"I won't force you to do anything, Granger. But you have to realise, the Dark Lord will. If we don't go down to dinner as ordered, we will be dragged down, and we will be punished." He is white as a sheet, but doesn't cringe from the words. He was flogged because of her, Hermione thinks as Malfoy fiddles with the cuffs of his shirt. He was flayed open to protect her, because she wouldn't do as Voldemort ordered. And if they disobey again, both of them will suffer. And it seems pointless and useless and masochistic (and terrifying,) and Hermione looks at Malfoy and knows he cannot cope with any more punishment. Merlin, she can't, she thinks as she struggles for air, feeling stifled and suffocated, pressed in upon.