The Last Valkier
Draco didn't respond to old Pansy's comment. He just stared at her for a mere moment, then stormed out of the room. He made his way down the halls and back up to the tower, where Harry was lying on the cold stone floor, crying into his arms. Draco cleared his throat, and the boy looked up at him.
"Just kill me please?! Do you take satisfaction in my distress?" He questioned, tears flooding down his cheeks.
"I'll escort you to your chamber." Draco replied, unsure what else to say.
Harry stared at him for a moment, "My chamber? But . . .I thought . . ."
"You really want to stay in this ice cold tower?" Draco questioned.
"No . . ."
"Then come with me."
Harry got off the table, walking unsteadily over to where Draco stood. Draco reached down, and grabbed the rope around Harry's wrists and tore it away. Harry gasped softly as the rope stung his skin slightly. Draco turned away from him and began walking down the stairs. Harry followed silently, allowing his tears to slide down his face. As they walked down the long hallway, Neville stepped into the hall and began to walk along side them.
He leaned over to Draco, whispering so Harry couldn't hear, "Say something to him."
Draco searched his mind for something to say. "I uh . . .hope you'll like it here."
Harry didn't reply, just kept his head down and continued to follow in silence. It took everything Neville had not to smack himself in the head. He nudged Draco slightly, urging him to keep talking. Draco finally got a vague idea of what to say.
He took in a deep breath, "My fortress is your home now, so you may go anywhere you want within the gates. Except for my private quarters in the west wing."
"Uh .-alright." Harry wasn't sure what else he could say.
Neville shook his head and sighed, then took off down a different hallway. Draco and Harry continued forward until they reached a large door at then end of the hall. Draco pulled it open and stepped to the side to allow Harry to enter."If you need anything, my servants will tend to you." He stated.
Before Harry could reply, Draco closed the door and left. Harry looked around the room; it only took a moment for him to see it was about the same size as his entire cottage. The walls and carpet were all dark green.
On the left wall there was a large wooden wardrobe and a full body mirror rimmed with gold. There was a window built into the wall, covered by green curtains matching the floor and walls. On the far wall there was a vanity table and a chair. A few feet away from the table there was a set of large glass doors with their green curtains open, leading out to a beautiful balcony with potted flowers lining its stone railing.
Harry didn't pay any attention to any of the room's details. He was focusing only the large four poster canopy bed; the back of its headboard was pressed against the right wall and its drapes were also dark green.
He walked to it on shaky legs, stumbling slightly. He pulled the drapes open, find a large green blanket and fluffy, soft-looking pillows. He threw himself onto the bed and began to cry again. He buried his face in the pillows, eventually crying himself to sleep.
Late the next afternoon Harry awoke to find himself wrapped up in the blankets. He assumed one of Draco's servants had moved him during the night. He got up out of the bed, to discover that he was completely naked. He walked around for a moment, finding that he was not in any pain; no one had taken advantage of him in his sleep.
He sighed heavily and walked over to the glass doors. He pushed one open and stepped out onto the balcony. Slowly he made his way to the edge and looked around him; the drop was too far for him to survive. There was no chance of running away. And even if he could jump, he realized, he wouldn't be able to get through the wood. He was trapped.
Sighing, he walked back into the room and closed the glass door behind him. He glanced at himself in the vanity's mirror. His eyes were red and puffy, his hair was a mess, and he was overall a complete wreck. He sat back down on the bed and buried his face in his hands, having no idea what else to do. He looked up again a few minutes later when the door opened. Old Pansy and Hermione entered the room, both carrying a bundle of clothing.
"Oh good, you're already up!" Hermione said cheerfully.
"Did you sleep well, dear?" Old Pansy asked.
"Um . . .k-kind of . . ." Harry replied.
"Don't worry, it'll get easier once you get used to being here." Hermione said.
"And . . .h-how long will that be?" Harry asked.
"Probably for the rest of your life. The master has no plans to kill you . . .not at this point anyway." Hermione answered.
"Hermione hush." Old Pansy said, walking over to Harry. She set the clothing in her arms down on the bed and smiled at him, "Master had us spend half the night going through the wardrobes of all his ancestors.
After all, you can't be expected to stay in that one shirt and trousers for the rest of your life. It took a long time, but we finally managed to gather every bit of clothing that is the proper size."
"It took a long time, but we ended up with plenty of shirts and trousers for you." Hermione added with a bright smile.
Harry didn't know what to say. Why would Draco order his servants to gather clothes for him? Why didn't Draco want to kill him anymore? And why was he being treated as though the fortress was his own?
What was going on? He just couldn't understand.
"Is something wrong?" Hermione asked suddenly.
"Um . . .uh . . ." Harry didn't know how to answer.
"Hermione why would you even ask that? Poor dear has no idea what's even going on." Old Pansy said. "It's quite simple, dear; the master seems to have taken a liking to you. I can't really blame him, you're a lovely boy. I suppose there was just something about you that made him want to get to know you."
"Why me?" Harry asked.
"I don't really know for sure." Old Pansy replied. "But if there is anything we could do to make your stay more comfortable, anything at all, just ask. We're more than happy to serve you."
"Oh . . ." Harry blushed slightly as his Stomach growled.
"Oh dear, I'm sorry. I'm afraid you've slept right through lunch . . .you'll have to wait until dinner." Old Pansy said.
"Um . . .w-when will that be?" Harry asked.
"It should be ready in a little while." Hermione answered. "In the mean time . . .perhaps you'd like a tour of the fortress?"
"Oh . . .uh . . .alright." Harry replied.
"Well, first things first. Let's get you all cleaned up." Old Pansy said, helping Harry to his feet. "Hermione, pick something out for him to wear and put everything away into his wardrobe."
Hermione nodded, "Alright then."
Old Pansy led Harry to a door in the corner of the room that he hadn't notice before. She opened it to reveal a luxurious white marble bathroom. In the center of the floor there was a large circular tub. Old Pansy walked over to it and turned it on. Harry watched as the tub was filled and steam slowly filled the room.
"Come on now." Old Pansy said, extending her hand to help him in.
Harry allowed her to lower him into the tub and found himself sighing in contentment at the relaxing water. Before he knew what was happening, he felt a warm soapy cloth run lightly down his arm. He allowed himself to relax as Old Pansy washed him. His mind wandered back to Ron; he'd have loved this. Harry suddenly began crying again at the thought of being separated from his beloved Ron.
"Oh what's the matter, dear?" Old Pansy asked.
"I . . .P- Ron. . .I'm never going to see him again!" Harry cried.
"Shh, it's alright. Don't cry, dear." Old Pansy whispered soothingly.
"H-how can it b-be al-r-right?" Harry sobbed.
"Everything will work out in the end, you'll see. You just need to stay strong and live your life." Old Pansy replied.
"D-do you th-think I'll ever get to s-see Ron again?" Harry asked.
"I don't know . . .I suppose if you truly are meant to be, then yes. But everything will be alright, don't worry." Old Pansy answered.
Harry sniffled, "Th-thanks."
"Don't worry about it, dear." Old Pansy said, lightly kissing the top of Harry's head.
By the time Old Pansy finished washing him he had stopped crying. She helped him out of the tub and wrapped him up in a big white fluffy towel. When he was dry they walked back into the bedroom. Hermione was gone, but there was a dark red silk shirt and black trousers with braces laid out on the bed. Old Pansy pushed Harry in front of the mirror, then grabbed the clothes off the bed.
"Just let me take care of this, dear. It'll be easier that way." She said.
Harry gave a slight nod, "Alright."
He allowed Old Pansy to pull the trousers onto him and button up the shirt, pulling the braces over his shoulders. He looked at himself in the mirror as Old Pansy straightened the open collar .
Old Pansy smiled and patted him lightly on the shoulder. He looked over himself carefully. The shirt fit him perfectly; it had long sleeves but the trousers were a little tight on his rounded hips, they where not made for the curveaceousness of a bearer.
He couldn't help but smile at himself. His smile faded quickly though, as he thought of how Ron would have loved to see him.
"Don't worry, dear. Just remember, it'll work out in the end." Old Pansy stated knowingly. "Now come along, let me show you the fortress before dinner."
Harry nodded and followed Old Pansy out of the room. He didn't know what to expect, he only hoped that his nightmare would end soon.
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