The quiet of Malfoy Manor's guest suite was a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. Orion Black lay in a plush bed, his body still trembling from the aftereffects of the Cruciatus Curse. His mother, Walburga Black, had arrived in a hurried panic upon hearing of Orion's condition, her presence adding tension to the already fraught atmosphere.

Sirius stood by the bed, his expression a mix of anger and concern as he held Orion's hand. The door creaked open, and Lucius Malfoy entered, his face showing visible shock as he took in the scene. Walburga, her face pale and eyes distant, stood rigidly by the window, clearly struggling with her own emotions.

Lucius's gaze shifted from Orion to Walburga. "What happened? I wasn't informed that this was a case of—"

"It was a mistake," Walburga's voice was cold and shaky as she interrupted. "A mistake that should never have happened."

Sirius turned to her, his anger barely contained. "Mistake? This wasn't just a mistake. Orion has suffered far more than just physical pain. His condition… it's the result of more than just a single curse."

Lucius's eyes widened in confusion and concern. "What are you implying, Sirius?"

"Orion's condition," Sirius began, his voice tight with suppressed rage, "is not only due to the Cruciatus Curse. It's the result of years of abuse. Walburga's methods—"

At this revelation, Lucius's face turned a shade of pale. He looked at Walburga, disbelief etched across his features. "Years of abuse? Are you saying this has been ongoing?"

Walburga flinched under Lucius's gaze but did not speak. Her silence was a damning admission of the truth.

Lucius turned to Orion, his shock evident. "Is this true, Orion? Have you been enduring this… this treatment?"

Orion, barely able to hold himself upright, nodded weakly. "Yes. It's been… it's been happening for a long time."

Lucius's expression hardened as he looked back at Walburga. "This is a grave matter, Walburga. I had no idea of the extent of the abuse. This is not only unacceptable but unforgivable."

Sirius took a deep breath, his anger simmering down to a more controlled fury. "I want to make it clear that this cannot continue. Orion needs to be protected, and this—this abuse—needs to be addressed immediately."

Lucius nodded gravely, his mind clearly racing. "I agree. This must be handled with the utmost seriousness. Orion's well-being is paramount."

As Lucius and Sirius continued their tense discussion, Walburga remained silent, her face a mask of guilt and resignation. Orion, though still shaken, felt a glimmer of relief that his suffering was finally coming to light. He closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing as he realized that his ordeal might finally come to an end.

Lucius took one last look at Orion before addressing the matter with a newfound resolve. "We will ensure that you receive the care and protection you need, Orion. And Walburga, we will need to discuss your actions in detail."

With that, Lucius and Sirius exited the room, leaving Walburga alone with her thoughts. Orion, despite his pain, felt a flicker of hope that this dark chapter might be coming to a close.