Redemption | Drarry

Chapter 21: Now comes the hard part

Finishing the last sentence of his book, Draco put it away in the drawer, before putting away his glasses, "Ha, and he said I couldn't finish it in a week." He scoffed as he got up to take a shower. His movements were a bit slow due to the aching he felt in his back.

Ever since leaving the Great Hall that morning he felt a very sharp pain abuse his back. Not to mention the bruises that had started to form. They were faint still very noticable on his pale back.

Maybe I could go to the prefect bathroom for a soak in-

The thought quickly leaving his mind as someone knocked on the door in a quick pattern, "For the love of-, come in!" He was so close to grabbing his wand and hexing whoever was at the other side of the door.

The door opened, and in walked a tired looking Severus, but in his case he always looked that way, "Evening Draco."

"Evening Severus. What brings you by?" 

"I assume you have finished the book I gave you?"

Draco scoffed, "Of course I have, it was only two thousand pages, not much of a challenge." Severus' eyes seemed to shine brighter as his lips quirked up. Draco knew the words he had just uttered would be the end of him .

"Good. Then this book wouldn't be much of a problem." Severus reached into his robes and brought out a leather bound book. It was thick enough to be used as a stepping stool. How he had managed to carry it around much less hide it in robes was a mystery.

He placed the book into Draco's hands, who then realized how light it was compare to it's overall look. Clearly a charm had been put on it. Draco skipped all the way to the last page, "Six Thousand pages?!"

"The first book was just a mere description of magical creatures, whereas this book gives you more insights on them. That won't be much of a problem now will it Mister Malfoy?" Severus asked, his eyes deceiving his neutral face. Draco just smiled at the man before setting the book down on his beside table.

"Well I must get going now. Have a good day Mister Malfoy." With a flicker of robes he was out the door. As soon as the door clicked shut, Draco was just about reading to hit anything, but he decided against it and proceeded with his earlier plans.

He took one last look at the large book titled 'Weaknesses, Strengths And Abilities Of Magical Creatures.' and sighed heavily. On a regular day he could only stand to look at a book of at least a thousand pages, but this? This was too much.

He felt his hands get sweaty and burn as if they were set on fire. He peered down at them only to find them fine. He brushed it off as a trick of the mind before finally exiting the suddenly stuffy room, scratching lightly at the bruise on his back.

....

Returning to his room in a bath robe, Draco gathered some clothes and went toward the connected bathroom. He already had his products on the sink so all he needed were his clothes. Locking the door behind him, he hung his clothes on the doorknob.

He put his on his briefs first, so it wouldn't be weird when he was checking the state of his back. He turned away from the mirror a bit just to get a look at his back.

He jumped away from the mirror in horror. He had two large lines from the start of his shoulder to the middle of his back. The lines had purple and red surrounding them making them look as if they were carved in with a knife, but the way they were protruding from his back said otherwise.

It was as if he was growing more bones. He had no idea how he had not noticed when taking a bath, but that was not the problem right now. He contemplated telling Severus, but he didn't think it was a good idea at the moment.

He wasn't even thinking. His mind was just running with thoughts of covering up the hideous marks. He had read the book Severus had given him, but this was not mentioned-" His thoughts strayed.

The book Severus had given him a few minutes ago...that must have what he was looking for. He resister the urge to drag a hand over his face. He could go to the infirmary, but weirdly that sounded even more terrifying.

What was he going to do now? Nobody could know about this, not even his friends. I could send a letter to mother or father.

He contemplated his odds before the sharp pain in his back made the decision for him. He quickly got dressed, and left to write a letter. He brought out his bottle of ink and quill, along with an empty parchment, at least he hoped it was, and started writing,

Dear Mother & Father,

Due to a concern for my own personal well-being, as well as a discomfort that is impossible for me to describe, I wish to confide in you on this matter. I trust your word, of course, but I have concerns for my own health tht make my thoughts waver on the statement.

There have been strange bruising appearing on my back along with the pain that follows it. If you are aware of any method that might either make the growths shrink or disappear entirely, I would most appreciate learning what it may be. If not, I humbly request that we discuss what would be in my health’s best interest as soon as possible.

Your son, Draco Lucius Malfoy.

He set aside the parchment for the ink to dry before stamping it and taking it up to the owlery to give to Ulysses, his barn owl. After that was done, he headed back to the Slytherin dorms in hopes of getting a response soon.

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"Levi dear, it's time for your medication." Narcissa informed as she walked into the study with a tray that held a tall glass of water and a pill bottle. She set it down unto the table before turning toward a bound and gagged Lucius Malfoy, who shook and struggled in the rope that bound him.

Narcissa stalked forward to take off the gag. Quickly stepping back in case of an attack.

"YOU FILTHY BLOOD TRAITOR!! HOW DARE YOU!!" Lucius bellowed, anger sharp in his voice and malice clear in his eyes. Narcissa simply took two pills from the bottle in one hand, and grabbed the glass of water in the other.

"Calm down Lucius this will all be over in a minute."

"HOW DARE A WRETCHED WHORE LIKE YOU-"

"May I remind you of your status as well Lucius. You are a Lord Lucius, act like one." Narcissa interrupted. She saw how his face took on a deep shade of red and a bit of purple.

She knew he was close to making a jab at her so she tried getting the process over and done with, "Open up." She demanded, but the blond aristocrat kept his mouth closed.

Narcissa put the pills and glass down, "I knew you would be stubborn." She reached into left pocket in her dress, and pulled out a syringe. Before Lucius could register what was going on the syringe was pushed deeply into his thigh.

When it was empty she pulled it out just as quickly, "It will all be over soon." She whispered as Lucius' eyes started to get heavy. She stroked his hair, "When did it have to come to this?"

Levi opened his eyes, blinking rapidly to get used to the light. "W-why am I tied up?" Narcissa sighed in relief. She didn't cry. Crying is not what Malfoys do.

"Kinky?" Levi raised his eyebrows in mock shock, "If this was what you were into I wouldn't have minded Cissy, all you needed to do was ask."

Narcissa was just about to hit him, but a loud crack interrupted her train of thought, "A letter from young Master Malfoy has arrived." A house elf, Mipsy, bowed slightly as she held out a plain envelope with the Malfoy stamp on the fold.

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In this bit, it is seen that Draco still has access to the prefect bathroom, because in my story, his family doesn't associate with death eaters any more so he is no longer inclined to refuse to stop being prefect in order to kill Dumbledore.

Sorry for the wait.