Author's Note: Here we go again with another interesting pairing!

Pairing Drabble Challenge - Lucius/Poppy

Pairing Scenario Challenge - At Hogwarts

Jingle Bell Song Challenge - Last Christmas (Wham!) - Write about a heartbreak

Christmas at the Movies Challenge - All I Want For Christmas - Write about a breakup

Word Count: 498


Broken

The corridors of Hogwarts castle were empty and Lucius' footsteps echoed off the walls as he walked towards the great hall. He moved robotically, his head was tilted to the side and though he was looking forward, his eyes were glassy and unfocused.

The words were still ringing in his ears.

You bring shame upon the family name, boy! Consorting with the likes of that, that filthy blood traitor of a witch! You will put a stop to it, immediately, or so help me you will rue the very day you were born!

He had been lucky that the howler had found him in the Slytherin common room. Even luckier that all his dorm mates had been on the way to dinner when he had rushed into their shared bedroom and cast a frantic silencing charm before the letter exploded in his hands.

They had been so careful. Who had betrayed them?

The low rumble of chatter brought him out of his stupor as he began to ascend the stairs from the dungeons. Thursday night dinner was in full swing and tantalising aromas floated from the open doors. It made Lucius feel sick.

What was he to do? Defy his father or break the most meaningful and rewarding relationship he had ever experienced?

I will break you, boy.

The threatening words floated around his head and he came to a halt in the middle of the hallway, teetering on the brink of a decision that would change the course of his life forever.

"Luci!" His head snapped up at the excited tone, the excited face as she rushed towards him. "I was just coming to look for you," she whispered glancing around, "you didn't show up with your housemates."

Poppy Pomfrey. The sweet, intelligent, caring Hufflepuff who had fixed his broken nose and mended his broken soul. She had coaxed a side out of him that he didn't know existed, all with that brilliant smile and optimistic attitude.

I will break you, boy. After I have broken her.

That smile was all it took to make his decision. He stepped backwards and drew himself up to every inch of his imperious height. He felt his face contort into a disgusted sneer as he looked down his nose at her.

"Lucius?" she asked cautiously, concern now lacing her tone.

"Do not think to speak to me again," he snarled, "I do not even wish to see you. Imagine what people would think to see a Malfoy lowering himself to consort with the likes of you."

"I- I- I don't understand" she whispered, taking a step backwards in shock. Hurt twisted her features and pain twisted his heart. He had to do this.

"Let me be perfectly clear, blood traitor," he hissed. "I am far too good for you."

He forced himself to stride past her, to ignore the quiet sob and to enter the bustle of the great hall as if he hadn't just torn out his own heart.


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Much Love, MaryandMerlin x