The Journal of Regulus Arcturus Black

Chapter 31. Under the Malfoy Care

Trigger Warning: there's some psychological torture in this fic

Dear Regulus,

Would you be proud of me? Realistically speaking? I was born into the Malfoy family and for the longest time thought that purebloods were the superior kind of wizard. But now I know that You-Know-Who is a half-blood and almost everything I was taught, I'm questioning. Surely you would like me, right? We have a similar life, the both of us. Finding out about the side of the Light too late.

People already detest me and that's four to five years of my school life I can't take away. I don't see myself ever being forgiven but I'd still like to know if you would like me? From godfather to godson. Would you be proud that I followed in your footsteps to destroy the horcrux? Because I did it, I destroyed Slytherin's Locket and that horcrux is gone for good. I'm afraid that there's a lot more going on with this war than you'd probably like, but I did complete your last wish.

Yet you never knew me. You didn't even consent to being my godfather because you died before I was even born. If you ever did have the chance to find out about me, would you have tried to change me from early on? I don't think I'd have respected you if you did though. I was very much fine working blissfully in my fathers shadow. Now I'm unable to hide behind his words, I have your journal and opinions I need to form on my own.

At least you'd have liked Professor Slughorn I assume. You didn't hold him in the highest regards but I know that you preferred him over other teachers. He was your Head of House, the same way Severus Snape is mine. That must be a surprise for you but he is. I think you'd like it if I got along with Professor Slughorn. He seemed apprehensive to meet me, until I talked about you.

He seems fond of you, godfather. So I can add him on the list of people that still reminisces about you in a positive manner, shall I?

Your godson,

Draco Black.

***

Draco wasn't let out of the dungeons for a week. His parents had not come down to help him and his food rations were even more sparse. Luna and Ollivander did their best to take care of him, whilst a new addition was added to their cells. Griphook, a goblin that worked in Gringotts who seemed to have a general distrust for wizards. Draco couldn't blame him, so far wizards hated everyone and everything.

It was during the night when Wormtail walked down in the dungeons and shook Draco awake. He flinched so hard he hit his head against the stone wall and groaned, squinting at the light that came from Wormtail's wand. "What?" Draco muttered, blinking sluggishly as he was dragged to stand up and walk with the rat.

Draco tripped up the stairs and felt his eyes see white light for a while. He felt light headed as they finally made their way up into the ground floor of the manor. Wormtail stuck his wand against Draco's neck and pushed him forward, along their corridors to the ball room. When Draco entered, it was to find his aunt standing just beside the small round tables used for galas.

There was a white sheet over the table, a single chair pushed against it and an assortment of foods. "My dear nephew," Bellatrix teased, pointing her wand at Draco who instinctively closed his eyes. He felt shame crawl like ants over him when Bellatrix giggled. "Take a seat," she ordered, face set seriously as Draco eyed her. He looked around the ballroom, noting that nothing seemed out of order. It looked ready for decorations and people, but Draco still sat down, eyeing his aunt for any sign that she would just crucio him then and there.

"I'm very angry at you Draco," she said slowly. "Do you want to know why?"

Draco gulped, "because I ran?"