Malfoy's wand soared out of his hand in a high arc. Harry heard it clatter to a landing on a lower balcony, but he never took his eyes off his least favorite Slytherin.

"Explain yourself," Harry ordered, but Malfoy had scarcely opened his mouth with Michael staggered to his feet. "Harry!" he cried, his breathing ragged. "Thank god you've come, I didn't know what to do, he was going to kill me!"

To Harry's surprise, Malfoy didn't deny the accusation. "Too right I was," he growled, his voice rough. "In fact, I'd finish the job right now if Potter'd let me," he added, his face twisted with hate. His fists were clenched at his side, as though the effort of not strangling Michael was causing him physical pain. With effort, he wrenched his gaze away from the cowering Hufflepuff and locked eyes with Harry.

"Potter," he said, and the usual haughty tone was completely absent. Instead, his voice sounded raw, almost pleading. "I only tortured him because he deserved it. He…hurt…Ginny, and I couldn't let that stand. It wouldn't be right. I'm not asking you to let me have a go at him," he added hastily, correctly interpreting the incredulous look in Harry's eyes, "but I am asking you to believe me. Please. I know I haven't exactly been a friend to you these past five years…" (Harry snorted, but Malfoy continued as if the interruption hadn't occurred) "but I'll swear to any god you can think of that I'm telling the truth now. Please believe me, if not for me then for her," he finished, inclining his head toward Ginny. There was such tenderness in his eyes when he looked at her, such unquestionable sincerity in his tone that for a moment Harry almost believed him. Almost. Then reality came rushing back. This was Malfoy, for Christ's sake. Was there anything he wasn't capable of. No line he wouldn't cross.

Suddenly, Harry was aware of Ginny, who was still lying broken on the balcony. A wave of concern washed over him. She looked so small and fragile the way she was, crumpled up on the floor. With that in mind, Harry advanced slowly up the staircase, gesturing at Malfoy with his wand as he did so. "Back away slowly," he ordered. Malfoy shot a look at Michael, who was still standing relatively close, and planted his feet, making it clear he wasn't going to move an inch. Harry rolled his eyes. "You, too," he said exasperatedly to Michael, although he didn't really believe Michael Corner had anything to do with Ginny's current condition. Michael looked confused.

"Harry, I didn't - "

Harry held up his wand-free hand to shut Michael up. "I know, okay? Just back away please, I need to get a better look at her."

Michael's eyebrows scrunched together, but he went willingly enough. Malfoy closed his eyes, and with a sigh of defeat, backed into the opposite corner, glaring at Michael throughout. Harry climbed the last few steps and knelt by Ginny's side, taking her limp wrist in his hand. To his immense relief, he could feel a pulse fluttering there, faint but regular. Her pale complexion had even less color in it than usual, a fact exacerbated by the famous hair that resembled flames dancing around her face. Harry felt a sudden and overwhelming urge to protect her, a desire that compelled him to made several quick decisions.

"Petrificus totalus," he uttered calmly, directing his wand at Malfoy, who immediately went stiff as a board, propped up against the wall, with only his eyes betraying his horror. Ignoring him, Harry slid one arm under Ginny's knees and cradled her shoulders with the other. Getting to his feet was easy enough – Ginny was very light. In fact, it felt as though a sudden breeze might pluck her from his arms. The overwhelming need to keep her safe resurfaced, and Harry tightened his grip before turning his attention to Michael, who was surveying the scene with wide, perplexed eyes. "You, there," Harry said, although there was really no one else in a fit state to be addressed. "Why don't you walk in front of me."

"But, Harry," Michael protested, "I haven't done anything wrong!"

"We'll leave that up to Dumbledore to decide," Harry responded grimly. "Now stop whining and head for the hospital wing. We haven't got much time."

A/N: I still really like this story. It's probably my favorite I've written on this site so far, but if you don't share that sentiment, the only way to tell me is in a review! Predictions, concerns? Any commentary is welcome. :]