Agony

Three days. Three agonising days. His usually well-styled hair was standing up at odd angles from him constantly raking his hands through it in frustration. The wizard's face was also plagued by a five o'clock shadow as he had not shaved in days. The nurses at St Mungo's had kicked him out earlier that morning with orders to get some rest. Understandable as he had not slept or eaten anything and still insisted on staying by the comatose witch's side.

Orion was now sitting by his desk, head in his hands reading Zacharias's report from the Leaky Cauldron on the day of the attack. The five Death Eaters had all managed to flee the scene before the Aurors had gotten to the pub, all that was left was the destruction they had left behind. Some of Artemis' blood had been found on the scene and they had deduced that she had tried multiple times to get out through the Anti-Apparating wards before finally succeeding. The ward itself had barely held its place but it was severely damaged and had to be redone. According to Zacharias, the pub itself suffered a lot of damage, it looked like a war had been raging inside. Thankfully there had been minimal civilians being hurt, as most of them had either fled outside or taken cover behind their own shielding wards.

The dark Auror had questioned most of them when arriving at the scene. None of them had seen the faces of the criminals, but they all agreed that the masks they wore seemed like the real deal. There had been a couple who thought they saw some of them escape through the streets of London, but the Aurors had found no trace of anyone. Tom the innkeeper had verified that Artemis had been there with what he thought was an Auror Trainee and that the young man had managed to escape through the back door and hopefully made it out to Diagon Alley. Zacharias had chosen not to correct the man in his beliefs as it was easier. How he had not realised who the young wizard was was none of their concern.

Orion read the report over and over in hopes of finding a detail that he had missed but it was still the same. In frustration he slid his hands over his desk making everything crash to the floor, the sounds of breaking glass and fluttering papers filled the room for a second before going silent.

The portrait opened suddenly and Zacharias walked in, he gave Orion a surprised look as he silently went over to his desk to sit down. Looking at the mess on the floor he took out his wand and casually spelled it back into order.

"You look like a bloody mess, mate." The blond gave him a sour look but said nothing.

"Finally got kicked out of the hospital heh?" Again Orion only looked at the man, not bothering to answer. The other man sighed loudly as he placed his feet up on his desk.

"She will be fine mate, you know this." Anger boiled dangerously beneath his skin as he clenched his fists together.

"How would you know?" The other wizard frowned at him and shrugged.

"I just know, she's a tough witch." Something in Orion snapped as he got up from his chair in anger, looking at the man with killing intent.

"You just know?! You just know?! Don't give me that bullshit! What are you even doing here? Get back out there and do your fucking job!" In all the past years the two wizards had been friends Orion had never shouted like this to Zacharias and the other man looked at him with shock before he seemed to calm himself. In response, he held up his hands in defeat and locked his eyes on Orion.

"Listen King. I understand that you are on edge because she ended herself in a coma and all. We are all worried for her. But no need to take that tone mate. I am just back 'cus I needed a break." Orion's heart was beating fast in his chest and he slowly sat down again.

The room was quiet for a few minutes before the other wizard spoke up again.

"Do you remember one of the first cases we had as newly appointed Aurors? The case where Prince was bait for that kidnapper that had kidnapped whoever the fuck's kid in the Ministry? Back then you were totally calm, not even the slightest worried. What is different now?" The blond wizard looked at his friend in wonder for a second before he remembered the case he was referring to.

It was their first year on the job and one of their first real cases. Some wizard had been accused of kidnapping a high official in the Ministry's child but had appeared not guilty every time something came across him. Artemis had been appointed to be the bait and was to take down the place from the inside. In the end, it was the wizard that they had suspected and Artemis had kept him under wand point until backup had arrived. He had been worried back then of course, but he had no reason to show it because of the bond. It had been fully open, they trusted each other back then. That was before all the lies, the secrets and the uncertainties. Orion gripped his hair again and let out a growl of frustration.

"King?" The blond slammed his hands on his desk and stood up again.

"I CAN'T FEEL HER! I have been bonded to her for ten years and suddenly now I feel nothing! That is the big difference! At least back then I knew exactly what she was feeling and that she was fine!" The blond was breathing hard and his heart felt like it was going to explode from the anger outburst. The other wizard had gotten out of his chair and had walked up to him, grabbing his shoulder.

"I'm sorry Orion. I can't understand how you feel. But I know that if Artemis saw you right now she would scold you for not looking like 'the Slytherin King you are.'" Zacharias grinned at him and Orion had to give him a small smile back. He was then pushed towards the bedroom by the taller man.

"Now go take a shower and shave. Like I said you look like a bloody mess, mate." The blond decided not to fight his friend on that and made his way towards the bathroom going by his trunk to get a fresh uniform as he went.

Secured in the bathroom he shed off his clothes and looked at himself in the mirror. Zacharias had been right, he did look bloody awful. If Artemis could see him now she would indeed scold him. Orion smiled a sombre smile to his reflection as he turned on the water. The blond just stood under the spray for a few minutes before he started to wash himself for real. He took time to think as the room filled with fog, for what felt like the thousandth time that day alone he felt around for Artemis with the bond. Nothing. Slamming his fist against the shower wall he could feel tears threatening to fall. He had forgotten how it was to not share his feelings with someone, it made him feel constantly on edge and he hated himself for not making up with Artemis when he had the chance. She had said that they would put it behind them for now but that did not mean he was forgiven for what he had done. The tears started to run down his cheek as a sob escaped him and he slid down to the shower floor. Watching as the water ran down the drain in a rapid whirlpool.

~𓆗~

Draco's eyes were owlishly big from what he had just heard. He had been told by Auror Zouch to come by the Aurors' office after dinner and had walked straight there, avoiding most students on his way. The Aurors had taught him quite a few shortcuts through the castle so that he could navigate it by himself now that Auror Blackmoore was in the hospital. They still took turns following him to class however and he knew that most of the time Auror Thompson was around but not seen as the wizard favoured using invisibility potions. As he had arrived in front of the painting of Salazar Slytherin the old man had told him that it was not a wise time to enter. But after he had seen that he was of the proud Slytherin house he had opened the way just enough so that Draco could listen in without tripping the eavesdropping hex.

Up until this point, the blond had believed that it was Auror Thompson who was the witch's Master if she even had any. But now that he knew that she was bonded to Auror Silver that theory shifted somewhat, could she be bonded to one but branded with another? If the ritual had been changed anyway it could be possible he thought. As he heard the door to what had to be the Aurors' bedroom close he was about to enter the office but was stopped by someone clicking their tongue behind him. Freezing slightly, Draco swallowed thickly as he turned around. His eyes met Auror Thompson and Auror Zouch in turn. The second Auror looked at him with a glint in his eye and a smile that sent shivers down Draco's spine.

"My my, snooping again Mr Malfoy?" Auror Thompson had the same wolf grin plastered on his face as the time they had met in the bedroom. Again the blond swallowed thickly a little unsure of what to do. It was obvious that both the wizards had caught him red-handed and there was little use in lying.

"The painting was slightly open." He peeked at the old wizard in the frame but frowned when he saw that he had disappeared.

"Not that it matters much, follow us, Mr Malfoy, we need to have a chat. This way please." Auror Zouch sounded way too professional, it was a voice that Draco had not heard before and it worried him. He looked to Auror Thompson who kept grinning at him and pointed down the hall. The blond started to walk and was quickly followed by the other men which led him into the trophy room that was a few paces down from the office. Once inside the shorter wizard sealed the door shut as Auror Thompson and himself got each other seated on their own chairs. It was obvious that the men had prepared for this beforehand. The wizard was still grinning at him like he had caught his prey and for the first time when these men had been in his presence, he felt unsafe.

When the other Auror was also seated they both looked at him with polite smiles.

"Now, Mr Malfoy. I am going to be straightforward with you. You have been gathering information about our dear Artemis correct?" The blond met Auror Zouch's eyes bravely and nodded. There was no use in lying at this point. Especially not to this man who had the biggest information network in the whole country. The man probably knew more about most people than they knew about themselves. For all Draco knew they had dragged him in here just to confirm what they knew. The Auror's eyes glinted again knowingly.

"You are probably aware that you are at risk of being Obliviated correct?" The young Malfoy flinched slightly but managed to remain calm as he nodded again. Auror Thompson twiddled his wand around his fingers nonchalantly clearly showing he was ready to take aim.

"Now we will ask some simple questions and hopefully you will choose to tell the truth. Yes or no will suffice. For now." Auror Zouch said. Draco tried to swallow but his throat felt like it was filled with sand.

"Yes, Sir" He managed to get out after a few tries and he was met with foreboding smiles from both of the Aurors. Auror Zouch materialised a magic quill seemingly from thin air that immediately started to write even before anything was said.

"Good. The first question, you have seen how she looks without a Glamour, correct?"

"Yes, Sir." Auror Thompson raised an eyebrow towards the other man's direction, but the wizard paid him no mind and continued with the questions.

"Did you do research on the Glamour charm in the library?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Did you find out what the branding mark could signify?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Do you know if she has a Master?"

"No, Sir." Both of the Aurors seemed to relax at that information, and Draco found it odd of them to ask such a thing as this now confirmed that she indeed had a Master. However, the blond wizard could not help looking at Auror Thompson a little longer than necessary. He had not reacted in any particular fashion so it seemed that they did not know that he had a theory that he was the Master at all. Which in the end might be a good thing Draco reasoned.

Auror Zouch looked at him strictly again soon enough however and it seemed he was nowhere near done with the questions.

"Do you know why she has a branding mark in the first place?"

"Maybe, Sir." Again Auror Thompson raised an eyebrow towards his colleague, but as before the other wizard paid him no mind.

"Is it true that Miss Loftwind told you something that gave you more of an understanding?" Draco looked at the Auror Informant now and studied him in return. The man seemed to have expected this as he leaned back in his chair, waiting patiently for an answer. The blond recalled that the Auror had been sent over to Loftwind to interrogate her on the day of the attack and the witch must have told him something about the talk the two had earlier the same day. He peeked a look at the other Auror who was looking at him with the look of a predator, it was obvious that these two were a dangerous team. One that asked directly and one that attacked from the shadows. Draco praised Salazar that Auror Thompson had shown mercy by at least being visible.

"She told me that Auror Blackmoore is something more than a human, but she is not possessed in any way. On the contrary, she is the one that feeds on the power." The sky-blue eyes of Auror Zouch studied him for a long time before he seemed satisfied with the answer.

"You don't seem to be scared of her in any way even though you saw her more dangerous side just a short time ago. I can assure you that had it not been for Auror Thompson here you would be deceased. A few people have lived after, a so-called 'experience' shall we say." Draco knew full well this to be true, but now he could not shake the hunch that maybe Auror Thompson could be the one who was her Master after all. Even though he had just gotten confirmation that she was bonded to Auror Silver which made their relationship more confusing to Draco.

He had seen them kissing with his own eyes, yes, but their everyday demeanour was that of dripping poison. Especially the first week they had arrived at school. The blond knew that people had accidentally bonded to each other on many occasions and if a bond first stuck it was impossible to separate it. Had it happened on a mission? The witch seemed close to all of the men in their party, sure, but it seemed to the blond that the relationship between Auror Thompson and herself was different. The man had more or less threatened him the other day when he had asked him if he had a crush on the brunette. What's more, was the fact that the auburn-haired wizard had found her first when he had been attacked, but the bond should have warned Auror Silver that something was wrong. Maybe the brand was overpowering the bond in some way and if that was the case Draco wondered for a second what had happened first, the bonding ritual or the branding ritual.

The blond looked over to the other Auror in the room then.

"I don't think I ever thanked you properly Auror Thompson. Thank you for saving my life that day." The Auror just rolled his eyes at him while grinning.

"Part of the job." Auror Zouch cleared his throat and made eye contact with the young Malfoy again.

"Why are you not scared of her Mr Malfoy?" The blond thought back to the conversation he had with the witch in the Aurors' office the same day when she had attacked him. All that went through his head then was his newfound jealousy and that he did not care about what in the world she was, he trusted her. Especially now that he knew the jealousy came from love. He saw no reason to lie at this point as he shrugged slightly.

"She showed me mercy when I needed it and her touch has been careful and caring for the past weeks. No matter what I tell her she listens seriously before answering, not always straightforward perhaps, but she gives me an answer that I can somehow accept. It was that way when she showed me her scars. I… I was ashamed of the Sectumsempra scar I have, and instead of showing me pity, she got angry. 'I was lucky' she said and that I was not deserving of her pity. To prove a point she showed me all the scars she bears on her every day. She gave me her trust instead of her pity and I decided to do the same in return. I am convinced that she would never hurt me like that if she was sane. I know that she also felt guilty for hurting Auror Thompson in the process. You didn't see her face when she came into the shop Sir, she was relieved to see that I was alright, even if she was the one that was hurt so terribly. I… I am terrified that she will die and it will be all my fault." Without him noticing tears had started to fall from his eyes and the two wizards in front of him had both gotten a softer look on their faces.

All the agony, shame, guilt and worry that he had suppressed the last three days came flooding out and he soon found himself sobbing loudly. Draco had started to take Dreamless draughts every night to make sure that the Aurors got to do their job and didn't have to worry about him. Not that he was sure if they would even notice he needed help. The witch had not told him how she knew when to arrive every night and if it was because of her powers the other Aurors would not be able to help him so urgently without sleeping in the same room as him.

The young blond had also buried himself in homework to keep his mind busy with something. He had even started going to the study groups that Granger had arranged in the library. Him being the only Slytherin had been weird in the beginning but with some scowling from Potter, the rest had come around. Granger had also put a stop to all questions about his involvement in the attack in the Leaky Cauldron blaming it on that it was not part of the school curriculum.

His hands were shaking violently and it felt like his heart was going to break. One of the wizards had walked behind him and placed his hands on Draco's shoulders softly. He heard the sound of a chair moving closer and a potion bottle was thrust into his hands. Confused, he looked up and found Auror Zouch's sky-blue eyes looking at him in a friendly manner.

"Calming draught." He simply said and gestured for Draco to drink it. The hands on his shoulders squeezed reassuringly and he took a deep breath before downing the potion. The effect was almost immediate and he felt himself relax significantly.

"I only have one last question for you, Mr Malfoy. Did you recognise any of the voices of any of the Death Eaters that day?" The blond thought about it for a quick second before shaking his head. Auror Zouch nodded in understanding before the man's whole demeanour seemed to change. His expression returned to that familiar friendliness that he showed in the Great Hall at breakfast and when he had followed Draco to his classes. The magical quill also vanished and he looked up at his partner who was still standing behind Draco, with his hands on his shoulders.

"Anything you want to add Cyril?" The man let go of Draco to move to his partner's left. His eyes locked with the young blond.

"Listen, Mr Malfoy. Artemis does not, will not, blame you for any of this. This is not her first mission by far and truth be told we are all worried but she has always been able to pull through. Remember that." The Auror had a knowing look in his eyes now, but Draco could see the pain and worry that was evident on the surface of his eyes and only nodded in response. The wizard seemed happy with the answer and went to open the door only to proceed outside immediately. Auror Zouch who was still seated in front of Draco chuckled at his colleague.

"The man speaks the truth. He does not lie, not anymore at least." The blond looked at him quizzically but the older wizard just winked at him in return. The Auror stood up from his seat and smiled again at the young blond.

"I did not ask because I know you heard the conversation my colleagues had in our office before Cyril and I ambushed you so rudely. We will give you the courtesy of trust as you told us the truth so fluently just now. I hope you will use this information wisely Mr Malfoy." The young wizard looked up at the man dumbfounded and he got a laugh in return.

"Shall we go to the kitchen? Calming draught might help but I find nothing really surpasses a hot cup of cocoa at times like this." Still dumbfounded the boy nodded and hurried after the older wizard as he had started to walk ahead of him.

~𓅃~

Orion had finally finished cleaning himself up after the mental breakdown and was now clean-shaven and looked more presentable overall than he had done for the last three days. He had to admit that he felt better now that he was wearing fresh clothes.

It was way past dinner time and he frowned to himself in the bathroom mirror when he could not recall the last time he ate. With a sigh, he decided to go down to the kitchen to get Mips to cook something up for him, even though he had been back at Hogwarts for almost two weeks already he had not been down to the kitchen once. But he did not doubt that the little elf would recognise him. In passing he wondered if anyone had told the little creature that Artemis was in the hospital and decided that if it didn't come up he would not mention it.

Going into the office he noticed it was empty and scowled. Hopefully, Zacharias had not taken what he said too much to heart and was out overworking himself. One partner in the hospital was one partner too many. Walking at a slow pace towards the kitchen he studied the walls as he went and was reminded of the first night he had met Artemis. It had been up on the fifth floor if he recalled correctly. Everything was so different then and he wondered if what would have happened to the witch if he hadn't gotten too curious to let it go. He suddenly laughed to himself when he realised that even to this day he did not know how she had managed to hide him from Peeves. If he saw the ghost he would have to ask him about it.

Few students were walking the hall as most had gone back to their common rooms to start their homework for the day, but Orion was not surprised to find Potter and his friend Weasley in the hall on their way somewhere. They both stopped when they saw him and waited for him to get closer before the Weasley boy nudged Potter in the arm.

"Come on mate, ask him!" Out of curiosity, Orion stopped in front of Potter to wait for what he was going to ask.

"Ah, um… Auror Silver, Sir. I was wondering if Auror Blackmoore is alright? You haven't shown yourself at school the last few days and Malfoy seemed kind of out of it." After the ravenhead had finally gotten his question out Orion had to smile at the boy. He had momentarily forgotten that the Saviour had insisted on coming with them to the hospital after he had learned that Malfoy was nowhere to be found at school. Somehow the two boys had found a middle ground to form a friendship on and it seemed to benefit them both in a way.

"Sadly she is still in a coma Mr Potter, but I appreciate you asking. I also want to thank you for watching over Mr Malfoy, in your own way." The blond Auror had to bite back a laugh when the ravenhead looked at him with wide green eyes. The fact that Potter had the Marauder's Map was not a secret to any of them. The Headmistress had also told them that he had it but he was allowed to keep it now that he was technically an adult and saving the world probably had something to do with it.

The ravenhead blushed slightly while looking confused at the taller wizard. Weasley looked equally confused behind him and Orion settled with just smiling at them both and continued on his way.

"Must have gone mad while he was gone that one… Ouch!" Could be heard as he walked away and he had to wonder if Weasley was right in that aspect.

~𓅃~

Another surprise was waiting for the blond as he entered the kitchen and found Septimus and Malfoy seated at the table in the back. They were both locked in a conversation about the different effects that cocoa had on the mood for some reason Orion could not understand and wondered in a fleeting second if Septimus was in the middle of one of his schemes. Both of them noticed him however when he got closer. His partner's face changed from humour to worry when he saw him.

"King? What brings you here at this hour?" The tall blond sat down next to the young Malfoy before he answered.

"I am starving. Got thrown out of the hospital. But you knew that already Ace. Why are you two down here?" He watched as a smirk spread on the other Auror's face and his eyes glinted with amusement.

"Having some cocoa, of course, want a cup? Mips is around here somewhere. Wish for a refill, Mr Malfoy?" The young blond nodded politely. Orion sighed at his partner's sweet tooth but nodded.

"Mips!" In a couple of seconds, the little elf came running from behind some stoves looking as eager as ever.

"Yes, pretty bird friend?" Orion had to snort when he heard the name that the elf used for Septimus, which in turn got her to notice the new guest in the kitchen. Her eyes widened comically as she looked at him before bowing deeply.

"Your majesty! You're also here! All of Misses' friends are here! What joy!!" The house-elf started to dance around on the spot as Septimus, in turn, snorted at his nickname. Malfoy was sitting there looking confused at the show in front of him.

"You majesty want something to drink too? Mips will bring it!" Orion smiled at the little eager creature.

"Something to eat as well please." Nodding so fast that she thought her head was going to pop off she went quickly back to where she had come from. Septimus started to laugh for real now as he looked after the elf.

"Seems like we were forgotten, Mr Malfoy. Nothing beats a King it seems." Orion rolled his eyes at his partner, while the young blond chuckled next to him.

He studied the young boy next to him from the corner of his eye. He seemed shaken but he had to agree with Potter that he looked out of it. He had obviously been taking Sleeping Draught every night as Orion could easily recognise the symptoms of overuse. The young blond's eyes looked like they had been drained of colour and they appeared glossy. His hands were also shaking slightly and the skin seemed the colour of ash. Not that he could be blamed for this as he had been in the middle of the whole affair.

"How are you doing Mr Malfoy?" He asked casually. The boy froze for a second before looking at the Auror in front of him. Septimus just smiled at him in return and Orion raised his eyebrow at them.

"I am better now that I've talked to Auror Zouch, Sir. What about yourself?" Orion understood now, it seemed that the sky-blue-eyed Auror had taken it upon himself to sort out the problems the young Malfoy was facing in his absence.

"I will admit that I've been better." The other blond nodded in understanding. All three wizards sat quietly in their own thoughts for a while before Mips came back with a refill of cocoa and what looked like enough food for ten.

"All of Misses friends need to eat! Now now, hurry before it gets cold!" Suddenly the elf stopped what she was doing and looked at the young Malfoy with wonder in her eyes.

"Missters, where is Misses?" Orion held his breath as he looked over to Septimus, the man seemed to have lost the ability to breathe as well as they both waited for the younger wizard to answer. Malfoy looked down at the elf and patted her softly on the head.

"She is sleeping Mips. Remember you said I had to take better care of myself so that she could sleep? That is why these two are here instead." The elf seemed to think about it for a while before she nodded curtly.

"Good! Misses has been working too much! Now eat all of you!" The blond Auror let out the breath he was holding and patted Malfoy on the back as Mips filled their glasses. The younger blond smiled at him carefully, his eyes filled with guilt. After Mips returned to her other duties Septimus spoke up.

"You really are a true Slytherin, Mr Malfoy." Malfoy looked at him confused.

"Pardon Sir?" Orion chuckled.

"Telling lies with a side of truth is a Slytherin's speciality. If you always have some truth in your lies they make them more believable for everyone. Including yourself. We might have a bad reputation as a House but I would believe that the other Houses have always been scared of what the snakes are whispering from the shadows. What is the lie and what is the truth? Keep them guessing and soon they will eat out of your palm." The young wizard looked at him with wide eyes as Septimus whistled.

"Coming from the old King of Slytherin. Wise words indeed." Orion rolled his eyes at the other wizard before he continued.

"Be proud of your House, Mr Malfoy. The silent hunters are always the most dangerous." The young blonde met his eyes, determination storming around in his grey-coloured eyes.

"Auror Blackmoore said the same thing. I understand what she said about you now Auror Silver." The Aurors looked at him curiously before he continued with a smirk.

"She also reminded me that all of you were former Slytherins and said if she ever saw you apologise for anything she would eat her uniform. It's clear she respects you all a lot." A sombre mood fell over the table then and they continued to eat their food in silence. Orion started to feel around for Artemis in the bond again, but there was still nothing.

With a loud sigh, he took a sip of his drink, well aware that two pairs of eyes were following his moves. Unknown to him they were all thinking the same thing. Would she ever wake up?