Rabastan concern was palpable as he stepped closer to his brother. "The masked man? Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

Rodolphus met his brother's gaze, his expression clouded with inner turmoil. "I didn't want anyone's pity, Rabastan. I didn't want to be treated like I was broken or helpless. I'm not."

Lucius, standing by them, clenched his fists. "Rabastan, he's right. But when I find out who that masked bastard is, he'll regret crossing a Malfoy. No one gets away with hurting our own."

Rodolphus yawned, exhaustion evident in his every movement. He rubbed his eyes and turned to Tom, his voice soft and uncertain. "My Lord... may I stay in Lucius's room tonight? I... I'm not ready to be alone."

Tom, seated at the head of the room, gave a slight nod. "That's fine, Rodolphus. But tomorrow, we'll talk about everything."

Lucius wrapped a protective arm around Rodolphus and led him to his room. As they walked, Lucius's voice softened, though the edge of frustration lingered. "Why didn't you tell me your mother was abusing you? I could've helped."

Rodolphus lowered his head, shame creeping into his expression. "I didn't want anyone else to suffer her wrath. She's... she's not easy to deal with, Lucius. It's not something I wanted anyone to go through."

Lucius sighed, shaking his head. "You're my friend, Rodo. I could've helped. You didn't need to go through this alone."

Rodolphus gave a small, grateful smile, squeezing Lucius's hand. "I know. Thanks for helping now."

Lucius guided him into bed, and within moments, Rodolphus was asleep, the emotional weight of the day pulling him into deep rest.

The next morning, Rodolphus shot out of bed with a groan, racing to the bathroom. Lucius followed, finding him hunched over the sink. "This sucks," Rodolphus muttered, wiping his mouth after retching.

Lucius rubbed his back. "I know. Let's get you cleaned up and downstairs for breakfast. We'll get through this."

Once they were both cleaned up, the two made their way to the dining room. As they entered and took their seats, they greeted Tom in unison. "Good morning, my Lord."

Tom nodded in acknowledgment. "Good morning. How are you feeling today, Rodolphus?"

"Better, my Lord. Thank you," Rodolphus replied, though a hint of fatigue lingered in his voice.

Before they could settle in, Abraxas approached with a tray of potions. His face was serious, his tone professional. "Rodolphus, I've brought the potions you need. I also reviewed your medical history. Have you always had low vitamin levels?"

Rodolphus blinked, confused. "I... I don't know. I've never really paid attention to that."

Orion, who had just entered the room, frowned slightly. "Have you been checked thoroughly recently?"

Rodolphus nodded. "Yes, I've been to a healer. Why?"

Abraxas's expression darkened. "Your mother had you on sterilizing potions. It was nearly complete when you came to our Lord. It's highly unethical."

Rodolphus's face drained of color. "What? Why would she do that? Is there something wrong with me?"

Orion shook his head. "There's nothing wrong with you, Rodolphus. There's nothing in your history that would justify this. It's purely her decision."

Rabastan's eyes widened with alarm, his voice filled with urgency. "Does this mean he won't be able to have children?"

Orion's frown deepened. "No, it doesn't affect his ability to father children, but it does affect his ability to carry them. Why?"

Rabastan, glancing nervously at Rodolphus, explained, "Mother's been talking about him marrying into the Black family. She's been gloating about how her 'perfect' son would strengthen both families. She wanted him to take a wife..."

Rodolphus's face twisted in shock. "I never said I was taking a wife! Especially not someone like that. She's insane," he shivered. "Definitely not my ideal partner."

Rabastan shrugged helplessly. "She didn't care. She said it would make you stronger, that it would mold you into the perfect heir."

Rodolphus turned to Tom, his voice filled with desperation. "My Lord, please... I don't want that. I don't want to be with her."

Tom's expression softened, and he spoke with calm authority. "You won't have to worry, Rodolphus. Orion will put a stop to this."

Orion nodded, resolute. "As head of the house, I'll take care of it."

Abraxas handed the potions to Rodolphus. "You'll need to take these vitamins daily for the next four weeks to reverse the damage your mother caused. This will help stabilize everything."

Rodolphus nodded slowly, his mind still reeling. "Thank you... I don't know how to process all of this," he said quietly, staring down at the table.

Lucius leaned over, giving his friend a supportive squeeze on the shoulder. "You'll get through this. We're all here for you, Rodolphus. You're not facing this alone."

Rodolphus gave a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Lucius. Really."