Draco Malfoy, Broken

Chapter 29 - The Gauntlet

29-The Gauntlet

Published: 11/19/18

TRIGGER WARNING: For bullying and physical assault

The calmness faded by the end of Transfiguration. Draco was trembling again, fully able to acknowledge how alone he was going to be in Herbology. Blaise was hovering next to him as they started to pack up.

"I'll walk you to your class," he said, but as Draco shook his head, he added, "I'm not letting you...."

"Your class is in the North Tower and mine is out in Greenhouse 5. You won't make it even if you run."

Blaise gave him a look, knowing he was right. "I'll just be late."

"Every class?" Draco said. "I was never impressed with Trelawney, but I doubt she will be okay with you being late every class."

"Theo, Daphne and I can switch up."

"I'm not letting Daphne walk to North Tower by herself."

"Theo and I then," Blaise insisted.

Theo and Daphne both looked over at their hushed conversation. Luckily, McGonagall was still critiquing her abnormally large class.

"You can't protect me forever, Blaise. I don't want you to walk back alone, either. We might as well not put this off anymore."

"Draco... it'll be like walking the gauntlet. Everyone will take the chance to get a lick in."

"And how will that be any different than if you walked back to North Tower on your own?" Draco muttered.

"I can take care of myself. You don't seem to be willing to defend yourself."

"I can't go back... Blaise. I can't risk it."

"I have no such inhibitions. I'll make them regret even looking at me wrong."

"Blaise... you can still get expelled, especially if you mess with the wrong person. Malcolm's family is in the ministry. So are many of the other students. Don't be so wand-happy. McGonagall already warned me to put a leash on you two."

"I don't care."

"I do... please, Blaise. I'll be okay."

"No, you won't."

"It's my choice. I've had worse. I can take a few hexes, I'm not a complete wuss."

"Really? Is that why you were cringing in fearon the train?"

Draco flushed. "It doesn't mean I welcome the pain. I was also trapped. Just give it a chance, Blaise."

"It's the first day, Dray. Can't we try next week?"

"No... better to get it over and done with. I don't need to hide behind your skirt every second."

"Asshole..." Blaise grumbled. "This is why...."

"Mr. Zabini, Mr. Malfoy... is my class interrupting your conversation?" McGonagall admonished. Some snickers followed. McGonagall never did play favorites.

"Sorry, professor," Blaise said, and they both paid attention to McGonagall's summary of the class. She assigned them homework and dismissed them on time. Blaise had no chance to try to take him to class, if he didn't want to be late. Blaise, Daphne and Theo gave him long looks as they separated.

"Don't leave the Greenhouses until we come and get you... okay?" Blaise ordered.

Draco nodded and walked downstairs toward the south entrance. The hallways were filled with students going to their next class. He pulled his hood up and tried to weave through the crowd, unnoticed. It worked for maybe a minute, until two Ravenclaw quidittch players, Bradley and Chambers, recognized him and purposely smashed into him. He brutally collided with the wall and slid down it. His hood came off and stared up at the seventh year chasers.