Empty Spaces

Chapter 28

"Really...? I'm here because I–" Potter started, then stopped, his voice softening as he changed courses. "Because I care about you," Potter settled for saying, whispering the words gently in Draco's ear, words that felt like cool water running over a burn, soothing and comforting and relieving all at once. Draco didn't know what to make of it, so he settled for a simple thanks and tried to get some sleep, telling himself that it would all be okay. A Malfoy lives and operates alone. But not this Malfoy. And maybe that will make all the difference in the world...

Draco supposed he must have dozed off at some point, because he eventually opened his eyes to the thin morning light drifting in from the window. Even sunshine managed to be cold and dark here somehow.

"Morning," Potter greeted him, "You doing okay?"

"No," Draco admitted, "But it's fine. I can't leave my mother like this, though, I have to help her somehow... but..."

"No, help is coming for her," Potter replied, "I've sent an owl to St. Mungo's. Last night, I sent Hedwig from the inn."

"Wait, you WHAT!?" Draco shot upright in the bed, "No, Potter... that's... no... you didn't..."

"Narcissa needs help, a healer, a proper healer!" Potter said. "This is beyond anything you or I can do, and I can guarantee Lucius isn't helping, either. Her best chance is in the hospital!"

"Yes, you're right, but... Potter... A Malfoy accepts help from nobody! Lucius will lose his shit over this..."

"What!? Why???"

"The family shame, Potter, the Malfoy family name must be kept untarnished and shining at all fucking times! A Malfoy will die before accepting help or being admitted to the hospital because the family name is EVERYTHING here. Accepting help means admitting defeat, showing weakness... Potter, no healer has EVER set foot in the Manor before..."

Potter was looking at him with a strange expression. It definitely wasn't pity– one reason why Draco liked Potter so much– but it was something.

"Draco..." Potter said softly, "I... I'm gonna be honest here, I don't think that's the real reason Lucius doesn't allow healers to enter the Manor..."

Against all reasoning and logic and his own better judgment, Draco broke. Everything inside him shattered into a million pieces; the final fragments of the elaborate glass world Lucius built for him came crashing down as Potter pulled him in close and held him together.

Friendship is fleeting and passion holds no sustenance. So what is this then...?

The watery light of early morning gave way to cold winter sunshine, and Draco gathered all that was left of himself to face whatever today held for him. Armed with his bargaining chips, Potter at his side, he put on his Malfoy mask once more and strode out into the corridors, down the stairs, and into the parlor where Lucius sat, waiting and alone. Shit.

But you're not alone. Potter's here.

"Ah, my son," Lucius smiled icily, "Shall we discuss your future then? A future where you live up to your family name and legacy, a future where a son demonstrates proper respect to his mother and father?"

"A future that I choose for myself," Draco replied, determined to see his plan through to the end. We're both fucked if I fail. He took the black satchel out of Potter's schoolbag and threw it across the room at Lucius' feet, gold scattering over the black marble floor. "Here's your money back. I don't want it. I don't need it."

"My poor son, have I taught you nothing?" Lucius feigned concern, "Who are you without your name and legacy? Life is a dark and cruel game, a game in which one comes out victorious while countless legions fester below. You think you are so enlightened. You have no idea. How could you possibly live as just another commoner, scrambling for scraps and fighting for gold? You do not know hunger. You do not know what it is to go without. You poor, poor soul..."