Scorched and Bruised ; Draco Malfoy

☾｡✩˚𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓼 𝓛𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽˚✩｡☽

A turmoil of enraged vipers coiled within Stars' gut, positioned to strike, to constrict, to inflict harm upon anything in their path. Unwanted memories gnawed at her, devouring her until she felt on the brink of being consumed entirely. She needed it to stop, for them to silence their incessant chatter, she needed to unleash her fury.

Easily evading Filtch, she stealthily slipped out of the castle.

"Tata, que te pasa?" Benito asked.

Star chuckled, wiping the blood from her broken nose. "Tienes que speak English, remember? Mami y papi said that we're going to move soon and you need to learn it," she said in accented English.

Benito nodded, "Ok, pero—but—... what's... wrong?"

He spoke in a high-pitched, heavily accented voice of his own. Despite being just five years old, Benito was remarkably bright and able to form more concise sentences than most children his age.

"Nada. It's ok," Star reassured.

Benito sniffled, a rush of tears making their way to his apple-green eyes. "No mi—don't lie! Estas bleeding... de—again!"

✩

Fluttering gently in the distance, a kaleidoscope of wings filled her vision: delicate blues and vibrant oranges dancing amidst the misty forest.

It was the same butterflies from before.

✩

Wrapping her broken arm in a fashioned cast, Star grumbled in pain. Their family couldn't afford a trip to the hospital. Not that they would have taken her anyway; her mother had screeched at her about getting blood on the freshly cleaned floor once again.

"Ela! Mir—look what I fou... found!" Benito rushed in holding a tattered teddy bear proudly.

"So cute!" Star kissed the top of his head.

✩

Star stumbled over her own feet and tumbled onto the ground. She lay there, gazing up at the night sky, momentarily losing herself in her memories.

✩

"Estoy... nervous to start school," Benito muttered.

Star hugged him tight, "It's going to be fine!" She got up with a proud grin on her face, "Cierra los ojos!"

Benito pouted and obeyed, covering his eyes with his hands.

Star made drumming sounds against a cabinet. "Mira!" she exclaimed proudly, presenting a bag adorned with embroidered designs.

Benito gasped and seized the bag from her hands, marvelling at the intricately etched designs on the brown material. Each of his favourite things was neatly crafted into patches. Star had become skilled with a needle over the years.

"I LOVE IT!" he jumped on her, hugging her tight.

✩

Rising from the ground with a heavy gasp and a heart weighed down by grief, Star staggered forward, her steps unsteady. She took off in a desperate sprint toward the forest, her voice shaky with anger. "Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!"

But her mind betrayed her.

✩

"Why do mami and papi—"

"Benny, te dije qué I don't like talking about it."

"Pero...," he frowned.

Star sighed heavily and set down her pencil. She had to redo her homework as her eldest brother had destroyed it—yet again.