Why on earth can't you just leave me alone? I know you're a Gryffindor and that alone makes it hard to butt out of other people's business, but honesly, is it really that hard to simply let things go? I look away and my mind raced. I couldn't even really remember the firt time my father hit me. I sighed "I must have been 2 or 3 years old... I spilled some water ..."
"You clumsy stupid boy" was hissed in his direction as a few drop had spilled on the table. The small todler's head snapped up biting his bottem lip. His father had always scared him "Go to your room" the Malfoy patriarch ordered and the small child quickly turned to the staircase and ran up to his room where he stood his whole body trembling from fear. Footsteps could be heard up the stairs and the boy took a steadying breath as he turned towards the door. His father soon towering over him, the man's cane pushing up his chin so that their eyes were forced to meet "You really have shamed me boy" he hissed as he backhanded his son across the face who staggered back at the impact. "I'm sorry sir" the boy's small voice piped up turning his head back towards his father who yanked him closer "Do not speak unless specifically asked" he hissed and the boy quickly shut his mouth "I think it is about high time I taught you a lesson boy" Lucius snarled and the boy bit his bottom lip and simply nodded. What else was he supopsed to do?
The small child soon found himself thrown to the floor and kicks and hits rained down on him. He yelped in surprise and pain and his father gave a disgusted snort "You're pathetic Draco. Act your age" he ordered and the todler quickly kept silent. His father soon got bored and with one last kick and disgusted look the man left the room...
Granger's eyes had grown wide and even Weasley seemed shocked. I close my eyes for a second as Weasley's voice now cut through the air, albeit slightly wavery "What about your mother then, didn't she do anything?"
I give a bitter chuckle "My father needed an heir, my mother never wanted children" I shrug "I was my father's responsibility". The girl frowned "She didn't do anything?" she questioned in disbelieve and I sigh shaking my head...
A tall blond woman stood in the middle of a large lounge her light blue eyes on an a pair of silver eyes her mouth in an angry sneer. "He's you're son Lucius, you wanted an heir, he is entirely your responsibility, I want nothing to do with him. Just keep the brat away from me!" she yelled at her husband.
Lucius raised an eyebrow "Fine, as you whish Narcissa, but in the future you will AT LEAST play the doting in public!" he yelled back. The woman sighed throwing up her hands in surrender "fine, but that's where it ends!" she responded coldly.
A three year old blond boy was standing in the hallway near the door clearly having heard everything that had been said. The boy was slightly confused. What had he done wrong? He wracked his small brain but really couldn't think of anything that he could have done to make his mother hate him. He bit his lip fighting back the tears that we suddenly threatening to fall and quickly made his way back up to his room.
I run my hand through my hair my eyes closed for a moment to compose myself. I really had not wanted to go on this little trip down memory lane. But then again, I suppose no-one had ever really given a damn as to what I want. To my surprise I find two soft arms wrapping themselves around me and my eyes shoot open, my muscles tensing immediately. I couldn't even remember if I'd ever been hugged before, and touch usually meant pain and agony. I have to admit though... it felt... nice and warm... even if it took me a little while to be able to relax into it...
I have been listening to the blond boy intently and I was shocked, tears stinging my own eyes. How could someone do this to anyone... especialy to their own child? When he told us about his parent's fight I couldn't help myself and flung my arms around him. The look on his face was.. priceless... shock and surprise written all over his features. The reason behind that however was rather sad. I don't think you have ever really been hugged have you? He felt so frail and thin and I could feel all the muscles in his body tense and it took a few minutes for him to relax. I don't even really know what came over me. After he had told us these things, I just wanted to make him feel better. Show him a bit of the warmth he'd been deprived of for so long... just as I had tried with Harry. I couldn't help though but notice how
This might be harder though then it had been with Harry. Even thou with gh that horrid family of his had never shown him any form of love. His parents had, and then he had come to Hogwarts at 11 where the Weasleys, Hagrid, Dumbledore and later me, had taken it upon themselves to try and show him love. I don't think the teen currently residing in my arms had ever had that. This was one of the other reasons why I wanted to go and tell someone. Maybe if more people knew, more people could try and help him. I watch him, and now that I was this close, I could see it in his eyes, the exhaustion, the desperation, the sadness, where previously I had been convinced that they were completely empty and simply cold and emotionless. I eventually release the boy from my embrase. He leaned back on his elbows, I suppose he did not quit know what posture to adopt and I can't even begin to imagine what he must have been through, and how hard it must have been to tell us. I feel the urge to hug him again, but I somehow think that might not be the smartest thing to do. I glance over at my two friends. Harry seems about ready to explode from anger and Ron just seems shocked. I can't really blame him. I don't think any of us had even thought of the possibility that the blond heir's life was anything less then perfect. I then figure it would be best to leave Harry and Draco alone, as I think he had already gained more of the other teens trust then we have.
"Come on Ron" I speak up and gave my friend a pointed look. He looked up confused but then comprehension spread over his face and he shrugged rising to his feet "Okay 'Mione" he obliged and I stand up as well. I gave the two teen remaining a smile and then we left.
I send Hermione a grateful smile. I really have no idea what to do however and for a few minutes, silence remains. I glance over at you trying to meet you gaze, but you keep your eyes firmly to the ground. I put a hand on the frail shoulders and feel your muscles tense under my touch. I didn't mean to scare you, but then you turn your head upwards and I can see your eyes brimming with unshed tears, and I can almost see you inward struggle to try and contain them. I don't really know what to do. I just wished I could make things better, that I could somehow take some of the pain. Hmm... Perhaps you were right about the whole 'Hero complex' issue. What can I say? I have problems. You seem to have won the battle against you tears for now though and simply stared ahead blankly.
I sigh slightly "Merlin Draco, why have you never told anyone?" I question. It was much worse that I had envisaged and really it still amazed me how you could have handled this on your own for so long. You simply shrugged "No-one I could tell" you answer, your voice soft and I sighed "You could have told Dumbledore" I counter and he rolled his eyes "Please, as if he doesn't know" you smirk and I narrow my eyes. That couldn't be right could it? Dumbledore wouldn't let this happen would he? I sigh deeply deciding I would have to have a talk with him. I just didn't understand how no-one at school could have known "Does anyone else know?" I ask my eyes still on his.
You shook your head "No, and it isn't anyone else's business" you muttered. "It might help you to talk about it" I tell him and you roll your eyes "I just did now didn't I?" you counter and I smile slightly. Yes you did, but I somehow had the feeling that it was only a slight tip of the proverbial ice-berg and I couldn't even begin to imagine all the things you'd gone through, and I don't think I really want to. I cannot believe anyone could even do this to their own child. Then Crabbe and Goyle walked outside. I wondered slightly where they had been. It seemed they were incapable of doing something without you, their leader. But then again, I assumed you needed them as well. I rise to my feet greeting the two lanky boys with a nod of my head as I passed them. They smiled and sat down next to you.
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When Granger and Weasley leave I'm unsure why you remain. Perhaps trying to get something more out of me? I sigh. I had already revealed to damn much to too many people. I'm relieved when eventually; Vince and Creg appear and greet you before you trot of, back to your friends. I just wished I could leave this all behind... my friends sit down beside me and we started talking about trivial matters such as the best quidditch strategy. We had a match against Ravenclaw next weekend and would be spending a lot of time practicing this week. I was beginning to get lost in all the things that I had to do, and I had no clue what I was even doing anymore. I was just so damn tired. I brush the blond hair from my face and am glad for the mindless chatter of my friends. It meant that I didn't have to think or pay much attention. They seemed to understand my need for this, and for that I'm grateful. They gave me a knowing look however, and I know that soon they would demand I tell them. For now though, I'd just suck it up.
We decide to head back inside. It had become time for diner. Ugh, I once again wasn't really hungry. I realized however that my body needed nutrition. We went into the great-hall and sat down. Soon food appeared on our plates and I force some down my throat... Then we headed back to the Slytherin commons and I decide to continue my father's reading as I knew I had to finish it sometime, and if I would be unable to beat Granger in classes, I might as well give up on homework and just do this work. My friends talked amongst themselves and left me alone. I wasn't sure how long I could go before telling them what was going on. Sad really that Potter of all people was the first one getting something out of me. I still had trouble believing the golden trio of all people had been able to get me to talk. I sigh shaking my head... things really had changed, and so fast really. I turn my attention back to my book...
I walk back to the Gryffindor room where Ron and Hermione were waiting for me. They come over "You got anymore out of him?" the girl asked but I shake my head. Ron sighed "Why aren't we going to Dumbledore?" he put in his two cents. I shake my head "He doesn't want to" I counter and he sighed "Come on Harry, there is nothing we can do if we don't get him help" he commented. I guess your stories have had an impact on him. How could it not? I guess all the years of childish bickering and squabbling didn't matter anymore and Ron seemed to have forgotten about it, just as Hermione and myself. Hermione sighed "I agree with Ron Harry" she nodded and I grit my teeth "I cannot betray his trust like that" I retort stubbornly. I know they are right. That there is nothing we can do until we can get him to go to Dumbledore or hell, anyone for that matter. "Look, I know you're right, but I don't want to do that without his permission…" I mutter. The redhead raised an eyebrow "We are talking about Malfoy here, there is no way he is ever going to give his consent to go ask for help". "I know" I eventually agree "But I don't want to go down that road… not yet anyway" I tell them. They nod in agreement "It's your call Harry" Ron shrugged and I smile at them.
"Fancy a game of chess?" Ron asked and I nod. There was nothing else we could do right now anyway and so we sit down for a game. Hermione sat down next to us with, quelle surprise, with a book. I smile as I, as usual, getting my ass handed to me by the youngest Weasley boy. Hermione is totally engrossed in her book and her seemingly never ending thirst for knowledge that has saved us on more then one occasion and made homework a lot easier. Then we decided to call it a night and we walked up to our dorm.
"I can't believe how well he has fooled everyone" Ron sighed from his bed and I nodded "I thought the same thing" I agree "I honestly thought I was seeing things at first". Ron nodded "Who'd have thought that after all these years, we'd be trying to help Malfoy instead of cursing him into oblivion". I smile "Who'd have thought indeed". "I just don't understand why he would be hurting himself" my friend sighed "I would think that what his father does was enough to last someone a gazillion lifetimes. "I don't know" I sigh "I suppose it all comes down to control doesn't it?" the redhead nodded "I suppose so" he shook his head. We continued talking for a bit longer, and then we went to sleep.
Where did you and the 'golden trio' talk about? Somehow I hoped you had found someone you could confide in, even if it wasn't us. I wonder if you ever will. Should we put some pressure on it? Make you talk? We are set outside and I meet eyes with Creg for a second knowing he was probably thinking the same thing. He simply shrugged as if to say 'I don't know'… big help… I suppose we couldn't force you to talk could we? I sigh as we simply resumed our discussion about quidditch… how very Slytherin of us. Never talk about the deeper important stuff. Keep all your contacts superficial and trust nobody. It seemed to be perfect for you though and I think maybe we should get Zabini involved. I knew he was worried as well, even though there was no way he'd ever show it.
Our Italian dorm-mate might also have more insight, as I know he also knew something was going on, even more then we did, since, let's just come out and say it, Blaise was simply a lot smarter then us. Then we headed to diner before retreating to the common-rooms. You resume your reading and it is somehow funny how it seemed you were the 'Granger of Slytherin' I shake my head, as I knew that, whereas Hermione choose to do this, you did not, and even though I truly believed you had a thirst for knowledge, the pressure put on you by your father was not helping matters. Creg and I resumed our talk stealing glancing over at your blond frame. You were completely absorbed in your work and it was almost as if the world did not exist to you, your blond hair falling into your eyes and you were quickly flipping through the book. I wonder where how you do it. Where do you find the resilience I know I would never be able to muster. Was it strength, or just a survival mechanism? I can easily believe both. I stretch and yawn and Creg and I decide to call it a night.
"Night Draco" we greet as we pass the couch you are seated on and you don't even look up "Okay, night" you mumble, your quill scratching away on your parchment. Zabini is still in the common-room as well, but he shows no sign of getting up anytime soon. I suppose he is simply getting some work done. Whoever knows with that guy… I sigh before reaching the stairs and heading upstairs. The two boys were simply left alone doing whatever it was they did.