Disclaimer: I own nothing, please don't sue.
Author's Note: Thanks for reviewing. There will be no romance or even important friendship in this Part One of the Tale. Part Two will be mostly romance and Part Three will be partly Next Generation partly Draco's comeback to Wizarding World. Everything is focused to Draco but there will be also more about others. Please review!
Tale of the Great Ferret, Part One
Malfoy's Heir, chapter 3
Minerva McGonagall sighed as she watched her class. She had never especially liked the Slytherins and this class was one of the worst. Slytherins' six-year was well known for its ability to cause troubles, mayhem and other worries to the staff and other pupils. Core of a problem was Draco Malfoy. Beautiful blond boy who stirred and provoked others to bad behaviour and caused more troubles by himself than whole Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw Houses together. And this year he was worse than ever. He bullied others, he was disrespectful to professors, and he disturbed in class and urged others to misbehave also.
Professor McGonagall thought that Professor Snape didn't take the matter seriously enough. She alone had sent Malfoy to his Head of House at least ten times but nothing changed. She didn't even count how many detentions she had given and how many points taken and it was only Christmas. Nothing helped. Draco Malfoy was out of hand. Now headmaster had asked her to send Malfoy to see him then Malfoy would misbehave next time. Headmaster wanted to talk about something else to the boy but Professor McGonagall really hoped that he would also talk about boy's behaviour and that it would lead to some positive outcome. Professor McGonagall was first to admit that her Gryffindors were sometimes little unruly, but this was different. Gryffindors' pranks were for fun and usually harmless or they were done because of good reason and justice. Slytherins generally and Draco Malfoy particularly were just nasty and their pranks were all but innocent.
Professor McGonagall didn't have to wait long to Mr Malfoy to misbehave. He was more interested about provoking Blaise Zabini, most tolerable six-year- Slytherin, than studying and Professor told him out of her class and to the headmaster's office at four p.m. to discuss his resent behaviour.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Draco was extremely nervous then he waited his appointment with headmaster. He really couldn't afford suspension from school. Hogwarts was his only sanctuary. Maybe he had gone little too far this autumn. He only hoped this was only warning and he would get chance to do better in future. Just now Draco would have been ready to do anything if he could stay at Hogwarts. He was ready to plea if that was necessary as much as it would hurt his pride. Draco didn't like an idea that his fate was in hands of old muggle-loving fool who had had many quarrels with his father and whom his father had tried to get sacked.
Still Draco was so much Malfoy that this anxiety was not showing then he entered to headmaster's office. He looked calm and controlled and little amused. Dumpledore thought that it was quite impressing. Lucius had taught his son thoroughly. Dumpledore didn't want to think what were the teaching methods, probably nothing he could approve. Malfoy's child breeding methods had always been rough and he had no reason to hope that Lucius Malfoy had broken off the tradition. Sometimes Dumpledore had thought that world would be a nicer place if Lucius Malfoy's father Marcus had made an exception in Malfoy's tradition then bringing up his children. What he had heard even Marcus Malfoy had admitted later that his children couldn't take it. Of course he had thought that this was sign of weakness and that his children were failed, not worth of name Malfoy. Dumpledore could still remember the day then Lucia Malfoy had taken her own life in age of sixteen. After that her twin brother Lucius never showed his more vulnerable side to anyone. Twins had been extremely close as Malfoy twins usually were. It was tradition in a family that first-borns were twins; boy and girl and they were alike. It was some old curse as was the one that caused that Lord of Malfoy could only have one living son at a time. In past this had led to some child-murders if the heir wasn't to Lord's liking. Yet it had probably prevented even more fratricides. Malfoy's were passionate and ambitious creatures and usually totally ruthless. As far as Dumpledore knew Draco's twin sister had died in birth. They had been born too early and even Draco had barely survived.
Maybe Lucius wouldn't have gone to Voldemort to find more power if his father had been little more compassionate. It would have saved the world from much pain. Even if Lucius Malfoy was only one Death Eater he was one of the most powerful and had got many others to follow him. Dumpledore had also heard that Marcus Malfoy had considered his grandson much more a Malfoy than his son and had had high hopes for him. But Marcus Malfoy had died then Draco was only five years old. His wife Pandora had had some influence to Draco's upbringing until she had also died then Draco was thirteen. Still Pandora's and her son's relationship wasn't exactly warm and she had lived in old Malfoy Mansion then Lucius lived in Malfoy's 'townhouse' that was the house which people nowadays usually meant then they talked about Malfoy Manor. Draco had spent some time in old manor with his grandmother but Lucius and Pandora rarely met. As much as Lucius had suffered about his harsh upbringing Dumpledore had no reason to believe that he had been a bit nicer to his son; probably quite the opposite.
Dumpledore shook up from his thoughts and concentrated a boy in front of him. It would be a challenge to make an impact on the boy.
"Good Afternoon Mr. Malfoy. I have heard that you have got yourself in troubles lately. Professor McGonagall is quite annoyed at your conduct and so are your other professors. Even Professor Snape admits that you have been a handful lately and he usually defends his Slytherins quite far. Now a stage has been reached where we had to do something to your behaviour. Would you like to give me some explanation why you have behaved as you are?" Dumbledore started sternly.
Draco fought down his urge to snap and tried to answer politely. "I'm sorry, Sir, if I have caused any troubles. It has not been my intention and I will do better in future." He chose not to answer to question about his reasons.
"Oh, really. If it's so, you have certainly done good job without any intention and planning. I don't even want to know to what you can achieve if you put some intention and planning to it." Dumpledore snapped, but he had trouble to control his amusement and he was afraid that his eyes twinkled. "Your behaviour has not been acceptable. I advise you to reconsider it as soon as possible."
"Thank you for your advice, Sir, I will certainly take it under consideration." Draco couldn't keep sarcasm out of his answer. Old man's reprimands irritated him. Yes, he definitely was deeply in troubles but annoying Professor McGonagall wasn't the biggest of them.
Dumpledore decided to use other approaching. Boy would not been broken by force with using methods he was willing to use so maybe some frankness and compassion would work better.
"I have heard some very alarming rumours about your summer Mr Malfoy. Is there any truth in them?" He asked gently.
Hell, did the old fool really know everything what happened in wizarding world as was rumoured? Draco thought. He didn't answer and didn't look headmaster in the eye. Dumpledore took that as an answer and also as a permission to continue.
"We can help you Young Man, you don't have to suffer from your fathers deeds. Hogwarts can provide you a place of safety and no one can touch you anymore. All you have to do is ask. But if you don't tell us that you need help, we can't help you." Dumpledore continued kindly. He had an urge to touch boy's shoulder with consolation but he didn't dare. Malfoys' had never been easy to touch and this boy had just gone through tough times.
"You don't understand, Sir. If I flee my mother will pay the consequences and they will be hard and she cannot carry them. She has got no strength to that." Draco answered almost desperately.
"We can help also her if she wants to." Assured Dumpledore. "And you are not responsible for her. She is grown up woman and as far as I remember quite a competent witch."
"She maybe was in some other time and place but she is not now. She can't take care of herself and she will never accept your help. She will never betray or leave my father. And I can't put down her or him." Draco said and continued angrily and arrogantly: "And I don't even need your help. I can survive and I don't want protection. I want my revenge."
"Why would you and your mother be loyal to your father? He had never treated you well. I think it's fair to say that he has abused both of you in every possible way." Dumpledore asked. He had never understood how displaced loyalties often were in the oldest aristocratic families.
"I'm loyal to him because he is my Father and because he is a Lord of Malfoy. And my mother is because he is her husband and because she loves him after all. He has made some mistakes but it doesn't change anything." Draco barked.
"I can't help you if you don't welcome my help. But maybe I could help you with your revenge." Dumpledore sighed sadly.
"And how could that be?" Draco asked.
"You can't beat Voldemort by yourself but you could help us to beat him. We need information and you can probably get it. I'm sure Voldemort has high plans to you and you will hear much interesting things. Of course you should be really careful and still it would be risky but it would be a way you could get your revenge." Dumpledore suggested.
"You want me become your spy, Sir?" Draco asked his one eyebrow high.
"Bluntly said, yes", answered old wizard and tried to find some sign from boy's face what he was thinking.
"I will consider it, Sir. Had you anything else, Sir?" Draco finished the conversation.
Headmaster was again amused about boy's bossiness and nerve but didn't argue. He only said: "Yes, that was all. You are dismissed."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If Draco had been in pain when he came back to Hogwarts from summer holiday it was nothing compared to how he was now then he was coming back from Christmas. He needed all his guts and pride to even walk. Sitting was pure torture. He looked as always; only if you looked closely you could see some stiffness in his movements. Some of his normal grace was absent. He had made his mind. No one could save him anymore but he could still get his revenge. He would take Dumpledore's offer and cause so much damage to Voldemort he could. He would maybe be the last Malfoy but he would not go in silence. Voldemort could kill him and his line with him but he could not stain Malfoy's name completely, he would not be able to put last Malfoy under his thumb totally.
Then Draco was back in the Hogwarts he only took his things to his dorm room and then went to look Dumpledore. He find headmaster from his office.
"I have considered your propose during Christmas. I will become your spy." Draco went straight to the business. "My only term is that if I die before Voldemort; he and whole world will know what I did."
"I'm happy for your choice and I can promise you what you ask but I want to make clear that our purpose is keep you alive. Can I ask why you want to come our side? I and many else always thought that you would probably choose differently." Dumpledore said.
"I want revenge. No one can save me and Dark Lord will probably destroy me eventually but I will not submit to it without fight. I'm a Malfoy. Malfoy's never surrender. Voldemort will maybe wipe out whole Malfoy line but he will pay for it. He will pay for what he has done to us, to Malfoy, to my father and to my mother and to whole aristocratic pureblood community. He is destroying all ancient families and my duty as a Malfoy's Heir is to fight back. Of course there is also little issue about what he has done to me. Nobody makes a Malfoy his whore and toy without price!" Draco spitted.
"I understand. But I have to advise you to consider your motivation. Revenge is very caustic and vicious life purpose. It will probably hurt you badly in time being. But I understand why you want your vengeance. Maybe we can find you something less destructive to live for in the course of time. But now we will be content to this." Dumpledore looked at Draco little sadly and suddenly headmaster looked very old and weary.
There was a long silence and then Dumpledore sighed and asked Draco: "Are you alright or do you have some injuries which need some care?"
"I have some injuries but I'm not sure if it's wise to heal them. Voldemort can find out. And I will survive without healing if necessary." Draco told.
"Let's go to infirmary and let Poppy look at you. We can find some explanation to your infirmary visit if needed." Dumpledore answered. "I don't like an idea that you would be needlessly in pain here in Hogwarts. The way you had chosen will give you enough pain in future to deal with."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In the Infirmary:
"You have got quite strong concealing charms in you, Mr Malfoy." Madame Pomfrey said. "I think I will need Professor Snape to help me with this. I will call for him."
"On the second thought, I'm completely OK. There is no need to bother Professor Snape." Draco stated hastily.
"It's Ok. Professor Snape is in our side. He even suggested that I would talk with you." Dumpledore soothed the boy.
"So he then really is your spy among Death Eaters? I have always wondered it. My father really thinks he is loyal to Dark Lord, but I have always had some doubts." Draco asked curiously.
"Yes he is. And has been long time. You can trust him. It's maybe better if you operate through him." Dumpledore answered.
"Maybe it is best. I would be happy if as few as possible would know my status. Rumours fly fast and secret is no more a secret if more than two persons know it. I would prefer if Voldemort would not know that I'm betraying him then I'm doing it." Draco said.
"Don't worry. Your status is kept strictly confidential. I'm not a bit more eager to let Voldemort know your mission than you are." Dumpledore assured.
Madame Pomfrey came back with Professor Snape. Snape looked even paler than usual. Draco thought that he saw some worry in black eyes but he wasn't sure. Why would his dark Professor be worried about him? He was not worth it.
Snape gave some potion to Draco and synergism with it and some powerful charms were enough to broke conselation. Madame Pomfrey sighed in horror and tears rose to her eyes. "Who could do something like this to mere child?" She cried.
"Calm down, Poppy" Dumpledore asked. "Just do what you can to help him and ease the pain. Then it's best if you try to forget what you saw. Don't ever talk about it to anyone. It's rather important."
"I have never broken my professional secrecy, Headmaster. You don't have to worry about it. But I would have few things to say to who ever has done something that terrible to this child." Madame Pomfrey said her eyes very stern. "Severus, could you please bring me some stronger painkilling potions and dreamless sleep potion. I'm afraid I don't have all I need here in infirmary. I rarely treat this bad injuries here."
"Of course, Poppy. I will look what I can find." Snape answered.
After Draco was treated and medicated he felt himself better than in long time. There was still some ache but it was easy to take after horrible pains he had been through. He was ready to fell sleep and Madame Pomfrey left the room and went to her office but two men stayed standing near boy's bed. When Draco fell to sleep he felt like someone would had stroked his head gently, but he couldn't be sure if it was only a dream.
Snape and Dumpledore stayed long after boy had went to sleep and there was deep sorrow in their eyes.
Author's Note: Thanks for reviewing. There will be no romance or even important friendship in this Part One of the Tale. Part Two will be mostly romance and Part Three will be partly Next Generation partly Draco's comeback to Wizarding World. Everything is focused to Draco but there will be also more about others. Please review!
Tale of the Great Ferret, Part One
Malfoy's Heir, chapter 3
Minerva McGonagall sighed as she watched her class. She had never especially liked the Slytherins and this class was one of the worst. Slytherins' six-year was well known for its ability to cause troubles, mayhem and other worries to the staff and other pupils. Core of a problem was Draco Malfoy. Beautiful blond boy who stirred and provoked others to bad behaviour and caused more troubles by himself than whole Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw Houses together. And this year he was worse than ever. He bullied others, he was disrespectful to professors, and he disturbed in class and urged others to misbehave also.
Professor McGonagall thought that Professor Snape didn't take the matter seriously enough. She alone had sent Malfoy to his Head of House at least ten times but nothing changed. She didn't even count how many detentions she had given and how many points taken and it was only Christmas. Nothing helped. Draco Malfoy was out of hand. Now headmaster had asked her to send Malfoy to see him then Malfoy would misbehave next time. Headmaster wanted to talk about something else to the boy but Professor McGonagall really hoped that he would also talk about boy's behaviour and that it would lead to some positive outcome. Professor McGonagall was first to admit that her Gryffindors were sometimes little unruly, but this was different. Gryffindors' pranks were for fun and usually harmless or they were done because of good reason and justice. Slytherins generally and Draco Malfoy particularly were just nasty and their pranks were all but innocent.
Professor McGonagall didn't have to wait long to Mr Malfoy to misbehave. He was more interested about provoking Blaise Zabini, most tolerable six-year- Slytherin, than studying and Professor told him out of her class and to the headmaster's office at four p.m. to discuss his resent behaviour.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Draco was extremely nervous then he waited his appointment with headmaster. He really couldn't afford suspension from school. Hogwarts was his only sanctuary. Maybe he had gone little too far this autumn. He only hoped this was only warning and he would get chance to do better in future. Just now Draco would have been ready to do anything if he could stay at Hogwarts. He was ready to plea if that was necessary as much as it would hurt his pride. Draco didn't like an idea that his fate was in hands of old muggle-loving fool who had had many quarrels with his father and whom his father had tried to get sacked.
Still Draco was so much Malfoy that this anxiety was not showing then he entered to headmaster's office. He looked calm and controlled and little amused. Dumpledore thought that it was quite impressing. Lucius had taught his son thoroughly. Dumpledore didn't want to think what were the teaching methods, probably nothing he could approve. Malfoy's child breeding methods had always been rough and he had no reason to hope that Lucius Malfoy had broken off the tradition. Sometimes Dumpledore had thought that world would be a nicer place if Lucius Malfoy's father Marcus had made an exception in Malfoy's tradition then bringing up his children. What he had heard even Marcus Malfoy had admitted later that his children couldn't take it. Of course he had thought that this was sign of weakness and that his children were failed, not worth of name Malfoy. Dumpledore could still remember the day then Lucia Malfoy had taken her own life in age of sixteen. After that her twin brother Lucius never showed his more vulnerable side to anyone. Twins had been extremely close as Malfoy twins usually were. It was tradition in a family that first-borns were twins; boy and girl and they were alike. It was some old curse as was the one that caused that Lord of Malfoy could only have one living son at a time. In past this had led to some child-murders if the heir wasn't to Lord's liking. Yet it had probably prevented even more fratricides. Malfoy's were passionate and ambitious creatures and usually totally ruthless. As far as Dumpledore knew Draco's twin sister had died in birth. They had been born too early and even Draco had barely survived.
Maybe Lucius wouldn't have gone to Voldemort to find more power if his father had been little more compassionate. It would have saved the world from much pain. Even if Lucius Malfoy was only one Death Eater he was one of the most powerful and had got many others to follow him. Dumpledore had also heard that Marcus Malfoy had considered his grandson much more a Malfoy than his son and had had high hopes for him. But Marcus Malfoy had died then Draco was only five years old. His wife Pandora had had some influence to Draco's upbringing until she had also died then Draco was thirteen. Still Pandora's and her son's relationship wasn't exactly warm and she had lived in old Malfoy Mansion then Lucius lived in Malfoy's 'townhouse' that was the house which people nowadays usually meant then they talked about Malfoy Manor. Draco had spent some time in old manor with his grandmother but Lucius and Pandora rarely met. As much as Lucius had suffered about his harsh upbringing Dumpledore had no reason to believe that he had been a bit nicer to his son; probably quite the opposite.
Dumpledore shook up from his thoughts and concentrated a boy in front of him. It would be a challenge to make an impact on the boy.
"Good Afternoon Mr. Malfoy. I have heard that you have got yourself in troubles lately. Professor McGonagall is quite annoyed at your conduct and so are your other professors. Even Professor Snape admits that you have been a handful lately and he usually defends his Slytherins quite far. Now a stage has been reached where we had to do something to your behaviour. Would you like to give me some explanation why you have behaved as you are?" Dumbledore started sternly.
Draco fought down his urge to snap and tried to answer politely. "I'm sorry, Sir, if I have caused any troubles. It has not been my intention and I will do better in future." He chose not to answer to question about his reasons.
"Oh, really. If it's so, you have certainly done good job without any intention and planning. I don't even want to know to what you can achieve if you put some intention and planning to it." Dumpledore snapped, but he had trouble to control his amusement and he was afraid that his eyes twinkled. "Your behaviour has not been acceptable. I advise you to reconsider it as soon as possible."
"Thank you for your advice, Sir, I will certainly take it under consideration." Draco couldn't keep sarcasm out of his answer. Old man's reprimands irritated him. Yes, he definitely was deeply in troubles but annoying Professor McGonagall wasn't the biggest of them.
Dumpledore decided to use other approaching. Boy would not been broken by force with using methods he was willing to use so maybe some frankness and compassion would work better.
"I have heard some very alarming rumours about your summer Mr Malfoy. Is there any truth in them?" He asked gently.
Hell, did the old fool really know everything what happened in wizarding world as was rumoured? Draco thought. He didn't answer and didn't look headmaster in the eye. Dumpledore took that as an answer and also as a permission to continue.
"We can help you Young Man, you don't have to suffer from your fathers deeds. Hogwarts can provide you a place of safety and no one can touch you anymore. All you have to do is ask. But if you don't tell us that you need help, we can't help you." Dumpledore continued kindly. He had an urge to touch boy's shoulder with consolation but he didn't dare. Malfoys' had never been easy to touch and this boy had just gone through tough times.
"You don't understand, Sir. If I flee my mother will pay the consequences and they will be hard and she cannot carry them. She has got no strength to that." Draco answered almost desperately.
"We can help also her if she wants to." Assured Dumpledore. "And you are not responsible for her. She is grown up woman and as far as I remember quite a competent witch."
"She maybe was in some other time and place but she is not now. She can't take care of herself and she will never accept your help. She will never betray or leave my father. And I can't put down her or him." Draco said and continued angrily and arrogantly: "And I don't even need your help. I can survive and I don't want protection. I want my revenge."
"Why would you and your mother be loyal to your father? He had never treated you well. I think it's fair to say that he has abused both of you in every possible way." Dumpledore asked. He had never understood how displaced loyalties often were in the oldest aristocratic families.
"I'm loyal to him because he is my Father and because he is a Lord of Malfoy. And my mother is because he is her husband and because she loves him after all. He has made some mistakes but it doesn't change anything." Draco barked.
"I can't help you if you don't welcome my help. But maybe I could help you with your revenge." Dumpledore sighed sadly.
"And how could that be?" Draco asked.
"You can't beat Voldemort by yourself but you could help us to beat him. We need information and you can probably get it. I'm sure Voldemort has high plans to you and you will hear much interesting things. Of course you should be really careful and still it would be risky but it would be a way you could get your revenge." Dumpledore suggested.
"You want me become your spy, Sir?" Draco asked his one eyebrow high.
"Bluntly said, yes", answered old wizard and tried to find some sign from boy's face what he was thinking.
"I will consider it, Sir. Had you anything else, Sir?" Draco finished the conversation.
Headmaster was again amused about boy's bossiness and nerve but didn't argue. He only said: "Yes, that was all. You are dismissed."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If Draco had been in pain when he came back to Hogwarts from summer holiday it was nothing compared to how he was now then he was coming back from Christmas. He needed all his guts and pride to even walk. Sitting was pure torture. He looked as always; only if you looked closely you could see some stiffness in his movements. Some of his normal grace was absent. He had made his mind. No one could save him anymore but he could still get his revenge. He would take Dumpledore's offer and cause so much damage to Voldemort he could. He would maybe be the last Malfoy but he would not go in silence. Voldemort could kill him and his line with him but he could not stain Malfoy's name completely, he would not be able to put last Malfoy under his thumb totally.
Then Draco was back in the Hogwarts he only took his things to his dorm room and then went to look Dumpledore. He find headmaster from his office.
"I have considered your propose during Christmas. I will become your spy." Draco went straight to the business. "My only term is that if I die before Voldemort; he and whole world will know what I did."
"I'm happy for your choice and I can promise you what you ask but I want to make clear that our purpose is keep you alive. Can I ask why you want to come our side? I and many else always thought that you would probably choose differently." Dumpledore said.
"I want revenge. No one can save me and Dark Lord will probably destroy me eventually but I will not submit to it without fight. I'm a Malfoy. Malfoy's never surrender. Voldemort will maybe wipe out whole Malfoy line but he will pay for it. He will pay for what he has done to us, to Malfoy, to my father and to my mother and to whole aristocratic pureblood community. He is destroying all ancient families and my duty as a Malfoy's Heir is to fight back. Of course there is also little issue about what he has done to me. Nobody makes a Malfoy his whore and toy without price!" Draco spitted.
"I understand. But I have to advise you to consider your motivation. Revenge is very caustic and vicious life purpose. It will probably hurt you badly in time being. But I understand why you want your vengeance. Maybe we can find you something less destructive to live for in the course of time. But now we will be content to this." Dumpledore looked at Draco little sadly and suddenly headmaster looked very old and weary.
There was a long silence and then Dumpledore sighed and asked Draco: "Are you alright or do you have some injuries which need some care?"
"I have some injuries but I'm not sure if it's wise to heal them. Voldemort can find out. And I will survive without healing if necessary." Draco told.
"Let's go to infirmary and let Poppy look at you. We can find some explanation to your infirmary visit if needed." Dumpledore answered. "I don't like an idea that you would be needlessly in pain here in Hogwarts. The way you had chosen will give you enough pain in future to deal with."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In the Infirmary:
"You have got quite strong concealing charms in you, Mr Malfoy." Madame Pomfrey said. "I think I will need Professor Snape to help me with this. I will call for him."
"On the second thought, I'm completely OK. There is no need to bother Professor Snape." Draco stated hastily.
"It's Ok. Professor Snape is in our side. He even suggested that I would talk with you." Dumpledore soothed the boy.
"So he then really is your spy among Death Eaters? I have always wondered it. My father really thinks he is loyal to Dark Lord, but I have always had some doubts." Draco asked curiously.
"Yes he is. And has been long time. You can trust him. It's maybe better if you operate through him." Dumpledore answered.
"Maybe it is best. I would be happy if as few as possible would know my status. Rumours fly fast and secret is no more a secret if more than two persons know it. I would prefer if Voldemort would not know that I'm betraying him then I'm doing it." Draco said.
"Don't worry. Your status is kept strictly confidential. I'm not a bit more eager to let Voldemort know your mission than you are." Dumpledore assured.
Madame Pomfrey came back with Professor Snape. Snape looked even paler than usual. Draco thought that he saw some worry in black eyes but he wasn't sure. Why would his dark Professor be worried about him? He was not worth it.
Snape gave some potion to Draco and synergism with it and some powerful charms were enough to broke conselation. Madame Pomfrey sighed in horror and tears rose to her eyes. "Who could do something like this to mere child?" She cried.
"Calm down, Poppy" Dumpledore asked. "Just do what you can to help him and ease the pain. Then it's best if you try to forget what you saw. Don't ever talk about it to anyone. It's rather important."
"I have never broken my professional secrecy, Headmaster. You don't have to worry about it. But I would have few things to say to who ever has done something that terrible to this child." Madame Pomfrey said her eyes very stern. "Severus, could you please bring me some stronger painkilling potions and dreamless sleep potion. I'm afraid I don't have all I need here in infirmary. I rarely treat this bad injuries here."
"Of course, Poppy. I will look what I can find." Snape answered.
After Draco was treated and medicated he felt himself better than in long time. There was still some ache but it was easy to take after horrible pains he had been through. He was ready to fell sleep and Madame Pomfrey left the room and went to her office but two men stayed standing near boy's bed. When Draco fell to sleep he felt like someone would had stroked his head gently, but he couldn't be sure if it was only a dream.
Snape and Dumpledore stayed long after boy had went to sleep and there was deep sorrow in their eyes.