"Know me broken by my master..." (DH Canon)
Draco would often sequester himself in his room. Much as he could with the constant presence of Death Eaters in his family's estate. Sometimes he would have to perform tasks. Like dealing with the prisoner downstairs in the basement. He never permit himself to speak much with him, keeping everything at a distant. It was easier that way. Even though it was harder to bury his emotions like he used to. The impassive mask had long crumbled, and he couldn't hide his fear anymore. Not even in front of the Dark Lord.
Like when he's asked to conduct other tasks. Punishment on behalf of the Dark Lord. There was no joy in the anguish he was forced to cause, even though it was another Death Eater he was torturing. Simple enough to do, not like the man wouldn't do so to him with relish if their positions were reverse. But the screams of pain tore into Draco's soul. And the Dark Lord knew it, and it pleased him the torment he was causing for the son. The son who failed him like his father had failed him. Only the purity of their blood, and their remaining loyalty was enough to spare their lives for the moment. But it didn't spare them from the Dark Lord's jeers, his humiliations. Because he knew they would have to obey him.
Including Draco.
Because if he stopped, if he refused.
"
Draco, give Rowle another taste of our displeasure....Do it, or feel my wrath yourself!"
He would receive double. So he had no choice, but to obey the Dark Lord's wishes.
Because he was ultimately weak, and a coward.
Like when he's asked to conduct other tasks. Punishment on behalf of the Dark Lord. There was no joy in the anguish he was forced to cause, even though it was another Death Eater he was torturing. Simple enough to do, not like the man wouldn't do so to him with relish if their positions were reverse. But the screams of pain tore into Draco's soul. And the Dark Lord knew it, and it pleased him the torment he was causing for the son. The son who failed him like his father had failed him. Only the purity of their blood, and their remaining loyalty was enough to spare their lives for the moment. But it didn't spare them from the Dark Lord's jeers, his humiliations. Because he knew they would have to obey him.
Including Draco.
Because if he stopped, if he refused.
"
Draco, give Rowle another taste of our displeasure....Do it, or feel my wrath yourself!"
He would receive double. So he had no choice, but to obey the Dark Lord's wishes.
Because he was ultimately weak, and a coward.