A/N:  This is it!!  *tear*  My anger at the 5th book helped write this chapter.  At least it was good for something (yeah, I'm still a little bitter).  Then again, my anger also delayed this chapter since I just didn't feel like writing.  Hmm "~~~~~~~' " things are scene separators.  I'm going to throw in a disclaimer this chapter: I do not own any of these characters and if I did, I wouldn't kill off one of the best ones!!!!!!!!!  ::glares at book::  Oh yes, just to let anyone who's read the 5th book know, that character who died may show up in this fic eventually because I refuse to have him dead in any of my stories (okay, except one but that's a totally different situation) also, since this takes place in their 6th year and none of the 5th book stuff happened, I suppose you can call it AU or something if you want.  Just wanted to tell everyone that the damn book (anger, sorry) doesn't have any bearing on this story.  Oh yes, the song is "Burn Tomorrow" by Unsung Zeroes

Ms. Padfoot: Thanks for reviewing!!  You want to go get rid of Rowling together?  She really crossed the line with that death.  Sorry, lol, I can't seem to stop ranting about it.  I'm actually taking a break to write the responses now because I can't focus on the actual session yet.  Stupid Lucius.  Hermione won't know quite what to do, discovering such a thing about her mortal enemy.  When she gets it together, though, I expect she'll devise a way to help Draco...whether he wants it or not :) There won't be much sweetness, as I agree that Draco would never allow it.  I know, it doesn't seem fair that on top of all the normal stuff, Draco has to deal with a bloodthirsty father and the Dark Lord.  Snape will always be around, I love him so... :)

Mic: Thanks for reviewing!!  It's nice to see a review from you again, but don't worry about it.  Long as you're reading and enjoying, I'm happy :) Thank you :)  Soon Hermione's worry will increase tenfold.  Draco does need to lighten up, he's his own 2nd worst enemy (the first being Lucius, of course).  Hehe, glad you liked the 'chocolate' part, I couldn't help it :-D

Voldemortsucks18: Thanks for reviewing!!  LoL, great name!!  Yay, another first timer ::happy dance::  Glad you came :)  The Hr/D love won't be occurring for quite a few chapters.  Hermione will see a new side to him soon and Draco has that 'chocolate' business, but I think it's too soon for the relationship.  Over the weekend, Draco's going to spend some, er, 'quality time' with Lucius... ::Shudder::.  Good luck with your fanfic, if she posts it, let me know, I'd love to read it :)  Morbid thoughts are rather fascinating, aren't they?  I love angst.  Narcissa's chapter is one of my favorites, depressing as it is, glad you liked it :)  LoL, I spend my summer that way too.  In fact, it's 10 of 2 in the afternoon and I just got dressed...ahh, the beauty of no school :-D  Thank you again!!!

Angel of Death: Thanks for reviewing!!  And another new reviewer, hi!!  Yup, this is going to be Hr/D because I love that pairing to death.  Thank you, I'm always afraid someone's OOC.  I agree, the family is seriously screwed.  I hope you got my review to your story, explaining the Draco suicide situation :)  Draco is everywhere in this chapter, don't worry :-D

Katja: Thanks for reviewing!!  Glad to see you're back!!! :)  Hehe, I admit this chapter took awhile, sorry it took so long!! :)  Glad you liked the 'chocolate eyes' part, I felt Draco needed a little shove in Hermione's direction :-D  Also, thank you for reviewing "A Dragon's Fire", I'm very happy you liked it.  I'm also happy I managed to get the feeling right and I'm sorry that you went through that.  I never burned myself, but, ah, let's just say I understand the feelings behind self-mutilation as well.  Thank you again!! :)

~~~~~Draco's POV~~~~~

~*It's the kind of day that starts bad in the morning
When I wake up to the feeling that nothing is quite right*~

I'm to meet my father in Hogsmead and we are going to floo to the manor from there.  As I walk down to the town, I play the morning in my mind..... 

~~~~~Snape was as close to being a wreck as he could be and Dumbledore had been frighteningly somber.  The door was open a crack when I arrived at the Headmaster's office after waking up so I listened to their conversation for a few moments.

"Tell him no".

"Severus..."

"I mean it, tell that bastard to go find someone else to torture".

Dumbledore sighed, "Please be calm".

"For Merlin's sake Albus, hasn't he been through enough?"

"You know Draco is very strong".

"Just because cake is there that doesn't mean you have to eat it!"

"You've ceased to make sense, my friend".

"You know what I mean!  This can't be healthy for him..."

"Maybe we should ask Mr. Malfoy how he feels.."

At that point, there was a long silence.  I slowly opened the door and looked at the two men a bit uneasily, "I didn't want to interrupt..." I trailed off.

"Perfectly all right", Dumbledore said kindly, "Now, how do you feel about this?"

"I want to do it", I answered softly.  At Snape's surprised look, I explained, "My whole life, I've never done anything remotely good.  I didn't stop my father, didn't help anyone", I stared at my teacher, "You get to make up for things.  I want that chance".

"What will you do?" Snape questioned.

"These sessions are supposed to make me strong, as strong as Voldemort if the goal is reached, right?" The two men nodded and I continued, "I'll just let them do what they're meant to.  At the end, I can fight the dark with what it's taught me".

Snape smiled at me proudly.  It wasn't (and isn't) a look I'm very familiar with.  All Lucius has ever looked at me with is disgust and hatred.  I  had never thought my father would be anywhere near proud for me.  Snape isn't my father, of course, but I figure this is as close as I'll get to that sought after glance.

~*But circumstances forces me to make a smile*~

"I must say, the irony is pleasing", Snape mused, "But are you sure it's worth it?"

"Is your spying worth it?" I countered.

He opened his mouth to protest (I assume), but shut it again.  I guess he realized I was going to go through with my plan with or without approval.  He nodded, "Very well.  Be careful tonight since we didn't get a chance to practice yet.  Don't taunt him or anything.  Minimize the damage, so to speak", I shrugged dismissively, "I'm serious, Draco.  We don't need you displaying any foolish Gryffindor bravery".

That was just low, so I glared at him, "I'm not a Gryffindor!"

"Prove it", Snape stated.

I suppose he's right...Lucius is dangerous enough when he isn't angry.

"Yes sir", I rolled my eyes and Snape narrowed his at me. 

I noticed Dumbledore smiling slightly at us, not sure what was so amusing.  He murmured something but all I caught was "So alike" and then  he coughed softly, "Now that that's settled.  Do you know what to do, Mr. Malfoy?"

I nodded, "When I return tomorrow night, you'll be waiting and I'm to go to Professor Snape's quarters", I looked at them as I suddenly realized something, "Didn't Lucius think it would seem odd for me to show up all battered?  That someone would notice and become suspicious".

"That's what concealing charms are for", Snape informed me gently, "Thursday night, he contacted me and apparently I'm supposed to make sure no one notices anything.  I don't think that included making sure your injuries were fixed, but what he doesn't know won't hurt him", he smirked.

'Or me' I thought while forcing myself return the smirk.~~~~~~~~~~~

~*And so I head up to my destination feeling all the while*~

"You're almost there"

The voice's casual declaration brings my mind back to the road I'm currently walking.  My throat seems to shrink a little.  'No!' I tell myself harshly, 'You will not show weakness in front of that bastard!' 

~*Cause I burn, I'm burning so fast
Burning up from the inside*~

After intense concentration, I manage to subdue the attack.  Much as I don't want to admit it, fear of what Lucius would do if he witnessed an attack helped to push it back.  'You're such a coward' I accuse darkly, 'Full of fear'.

~*Fighting bad emotions fuels the fire
When someone burns*~

"But you're still going"

Yeah, I noticed that.  Your point?

"Haven't you ever heard?  Courage is being afraid and still going through with it"

You sound like something printed on a frilly pink pillow.

"You are virtually impossible to encourage, did you know that?"

I'm drowning in remorse.

Hogsmead is right in front of me.  He's waiting in there, gleefully imagining what's going to happen between now and tomorrow night.  I know to expect his secret smile.  Not one like Snape's... one that screams, "Happy Birthday" every time I see it.

~*Burns all day long and it pain, it just never subsides
Left them with what one desire that*~

~~~~~~~~~~~'

Home sweet home.  We arrive and I have to suppress a shudder.  Damn, how I hate this manor.  The site of so many nightmares.  All I look forward to is seeing my mother.  I hope, almost desperately, that he's been too busy planning this weekend to pay much attention to her lately.

He wasted little time with small talk when I met him in Hogsmead.  After noting that I was a minute or two late, he led me straight to the fireplace.  I suppose he's awfully eager to get started.

~*Tomorrow please come cause today is
Too much to take and I know this*~

He kicks a house elf out of the way as we enter.  What's its name?  Rory, or something that rhymes. 

He squeals and mutters apologies as he backs out, "Mory is sorry, sirs", okay so it's Mory, "Mory is clumsy and stupid, Mory will be more careful", he looks at me, "Welcome home Master Draco", and, with a *pop*, is gone. 

Home.  Right.

~*Never thought you would break and it's showing
Tomorrow please come or I'm going*~

Lucius turns to me, "At 8:00 we are meeting the Dark Lord in a secluded clearing for your training.  It is ideal because of its location and open area.  Some may occur here, though".  I nod, great, more memories for this place to hold.  He continues, "Until then, do as you wish.  But", his face becomes threatening, "You must be on time".

"Yes sir", I force myself not to hurl the vase near my hand at him, "Where is Mother?"

He sneers and walks away, I guess he's not going to answer.  The fact that my mother and I got along always annoyed him.  As I start for the stairs to search, I hear him say casually, "I think she's in her room".

My stomach clenches, something is wrong.  I could've sworn I heard a thin layer of amusement beneath the indifference.  Please just let me be paranoid, I pray as I race up the stairs.

"Just because someone's paranoid doesn't mean someone isn't after them"

What's with you and the little sayings today?  And you are not helping!!

I can barely see as I hurry to her room, so anxious that it feels my head is no longer connected to my body.  I feel worse than when I laid in bed last night envisioning today.  My sweaty hands slip on the knob as I try to open the door.  Finally I get enough friction to turn it and practically fall in to see my father's version of a welcome home gift.

Mum is lying beneath the covers in her bed, although I can see she is fully clothed.  He must've done it recently, considered the clothes and the fact that no concealing charms were put on yet.  Anger constricting my chest, I slowly make my way over to her, foolishly hoping it'll disappear when I reach her.  Of course, none of the marks vanish and she stays still, eyes shut.  A large bluish purple bruise surrounds her right eye and a long, thin cut runs beside her left one.  Her lips are swollen and I can see dried blood on them.  Other dark bruises are scattered on her delicate face.  I'm afraid to find out the extent of her other injuries, and I know there are others.  I don't want to disturb her, but have to know.

"Mum?" I entreat softly, "Mum?" I repeat louder.  Still no response.  Very gently, I reach out and touch her shoulder, terrified of hurting her further.

She starts and her eyes drowsily open.  They widen as she sees me, "Draco?  When did you arrive?"

Relieved that she can speak, I tell her, "Just a little bit ago.  He said he thought you were in here", my voice hardens on the second line.  The bastard.

~*To break out and cry, cause this has been
The worst day of all, always kept it*~

She tries to smile at me, "I'm fine.  Don't go doing anything that will get you hurt", her tone is worried.

"I'm not going to do anything", my expression darkens, "Just slowly wring that bastard's neck.  After, of course, Crucioing him several times".

My mother anxiously looks to the closed door, "Don't talk like that.  I'm not worth getting him angry.  In fact, act like you don't care at all.  Try being happy, maybe that'll relax him", I give her an incredulous look and she sighs, "Honey, this weekend is going to be tough enough without you making it worse for yourself", she looks like she's fighting tears.

I don't want her worrying about me, "Mum, don't worry.  I'm going to be okay, it won't be the first time I've had curses thrown at me".  Okay, so that wasn't the best time to say if her even more miserable face is anything to go by.  Damn, I was never good at any kind of 'soothing', "You know what I mean.  I can't tell you everything, just know that I'll be all right, okay?"  I wish I could tell her about Snape and Lupin and etc., but I can't risk it getting out.  I change the subject, "How bad is it?"

"It's nothing", she dismisses her wounds.

"You're lying down", I feel the need to point out.

"I was tired".

I can tell she doesn't want to argue about it and sigh, "Can you fix them?"

"You know I have that stone for concealing charms and such since he has my wand"

"But can you get to it?" I ask her skeptically.

"Of course", she attempts to move and I see pain flash through her eyes.

"That's what I thought", I go get the stone and hand it to her, "I'm sorry?"

"For what?" She frowns.  It always annoys her if I apologize.

"He did this so that I would see you.  If I wasn't coming he wouldn't have been so bad...", I trail off, full of guilt.

"Did you ask to come?" She doesn't wait for an answer, "No, you didn't.  The blame lays only with him, Draco".

I don't believe that but don't want to upset her further so I nod my head.  Time to change the topic I decide and we begin to talk about lighter topics.  Things to keep my mind off of 8 o'clock...

~*I was falling apart and I need it
I hope the morning comes soon cause I need it, yeah*~

~~~~~~~~~~~~'

The cut opens even further and I watch, almost fascinated, as the blood flows.  It's on my arm, jagged and stinging.  The edges burn from the impact of the hex.  Voldemort's first hit. 

~*So feeling unhappy situation*~

I make sure not to show any pain that monster can latch onto and block his next one.  It's hard, though.  I barely have time to think.  The lighting sucks since they don't want to attract any attention.  Damn, where'd he go?  I look for his red eyes, the only thing I can think to see.

Suddenly there's movement to my left and I spin, pointing my wand and yelling, "Cremo!"  I hear a gasp.  Hah, 'master' wasn't ready for that one.  Good.

Or not so good.  I hear him hiss, "Crucio", and Lucius' soft chuckle.  Damn.

Not knowing of any way to block the Cruciatus, if there even is one, I fall to the ground as the curse consumes me.  'Focus!' I order myself roughly.  But it's hard when mini knives are digging deep enough to touch bone.  When muscles I didn't know existed are twisting like they're going to burst through the flesh. 

~*From a place with something that I didn't want to face at all*~

I've been through this before, I can do it again, dammit.  You'd think I'd be used to this by now.  I wonder if it's possible to become immune to a curse. 

Merlin!  I hiss out a breath, forcing down screams, why hasn't he taken it off yet?!  Maybe he found out about the plan and just wants me dead.  No!  I can't die!!  For the first time, I actually believe that and am not going to let some pathetic thing screw up my plans! 

~*And it weighs me down, like concrete shoes in water*~

I attempt to stand, gritting my teeth.  I slip a little from blood that's fallen on the grass and can hear Lucius' laughter increase.  A strange, high-pitched noise joins it  and I realize it must be Voldemort's laugh.  What a warped sound, half way between a woman's screech and nails on a chalkboard.  They only strengthen my determination and I block them out, slowly pushing myself up.  Halfway there, I realize there is no new pain and that he must've lifted the curse.  I'm still weak, but with the absence of constantly mounting hurting, I'm able to stand.

Keeping my winces of pain within and my eyes cold, I stare at the beast, unflinching beneath his crimson gaze.

~*But I have to keep a straight face, and that makes it so much harder*~

"Well it took you long enough", he sneers and says softly, without warning, "Mutilo".

I feel an intense stinging sensation on my chest and look down to see that my robe has slit open and I've been sliced.  I shrug off the robes (they were cumbersome anyway) and my bloodied, ruined shirt.  I check and see that my pants have stains all over from blood that is seeping from the cuts on my legs.  Gingerly, I inspect the newest injury.  It's shallow, but hurts like hell.

"Why didn't you block that?" Voldemort hisses.

Gee, maybe it was the fact I just got hit with the Cruciatus, I'd like to see you protect yourself after that.  You couldn't even handle a baby.  I think this to myself bitterly and start to respond out loud more politely when I notice his deformed face is contorting in anger. 

~*Cause I burn, I'm burning so fast
Burning up from the inside*~

I feel the hair on my arms stand as I wonder... I couldn't have said that first bit aloud...could I?  No, gods, Fate can't hate me that much, can she?

Apparently so, judging by Voldemort's next comment, "And here I thought your father would've taught you some manners, boy.  Or that you would at least be smart enough not to mention Potter", he turns to Lucius, who is glaring at me worse than ever before, "Malfoy, is this the son you're raising?  I'm disappointed.  You said he would be an asset".

~*Fighting bad emotions fuels the fire
When someone burns*~

Lucius bows his head, "I'm very sorry, My Lord, and I'm sure Draco is as well", I snort to myself at that, "He's not perfect, though, Master, not yet.  I promise he'll regret saying that".  I shiver, he's going to kill me... or come as close as possible.

"I don't doubt that", Voldemort replies casually, "But you disappoint me as well.  Learn to have more control over your boy.  Maybe a reminder?" I guess he's forming a smile right now, if you can call it that, as he mutters, "Crucio".

My eyes widen as I watch Lucius fall and twist in agony.  I know he's trying not to scream, but I hear garbled noises coming from him.  It's odd, I always thought I'd love to see him get his, but watching is making me sick.  I fight not to show my disgust, but can't help looking away.  It's just the fact that the more Voldemort hurts him, the more he'll hurt me.  That's all, I try to convince myself.  But I have to admit, no one should have to go through that.

~*Burns all day long and it pain, it just never subsides
Left them with what one desire that*~

"Maybe you aren't him"

Huh?  Where've you been?  And what do you mean?

"Figured you had enough to deal with.  And I just mean, Lucius loves seeing people hurt and it makes you sick.  What does that tell you?"

That I have a weak stomach?

"I swear, if I had a wand... No!  It's just another way you two differ.  Try to hold onto that"

~*Tomorrow please come cause today is
Too much to take and I know this*~

I'd like a wall to hang onto, I'm starting to get a little dizzy.  I glance over and the curse has been lifted, but they're still talking.  Waiting for them, I think over this session.  When I first arrived, we did disarming spells to test my quickness.  Luckily for me, I'm quite fast.  Then Voldemort showed me some blocking spells, stronger than others I've learned.  Stronger because they're darker.  That's always the way, though, isn't it?

After that, he gathered some animals to practice stunning and binding spells on.  It's easier if I don't look into their eyes.  He said one session soon will be totally focused on the Unforgivables.  I'll have to perform them... can I do that?  Won't that just set me right up for Azkaban?  I'll have to talk to Snape about it.

~*Never thought you would break and it's showing
Tomorrow please come or I'm going*~

Someone roughly grabs my arm and I let out a hiss of pain.  I look up to see that it's Lucius, his silvery eyes glaring at me with blazing hatred.  Uh oh.  When he speaks, however, his voice is calm, "We're leaving now, Draco", he pushes me violently towards the Dark Lord.

After a moment, I remember what I'm supposed to do, "Thank you, My Lord", and I bow my head, wanting to throw up.

~*To break out and cry, cause this has been
The worst day of all, always kept it*~

"Do better next time, Draco, do better", he orders with a glint in those shudder worthy eyes.  I nod and grab my discarded clothing before Lucius apperates away with me to the manor.  He's not being exactly understanding about my condition and every movement creates a new spasm of pain.  Aches engulf me, damn how I wish to go numb, black out... something to stop the torment...

~*I was falling apart and i need it
I hope the morning comes soon cause I need it, yeah*~

Dragging me into a small sitting room, he throws me to the hardwood floor, "I will not be disgraced by you like that ever again!"  Every word of his snarl is emphasized by a kick.  The robes and shirt are thrown to the side as I curl up, trying to protect myself, not caring by this point how pathetic I look.  I try to tune out his ranting, sick of hearing how worthless I am.  Above my head I hear glass hitting the walls and floor as he sweeps knick-knacks off of surfaces in his anger.

~*Tomorrow please come cause today is
Too much to take and I know this*~

His shouts make the walls vibrate and I slowly realize how serious this is.  Not only did I embarrass him in front of his 'master', but I also got him in trouble.  Prestige is so important to him, self-preservation even more so.  My breathing becomes especially ragged as I recognize that I would be dead by now if Voldemort didn't need me.  Hmm, odd that one who causes so many deaths is the only one keeping me from mine.  I'll have to remember to thank him.

"Are you listening to me?!"

His outraged question reaches me and I manage to croak, "Yes".

"Liar!" He kicks me so hard that I fly back and hit a sofa.  Well, if I'd said no the result would've been similar.  There are never any right answers with him.

~*That without you I will break*~

"Consurgo", I suddenly feel myself rising and immediately fight it.  My body doesn't want to be straightened out yet!  I hear cracks as the spell overwhelms and brings me to a standing position.  He mutters the binding spell and another to make sure I don't fall over.  What is he doing?  I hear him say, "Verbero".  In the instant before it takes effect, I wonder why it sounds familiar, what it does.

My questions are answered as I feel my back and abdomen open in thin, burning, slits.  Trying, failing, to ignore the stinging, I laugh without humor to myself.  How could I forget the whipping curse?  Lucius was never a big fan of it, for whatever reason, but had used it from time to time.  My flesh continues to be torn open, causing the previous wounds to get bigger.  I don't have to look down to know that it's hard to see skin anymore.  I'm pretty sure my back is the same, a mess of cuts, and so goddamn much blood!  I can feel tears begin to prick my eyes...

I managed to keep from crying through the session and the beginning of Lucius' explosion, but the whole day was starting to take its toll.  Seeing Mum like that, the energy it took to stay calm, facing Voldemort and now this.  I bite my lip until I draw blood in an effort to keep from showing him how beaten I am. 

~*And I can't take another day like today*~

I feel streams of blood trickling down me, not exactly a foreign sensation.  My head starts to float, the chair and Lucius before me blur.  I offer up a thanks right before losing consciousness.

~*Tomorrow please come*~

A/N: Okay, first I know in the Narcissa chapter I said that Lucius never gave Narcissa her wand and so on, but this chapter I realized she needed it for her concealing charms.  I admit, I'm dense when it comes to details such as that.  Therefore I added in the little bit about the stone.  I know it's out of nowhere, but just go along with it please, lol, and sorry for the oversight :)  And sorry if the courage line was a bit much but it's one of my favorite sayings, so I wanted to include it :)  Also, the curses/spells/etc that are used in the sessions I just looked at a latin translator for some words, so sorry if they seem wrong.  One last thing, I don't know if it's possible to apperate people along with you but for this story, it is, lol.  Hope you liked this!!!  Please review, they keep me going :-D