What a fabulous and fascinating character study this is. This is what Beholder is so good for. Antonin never really had a chance, poor thing. His background and the choices he had to make are heartbreaking, I really felt for him here. Always isolated, never allowed to love, or to have real friends...His life was truly tragic. I love the bit of hope you give him at the end, though. And that it was Narcissa's son that gave it to him was perfect. I really liked your Draco, too. He was tragic, but in an entirely different way. Beautifully written, MA! Great job.