Harry couldn't remember anything about the next few minutes. All he knew was that he'd failed. He set his mind, hurling curses while cradling Draco at his side. The blonde clung to him, sobbing as the mark continued it's harsh etching into his skin as blood ran down to his hand. Harry finally ducked back into the bushes, then accio'd his broom, and held on tightly as he soothed Draco and directed the broom as best he could through his own tears.
When they landed, it was just outside Grimmauld place in London. He'd toyed with the idea of taking Draco to both Hogwarts and the Dursley's, but rejected them both. He didn't want to have to explain himself or Draco's state, and he only knew one person that could help him. He banged on the door, now cradling a fainted Draco in his arms. And finally, the one person he trusted more than any other opened the door, and Harry handed Draco over. "He... He's been marked." Remus nodded, saying nothing as he carried Draco upstairs, Harry following closely behind. When he disappeared into a room and closed the door behind him, Harry sank to the floor, crying hot tears of shame and disappointment.
What seemed like hours, but was really only moments later, Remus emerged from the room. Harry leapt to his feet. "What happened? Is he ok? He's not..." Remus held up a hand. "He's ok, he's sleeping. But the Mark is there, Harry." Harry felt tears well up in his eyes, and Remus held him as he cried. "I failed. I've failed so many people tonight..." Remus put his arm around Harry's shoulder and guided him down the stairs. "Maybe you'd better tell me the whole story."
After Harry finished explaining, Remus sat for a while, looking thoughtful. "So, Narcissa was in on this. By now, Lucius would have figured that out." Harry looked up, panicked. "Oh, god, I should have thought... Should have tried to get to her, save her as well, but with Draco..." Remus nodded. "Don't worry. Narcissa knew that she would be discovered sooner or later, and if her part in this has been found out, there's nothing your could do to help her, nor was there ever." Harry nodded as this sank in. "Then the least I can do is try and help Draco." Remus nodded. "There's not much that can be done, but there is one thing we can try. It will take patience, and a strong stomach. Are you willing?" Harry set his mouth determinedly, making Remus smile a little. "I thought you would be. Alright, come with me, and we'll see what we can do."
I'm dead. Only moments ago, Lucius stormed into the house, demanding answers from my sister. From what I caught of the heated argument, Draco has been marked. Harry and I have failed. I would rather die now than face what's coming, knowing my son is damned. However, it seems that there is a bright spot of hope to this tale– Harry has taken Draco away. This in itself may be his saving grace. I only hope that he will be ok, as I lay down my life for him.
Harry stood at Draco's beside, watching the blonde breathe evenly in sleep. He wished he could make it all go away, make the mark on his porcelain skin disappear. It hurt to look at it, knowing it symbolized Draco's servitude and Harry's failure. Draco whimpered as Harry reached out a brushed his blonde hair from his forehead. For a moment, the silver eyes opened slightly, and Draco smiled. "Harry..." Harry choked back a sob as his prince sank back into sleep, and Remus entered the room with everything they would need.
Draco was somewhere peaceful. He could remember everything that had happened to him, remember the pain of the curse, the terror of the mark etching it's way into his skin. But that didn't matter now, because he knew that Harry was with him, somewhere close. He smiled a little, felt the soft, downy feel of a spell drift over him, and then he felt nothing.
Harry swallowed hard and tried not to blanch as Remus told him what they were going to try. But he nodded when Remus asked if he was ok, and took the small knife in his hand. Lowering it to his ex-nemesis' arm, he sliced into the flesh. Remus held a towel close to stem the flow of blood as Harry carved the flesh away.