"They’re with me always, Hermione. All the choices I’ve made and the consequences they had. I thought I was special. I was a naive, arrogant shite and when I realized the Dark Lord was only using me as a means to an end, I was already in too deep. He didn’t care about me, never had. I was a punishment for my father and his failures. I was a pawn, easily replaceable and I never want to feel like that again." He took in a shuddering breath, staring out across the room before he pierced her with his gaze.