Rabastan turned to his brother, concern etched on his face. "The masked man? Why didn't you say anything?"

Rodolphus met his gaze, his expression conflicted. "I didn't want pity from people. I don't want to be treated as if I'm broken. I'm not."

Lucius stepped in, his voice firm. "Rabastan, he's right. But when I find him, he will regret ever crossing the Malfoys."

Rodolphus yawned, rubbing his eyes. "My Lord, may I stay in Lucius's room tonight? I'm not ready to sleep alone," he asked, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

"That's fine," Tom replied. "But tomorrow we will talk."

Lucius led Rodolphus to his room, holding him close for support. "Why didn't you say your mother was abusing you?" he asked, frowning.

Rodolphus looked down, ashamed. "I'm sorry. I didn't want anyone else to feel her wrath. It's not fun."

Lucius sighed. "I could have helped you, you know."

"I know," Rodolphus replied, squeezing his hand. "Thank you for helping now."

Lucius guided him to bed, and Rodolphus lay down, falling asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

The next morning, Rodolphus woke up with a groan, rushing to the bathroom to be sick. "This sucks," he muttered.

Lucius followed, rubbing his back soothingly. After they cleaned up, they headed to breakfast.

Walking in and taking their seats, they greeted, "Good morning, my Lord."

"Good morning. How are you feeling, Rodolphus?" Tom asked.

"Better, my Lord," Rodolphus replied.

Abraxas approached, holding a tray of potions. "I have potions for you to take. I requested your medical history. Have you always had low vitamin intake?"

Rodolphus blinked, confused. "I have no idea, actually."

Orion frowned. "Have you been looked at recently?"

Rodolphus nodded. "Yes, I have. Why?"

Abraxas's expression darkened. "It's not possible, Rodolphus. Your mother had you on sterilizing potions. It was almost complete when you came to our Lord."

Rodolphus's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why? Is there a reason for it? Is there something wrong with me?"

"Nothing we can see in the history," Orion replied.

Rabastan looked alarmed. "Sir," he said, addressing Orion, "does that affect his ability to have children?"

Orion frowned. "No, just his ability to carry them. Why?"

Rodolphus looked at Rabastan with concern.

Rabastan explained, "Mother was gloating that her perfect son was going to marry into the Black family, take a wife, and strengthen both names with her at his side."

Rodolphus gasped. "What? Why? I never said I was taking a wife. I don't even like her; she is batshit crazy," he frowned and shivered. "Definitely not my ideal partner."

Rabastan continued, "She didn't care. She wanted you to be strong, not weak. In her words, taking a wife like that would mold you into something different."

Rodolphus turned to Tom, desperation in his voice. "My Lord, please don't let her. I have no desire to be with her."

Tom's expression softened. "No worries there. Orion, will you put a stop to it as head of the house?"

"Of course, my Lord. I'll see to that," Orion replied firmly.

Abraxas said, "Rodolphus, you need more vitamins to help fix the damage done. You should be okay with the reverse potion. You need to take this for four weeks every day."

Rodolphus nodded, looking at his lap. "Okay, thank you," he said quietly.