This is the last "I don't own Harry Potter" thing I do, I think you've got the message.

Broken

Oh Merlin, what have I just done

Draco stood in front of the bleeding Miriam, his once bold and defiant stance now more a terrified cower.

Why did he fell so afraid? He had gotten so used to the abuse that when he was about to face it he had more of a dull empty fear, but now he was paralyzed with it, maybe because his father was looking so murderous and had that kind of gleam of satisfaction in his eye because he had his punching bag in sight.

Or maybe it was because he had done something deliberate. He had hidden from his father, he had knocked him down, he had said no. And in that second he didn't feel so brave.

Narcissa was shocked, what had Draco just done? She was so afraid, Lucius would beat him, no, she was sure he would kill him! And in that second she felt so horribly desperate and useless! Tears fell delicately and silent sobs escaped her lips. She couldn't stop this, she was his mother, and she was now giving him up like a lamb to the slaughter.

Miriam had once again stood; she was stunned by Draco's action. She had had no idea he was in the cellar! She felt a little betrayed that he had left her on her own against Lucius, but also touched that Draco had jumped out to protect her, knowing what he was about to face.

Now she stood, apprehensive, scared, but she also felt courage that Draco was in front of her, so she stood with bravery. Even though she could fell blood trickling down her back and arms, she didn't show her pain.

Luicus was livid; he was drunk so not thinking clearly or rationally, but he was livid.

Draco had been right near him! He wasn't sure where he had come from, but he had clearly disobeyed him. How dare he knock him down! And why did he care for a mere house elves life anyway?

Luicus's thoughts slurred in his mind, but one thought stayed loud and clear "He must be punished"

"HOW DARE YOU!"

Draco flinched, his eyes widened in fear, this was it, and he had to face it.

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Lucius passed out, he was far too drunk. He lay unconscious on the floor, next to another, also unconscious.

Blood spattered the floor and walls. A house elf cowered, also spattered with scarlet.

A beautiful woman cried in a cellar.

And blonde teenage boy lay, his hair now red. Blood covered his face like a shredded mask. Thin red strips were embedded on his back, shredded material beaten in to the cuts.

Bruises formed on almost every inch of pale skin, and a bruised chest rose and fell weakly, short burst of pained breath came from a bleeding mouth and nose.

Miriam's breathing was harsh, her eyes were wide, the sounds of screaming, pleading, laughing, chocking, ringing in her head. She turned reluctantly, and crumbled at what she saw, the broken and beaten body of her best friend.

And she cried, then she saw Lucius. Anger filled her very veins; hatred pumped her hot blood round her body. She screamed. Weakly she pounded the body of Lucius. Never had Draco been hurt that much, and it was all because he was protecting her, from this monster.

She brokenly fell to her knees, exhausted. Then a noise made her jump. Her mistress was rising from the cellar, she had also been hiding.

Resentment filled her head. She didn't care about her place, or about respect toward her mistress. "You were there the whole time? Why didn't you help? Why didn't you stop him?" she screamed between sobs.

But Narcissa wasn't listening, she moved as in a trance towards her beaten son. It was her fault, she was useless.

Miriam stopped yelling and her face softened as she watched a mother kneel down next to her bleeding son. Narcissa's ocean eyes were filled with regret and sorrow. But there was a desolate look to them.

Narcissa held a blood covered hand and stared at her son in a hollow trance. No thought entered her mind.

Worry etched Miriam's face. "Miss? Mistress Narcissa?"

Nothing.

Miriam began to feel panicked, here she was bleeding herself, in pain, with Draco obviously needing desperate medical attention, Lucius passed out but with no guarantee he was going to stay that way, and now Narcissa was out of it.

Miriam began to feel frightened; her voice shook "Miss? Please Miss"

"Narcissa, Narcissa"

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I'm sorry I forgot to thank people in my last chapter so I'll do it now, if I forget anyone, please tell me!

Huge thank to:

Shadieladie, Iceangel89, Twistedsilver, Ladylilymalfoy, Aforlo16, Hippielover459, AltheaMiakoda, riduculouslyriddikulus and Kahjit.

Thank you! 29 is the biggest amount of reviews I've ever got!