i am strangely fascinated by fics in which draco has a history of abuse. it makes me wonder why people are inclined to write him that way besides the obvious hurt/comfort potential [which doesn't figure into ivyblossom's story so much because for the longest time, harry simply has no clue].

while the backstory of draco's abuse is certainly important to the story, it's not the central element, i'd say, and it's not a depressing fic, either. i would however agree that you'd have to be in the mood to read it.