Saving Harry

Chapter 18 –

Felix and Severus had long gone their separate ways, with Severus storming back off to his potions classroom and Felix running off to hide somewhere. Malachi remained in the living room, staring into the continuously roaring fire with great contemplation.

Malachi had hated being away from Severus for so long but the order required it of him, truth be told Malachi still wondered how much good his 'mission' had brought but nevertheless Malachi had obeyed Dumbledore to secure the safety of his two brothers.

Malachi had had no idea that James had married, Charlus had died or even his mother had gone back to his father but he did know that Severus had been coerced into joining Voldemort and for Malachi that was a black day. Knowing his brothers skin was marked in such a horrid way with the cruellest of intentions, it made him shiver and he still puzzled as to what Severus' motives had been by joining after all, they were half-bloods themselves and wasn't that one of the things Voldemort despised?

But he had to hand in to Severus, he had heard that his baby brother had risen fast through the ranks and was quickly named as one of Voldemorts right hand men and it pleased him even more when Dumbledore announced his brother was in fact a spy, maybe there was some human decency in there somewhere.

Enough of moping about the past, Malachi had to sort out the current situation. If Felix was anything like James then he knew that Felix would be in the room of requirement, Malachi really didn't want Felix to be on his own right now but little did Malachi know that Felix wasn't alone.

On the way out of Severus' rooms Felix had run into Draco Malfoy and the minute his eyes locked with the platinum haired boy, he lost it. Felix launched himself at Draco, pinning him against the wall but as he tried to scream at his peer, he couldn't find the words and instead completely broke.

Draco didn't know what to do as he held a sobbing Felix in his arms. None of them could be caught down here together and so Draco decided that he would guide Felix to an empty classroom off the main corridor. Draco placed a quick locking and silencing spell upon the room as he watched Felix melt against the wall, the younger boy clearly didn't have any clue as to his current surroundings as he sobbed.

Draco's guarded heart broke as he watched Felix battle with the tears he had undoubtedly held onto for so many years. Draco had no idea what had brought on this on but all the blonde could think about were those marked wrists and how to protect them.

A Malfoy being concerned about others besides them and anything below a pureblood was unheard of, Draco refused to think of the consequences had his father him now. Lucius Malfoy was not one to be social naturally, sure enough, he could put on a charming act when required to attend a dinner party but other than that, it was strictly business. Draco had always admired the man's capability to switch off his emotions but in recent years, Draco had come to pity his father. As Draco discovered a world outside of pureblood hypocrisy, he began to realise how lonely the man must be; true he had the love of his wife but was that really enough?

Narcissa Black Malfoy was a wonderful creature and Draco idolised her, sure enough, she had the same traits as her husband with the unwillingness to express uncharted emotion but she had always been true with Draco. Draco remembered fondly of the times when his mother would sing to him whilst they lay underneath the blooming willow tree at the base of their garden, but in recent years, the tree had been neglected as Narcissa spend her hours in her study pining for the carefree days without a Lord and Master; without Voldemort.

Felix was vaguely aware of Draco's presence, too caught up in the moment to care as his world of locked away emotions came storming to the surface. Felix wasn't sure what to do, he felt so guilty for being a burden to his brother, bereaved by the fact his beloved parents weren't his parents and that he walked from one abusive household straight into another; his fathers. Then there was Malachi, he seemed so determined to help and that frightened Felix, sure the guy was nice enough and Severus trusted him but it still did nothing to convince Felix that this man was going to be able to help things. It was too late for that.

Felix started to slowly draw back his robe sleeve, allowing the stream of daylight from the miniscule window frame the forest of scars. As Draco saw this advancement, he sat down beside the boy, clasped Felix's hand placing it on top of the scars, and spoke the solemn word "No."

Felix seemed to cry harder at this command and Draco responded by pulling him into his chest in an attempt to comfort the boy in the wake of his despair. Draco was unsure how long it took Felix to calm but soon the boys fell into a peaceful sleep slumped together against the wall. Unbeknown to them Severus had stumbled upon the locked door and had easily unlocked it to find his brother and godson together; he smiled slightly at the sight and made a note to thank Draco for being there for his brother in ways he could not be.