"Draco! Wherever you are, you had better come here this instant!"
Draco gulped. He knew he was late for tea. It was a Malfoy tradition, and Draco knew the consequences for messing up a Malfoy tradition. He didn't want to be near Father right now, but he knew he would only be hurt worse if he didn't go.
"C-c-coming, Father!"
"You're right you are! Stop that stammering, boy. A Malfoy doesn't stammer."
"Sorry, Father."
"Now sit down, boy. You will learn to be a civilized, respectable boy. For generations, the Malfoy name has been great, and I will not have a son who ends that reputation. Do you understand, Draco?"
The truth was Draco didn't understand any of it. He didn't understand what made the Malfoy family better than other families. He didn't think they were any better. He had met many witches and wizards his age who had families he thought were better. The kids called their parents "Mum" and "Dad," not "Mother" and "Father." Draco didn't know why, but he thought that sounded a lot nicer. Those parents hugged and kissed and played with their children. The other little witches and wizards Draco's age never had cuts and bruises from their fathers, but rather had little cuts and bruises from running around and playing outside. Draco wanted to run and play, but Father said it wasn't dignified. Draco thought those families were better than theirs. But he knew what answer Father wanted.
"Yes, Father. I understand."
"Good. Now drink your tea. You know it's important for a Malfoy to keep his family's traditions, right?"
"Yes, Father, I know."
"Good. You're learning. If you would learn faster, I wouldn't have to punish you."
As usual, the family had their tea in silence. When Dobby came in to freshen their cups, he winked at Draco, trying to communicate to him that help was on the way. At that moment, there was a green fire in the fire place, and suddenly there were three people in very official-looking robes in their house. The man in the front spoke first.
"Mr. Malfoy, forgive the interruption. We are with the Ministry of Magic."
"Yes, I know. What is the reason behind such an invasion?"
"We received a tip that the Cruciatus Curse had been used in this house, along with other complaints that we're going to investigate. My associate," The man said while pointing at the woman, "would like to talk to your son privately. I have a few questions for you, while he," he said indicating the other man, "will have a look around."
"This is my property. I will be complaining to your superiors."
"Your money can't get you out of this one, sir."
"You think that. Go ahead and question my son." Lucius shot a glare at Draco. "I'm sure he will confirm that nothing is amiss in this home."
The woman looked at Draco. He was trying to hide how scared he was, but she saw through his facade. She smiled at him kindly and said, "Draco, would you like to come with me? We can go to your bedroom and chat."
Draco nodded. "Yes, ma'am." The two of them walked to his bedroom.
"This is a great bedroom you have, Draco. But why don't you have any toys in here?"
"Father doesn't allow toys in my bedroom. I'm allowed to read books in my free time. Sometimes I get to play when I go to my friends' houses. But I can't tell Father. He says that at my age a Malfoy shouldn't play anymore. I haven't had toys since I was five."
"What would your Father do if he found out you played at a friend's house?"
Draco was terrified. He knew Father would hurt him if he told this lady the truth. But something in him wanted to tell the truth.
"I'm not allowed to play. He would punish me."
"How does he punish you?"
Draco didn't answer. He couldn't.
"Draco, dear, it's ok. You can tell me the truth."
Draco just shook his head. Part of him wanted to tell this lady the truth. Part of him wanted her to take him away from his house. But where would he go? What would happen to him?
"I c-can't. I can't tell you." For a second he felt terrified. He was stammering again. Had Father heard? What if this lady didn't like stammering either? Would she hurt him?
"Draco, this is important. We are here to help you."
"I can't tell you. He'll hurt me."
"Has he hurt you before?"
Draco knew he had slipped. He was filled with even more fear. What if Father knew he had messed up and told her that?
"I didn't mean that!"
"Draco, you can tell me the truth. Has your father ever used the Cruciatus Curse on anyone?"
"What's that?"
"Has he ever pointed his wand at someone and said the word "Crucio?"
"Yes."
"Has he ever done that to you?"
Draco started crying. He hated the sound of that word.
"Please don't tell him I told you that."
"Draco, we are here to protect you. We aren't going to let him hurt you."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. Now tell me. Has your father ever hurt you with the Cruciatus Curse?"
"Yes. He did it today. I said something he thought was bad. He did it over and over. It hurt! It hurt so much!"
Draco sobbed. The woman had walked over to him and put her arm around him. She let Draco sob on her shoulder. She wanted to hurt Lucius Malfoy for causing this child such pain.
"Please don't tell him I told you."
"I'll do what I can, dear. I promise you, I'm going to do whatever I can to help you."
