you can ask Blaise when he wakes up. I won't tell you anything and if he wants to you to know, he will tell you."

She tried to stare him down, but Neville stood firm. He wasn't going to break so easily. "I can make them stop," she promised.

"I'm sure you can. But I'm not going to be part of that. Blaise can decide what needs to happen, but if you are trying to make me squeal names, you're looking at the wrong place," Neville said, firmly. If he could stand up to Voldemort, he could stand up to Blaise's mother.

She straightened up, analyzing him. "You seem timid, but there is strength in you," she declared.

Neville swallowed with difficulty. He always had a hard time finding his courage, but it was there.

"I think that you are going to be a good man for my son," she said, giving him a small, knowing smile.

He let out a breath of relief. "Thank you?"

"Hmmm... when he wakes up, tell him I'll be back this afternoon. You seem to have him taken care of."

"I'll do my utmost to help him... protect him," he whispered.

"Good. Do remind him that you are there for him? He's not used to asking for help. That's my fault, really."

Neville nodded and she left the room, without another word. He sighed and sagged down into the chair. He rubbed his eyes exhaustedly. That had been nerve-racking. He looked at Blaise, who was still asleep. He was going to be alright and when he wanted to talk... share his pain. Neville would be there, holding him... comforting him. He glanced at the window. There still were a few more hours until dawn. The potions would wear off soon.

***

There were trees all around Harry as he walked. His heart pumped quicker... already sensing where this was going. Dementors were gliding in the shadows, the stone was in his hand. Three times, three turns and they appeared. His family. His mother and father, who had died trying to protect him, his godfather, whom he had lost in front of his eyes, and Remus, the last of the Marauders, killed before his own son could know him. They all died, because of him, because of the prophecy.

"You've been so brave," Lily Potter whispered. Harry cringed at her words, fear nearly bringing him to his knees. He didn't want to do this, again.

His father, Sirius and Remus all spoke to him and he cried against his will. Each word struck weight on his soul. They never blamed him... but he knew. All because of Voldemort and him and the damned prophecy that bound them together. They escorted him to the place... the spot where it happened.

"Please..." he pleaded. Not again. Voldemort was there... the others were blurry.

His mother and father said nothing, just smiled. It did nothing to reassure him. He tried to settle his breathing. Maybe this time, he won't come back. Maybe Voldemort would really kill him. Harry didn't reach for his wand. He never did. That was too much of a change. He had to die. Stand and watch as Voldemort, the one-man firing squad, aimed.

Harry saw movement. Draco was there. He was in the spot where his mother had been. Harry knew he'd be the one who reached him first. He was the one who'd check him. He would vouch-safe his life. He wanted Draco to touch him already. Bring him back from the dead. But that was after. Voldemort had to kill him first. Kill that part of him that linked them together. But the soul isn't so easily divided. Harry was convinced that he lost part of himself, too. Voldemort was coiled within his soul... he couldn't be just ripped him out. It wasn't just Voldemort who was going to die.

Harry looked at Dumbledore's old wand as his soul-bond nemesis aimed it at him. Stop... I want it to stop. But there was no stopping destiny. He was already trapped in its web.

"Avada Kedarva!" he roared, and the green light came at him. A rush of terror rippled through him and pain wracked through his body.

Harry sat straight up in the darkness of his room. His hand went to his throbbing heart, cold sweat covered his body. He was practically hyperventilating. Tears came out. The room was unnervingly quiet. Neville was gone and Ron was in his bed. He couldn't handle the darkness anymore. He scrambled out of bed and went down to the common room, seeking the spot next to the dying fire.

He was freezing, but couldn't go back to get his blanket or his wand. He curled up into a ball and hugged himself for warmth. He only hopefully glanced at the stairs, wishing Draco would come down and hold him. He technically could get into his room now, but he'd probably wake all of them up. No, Draco had to make sure Theo was taken care of. He clenched his eyes shut and whimpered against the memories.

His eyes were still wet when the room started to lighten. He felt a blanket be dropped on him, again, and he opened his eyes to see Hermione's soft eyes.

"Oh, Harry," she said, running her fingers through his hair.

He trembled and she threw her arms over him, hugging him, tightly.

"I'm right here, Harry," she said, and he cried into her shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he said, after several minutes of rough emotions.

"What for? Don't be stupid, Harry. You are hurting. But I think we should talk about it," Hermione tried, again.

"No," Harry repeated.

"Harry... you are in so much pain."

"I can't, Hermione. Please don't make me."

"I'm not going to make you, but you need help," she urged.

"Draco has to deal with Theo and Blaise."

"Draco is not capable of helping you. He has to recover from his own demons, Harry."

"I feel better with him... then when we separate... it all comes back. I don't want to be alone, anymore."

"You're becoming dependent on him."

"I'm okay with that."

"Harry! Would you be fine if he was completely dependent on you? That every second you are called away he goes to pieces?" Hermione said.

"No," Harry murmured.

"Then why is it okay for you to be hurting? You need to find some balance, some help. Yes, he's important, but his absence can't break you like it is right now," she said, softly.

"I don't exactly know how to fix it."

"Talking about what is wrong will help."

Harry shook his head.

"Can you talk to Draco about it?" she tried.

"I tell him my dreams," Harry said, quietly.

"That's not enough! You have to tell him how you feel... how much you need him."

"He's busy... as you said, dealing with his own problems. He doesn't need mine."

"Wrong. You have to share your burdens, if you really want to be a couple."

"Who said we are a couple?" Harry said, giving her a knowing look.

Hermione snorted and poked his neck. "You should be really happy that it's me coming down and not anyone else. Your glamour came off."

Harry felt the spot she had poked. Neck marks. "Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" she said, smiling happily. "You guys are together. I imagine kissing is going on... maybe more."

"Hermione!" Harry gasped, blushing a deep red. Blaise was one thing, but Hermione was practically his sister.

"You really are embarrassed, aren't you?" Hermione sighed and pulled her beaded bag out. "I got something for you."

"For embarrassment?" Harry muttered, covering his face with his hands. He hated that it bugged him so much.

"Technically... but I think it's necessary," she said and pulled one of his hands off his face to drop a book in it.

Harry sat up and Hermione sat next to him as he read the cover. Magical Meddling by Professor Duplicitous Querk and the cover had several revolving photos of couples snogging. Not just boys and girls. There were even some girls kissing girls and boys kissing boys, too.

"You got me a..." Harry said, going redder. This was not happening.

"Self-help book?" Hermione offered.

"A sex manual?" he sputtered, afraid to even look at it. He expected Ron or Blaise to pull this crap. But a book to have sex? Magically? From Hermione? He didn't want to hold it anymore and loosened his grip.

"Harry, you told me yourself that you had no idea what you are doing. You can't just... muddle your way through it. You need to know how," she said, glaring at him enough that he didn't try to hand it back.

"I can't have a book like this around! What if Ron or Neville finds it?" Harry said with desperation.

"You need to understand how to do it and what precautions you have to take. Now, you either read the book, or we'll have an even more unpleasant conversation," she growled.

Harry took her at her word. "Okay! Okay! I'll read it... just never...."

"Yes, I know. Guys can't talk about it... I understood the guy code. And you all think girls are mental."

Harry gave her a light smile and said, "Thanks... for the book. I... don't know... I never have...."

"Me either, Harry. Stop being so embarrassed. And you're welcome."

"I'm going to go before anyone sees this book. Wait... when did you get this?" Harry asked. He didn't notice her getting any books in the mail. He was trying not to imagine her and Ron reading it.

Hermione gave him a wicked smile. "I had some feelings about you and him in our sixth year and the way you stared at each other at your house... I was hedging my bets."

Harry looked at her astonished and then gave her a hug. "Thanks. I couldn't have asked for a better best friend."

"Go get some clothes on, hooligan. It's not really proper to wander around in boxers."

"It's not proper to have a sex manual, either," Harry pointed out, now confident enough to use it against her.

"It's an educational, self-help book."

"Self-help to have...."

"Oh, stuff it. Get going. The others will be down, soon," she ordered.

"Yes, Head Girl," Harry said, giving her a mock-salute and going up to his room.

Ron was up and dressed. He gave him a quizzical look at his practically naked appearance, but didn't say a word. Harry didn't even remember the last time they spoke. He hid the book in his backpack with his cloak and then pulled on his clothes from yesterday, giving them a quick spell cleaning. He didn't care either way. He grabbed his bag and walked back down the stairs. Hermione sighed and raised her wand, hitting him with a spell, just as he reached the bottom step.

"Did you even go into the bathroom?" Hermione sighed, exasperated. "Unless you want everyone to know about you and him."

Harry figured out she had glamoured his hickies off. It was a good thing that Ron hadn't noticed. "Thanks."

"Ron say he was coming?"

"He didn't say anything, but he's up and dressed."

Hermione frowned and pulled out her Charms book, after muttering, "Boys."

Harry pulled out his homework, too. He was getting behind in it.

"After Charms, I can take Draco to Arithmancy and you and Neville can take Theo and Daphne to Care of Magical Creatures. You should say hi to Hagrid."

"Maybe Terry and Ernie can meet us at Charms and then you all go."

"Don't think I can defend myself?"

"It's the first day with Blaise out of commission. It'll be hard to do anything on the weekend."

"Fine... we can ask them at breakfast. I take it we are going to the hospital wing, first?"

"Yeah... if only we could watch everyone at once," Harry said and then perked his head up.

There was a way to keep an eye on everyone. The map. The Marauder's Map. He looked in his bag, but he didn't have it inside his bag. It was in his trunk. Harry sprinted up the steps as he heard Hermione ask what was wrong. He opened his trunk and looked through it quickly. But he didn't find anything. Ron just watched him, curiously.

Harry grabbed his wand and said, "Accio map!" But nothing came.

"Harry?" Hermione asked, coming to the door. "Are you looking for the map?"

"It's gone," Harry said and his eyes rested on Ron.

"The map is gone?" she asked.

"Where is it, Ron?" Harry asked, his temper rising.

"Oh, you're talking to me, now?"

"Ron!" Harry spat.

"I don't know where your bloody map is!" Ron hollered.

"We are the only ones who know how to work it!" Harry said.

"I-did-not-take-your-map!" Ron enunciated.

"Then where is it?" he shot back.

"Maybe you left it at home?" Ron snorted.

"I didn't!" Harry roared, stepping toward him.

"Harry! You don't lock your room or your trunk. Anyone could have come in here," Hermione said, getting between them.

Harry glared at Ron one last time before walking out the door and down to the common room. Thankfully, Draco, Theo and Daphne were waiting. Draco was staring at him concerned, but Harry turned around.

"Hermione, are you coming?" he called loudly, not caring that anyone else might be asleep.

"Yes," she said, coming out of his room. "You didn't have to yell."

"Sorry."

"And you could have gone about that a little better," she said, when she reached the bottom.

Harry scoffed, "Yeah, I should have punched him. He took it. I know it."

"Harry...."

"Let's go," Harry said, dismissively, and led the way.

Draco slowly made his way up to him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah..." Harry growled, but stopped when he remembered who he was talking to. "I lost my map."

"A map?" Draco asked, both intrigued and confused.

"My map of Hogwarts. It actually shows where everyone is at in the building. It was handy when I was stalking you a few years ago," Harry said, as they walked.

Draco gave him a smile, but then his forehead furrowed. "It shows... everyone? Even Disillusioned people?"

"Yeah. Even when they're in Animagus form. Everyone in the school and where they are currently at, except the Room of Requirement. It's not on the map," Harry grunted, worry laced in his voice. He wanted it back. It was as close to him as his cloak.

"They have it," Draco said, quietly, interrupting Harry's thoughts.

"What?"

"Last Friday... I was Disillusioned and they ran right up to me like they knew I was there."

Harry grimaced. Draco was right. "They have already put an Anti-Summoning Charm on it. I have to get it back. It's very dangerous in the wrong hands, Draco."

"Yeah..." Draco said, and Harry could hear the doubt in his voice. It was probably somewhere in their tower, but the other students wouldn't take kindly to Harry searching their rooms.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked.

"Not too bad. Just worried about Blaise," he said, quietly.

"He's going to be awake when we get there... I got a feeling," Harry said, more wishing than anything else.

"I hope so," Draco said, morosely, as they walked toward the hospital wing.

***

Blaise felt pain before anything else. He didn't know where it was coming from. His head, his body, his arms... everything was in pain. His head was pounding. He couldn't find balance, what was up or down. He became aware that he couldn't move. Alarm went through him. He couldn't move. Trapped and bound.

"Blaise?" a voice whispered.

He knew that voice and he sounded worried. He didn't like to hear him like that. He tried to open his mouth, but he couldn't find it. His eyes didn't want to open. He heard a quiet sob. Everything became that much more focused. He found his eyelid, his right one, and forced it open. Light blinded him and he tried to shield his eye or look away, but again found he couldn't move. His heart started to beat faster, as the panic set in. Was he captured?

"Calm down, Blaise! You've been immobilized by Madam Pomfrey. You're in the hospital wing," the anxious voice explained, but it did nothing to calm him down.

He barely understood the words. Was that was why he frozen? He blinked and his vision became clearer. He could see Neville's face, now. He could feel his hand on his, but he was still panicking. He was still unable to move.

"Shhh... trust me, Blaise. You are okay... everything is fine. It's just precautionary. She couldn't heal everything at once. But if you don't calm down, we'll have to put you under, again. Please breathe slower. Please."

Blaise listened and forced his lungs to stop and resume a normal pace. They ached. His heart was forced to slow down.

"That's great, Blaise... that's good. I'll know you are hurting. It's been about eight hours since your last potion. Please stay calm. I'm going to get Madam Pomfrey, okay?"

Blaise grunted and almost faded back out until he felt the cool hand of the matron on his forehead. "Blaise, can you open your eyes?"

Blaise grunted, again. The bindings were annoying. His eyes were heavy. He didn't want to open them. His head was swarming still. The only thing keeping him awake was the throbbing pain.

"Blaise, look at me," Neville whispered.

Blaise opened his right eye. He focused on Neville's soft blue eyes.

"There you go, Blaise. Keep looking at me." Neville said, stroking his hand. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Mr. Zabini... I'm going to release some part of the Immobulus Charm... so you can speak. Do not try to move too much. Blink if you understand," she asked in a rushed tone.

Blaise didn't. Her words were too fast. He stared at Neville. He trusted him.

"Let me try, ma'am," Neville said and gently touched his cheek. "Blaise? We want to release the Freezing Charm a little... and let you speak, but you can't move too much. I want you to blink once if you understand... and twice, if you don't."

Blaise understood for the most part. Don't move. Pain will follow. He blinked.

"Thank you," Neville whispered and nodded for Madam Pomfrey to proceed. Blaise watched as she pointed her wand at him and he braced for pain. He felt his jaw slacken and he could move it. He swirled his tongue in his mouth. There were some teeth missing. Those were going to be painful to regrow. He swallowed and looked back to Neville.

"What hurts?" Neville asked, and matron seemed to huff at him taking point.

"Everything..." he said, hoarsely.

"Do you know who we are?" she asked, before Neville could speak, again.

"S-Slayer..." he slurred.

"Oh..." she said, alarmed.

"No, it's alright. That's my nickname," Neville said, lightly running his fingers against Blaise's brow.

Madam Pomfrey regarded him and then looked at Blaise. "Mr. Zabini... I want to ask you some questions... medical questions. Do you want me to ask... Neville here to leave? I need honest answers and... some of the questions might be... sensitive. I need the truth to treat you, properly, and we'll be talking about your previous medical hi온라인카지노게임."

Blaise stared at her, considering.

"I think it best that Mr. Longbottom leaves... for your privacy."

"No... he can stay. He can know anything."

"Blaise... you don't have to..." Neville began.

"I also disagree," she said, clearly wanting to be rid of the extra person in the room. "I want to physically examine your injuries, Blaise."

"I want him to stay," Blaise said, an internal shiver ran through him. He was helpless right now and even being alone with the matron made him nervous. He glanced up, pleadingly at Neville. He didn't want to admit he was scared.

Madam Pomfrey spoke in a clear voice, "This isn't the environment to insist on a trust exercise. I think...."

But he talked over her, his voice firm. "I remember what you told me about Draco the first day, that he wouldn't tell you what was wrong if I was there... and you were right. I will tell you everything... regardless of whether or not he is here."

"Very well," she grumbled. "Only if you are certain... I will have to remove the blankets and your robes."

"Okay," he mumbled. His one eye stared at Neville.

"I'm right here, Boo."

Madam Pomfrey gave Neville a look that he ignored. She slowly rolled the blankets off, then vanished his robes. Blaise felt cooler, but looked into Neville's eyes and noted that Neville only looked at him. Blaise was glad, in some ways. She examined his arm and fingers, first. He felt a spidery pain flash through his body, as the bones hadn't fully set. She only pressed her finger to the skin on his arm and it was excruciating.

"I was reluctant to mend them completely last night. There was a lot of damage. We'll try it now, okay?"

Blaise bit his lip, knowing that even setting bones was painful. He tried to nod, but couldn't. "Okay."

Neville gently rubbed his head. "Look at me... it's going to be okay."

He flinched when she set the bones in each arm. They felt better, but she put the braces back on. "There's some nerve damage. A potion will help with that, but you have to heal more."

She went down to his leg. His right leg was horribly discolored from the breaks, but strangely felt numb. He stared back into Neville's eyes. He lightly touched Blaise's hands. It didn't hurt as much, but he felt a few tears come out of his eyes.

"Can you feel this?" she asked.

"What?" he said, and he saw her nod. He breathed heavy, panic rising. "Feel what?"

"You have some spine damage."

"What?!" he said, his heart jumping painfully in his restrained chest.

"Calm down. I can repair the damage, it's a slow process. I have to wait until your body recovers from the shock. You have way too many injuries."

"I can't feel my legs," Blaise stated, trying to control his emotions.

"It's temporary. Your back was injured, we think, from your fall."

"I didn't fall, I was pushed," he grunted, annoyed.

"Of course, after you were beaten and hexed... I just meant the stairs cause the injury. That is why you must stay immobilized. If I were to repair the damage, you'd only be feeling the pain from your legs, as well."

"What else is wrong?" he asked.

"You want a list of all your injuries?" she asked.

"What's still wrong?" he clarified.

"There's still some swelling in your head, I may have to drain it, again. Your left eye socket had considerable damage and your retina has partially de-attached. You shouldn't lose the eye, but it will need to heal for a few weeks. Both your arms sustained rough compound breaks and your left leg was broken by spells, which isn't going to be easy to heal from. You had internal bleeding, which I believe I healed most of it, but your ribs aren't fully healed. Your spine and nerve damage will take the longest. You're going to have a rough week ahead of you in here."

"I can't stay here a week!" Blaise growled.

"You will have no choice in the matter. I won't even think about lifting the Freezing Charm off you for several days. You could be paralyzed if we rush through this. I'll admit it might have gone faster if you were sent to St. Mungo's, but they will treat everything wrong... and ask questions."

"No... I'll stay here," Blaise said. His body would bring a host of questions, as well as a formal investigation of who did it. He already had plans for them.

"Will you look at me? I need to cast a few spells to make sure your brain is healing."

Blaise reluctantly took his eyes off Neville and looked up at the matron as she pointed her wand at him, again. His vision blurred briefly and returned. It slowly became clearer and the headache he'd been ignoring diminished. She checked his eye for a few minutes and tested his memory and deduction skills.

"Very good. It has healed very nicely. The swelling is nearly gone and I don't detect any brain bleeds. So, I think that crisis is averted. I want to heal your eye socket, next. It's going to be uncomfortable and you will feel some pain. But if you want we can wait until after another round of healing potions to take the sting off?"

"No... just do it. Will you take the Immobulus Charm off my head, if you heal it?"

She tutted. "I can, but I won't give you use of your arms, yet. They haven't healed properly."

"Thank you," Blaise said, and she started piecing his face together.

When the swelling receded back enough for his left eye to open, Blaise got a flash of light through it before Madam Pomfrey spelled it shut. "It is very fragile, right now. I won't risk losing your eyesight. I reattached the nerve endings and it is holding, but your body needs to heal it by itself. I spelled it so it won't open, but I'm going to cover it as well. Light can still get in through the lid."

Blaise couldn't really stop her as she put a black eye patch band around his head. "Great," he mumbled.

"You look dashing," Neville said, giving him a smile.

"Really?" he said, looking back at him.

"Yeah, you look like a muggle pirate."

"What's a pirate?"

"Boys... that can wait until later," she said and lifted the charm a little more. He rotated his head and breathed easier.

"Thanks," he said, knowing that he could have died without her administrations.

"It's nothing. Blaise, is there anything else that is hurting that we haven't discussed?"

"No."

"What about your... areas?" she said, delicately. Of all people, she knew the most of what he had gotten in to. The rope marks, the burns, the bruising and the maladies that required potions to cure.

"I've been celibate, lately," Blaise said, avoiding Neville's eyes.

"Some of the potions I'm giving you, may react badly with other things. Are you taking anything?"

"No... nothing," he said, truthfully.

She gauged his reaction and nodded. "It's nearly breakfast. You can take potions, now, and at lunch, I'll wake you to heal more of your chest and ribs."

"Can we wait a little while longer... on the potions?" Blaise asked.

"You need those to heal! They do knock you out, but they're necessary," she growled, losing patience.

"I want to see Draco and Theo. I know they'll come," he said, looking up pleadingly into her brown eyes.

The matron huffed and said, "Very well... but as soon as they leave... no more waiting." She gave Neville a look and left them alone.

"It's not quite breakfast... we got a bit..." Neville said, quietly. His eyes were looking down and he was making a small circle on the back of Blaise's hand. He was scared and sad.

"I'm sorry," Blaise said, swallowing hard.

Neville looked at him. "Sorry?"

"You're upset. I didn't want you to be hurt."

Neville snorted. "You're a moron. Draco's deplorable self-image is bad enough. What does Slytherin House do to you guys to make you think you need to apologize for everything?"

"It's not Slytherin thing... necessarily. It's never having anything good in your life and everyone hates and fears you," Blaise said, gruffly. "And I don't like seeing you in pain."

"How do you think I feel? Damn it... you couldn't wake up! You have spinal damage! They nearly killed you, Blaise!" Neville snarled, his eyes clenched shut for a second.

"But they didn't... and they will regret that."

"Dawlish left you without a wand," Neville stated, after a while. He was seething.

Blaise looked at him and nodded. "How were they? Draco and Theo? Are they okay?"

Neville frowned. "Okay, I guess. Theo wouldn't say a word. Draco was quiet. He was blaming himself. I don't know what happened though. I stayed here."

"Thank you. Madam Pomfrey and I don't always see eye to eye." Blaise rolled his eye at the that.

"She doesn't like you?"

"It's not that. She got fed up healing my injuries week after week. I never listened. She won't take the charm until the last possible second. She knows I don't take it easy. Now, I'm stuck here," Blaise muttered, petulantly.

Neville shook at his words, like he wanted to ask, but didn't want to upset him. "I need to tell you something."

"What?" Blaise asked, puzzled.

"Your mother stopped by. We talked... she threatened me a little."

"Threatened you?" he said, panic stirring.

"She wanted to know who hurt you. I didn't tell her anything," Neville said, his hands shaking.

"Good, thank you," Blaise said, wondering why she showed up. He looked at Neville with a smile. "Are you okay?"

"I live to tell the tale. She said I was good for you, though," Neville said, bashfully and Blaise lifted his head up.

"She did?" he said, surprised.

"Yeah... when I refused to tell her."

"You got more balls than most people, Slayer," Blaise said. Not very people dared to say no to his mum.

"Not everyone thinks that," Neville said, quietly.

Blaise tried to reach up to touch him, but couldn't. "Neville...."

"Blaise... what happened?" Neville cut in.

"Got my ass beat," he growled, still pissed that anyone got the drop on him.

"Who?"

Blaise looked at him. "You don't need to know that."

"I want to know and I promise I won't tell anyone."

"Why would you promise that?" Blaise asked confused.

"I want to know who hurt you."

"Why?"

"So, I know who they are and what they have done."

"Not to take revenge?"

"No... I... I don't think I can, or want to," Neville said, frowning and looking embarrassed. "I'm not that kind of person. I don't want to hurt anyone... even if they do bad things. I'll stand up to them and stop them, but doing what you and Harry do... no."

Blaise looked at his ashamed face with some warmth. "It's a good thing, Neville. I'm vindictive enough for us both."

"I... just want you to know... why I won't hunt them down."

"I'm fine with that, Neville. You don't have to prove anything to me," Blaise said, quietly.

"So... will you tell me?" he asked, and Blaise looked into his eyes for signs of deception. There was nothing.

"It was Zach, Michael, Oliver, Wayne, Fay, Tracey, Alexus and Malcolm."

Neville had some tears in his eyes, that he brushed away. "Are you going to tell Harry and Theo?"

"No. I'll take care of them myself," Blaise said, angrily.

Neville nodded.

"You don't have to stay here any longer," Blaise said, after a few minutes.

"I don't have to do anything. I want to be here... but if you want to be alone with your friends, I'll understand."

Blaise frowned. "I need to be alone... for their sakes, when they come. But after... I do want you to be here, but you need to teach. You've been up all night, too."

"I didn't want you to be alone when you woke up, trapped."

"Thank you. It was... disconcerting."

"I couldn't sleep anyhow... not with you here. She said that you wouldn't wake up... and that you might not walk. I was worried."

"I'm going to heal without any problems, don't worry about me.."

"Yeah... you're awake, now. Your mom whispered some spells over you, too. She said you'd be fine."

"She knows a few healing spells."

"She's coming back... just to warn you."

"She didn't scare you too much?"

"No," Neville whispered. "It'll take a lot more than words to scare me away. Besides... you're scarier than her."

Blaise turned his head and gave him a smile. "I don't believe you."

Neville leaned in closer, a grin appeared on his face. "Yes, you are much more terrifying. Especially with that eye patch... you look devil-may-care."

Blaise could feel Neville's breath on his lips. His pain was gone. He wanted to taste him. His eye flicked up to Neville's eyes. His heart started beating faster. He wished Neville would lean in closer. He moved as close as he could to him.

"I think it might be a little... ungallant to take advantage of you when you're held under the Freezing Charm," Neville whispered.

"I don't mind," Blaise murmured. Hecate, he wanted Neville.

"Really?" Neville said, his fingers running across Blaise's short-cropped hair. Neville's light blue eyes had a sparkle in them.

"I'm helpless... I think you should take advantage," Blaise said, trying to lift up into him, but he could only move his head.

Neville inched closer, but the doors to the infirmary opened. He quickly eased off him. Harry had opened the door, letting Theo was lead the group in, followed by Daphne. Harry and Draco were together and Hermione was behind them. Blaise wished they had better timing. Neville gave him a crooked smile and backed away.

But Blaise had to look to Theo first, his main concern with him being gone. He was so hard to read sometimes. He wouldn't immediately meet his eyes, but that wasn't abnormal. It was when he froze and stared off at nothing that it was really bad. Blaise checked Draco out next, who at least looked him in the eye. Draco only seemed worried about him. Blaise felt a little better. They weren't irreparably damaged by his visit to the infirmary. Daphne was close to Theo. She was watching him carefully. If Blaise had to guess, she stayed with them during the night. Blaise then glanced at Harry, who wasn't really a priority on his list of people to worry about. But Harry flinched away from his gaze and looked at Draco. Hermione was holding his hand. Something had happened.

Theo made it to his bed first and Blaise looked up at him, hoping for eye contact, minimally. He really wanted him to speak, but when he was scared, he closed up easily. Draco gave Blaise a weak smile and waited for Theo to take point. There would be no back and forth with Theo. He was lead or he wasn't. Theo managed to shift his eyes to glimpse him and back down.

"Theo..." he breathed.

"Are you... alright?" his second, murmured, forcing the words out.

"Yeah... just stuck here for a little while," Blaise grunted, but his voice grew firmer. "Theo...."

He just looked at him, again, briefly, before he went back to looking at his blanket. Theo was in considerable pain right, now. Blaise frowned.

"It's going to be okay," he vowed.

For a third time, Theo looked at his eye and he stayed this time. Blaise saw the fear and was really worried about him. Theo needed constant supervision. He could only hope Daphne was enough. Theo's eyes were tearing up. He slowly moved his hand toward Blaise's, but faltered. He didn't know if he could.

"I'm fine, Theo. I promise," Blaise said.

Theo wouldn't touch him. He was stuck. Blaise fought as hard as he could against his magical bindings, but he couldn't reach out to him. Fucking Hecate... he needed to comfort him. He glanced to Neville, desperately. He nodded.

"Come on. Harry... Hermione. I'll give you an update in the hall," Neville said, pulling Harry's arm.

Harry cast a glance at Draco, but went out. Hermione followed, giving Blaise a nod and a fake reassuring smile. The door shut. Theo still hadn't moved after a minute.

"I'm going to go, too," Daphne announced and left without anyone saying anything.

Blaise felt easier when she left. He and Daphne would have to sort out their differences one day, but now wasn't a good time. He looked back up at Theo, but his restraint was gone. Theo leaned down and put his head on Blaise's chest. His hands gripped the sheets.

"Make it stop... please, Blaise. Make it stop," Theo begged.

"Theo... I'm sorry. It's alright... I promise," Blaise whispered, but Theo didn't calm down.

Blaise fought the charm, again, this time trying to use his magic. The mental backlash came shifty and suddenly. Pain flashed across his head, like someone had stabbed his brain. Theo felt his wince and he turned to look at him. He was breaking.

"Draco... break the charm on me," Blaise ordered.

"No... she said that...." Draco started, horrified.

"Now! Draco!"

Draco flinched and Blaise could see that pull to follow the order. He took out his wand. Draco was pale and shaking. "Your back... Blaise... please," Draco pleaded, tears immediately coming out.

He would do it. Draco would do anything he asked and Blaise hated to do this to him. But Draco would agree that Theo was more important. Draco would take this pain for him.

"Just my arm, then... Draco, please," Blaise commanded, without room for discussion.

Draco lowered her eyes and didn't protest anymore. He raised wand and didn't even say a spell. Blaise felt the restraints lift on his arm and he could feel the pain splinter throughout his limb as soon as he moved it. But Blaise didn't care. He wrapped his arm around Theo's back and pulled him into his chest. Blaise didn't wince from the pain. Theo started to sob and Blaise rubbed his back.

"Shhh... I got you, Theo. I got you. Just cry. I'm okay... you're okay," Blaise muttered and squeezed him tightly.

Theo's eyes were wide and he was trapped in his mind. Shit, Blaise thought, now worried it was too late. But then his eyes looked at Blaise. He wasn't gone, yet.

"Look at me, Theo. Look into my eyes... eye. I'm okay. I'm so sorry," Blaise said, staring at him.

Theo didn't show any response, but stared back at him, as though extracting what he needed out of Blaise's head. Whatever it was, it was working. Theo's heart rate slowly went down and he stopped crying. Blaise just kept whispering reassurances for a long time. Draco was not looking at him, but his hand on Theo's back as well. They had to protect him. Theo was more important than both of them.

Nearly twenty minutes went by before Theo lowered his eyes and buried his face on Blaise's chest, again. "Thank you," he breathed. It was scarcely a whisper, but Theo spoke all the same.

"You're welcome, Theo. Anything for you," Blaise said, continuing to hold him as he trembled on top of him.

Tears still were coming down his cheek, but he was better. Blaise reckoned Theo was in his own world at this point and looked up at Draco. He was still avoiding eye contact with him. He had to fix what he had just done. Draco didn't need to be crushed just to help Theo, even if he was okay with it.

"I'm sorry, Dray," Blaise said, his attention solely on him, now.

Draco averted his eyes further away and mumbled, "It's fine. I understand."

"I know you understand, but I don't want to hurt you. I never wanted that," Blaise said, quietly.

Draco fleetingly flicked his eyes at them. He was crying or had been. "I'm okay with what happened."

"Then look at me, Dray."

"Is that an order?" Draco muttered, sulking.

"Yes," Blaise said, and Draco turned his head to look. Fear and pain were the first things Blaise saw. Whatever progress they had made was quickly undone.

"Dray... I won't hurt you, I promise. There might be some painful things, but I never will really hurt you. You know that, right?"

Draco nodded, silently. Blaise could tell his ability to trust was shattered. His father, Crabbe, Goyle, Voldemort, and the other Death Eaters had violated him in the worst ways and destroyed his confidence and willpower. Blaise hated that he had just used that damage to control him. But as he rubbed Theo's back, he didn't regret it. Their choices were always hard ones. There were no easy ones. No painless ones. Blaise let a few tears of his own fall and Draco relaxed more. Pain, he could trust. Draco nodded, again, slightly mollified.

"What's wrong with Harry?" Blaise said, taking a new route. Theo didn't react.

Draco did. "Wha-What do you mean?"

"He's nearly shaking. I could see that. I don't think he's worried about me and unless something happened to you last night...."

"No... nothing... you think there's something wrong?" Draco asked, completely focused on Harry's well-being, now.

"I reckon. It's hard to see with only one eye," Blaise said, dryly and he saw Theo's mouth smirk. Progress. "Just talk to him, alright? As far as I go... Madam Pomfrey says I'll be here for almost a week. My eye's going to take longer. The head trauma is fine. I'm okay... just stuck."

Draco nodded and Theo let out a deep breath.

"You two will have to be careful until I get out... they said... they said that they would get you... Daphne, too. Please be careful," he urged.

"I won't let them hurt her," Theo growled, most intently. He lifted his head up to look at him. Blaise refrained from smiling.

"I'm sure you will," Blaise said, running his hand through his hair.

"I won't let them hurt Draco either. I'm sorry... about... I'll be stronger, until you get back," Theo whispered.

Draco froze, but Blaise cupped Theo's face in his hand. "I never doubted you."

Draco grimaced and asked, "Who was it?"

Blaise looked at him. "Same people... a couple of Slytherins, too, though."

"Slytherins?" Draco said, and Theo lifted his head up to look at Draco, before looking at Blaise.

"Yeah... they are going to regret crossing me."

"I'm sorry," Draco said, gutted. Blaise turned to look at him, but he looked away.

"Don't be sorry. It's not like they didn't love fucking me before all this."

Draco looked right at him, now. They were getting close, too close, to those things they didn't talk about. "Do you want us...."

"Do nothing, stay away from them," Blaise said, with authority.

Draco nodded. "We'll be back at lunch. It's almost time for class."

"Go on... you're alright, then?" Blaise asked, lifting up Theo's head.

"Yeah..." Theo said.

"I'll see you in a few hours, then. Get going before Nev thinks something happened to me," Blaise chuckled, darkly. Theo slowly pulled himself up.

"Thanks," he whispered, taking his hand for a second and gently setting it back down.

Blaise nodded. "Can you put it back on, Draco?"

He didn't even use his wand and Blaise's hand was frozen once, again. It was fun while it lasted. He grimaced.

Theo then pressed his lips to Blaise's forehead. "Thanks, again."

Blaise gave him a smile and then said, "Can you ask Daphne and Neville to come in?"

Draco frowned, but nodded. They went out and Neville came back, with Daphne in tow. She looked uneasy.

"You wanted to see me?" she said, doubt in every word. She was a smart girl and could see he wanted no part of her when he was so vulnerable. He mostly tolerated her for Draco and Theo's sake. She had always been a neutral party in the group.

Blaise waited until she threw up the privacy charms and said, "I wanted to talk to you."

"That's a first," she said, sourly. She wasn't going to treat him like he was on his deathbed. He appreciated that, but Neville raised his eyebrows up in clear indignation.

"You stayed over last night?"

"Is that what they said?"

"I didn't ask... but thank you... for taking care of Theo."

"I've been taking care of Theo since before his father was killed and you took him home for a whole summer."

"If you want to play that game... I've known him since his mother died. I just want to make sure he's okay, not pick a fight with you," he snapped back. Being confined in his own bed wasn't going to hold his tongue.

"Sorry... it's been rough," she muttered.

"I know. You're good at it, though. But at night... he wakes up a lot. He needs someone there. Will you stay with him, or should I ask Draco?"

Daphne straightened up. "I'll be right there. I don't care about what people think."

"Thank you. Draco's going to be fine. But Daphne... you wander too much on your own. Tracey was in my little party... she'll be after you."

"Oh, worried about me?" she growled, amazed.

Blaise narrowed his eyes. He was the one who asked her nearly twenty times if she really wanted to fuck. She was the one who... took charge. He couldn't blame her... Tracey, Millicent and Alexus probably filled her head with all sorts of stories before and after.

"Yes. You're part of the group," he said, watching her.

"Because of Draco and Theo," she responded, tonelessly.

Where is all this coming from? he wondered. "Yes... because of them. Because you needed help last year."

"You didn't care before then," she said, hostility rolling off her.

"Alright, Daph... what's wrong? We've been getting along fine."

"I..." she broke off and frowned. "I hate that... I hate that you being gone hurts him so much. I hate that he was absolutely miserable and now, after seeing you, he's back to normal. Is he in love with you?"

Blaise smirked. That was it. She was jealous. She knew too many stories. "I'm sure he is... in one way. Sexually... no. He's completely straight and when he looks at you, he smiles. He looks at me for protection and to keep him in the present. Why are you questioning that... or him? You can see that, right? And unless you are going to move in permanently... he's going to rely on me more than you."

Daphne crossed her arms and pouted almost. Her face was red. Neville was staring at the wall and not moving. Blaise chuckled at his mortification.

"Does he... talk to you?" she asked, quietly.

"Not really... never has. His father told him to hide his pain and if you think this past summer was a picnic at my house, think, again. It was the most painful time of my life. All I could do was hold him as he slipped back... further and further. I'd rather be back in our fourth year with those fucking Durmstang assholes on their damn boat, again, than do that."

Both Neville and Daphne raised their eyebrows at that one. Those fuckers had used both their wands on him. He shook off the memories. Daphne's mouth dropped and she looked immediately guilty.

"I'm so sorry, Blaise... I don't know what I was thinking...."

"Don't apologize. I haven't exactly been... nice to you, and I really don't want to hug it out. I just need to make sure you understand that you are safe... and to ask you to take care of Theo for the next week. Harry will watch out for Draco, now."

Daphne's eyes watered. "Yes... of course. I'm sorry, Blaise. I... I really can't imagine how much you've been through. And Theo... I've just went through one night... but the whole summer... I didn't think...."

"Yes... just stop. I don't want your apologies."

"Just let me say this... and I'll go," Daphne said, and he waited. "Do you think of me as your friend?"

Blaise curled in mentally. Why did it have to be today, when he was trapped and there was no escape? "Yes... with reservations. Some of it, isn't your fault. And yes... if you hadn't gotten close to them, I probably wouldn't have been your friend. I think we are past that point, now. We did poison a professor together, after all."

Daphne smiled and nodded. He had been surprised by her agreeing to come with him that day.

"You don't have to be jealous. He likes you, he just can't articulate it or understand it."

Daphne swallowed hard. "Thank you. You're not just our leader, Blaise. You're a good friend, but you... avoid me."

"If you want to really talk about it... perhaps in a week where I'm not a prisoner?" Blaise suggested.

"A week it is," she said and, left with a quiet farewell.

"Great... that's going to be fun," Blaise said, dropping his head back onto the pillow as soon as the door shut.

"That... was... why did you want me here?" Neville said, not looking at him.

"I always want you with me. But Theo and Draco will close up if there are witnesses," Blaise said and looked at Neville. He had bags under his eyes and look exhausted.

"That seemed a little awkward."

"Sleeping with people tends to lead to awkwardness."

"Should I feel jealous, too?" Neville said, nonchalantly.

Blaise looked at him and saw he was smiling. "No. But you should feel alarmed by what I've done."

"I'm not going to judge you, Blaise," Neville said.

Blaise thought he actually meant it. He thought about what Theo had said to him, that he should tell Neville why. Why he choose to let people hurt him as much as they could. He shuddered and Neville gave him a look. He ignored his inquisitiveness. It certainly wasn't going to happen while he was so restrained. That would be a long, painful talk, too. He wondered if he'd ever get the words out.

"I think you should go to class... or bed, Neville," Blaise said.

Neville looked up in shock. "You want me to go?"

"What are you going to say if someone comes here?" he pointed out. "This school is prone to catastrophes. You have class and you're supposed to teach. I'll be knocked out and I shouldn't panic if I wake up, unable to move. I'll be fine until lunch," he responded.

Neville tried to convince him otherwise, but when Madam Pomfrey came out, she supported Blaise. She insisted Blaise take his healing potions and shooed Neville out the door. Blaise easily slipped into unconsciousness once he drank them.

Blaise was rarely plagued by nightmares like Theo and Draco, but being trapped didn't help his dream progression. He had plenty of memories of being bound and restrained. Flint had loved to bind and gag him and then have the whole Quidditch team have a go... minus Draco, of course. He hadn't been in a position to refuse, before or after he was bound. Flint wasn't someone to say no to and he hadn't been as willing to stand up for himself back then. His self-image was destroyed. He didn't know who he was anymore. Marcus Flint had been ready to make those decisions for him. Casual sex turned into torture and Blaise didn't know his limits... didn't know how to say no. Flint had always told him that it was normal... everyone did it. He didn't know any better.

Unfortunately, his dreams featured that early abuse. He took it silently, because it was more impressive not to scream. He tried to move, but couldn't. He felt pressure on his stomach and it didn't match the dream. He snapped awake immediate, always the light sleeper between Theo and Draco's nightmares. His vision cleared and saw that he was not alone. Tracey Davis was next to his bed, her hand on his blanket, and a quick scan of the room told him that they were alone.

"Hey there, honey," she whispered quietly.

Madam Pomfrey must be in her office, Blaise realized, and more importantly, he was completely defenseless.

He made to call out, "Ma-"

"Silencio!" Tracey said, pointing her wand at him.

Blaise was even more powerless. He glared at her, silently cursing her, both figuratively and magically. The magic wasn't working though. Every time he tried to find his core, it snapped back into his head painfully. He would have to come up with something good for her, he thought as she slipped her hand lower the blankets, directly over his crotch. Blaise, luckily, couldn't feel anything down there, presently. But that didn't make it alright. Bitch, he thought, angrily.

"I thought you liked our games, Blaisey?" she said, lightly teasing him.

He glared. He didn't show fear. He was a Slytherin and a Zabini.

"Blaise are you alright?" Madam Pomfrey called out, hearing Tracey.

"Oh, he's sleeping. I was just checking on him. We're in the same house," Tracey said, to the office door.

"Just a few minutes, dear. He needs sleep," she said, and Tracey agreed. She threw a Silencing Charm on the door to her office and the entrance.

"That ol' windbag. But I can think of a few games we could try... next time we meet up with the guys. I bet I could get them to agree... if only to humiliate you. Marcus told me all about the fun games he played with you. I was so sad he died. I'm sure I can find some fun potions to play with. It will be fun, don't you think?"

Blaise didn't even twitch. She went over and grabbed his splinted finger and pinched it hard. He winced slightly from the pain.

"Do you like that?" she asked like the fucking sadistic bitch she was. "We don't have much time for plans, then? How about... out at the Quidditch Pitch? Stake you to the ground? Let you scream... that'll be fun."

Blaise stared at her. Despite his tolerance to sexual pain and humiliation, his heart started to beat faster. She would have no problem violating him. She had been excessively abusive when they were together... her and Millicent.

"Blaisey... you aren't any fun anymore," she panted, her fingers sliding up his body and wrapped around his throat, squeezing.

"Perhaps if you remove the Silencing Charm on him, he might be more inclined to respond," a stern voice said, from the doorway.

Tracey pulled her hand back, immediately. "I-What? I didn't do...."

She nearly froze when she realized who it is. Tracey blocked some of his view, but he knew his mother's voice. Moira Zabini walked to the end of his bed, but her eyes were on Tracey, only occasionally glancing at him. Blaise had never been so happy to see her, but was almost afraid of what was about to happen to Tracey.

His mother smiled sweetly and asked, "Are you Tracey Davis?"

"How did you know that?" she asked, slowly increasing the distance between her and his bed.

"Got a name off an old friend of yours... doesn't matter how. But you know who I am, correct?"

"The Widowmaker," Tracey breathed. She was trembling.

"Hmmm... not inaccurate, but I'm willing to... branch out... so to speak. What do you say?"

"I'm going to go..." she whispered, starting toward the door.

His mother slid over to her like she had Apparated the few steps and took one of her hands. She put her other hand on Tracey's face, gently. "Oh, honey... I really enjoy games... would you like to play one?" his mother purred.

"N-No... I'm late for class. I have to go," Tracey said, trying to pull away, but her arm was trapped in his mother's grip.

"We can play at another time. It's called brinkmanship, or rather, brinkwomanship. I think you will like it."

Tracey ripped her arm free and ran out of the ward. His mother stared out after her and then came around the far side of the bed to sit next to him in a chair. Tears were coming out of his eyes. He tore his eyes away, ashamed. He couldn't look at her anymore. She had just saved him... something he should have been able to do on his own.

"Just let me know when you are ready for me to remove the charm," she said, quietly.

Blaise couldn't even hide his red, watery eyes. He was so exposed, it burned. He didn't want to talk. He couldn't look at her without feeling embarrassed. His mother had to save him from a girl. He wanted to just curl up into a ball and cry, but he couldn't even do that.

Minutes crawled by, before he finally glanced to her and nodded. He needed her to leave, so he could find some solitude to cry. She removed it with a wave of her hand. Blaise clenched his eyes shut and his mother brought her hand to his face and turned it toward her.

"It's okay, sweetie. Don't be ashamed," she said, reassuringly.

"I'm sorry, mum... I should've...."

"Stop it. You don't have to defend yourself from anything. I'm not any model of self-control and I've been a victim before."

"Still... I... let them...."

"And you can stop that right now!" she growled, and Blaise cowered slightly. "Sorry... I just meant stop saying that. I know what happened. You didn't say yes... most of the time. Flint was it?"

Blaise flinched at his name immediately and looked away.

"He didn't ask... he took and made you keep quiet. He controlled you," his mother said.

"Mom... please...."

"Montague? Bole? Derrick? Pucey? Bletchley?" she started. Blaise shuddered as she said the names, somewhat confirming that she had the right people. She rattled off about fifteen others, girls and boys, and seven of the Durmstang students.

"H-How?" Blaise stuttered. Who would tell her?

"I know how to find secrets, Blaise," she said, quietly.

Blaise lowered his head, tears dripping down his face. "I'm sorry... mum."

"Don't... I wasn't accusing you of anything. I was just letting you know that you don't have to lie to me anymore. They hurt you, manipulated you and made you think that you deserved it or enjoyed it."

"Please mum... you can't kill them."

"I should, but most of them were several years older than you. You can report them," she suggested.

"No! No! Absolutely not!" Blaise shrieked, in a very undignified way. "I'm not telling anyone!"

His mother sighed. "I figured. But they must be punished... Blaise."

Blaise hung his head. "But what about what I did? I manipulated people, slept with younger students, and taught them dark sex."

His mother straightened up and she looked them in the eye. "Did you force yourself on anyone?"

"No! But I...."

"Did you gag or use potions on them, so they couldn't give consent?"

"Of course, not... I wouldn't...."

"Did you beat them? Made them bleed? Do the stuff that those pigs did to you?"

Blaise shook his head. "But I lied. I used them for sex and abandoned them."

"Well... that makes you an asshole, not a rapist."

Blaise flinched, again. "I'm sorry."

"You should apologize to your sex partners, not to me," she said, and Blaise nodded.

"Mum... what you learned... it's not about consent. I wanted them to hurt me. I wanted them to humiliate me. I kept going back for more. I might not have said the words or wanted it, but I kept going back to the same abusive people, time after time," Blaise cried.

"The Durmstang students keep you chained down for nearly two days, Blaise. I got a very clear picture of what they did to you. Krum might have even saved your life when he found you."

"He promised not to tell..." Blaise said, horrified.

"He didn't tell. He told off the others, saying that he didn't believe that you gave permission for them to do... that."

Blaise lowered his head. He hadn't. He thought he was going to die. More tears came down his chin, finally accepting what he never could accept before. He nodded.

"Now... who beat you up?" she asked.

Blaise looked at her. "No way. They are mine."

His mother wrinkled her nose, but acquiesced. "Fine, but you won't have to worry about that bitch who was just in here."

Blaise looked her in the eye, and slowly smiled, warmly. "Thanks, mum."

"You're welcome... and this Dawlish?"

"Headmistress says I can't do anything to him. The Ministry will back him. It's not worth it. Don't go to war over it."

She tilted her head. "Are you going to let it slide?"

"No... but mum... did you know him? He said something that made me think...."

"Yes. We went to school together. He was a few years older though, then he went to the Aurors." Blaise nodded, but his mother said," I brought you something."

"What?"

"A book... to write in."

"A diary?"

"No. Not a diary, just a blank book. She said that you are stuck here for a week. I just thought you wanted something to do."

"Thanks, mum," Blaise said, and his mother set the book on the table next to his bed.

Then Madam Pomfrey came out of her office. "Oh! You must be Mrs. Zabini... I didn't hear you come in."

"Yes... I'm very stealthy. Are you going to heal him more?"

"Yes, since he's awake," the matron said. She checked on his head injuries, his arms and legs and his front and back. "Most of the spinal damage is in his lower back. Lumbar region. Still needs several rounds of healing and no moving."

"Very well, but I'm going to have to insist you heal enough for him to have the use of his arms," she growled.

"That's not for you to...."

"I came in here and a Slytherin girl was ready to do whatever she wanted to him. So, unless you are going to stand guard over him, you'd better give him the ability to defend himself."

Madam Pomfrey went red and looked at Blaise, who lowered his eyes. "I will do it, but Blaise. Your magic is weak, right now. It's working on rebuilding your body. It will hurt you to use magic."

Blaise remembered the immediate headache he got when he tried wandless magic. "How long until...?"

"The magic doesn't always react well when you're exhausted and hurt. But understand, your magic is the only thing that saved you. Don't go overboard using spells. I'd prefer if you didn't use any at all."

He agreed. She healed his ribs and double-checked his spine, before she slowly lifted the charm off to his midsection. Blaise could move both his arms, though he still had the braces on them. Everything was very sore and hurt to move, but he wasn't helpless anymore.

"Thank you," he said to both of them.

Theo, Draco and Daphne came in the door from lunch, seemingly okay. Hermione, Luna and Neville came in from behind them.

"Blaise, are you still okay?" Theo asked, definitely better.

"Yeah, I got my arms back. Do you have my wand?"

Theo nodded and pulled it out of his robes. "I didn't want to leave it laying around."

"Good. Oh yeah... guys... this is my mum."

She rose out of her seat. "I've heard about all of you, just as I'm sure you know about me. Hermione Granger... the hero... and Luna is it?"

"Yes, Mrs. Zabini! We all like Blaise," she said, with his lipstick already on her lips.

"That's good to hear," Blaise muttered and his mother gave him a smirk.

"Nice to see you again, Draco," his mother said.

Draco lowered his head. "Good to see you, ma'am."

"No need to sound so dreary."

"Oh... he's upset that Harry got detention to
night."

"So do we," Theo muttered, looking dejected.

Blaise looked at Draco, though, worried, but Luna cut in, "Don't worry. I said I got him, Blaise. Draco and I are going hunting. We'll be careful."

But the doors to the room opened again and the headmistress came in. She got a brief update on his condition, before turning to him about the night in question.

"So will you tell me who hurt you?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"No, I won't."

"Blaise, they can do it, again... or to someone else," she said, looking at his friends.

"No."

"They could hurt Draco."

Blaise looked at her and glared. "I will never, ever tell you who did it."

"That's a rather hard line to come to," she whispered

"I am a Slytherin. We have to settle things ourselves. We get even," he declared.

"I can't allow you to...."

"No, I imagine not. But they will have until I'm healed up."

"Blaise, I can't allow you to hurt them. It is not allowed and it is wrong."

"We shall see. We shall see," he growled. Just thinking about his revenge got his blood up.

Professor McGonagall ordered everyone out besides his mother, before trying, again. "I had hoped you'd be willing to see reason. You have more standing than Draco has. You can go to the Board of Governors without... issues. Please consider...."

"I said no. I won't snitch. I'm a Slytherin, there are rules."

"I recall Draco had no problem reporting Harry when he was younger."

"He was lying about that shi-crap. It wasn't like Harry was actually hurting him."

"This can end... are you really going to let something else happen to your friends Draco again tonight, just for your rules, your pride?

He frowned, but his determination did not waver. It was easier to say no before. Blaise stared off. Trapped, again. By his code... morals. He closed his eyes. "We all have rules to live by. I can't ask for help."

His mother stared at him, her mouth agape, realizing that, in some way, she was the reason why. "Blaise...."

"Don't mum. Just don't. It's part of me, now. There's no asking for help."

"You wrote to me," she countered.

"I lost my mind," he said, dryly.

"Blaise, it's okay to..." his mother started.

"Name one time you asked someone for help mum," he snapped.

She grimaced and looked at McGonagall. She had rather live off the grid in the woods than accept help. "And you see what came of it. I don't want you to do the same."

"If my friends want me to, I will, but Draco doesn't."

"He feels guilty."

"So do I. But my answer is the same. I can handle my own affairs, headmistress."

"If they complain against you then I can't protect you."

"I understand," he said and both women sighed.

Blaise would never squeal. Never take the easy way out. Never ask for help. He had to fight his own battles. It's what is his mother taught him, it's what Slytherin House demanded and it's what Flint and the others had already tested. He didn't say stop, please or beg. He had to prove he was the toughest. Nothing could hurt him. At least, that was what he wanted to believe. He was trapped by his own convictions.  He couldn't snitch, ask for a reprieve. Rules were rules. He had to bear the pain and he would, whatever came.

Sorry... I seriously had this done on the 24th, but couldn't edit it all weekend. I was literally faceplanting my laptop every time I tried. Went to the Michigan State Bowling Tournament. Only won about $20, but still good. Got a 204 first game. But I had to work immediately before and after it and accumulating 60 hours this week, straight into drill weekend. Oh, joy. 

On the plus side, I did already start 48. It's got some good moments so far... don't know how it will end up. Evil smirk face.

Woot Woot... passed 15K... thanks so much for the support everyone!