With A Dragon's Heart

Author’s Notes: I know this chapter will be quite a disappointment to most of you, but keep in mind what punishment would do the most harm to Lucius. This form of punishment was planned from the beginning. So to all those who are frustrated by it, my deepest apologises.

Annie


CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT: The First Deliverance


Five different curses hit Lucius Malfoy at once. He was thrown in the air backwards and his back hit the wall with a sickening crunch and slid down, slumping into a pile of useless limbs. The instant his father was off of him, Draco, who was still clutching the sheets, rolled off the bed and scampered quickly to his godfather’s feet; trying to hide himself under the covers. Severus who was somehow freed from his bonds, unconsciously picked up the beaten boy and held him close in his lap. He cradled him tightly, whispering words to the boy.

“It’s all right now. It’s over. Shh. It’s all right.”

They both knew it was a lie; it would never be all right, no matter what would happen. But, it comforted them just the same. Draco gasped and hugged Severus tighter when a small hand touched his shoulder. It was a young Auror named Diane, was crouching down next to him. She looked at Severus for assistance.

“Draco,” he began softly. “This woman is here to help you.” Severus watched her expression for confirmation, who nodded with a small smile.

“Mr. Mal-.” Snape shook his head in a warning. She nodded again. “Draco. My name is Diane Graham. I need to make sure you’re all right.”

The young blond moaned a ‘no’ into his godfather’s chest. Diane became a little apprensive so she looked to Severus for help again. He raised Draco’s face so he could meet his eyes.

Very gently, he whispered, “Please, Draco.” Severus tried to smile in reassurance at him but it never quite reached his lips. “Would you like me to be with you?”

Draco immediately nodded. Snape caught Diane’s eyes and her face said ‘Yes. Of course.’ She quickly handed Severus a robe and helped both men to their feet. Draco’s legs were a bit shaky and threatened to give out from underneath him, but Severus quickly caught him and stabilized the blond against him.

“Can you walk?” he said quietly to the young man.

His godson barely nodded. Diane led them out of the room, brushing off everyone who tried to console the young boy. With Severus guiding him, they entered a room that was two doors down from Draco’s. Snape carefully sat himself and Draco on the edge of the bed and Diane knelt down again.

“I know this will be very hard for you, Draco, but I need to examine you,” she said in a kind and soothing voice.

Draco’s body went ridged and buried his face into the soft robe Severus was wearing. The two older wizards quietly waited for him to respond. After a few shaky breaths, the blond took in a deep lungful of air and held it before slowly releasing it.

“All right,” he murmmered, turning to face her.

Diane opened her eyes wide when she was finally able to see Draco’s face. “Oh my gods,” she whispered. She shivered and her mouth opened and closed but she couldn’t think of anything to say that would be coherent. Shaking her head to clear her mind, “Maybe I should… Yes. I’ll go get a male mediwizard.”

She stood up and turned slightly but was stopped by a cold wet hand. She flinched and looked down at the pale hand that was covered in blood.

“No,” Draco said in a rough voice and then swallowed to moisten his throat. “It’s all right,” he said a little clearer. “It might be better this way.”

She glanced at Severus who was nodding. She sighed and a smile crept over her lips. “All right, Draco,” she said relieved. “Would you please lay down?”

The silver eyes widened in panic and Severus could sense his fear. “Shh, Draco. It must be done this way and I’ll be right here with you.”

The blond gazed up at him and numbly nodded. “Okay,” he said to him.


~*~*~*~*~*~


As soon as Lucius regained consciousness, he was instantly yanked to his feet. He struggled a bit but only because his body ached and every touch made him wince. Looking down at himself, he noticed he was still naked. His head rose up slowly and there in front of him, stood Arthur Weasley, Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Narcissa Malfoy. Behind them stood seven Aurors.

Minister Fudge stepped forward. “Lucius Malfoy, as Head of the Ministry, I am pleased to inform you that you have been found guilty of thirteen violations of the Wizarding Law.”

“Wha-?” the aristrocrat said shocked. His eyes quickly darted to his wife. “Narcissa! Tell them that this is a simple misunderstanding! You know I would never-.”

“With the witnesses present, I will read you the only rights you have-.”

“Narcissa?” Lucius pleaded.

The tall pale witch walked slowly over to him and stood a mere foot away from him. His eyes begged her but her stone cold face was empty with no emotions showing whatsoever. A true Malfoy.

“…and at that time, you will stand before the entire-.”

But Narcissa Malfoy was not a true Malfoy. Lucius’ face flew to his right and the large wedding ring she was wearing, caught on his lip, creating an open wound. His head rolled back to the front with his long blond hair falling in front of his face.

“You bastard!” she hissed in his ear. “I hope they kill you for what you’ve done!” She stood up straight and folded her long pale arms. “And I’ll be right there watching.”

Lucius lifted his eyes to her and then flinched as he saw the back of her her hand approaching. This time her ring hit his cheek.

“I’ll be right there,” she repeated.

No one was surprised by her current behaviour save Lucius. They were however, taken back when the stoic and always composed Narcissa Malfoy gasped, covered her mouth, and fled from the room. She had looked down and saw her son’s blood still on him.

Lights suddenly smothered Lucius once again and it finally occurred to him that this is what he had seen when they first entered. Along with the hexes that is. Light bulbs from cameras. Many cameras.

“What are they doing?” Lucius howled in terror. “You can’t have them take pictures! Do you realise what will happen to me if these pictures ever became public?”

Everyone in the room was smiling at him with satifaction. “Yes we do, Malfoy,” said Arthur Weasley. “We do indeed.”

Lucius’ face turned pale and shook his head in horror. “No,” he whispered in disbelief.

Auror mediwitch, Diane Graham, emerged from behind the crowd. Her soft and caring face was now hardened with hatred and disgust and her normally light blue eyes was now dark and slightly narrowed.

“If all of you will excuse me, I would like to conduct my medical examination on this… man,” she said with unconcealed contempt, her glare not leaving Lucius. “Except, of course, my helpers,” she smirked.

Everyone nodded with statements of “Of course”, leaving Diane and her team alone with Lucius Malfoy. She glanced at the other Aurors who weren’t already holding the tall aristocrat, and they moved over to join the rest of them. Lucius raised an eyebrow and sneered at her.

“Be careful, Mr. Malfoy,” she warned. “This could be a long and painful examination.”

Lucius held his head high in defiance as if to say, “What could you possibly do to me?”

She snorted at his arrogance then smirked, “Oh yes. I almost forgot. Thomas?” she addressed one of the Aurors and he quickly retrieved his camera.

The blond’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t…”

“Oh but I will, Malfoy,” she started, intentionally not using a title. “We need all evidence in photos.”


~*~*~*~*~*~


Severus Snape was sitting just outside the bathroom where Draco was showering. His head jerked to the side when he caught the screams coming from the other room. He smirked with contentment, but hoped that it would be over by the time his godson was finished. Sadly he knew that Draco was going through a lot of different emotions right now, but he still loved his father and wouldn’t want to see him hurt. Especially hearing it. But it was too late.

Draco had finished bathing and was standing in the doorway, eyes looking at the opposite wall as if he could see right through it and into the other room. He blinked twice and his gazed focused on the worried face of his godfather. Draco attempted to smile.

“I’m all right,” he said, answering the unspoken question. “I’m…” he sighed and looked away. “I’m all right.”

Severus stood, gently placed his hands on Draco’s shoulders and turned him to face him. “Draco,” he began, but the boy interupted him.

“Really, Severus. I am.”

“Mr. Malfoy?”

Snape saw the boy flinch and spun his head toward the door, glaring with hatred. Headmaster Dumbledore raised both brows at him. Severus turned back to Draco who was staring at the floor.

“Draco,” he said softly. He cupped the blond’s chin and raised it high enough for him to see his face. “Remember this: They say blood is thicker than water…”

The boy slowly nodded.

“Well so is shit.”

Draco batted his eyes and opened his mouth in shock before chuckling with his godfather.

“Well said, Severus,” Albus commented with an amused smile.

After a moment of thought, Draco asked, “Professor?”

“Yes, Mr. Malfoy?”

“The charges against my father… what will they…”

Albus knew what Draco was refering to: the boy didn’t want that part exposed. He had enough humiliation to last a lifetime. “The public will only know that he had physically and mentally abused you.”

Draco sighed in relief. Glancing away, he whispered, “Thank you, Professor.”


~*~*~*~*~*~


Downstairs, Albus turned to Draco before departing. “Now remember, Draco. It will up to the medical staff at St. Mungos to determine when you are released.”

“I understand, Professor.” Draco paused. “Sir?” He paused again. “Will I be able to have visitors?”

Albus’ eyes sparkled and he smiled. “I think that can be arranged,” he said, knowing the boy wasn’t refering to Severus.

Draco nodded his thanks and the Headmaster apparated. The blond flinched when Severus latched onto him. Coming downstairs was Lucius Malfoy. He felt Draco tense.

“Come, Draco,” he said, growling at the tall blond approaching.

Everyone gasped when Draco stood still and flatly said, “No.”

Severus tightened his grip but Draco pulled away from him. He walked over to his father, who was now in a long robe. He stood tall and looked upon the embarrassed and guilty face of his father.

“Son, I…” The Aurors yanked on his arms to shut him up.

Draco waved his hands at them and Lucius stared at him confused.

“Father,” he began. “I’m sorry.”

The room fell silent in shock.

“Draco, I know this isn’t your fault.” His arms were jerked again.

“But it is my fault, father.” Draco took a deep breath as the others held theirs. He looked straight into Lucius’ eyes. “I should’ve stopped you years ago.”

Draco sneered at him and turned around, pushing past Severus. Snape curled up his lip at the sight of the paralyzed body of Lucius Malfoy who looked like he was just hit by a Petrificus Totalus spell.

Narcissa stood in front of her husband once again.

“Mrs. Malfoy, we need to take…”

“Never call me that …name again!” she hissed. Glaring at Lucius, “My name is Narcissa Black.”

And with those words, her soon to be ex-husband, felt the sharp pain from a fist impacting his jaw.

“Now if you don’t mind, get this filth out of my house.”

The others nodded smugly at Lucius and they vanished. Narcissa felt a presence beside her.

“Impressive, cousin.”

She snorted. After a few minutes she said in a low soft voice, “I wouldn’t allow myself to believe it, Severus.”

“I know.”

She shook her head. “How will he ever forgive me?”

“He will, Narcissa. It’ll just take time.”

She nodded once, but still couldn’t look up at him. Suddenly, she stood up straight. “I want you to know that that boy was a lousy actor. He didn’t fool me for a minute.”

Severus snorted. “But cousin, we weren’t trying to fool you.”

Believe it or not, Narcissa Black rolled her eyes.

~*~*~*~*~*~