Short one this time- Draco is just a poor, hot mess... back to Hermione in the next chappie!

Chapter Ten: Growing Pains

2 Jan.

He hadn’t been the same since the training. The rage, the coldness, the malice he felt would not subside. Adrenaline pounded through his body at an uncontrollable rate. “This is a normal reaction to the first use of your powers at this level of intensity- it will pass,” Lucius assured him. “In time, you will be able to control your feelings and access them only when you need them.”

Draco nodded, but his muscles remained tense and his fists were clenched. It was a horrible feeling, but he was completely at its mercy. He’d spent the last few days suffering through uncontrollable bursts of anger; the knuckles of his hands were bruised and bloodied from punching the walls repeatedly. Even his mother couldn’t get near him to try to calm him down. He couldn’t eat, he couldn’t sleep. His mind was tortured with frightening images of violent acts, ones he knew he was now capable of. He lay on his bed when he could force himself to do so, his breathing rapid and shallow and his heart slamming painfully in his chest. Make it stop, he pleaded with himself, please make it stop. It hurts so much.

Lucius knew that he couldn’t endure much more. He restrained him when he lashed out again, cursing and fighting to break his father’s hold. Bellatrix cast a calming spell. “Mollio mentis, sereno” she chanted over him, quieting him long enough for his mother to administer a sedating potion. Narcissa felt his muscles finally relax and he went limp in her arms, falling at once into a deep, dreamless sleep.