HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Chapter 101:

The Astronomy Tower

Draco led the way through Hogwarts' familiar hallways. He let darkness consume him via mask and the Peruvian Darkness Powder. He didn't look behind him; didn't really want to see the others following him. Didn't want to see the destruction they were already causing.

He strode through, not needing much light to guide him. Certainly not after all those nights of sneaking to and from the Room of Requirement.

He could sense…something pulling him towards the Astronomy Tower. He didn't know what it was. But regardless, he followed it, diverting from the rest of the group. In fact, he made sure to lose them, if only for a brief time. He left them to deal with "Dumbledore's Army"…his help.

Draco gripped his wand tighter as he ascended. He heard voices; Potter and the headmaster if he believed he was correct.

"Expelliarmus!"

Draco would lie if he didn't admit he was surprised it actually worked. He could only see the headmaster, but he wasn't fooled. He was sure Potter was around somewhere, especially given the two brooms. But he couldn't worry about that right now. He was nervous enough.

"Good Evening, Draco."

"How are you holding up?

"I'm scared," she admitted, wringing her hands.

"For him? Or for yourself?"

"For all of us. He should never have been forced like this."

"Neither should you. It isn't fair on either of you."

She briefly shook her head. "It isn't the same."

Theodore decided not to push. He changed the subject, slightly, anyway.

"How has the bond been?"

"I don't know anymore. It's been odd all year. More–so ever since Draco came of–age."

"Has it demanded more?"

"Yes. Though we're not really sure what it wants right now."

"And…sex?" He was tentative to bring it up, to ask, but he had to know.

"Just the once so far. But I – I know it's coming. I can…sense it. It's daunting. Intimidating."

Internally, Theodore winced. She sounded scared. Not that he blamed her, given the situation. Not for the first time, he wished he could do more to help his friends.

"We'll be fine."

Still, he said nothing.

"Your support is enough."

"It's not, but thank you for saying that all the same."

She smiled sadly at him just as alarms began to sound, causing them both to jolt. Their nerves, already on edge, now had them tensing.

Ariella began to move. Her friend grabbed her arm. "What are you doing?"

"I need to – "

" – need to, or want to? You heard him. We stay here until he summons for you or unless we're attacked. Right now, this is possibly the safest place for us. For you."

"I can't just sit here and do nothing!" she cried. She felt helpless…weak and paranoid and a heavy burden.

"I will tie you down or stun you. You're my friend, but don't think I won't if that's what it takes to keep you safe. To help you obey your…Master," Theo threated, his voice firmer and more in control than she had ever heard it. It scared her a bit. She swallowed hard and nodded.

"Yes, Sir."

For the briefest of moments, as she looked away, he closed his eyes, pained by that simple statement.

"Just…wait. Please. There's a reason he gave you those orders. It wasn't to be cruel. It was to protect you. Whether he shows it or not, whether we show it or not, we both care. It may not be how we were raised, so we may be emotionally stunted, but that doesn't mean we don't."

Theo was breathing hard. If he were to be honest, this was hard. But it needed to be done. Especially with the war going on.

Draco raced across the grounds towards the apparition point. He was terrified. Panicked. Every nerve in his body was alight and he couldn't think straight at all. He couldn't catch his breath.

Suddenly, he felt a hand grab his arm and he felt the familiar pull of side–along apparition.

He fell to the marble floor. He pulled the nearby flowerpot and retched into it. He couldn't seem to stop himself. He was dizzy. Unfocused. Shaking, almost uncontrollably. What had just happened? What had he just done? Oh Merlin, what would happen? To his mother, to him. To…oh Merlin. Ariella!

He couldn't summon her now. Not yet. He could only hope she was still safe. Still with Nott. That, for once, she had obeyed him, instead of trying to help and deal with the consequences later.

He rocked over the flower pot, a sheen of sweat dripping down his face and neck as he continued to retch. Dear Merlin, what had he done?

He felt a hand at the scruff of his neck and he startled.

"The Dark Lord wants to see you. Now." He swallowed hard, wiping bile and shakily stood. He was a mess. A wreck. He knew it, and now he had to face the Dark Lord.

He didn't remember the walk, all he knew next was the cool, penetrating voice.

"Pathetic. Still…you didn't die along the way. We even bet how long you would last, didn't we?" he heard the…man sneer. He heard snickers and laughter all around the hall.

"I admit, I am surprised you actually were able to complete part of the task. Even if you still were unable to kill the old coot. Lucky Severus was there to save you."

Draco stayed quiet. He didn't trust his voice, let alone his mind, his body…any part of him right now, to be honest. He simply let himself be ridiculed, taunted. He deserved it.

And then he was screaming. Pain seared through his body, piercing his nerve endings. His head spun. He convulsed on the floor again and again.

As long as his Mother was safe…he would do this if it meant she was safe.

He panted as the spell ended. Only to be put through the same treatment.

Again.

and

Again.

and

Again.

Before his eyes, the stark marble and the dark mark swam, closing in as agony surrounded him.