Chapter 3

Carefully stepping out of the fireplace, Draco slowly directs the levitating figure behind him as he makes his way towards Severus's bedroom. The Malfoy heir has avoided looking at his previous classmate, unsure as to whether it is out of spite or something much deeper. Concern perhaps?

Passing through the Potions Master's study, Draco glances around. He has not been in his Godfathers quarters since last attending Hogwarts. And that, was roughly five years ago. Appreciating the tidiness of his uncle, Draco swiftly looks around. This place, though located within the depths of the castle, always felt like home to him. On several occasions when he was distraught and lost between what was right and what his parents wanted of him, Severus willing invited him in. He always offered an ear and guidance that many could not give. Especially, concerning his particular circumstances as a newly appointed Death Eater.

As Draco continues to direct Harry's seemingly unconscious body after him, a low moan escapes the Gryffindor's swollen lips. Startled, Draco jumps, almost losing control over the floating figure. Fixing himself, the Malfoy manages to right his mistake just before Harry plummets to the floor. That was close. Uncle Severus would have killed me

He quickens his pace as the bedroom entrance comes into sight. As he reaches the cracked door, behind it, muttering can be heard along with a faint ripping sound. Daring to take a quick glance at Potter before entering, Malfoy surveys the boys damage. The frail figure, once unconscious and still, now trembles uncontrollably. His eyes are tightly shut, closing himself off from the world. The boy's face is full of anguish as his jaw is tightly clenched, sweat beading down his forehead. As a loud cry leaves him, Draco hastily turns around again, opening the door the remainder of the way.

He walks in as Severus continues to prepare the bed. Blankets are half torn from the bed frame, partially lying on the dark slate ground. Severus continues his work, placing towels over the mattress. After covering the remaining surface, the loyal Death Eater looks up. Shoulder length hair covers his face, obstructing it from view. Taking his hand, Severus brushes the long black strands away. Surprised, Draco takes an intake of breath. Never has he seen such emotion blatantly displayed on his Godfather's face. The Potions Master looks grave. His skin paler than usual and his beaded eyes wild with fear are clearly noticeable to any onlooker. A vulnerability about the older wizard is evident. However, after another moment of exchanged glances, the silence is broken by a raspy voice.

"Could you have taken any longer?"

Severus's expression is once again blank, such as expected from a wizard highly skilled in occlumency. Ignoring the snide remark targeting him, Draco quickly moves forward, levitating Potter to rest upon the bed. They watch as the Gryffindor's body thrashes around, his cries becoming louder and more persistent.

"What's wrong with him?" Draco asks, curiosity getting the better of him.

Severus ignores his Godson's question as he does too often. In reply, he instructs the blonde to retrieve a calming drought and dreamless sleep potion from his lab, located down the hall. Alone with the Boy Who Lived, the old wizard takes a deep breath as he surveys the pain driven boy. Speaking more to himself than the unaware figure before him, Severus swiftly pushes up his sleeves.

"Let us begin, shall we Potter?"

As expected, there was no reply, only earnest cries. Pushing back any feelings both directed in positive and negative lights, the Death Eater begins his work. His well-used hands expertly feel over the boy's body, looking for broken bones. As expected, three ribs are cracked. Taking his wand that lay resting on the bedside table, Severus points it at Harry's chest.

"Brackium Emendo"

Harry yells at the sudden shock of his targeted ribs adjusting themselves. Mere seconds later, Draco barges into the bedroom, most probably due to the deafening cry of anguish. The shear volume of the vocalization seemed to have reverberated throughout the entire vacant castle.

"What happened?"

Though dry and emotionless as it was, for once, Severus responded.

"I merely used a charm that healed Potter's broken ribs. By his reaction however, there is a possibility of internal bleeding."

The last words passing his lips finally began to sink in. Internally, Severus's chest tightened as panic arisen from within. Potter can't- die, I will not allow it!

Becoming somewhat frantic, the Potions Master pushes past Draco. Running into the hall, he makes a bee-line for his potions stock. The large cabinet creeks loudly as the door is flung open wide. Swiftly gazing over the storage's concoctions, Severus grabs for the intended potion. With it in hand, his dark robes billow behind his quick strides back towards where Potter lay. All the while, the cries and yells pound against his eardrum.

Uncorking the bottle, Severus carefully lowers it to Harry's lips. Tilting it slightly, the vials contents slowly pour into the gaping open mouth. Hastily plugging the boy's nose, the Professor watches intently as the potion is swallowed.

Satisfied, Severus places the empty bottle on the bedside table. Holding out his empty hand, he sternly addresses his Godson.

"Draco, the calming drought and dreamless sleeping potion."

The young Slytherin hesitantly steps forward, his eyes locked onto the gasping and trembling body lying upon the bed. Impatient, Severus snatches the potions from Draco's outstretched hand. As he turns toward his new ward once more, he speaks.

"You may go."

A pleading voice follows. "But Uncle, I-"

"Leave!"

Severus waits until he hears his Godson's departure. When the bedroom door clicks from behind him, the Potions Master surveys Harry for the second time that night. Easily visible since the boy's shirt was cast away, his chest rapidly rises from shallow breaths. Dried dark blood, stains the youth's skin from cuts covering his entire flesh. Bruises every color are found over his entire body. Moving his gaze to Harry's face, distress is evident. His eyes are tightly shut, never having opened the entire night. His facial muscles have remained strained and tight causing his forehead to wrinkle.

With another sob leaving the boy's lips, Severus rights himself. Taking the two potions Draco has fetched him, the Death Eater forces them down the unwilling boy's throat. Severus watches the instant effects of the potions as Harry's body finally stills. The muscles cascading down and around the Gryffindor have relaxed, making his body sink into the soft mattress. His cries have quieted as even breathing take over, bringing the figure into dreamless unconsciousness.

Sitting on the end of the bed, Severus watches his new ward drift to sleep. After the strain of the nights events, he can't help the swarm of worries and thoughts bombard his mind.

Now, knowing full to well the potion he created for the Dark lord was given to the boy, Severus leans forward, soothingly caressing the sleeping Gryffindor's cheek.

"Oh Potter, what am I to do with you now?"

Let me know what you guys think so far! Would like any suggestions if you have them. (And I promise Harry will wake up next chapter :))