Chapter 4*

Tom Riddle's expression darkened, his usually cold demeanor shifting into something more dangerous. His eyes, sharp as daggers, narrowed with a controlled fury. "Severus did that?" he said, his voice a low, venomous hiss. Every syllable dripped with malice. "I will have my people contact him immediately. No one disrespects the Malfoy family without consequences. Did Lucius consent to any of this?"

Harden nodded reluctantly, his eyes flickering with a mix of shame and anger. "He says he did, but Severus has been abusive. I suspect it's not just verbal abuse; there's more Lucius isn't saying. He's scared, Tom. More scared than I've ever seen him."

Abraxas, sitting beside Harden, nodded, his brow furrowed with deep concern. "Lucius is at a loss, Tom. He's withdrawn, and his confidence is shattered. He needs more than just our support; he needs to feel safe and understood."

Tom's face softened slightly as he listened, a rare show of genuine emotion crossing his features. He looked at Harden, his adoptive son, with an almost paternal concern. "Thank you for coming to me with this, Harden," Tom said, his voice holding an uncharacteristic note of compassion. "Lucius is family, and I take care of my own. When I adopted you, I promised to protect you and everything you care about. Lucius is my responsibility now."

Harden managed a weak smile, the lines of worry on his face easing slightly. "Thank you, Tom. Your support means everything to us." His voice, though steady, carried the weight of a father's deep worry.

Tom nodded firmly. "Severus will be dealt with. I'll ensure he understands the consequences of his actions. I won't tolerate disloyalty or abuse. If anything else happens, you must inform me immediately."

As Tom turned to leave, Abraxas spoke up, his voice low and tinged with gratitude. "Tom, we appreciate everything you've done. Your commitment to protecting us... it's reassuring."

Tom gave a rare smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes but was genuine in its intent. "Harden, Abraxas, I've always considered you my family. We will get through this together."

Just then, Lucius entered the room, his normally impeccable appearance in disarray. His blond hair was tangled with dirt, and his trousers were smeared with mud. He was limping slightly, trying to mask the pain. "Crap," he muttered, avoiding his parents' and Tom's concerned gazes.

"Lucius, what happened?" Harden was at his son's side in an instant, his face pale with concern. He put a gentle arm around Lucius, his voice thick with worry. "Oh, my baby, are you okay?"

Lucius waved him off, trying to downplay his discomfort. "I fell while riding. My horse was spooked. I'm fine, though, just landed wrong on my leg. It's nothing serious." His tone was dismissive, but the strain in his voice betrayed him.

Abraxas, not easily convinced, moved closer, his eyes scanning Lucius for injuries. "Son, did you fall on your stomach? You need to be careful, especially now. It's not just you anymore."

"No, I didn't," Lucius insisted, though his face showed signs of discomfort. "I just want to take a shower and lie down." He started towards the door, but his steps were unsteady. Before he could catch himself, he stumbled, swaying on his feet.

Abraxas lunged forward, catching him just before he hit the ground. "Lucius, what's really going on?" He pressed a hand to Lucius's forehead, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. "You're burning up. You've got a fever."

Without hesitation, Harden moved to call the healer. "I'll get the healer immediately," he said, his voice betraying his rising panic.

The healer arrived quickly, her face set in a mask of professional calm as she flooed into the room. She wasted no time, immediately moving to Lucius's side and conducting a diagnostic spell. "Lucius, how long have you been feeling this way?" she asked, her wand glowing as it passed over his body.

"Since I left to go riding," Lucius admitted, his voice weak and his eyes heavy with fatigue.

The healer frowned as she examined the results, her expression becoming more serious. "You're running a high fever, and your ankle is sprained. Did you fall hard? Let me check on the baby." She performed another spell, her wand hovering over Lucius's abdomen. Her features softened with relief. "The baby is fine, but you need to take a fever-reducing potion and a potion for your cold. Rest is crucial, and you should stay off that foot. I'll give you a potion to help with the sprain."

Lucius nodded, his eyes closing as if the effort to stay awake was too much. He mumbled something incoherent, his head lolling slightly.

Harden took the healer's hand, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, healer. We'll make sure he takes everything he needs and gets the rest."

Abraxas guided Lucius to his bed, laying him down gently. As he tucked the blankets around his son, his mind flashed back to the past. "Harden, do you remember when Lucius was little? He used to get so sick and have those panic attacks. I thought we'd never have to go through that again. Seeing him like this… it brings it all back."

Harden sat on the edge of the bed, brushing Lucius's damp hair from his forehead. "I know, love. I'm worried too. We have to be strong for him, to be his rock. Maybe we should have Rodolphus and Emmy visit. It might cheer him up. Rodolphus understands what Lucius is going through, and Lucius has always found comfort in Emmy."

Lucius, lying in bed with his eyes half-closed, murmured, "I want to see them, please."

"You will, baby," Harden said softly, his hand lingering on Lucius's cheek. "But first, you need to take your potions and rest, okay?"

Lucius nodded weakly and drank the potions the healer handed him, grimacing at the bitter taste. He lay back against the pillows, his eyes fluttering shut, exhaustion pulling him into a deep sleep.

Abraxas and Harden exchanged a look, both knowing that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. As they sat by Lucius's side, watching over him, they felt the weight of their responsibility settle heavily on their shoulders. They would do whatever it took to protect their son, to give him the strength he needed to face the trials ahead.

Tom, standing silently in the corner, watched the family. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes shone with a dark promise. He would see to it that Severus paid for what he'd done. No one harmed a member of his family without facing the full force of his wrath. Lucius would be safe, no matter the cost.