It had been five days since Dumbledore's death Draco was locked in his room in Malfoy Manor. No, not five days, actually three days. After Dumbledore's death Snape took him to Spinner's End. But only after two days Snape returned him to Malfoy Manor on Dark Lord's demand. He was reluctant to go back as he knew punishment must be waiting for his failure. But though Snape felt guilty, he certainly did not want to put himself under Dark Lord's wrath. Draco knew he could not fight back Snape, so grudgingly, reluctantly he returned.

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There was a soft knock on his door and the door opened. It was Wormtail. His parents were prohibited to meet him since his arrival. Wormtail brought him food twice a day. He let out a sigh as he thought at least he was locked in his room and not in dungeon.

"He is here" Wormtail said "and he wants to meet you"

Whatever color left in Draco's face drained out. He did not meet Dark Lord since he failed his mission and he knew whenever the day will come, it will not be good for him. And to his surprise the day has come already.

"Come" Wormtail said.

Bids of sweat were forming on his face. He could not move his legs.

"Come or I'll have to force you" Wormtail demanded pointing his wand towards Draco.

Stripped of his wand Draco felt helpless as he moved his leg reluctantly.

"Hurry" Wormtail grabbed his wrist and howled him downstairs.

On the drawing room Dark Lord sat on the throne and death eaters stood circling him. Among them he recognized the distinctive figures of his parents and Severus.

"You asked for me my lord!" Draco said as he bowed in front of Dark Lord.

"Yesss my youngest Death eater, I want to see you" Dark lord's voice hissed in silence. It sounded as cold and empty as that of a snake.

"Sssso, would you like to explain why did you fail in your assignment?"

Draco did not lift his head. His mind was furiously working. He knew the question will be put in front of him since the event but still he could not prepare any answer that will satisfy the Dark Lord.

"I ….I was nervous my lord" He stuttered, not looking at the Dark Lord.

"Really? or you felt pity towards that old coot" Voldemort asked sarcastically.

"No…No my Lord"

"Let me see then or are you afraid to meet my eyes Draco"

Draco lifted his sweaty face. He knew by now he is soon going to die. The moment he was afraid of has come. Yes! He felt pity for Dumbledore that day. Not only pity but an overwhelming surge of respect towards the old man. He was astonished to find the Headmaster so calm and peaceful even in the face of death. His respect only increased when Dumbledore told him he knew Draco's plan all along and had not done anything to save Draco from Voldemort's wrath. He even offered sanctuary for him and for his family. Somehow the old man understood his pain and suffering that nobody even tried to understand.

The Dark Lord's eyes bore into him as he hastily tried to put on a occlumency shield. He cried out in pain as he felt his occlumency shield shatter and his brain smashed into pieces.

"Traitor!" Dark lord's high pitch voice seemed to come towards him from far away. He opened his eyes and found Dark Lord's wand pointed towards him.

"How dare you respect Dumbledore of all people? Why? Because he seemed to understand you? Offered you and your family refuge? Or he saved you from being a murderer?" Voldemort laughed at this point "You coward! He was an old fool who brought his own death by trying to save you and now you will follow his path" Voldemort's cruel voice rang throughout the hall as he shrieked

"Crucio!"

Draco gasped in pain as his body felt on fire. His skin burned, muscles charred, the fire seemed to burn his very bones, tear his every nerves as heart wrenching scream came out from his mouth. He writhed in pain as he screamed again and again. The world lost from him as he felt white hot of the pain. But in the midst of the scream he heard his mother's cry and helpless plea and aunt Bella's mad cackling laughter.