Legal disclaimer: Harry Potter in it's entirety belongs to J. and none other.

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Chapter 11 awareness

Hermione tossed and turned in her bed trying to get to sleep. But it seemed almost impossible as images of a hurt and wounded Draco Malfoy flitted in front of her eyelids. Somehow the image of the proud Malfoy being reduced to tears did not sit well with her. It did not seem right. Arrogance suited him, vulnerability did not. Granted it made him more human but the price was just too high. She felt something inside that she recognized as her heart melt as she relived Harry's words.

Her gut wrenched as the vision of Draco strapped down with his dead mother at his feet swam in front of her. She could not deny that she was greatly disturbed but 'why was she so disturbed? Would she feel this way for everyone and anyone or was it only for Draco Malfoy?

The questions rang in her mind as she tried to convince herself that anyone in his position would elicit sympathy, Anyone? A snide voice in her mind asked. Even Crabbe and Goyle? It mocked her and Hermione knew at that moment that it was not just sympathy for anyone.

It was sympathy for Draco Malfoy, the arrogant prat who had the most gorgeous silver grey eyes ever...what?Wait...gorgeous silver eyes, now where did this come from?

Hermione huffed in annoyance at herself 'gorgeous silver eyes indeed' she mentally scoffed, next it would be his wonderful handsome physique I suppose her sarcastic mental self supplied. Whoa! Wait a minute..sarcastic? When was she ever sarcastic? God this was so confusing. He was not even here and she was going mad. This was turning out to be ridiculous. Why Oh why! did she have to feel all these things for Malfoy, Why?

She fought against the sympathy and sorrow that threatened to engulf her but ultimately resigned herself to the fact it was a futile effort. She could not fight or explain for that matter the sympathy and sorrow she felt at Draco's plight and it left her troubled and confused.

With a hope that all would be resolved soon she tried to get back to sleep but sleep was playing truant. With all the questions in her mind there was one thing that she knew for sure though, Draco Malfoy was not an enemy in her eyes any longer. He was a lost soul who was in need of love and sympathy.

But at the same time she knew that he would never ever accept her sympathy or affection. To him, she would be just a mudblood know it all. Those things were part of his life and there was no getting around it. It was part of being Draco Malfoy pure blood aristocrat extraordinaire.

She sighed to herself...she really should just stop thinking about Draco Malfoy and get to sleep as it would only lead to more problems. There was no point in wasting time over the prat any longer. Whatever happened he brought it upon himself she told herself but it all came out weak and feeble. Her words jarred, warring with the image of a broken soul and a broken body. Brought this upon himself? No not really ...not really...not at all...

Meeting with Dumbledore

Hermione went down to breakfast to see Harry, Ron and the others already seated at the table. The Weasleys were there in full strength and the table was alive with conversation. The table was also already loaded with breakfast and the enticing aroma was wafting up to her.

She slid into the seat between Harry and Ron and served herself breakfast. Seeing the dark shadows under Harry's eyes she knew that he had not slept much either. She saw Harry looking at her own shadowed eyes with curiosity as he asked 'did you sleep well Mione?'Hermione shook her head in the negative 'how could I Harry? Your words were reverberating in my head and I could not get the images out. It was horrible. I wonder how Malfoy is doing truly' she admitted in a low tone.

Harry gave her a curious look murmuring ' hmmm' which Hermione filed away for later and turned to Ron 'gosh Ron! Those eggs are not going to disappear you know' she admonished. Ron just gave her a goofy smile back 'So did you sleep alright?' she asked him in a desperate bid to reassure herself that she was not the only one to lose sleep over Malfoy .She was however sorely disappointed when Ron replied ' why Hermione I did. "Why would I ever not? Don't tell me you lost sleep over the arrogant prat"he exclaimed.

Hermione kept quiet as she did not want to get into the discussion with the others being there. The last thing she wanted to do was get into an argument with Ron over Malfoy of all people in the Weasley's house!

She turned her attention to the other Weasleys as the discussion turned to the Daily Prophet and the day's news .Soon it was a regular noisy Weasley breakfast with the twins and Ginny getting into their arguments and discussions when the floo flared to life.

Dumbledore and Severus Snape walked into the room as Molly asked graciously if they wanted to join in the breakfast .Dumbledore however declined equally graciously 'Molly I am sorry that I have missed your excellent cooking but as you all know I have something to discuss with Harry' he said looking at Harry. Harry dutifully got up to follow with Ron and Hermione in tow. Snape looked at them disdainfully and sneered 'I see that you could not wait even for a few hours before telling your friends Potter'.

Harry looked at him with rising anger but kept quiet, knowing that it was useless to explain to Snape. Whatever he said would be taken in the wrong way so he just kept quiet and followed Dumbledore and Snape out of the dining room into the parlor. Dumbledore seated himself and motioned for the others to do the same.

Once everyone was seated, he steepled his fingers and looked at Harry over his glasses 'Harry I came to understand that last night you wanted to talk to me?' Harry nodded and Dumbledore continued 'was it a vision that you saw and am I to take it that your friends already know?' Harry nodded again feeling slightly uncomfortable with the admission but Dumbledore regarded him calmly and said ' well let me not stop you then. I would also like to know what you witnessed'.

Harry cleared his throat and once again launched into the tale of what he saw in the vision. He blushed furiously as he spoke of the rape and his face took on a sad tinge as he described what he saw of Malfoy's torture. He once again omitted the fact that the muggleborn girl was transfigured as Hermione for a while and noticed the shrewd look that Snape gave him. Harry realized then that Snape was privy to the knowledge and knew that Snape would wonder as to why he didn't mention it. Knowing Snape he would probably try to tinge that with suspicion and what not.

Dumbledore however gave no indication of having recognised the fact and listened raptly as Harry finished with an ' I thought that if all that was true perhaps you would be able to rescue him Professor'. Snape gave him a narrowed look as he asked 'and pray tell me why you would want to save Mister Malfoy? I was clearly under the impression that you both are enemies.'

Harry shrugged and replied "It is true that we are not exactly friends, a little bit of enemies even but I wouldn't want him to be hurt Professor. I wouldn't ever wish for someone to be tortured or to lose their mother even if that someone was Malfoy. I know what exactly that feels like, I have been there and definitely don't want anyone else to go through what I do sir" he finished fervently. "So is it true sir" he asked tentatively "whatever I saw in my vision is it real'? he asked with trepidation.

Dumbledore heaved a sigh and replied in a heavy voice "I am afraid so Harry, when you saw Draco Malfoy disappear he didn't go anywhere else but Hogwarts. Currently he is unconscious and under the care of Madame Pomfrey. He has been injured rather heinously and it is going to be a difficult time for him ahead".

Hermione gasped and had a distressed look while Ron asked in a small voice "Sir there is one thing that I want to ask". Snape looked at him with a hint of irritation while Dumbledore looked on encouragingly "and what would that be" ? He asked in a benign voice.

"Sir I have been there, near Harry whenever he has had a vision in the past. Normally when Harry has a vision I would be able to rouse him from it but last night however hard I tried I could not bring him out of it" he said in a voice laced with agitation. Dumbledore looked at Harry enquiringly and Harry added to it "yes sir, last night...it was different .It felt like I was there, I could see everything not just flashes and I could hear everything too. I just could not do anything about it" he finished lamely.

Dumbledore had a thoughtful look while Snape flashed an alarmed look at Dumbledore as he replied "Harry you are right. There are some forces acting right now which has had an influence on your vision but I am afraid that this is not the right time to discuss it .However I assure you that when the time comes you will know what is happening. All I ask is for you to be patient for some more time." "Please" he added as an afterthought.

'Harry" he continued "however there is one more matter that I feel you should know about. You might not know this as your vision was terminated when Draco was portkeyed away but there was a bit more that happened afterwards. Voldemort has hinted that there might be an attack on the Hogwarts express in an attempt to capture you".

Harry kept silent as Ron burst out "then obviously he cannot be on it professor. We can perhaps floo to Hogwarts or use a portkey right?" But Hermione, ever the thinking one intervened "no Ron" she said "then professor Snape would be seen as a traitor and he would lose his standing with Voldemort, right professor"? She asked looking at Dumbledore for confirmation.

Dumbledore nodded sadly while Ron turned a dangerous shade of red. He was now furious "what? You must be kidding; you are sacrificing Harry to protect Snape? How can you do this Professor? How can Snape be more important than Harry and how can you go along with this Hermione?" he shouted turning to Hermione indignantly. Snape looked at Harry expecting an outburst as well but was surprised to see the young man silent and deep in thought. Perhaps there was some merit to Potter after all he mused reluctantly.

"It's Professor Snape" Dumbledore corrected softly "while I admire your loyalty to your friend and feel extremely sad about all this I have to ask Harry what his thoughts are". He turned to Harry and asked gently "what do you say Harry? I am not going to pretend that there won't be danger or that you won't get hurt but you of all people realise the need for professor Snape to be part of Voldemort's circle. His information is very valuable and has served to save many people time and again. We need him but then this is your life that is at risk and you have every right to refuse if you feel so".

Harry remained silent thinking of his options and finally said "I understand professor. I don't mind the risk but I would not want anyone else to be hurt in all of this. Is there any way we could ensure that no one gets hurt in this?"he asked not wanting to see the look of betrayal on Ron's face.

"Thank you Harry" Dumbledore replied "this must be a difficult decision for you to make and I apologise for asking so much of you. There will be order members on the train with you, polyjuiced of course, and you will be watched at all times".

"We will take all precaution to ensure that no one gets hurt and I wish for all of you arrive safely at Hogwarts. You have to stay out of the fight and leave it to the Order members, Harry that's all I ask. But for now I have to get back to Hogwarts and I hope to see you there soon. In the meantime I would appreciate it if this remains within the three of you for the time being."

The three of them nodded their understanding letting Dumbledore's words sink in. They sat deep in thought as Snape and Dumbledore walked back to the living room and said their farewells before stepping through the floo.

Hogwarts

Hardly had Snape and Dumbledore stepped into Dumbledore's quarters than Snape turned to Dumbledore "Albus what was that all about? What the hell happened with Potter and his damned vision? Do you know why he was pulled into it like that"? He demanded.

"Severus, consider the scenario. Why should this vision be different at all? Why should it be that he is not able to come out of it? Why now? Why not all these days? Does it not strike you that there is some other force guiding the vision"? Dumbledore asked calmly.

"Merlin! Old man! Do you mean the prophecy Albus?" He asked with a stunned expression on his face. "Are you saying that the prophecy has started? Is it to do with Potter after all"? he demanded in a shocked and disgusted voice."Doesn't he have enough importance as it is?' He sneered with sheer dislike on his face.

"One born of light and one born of dark" Dumbledore quoted solemnly "isn't the prophecy becoming clearer to you Severus?" Dumbledore asked with a smile. "Of course I could be wrong but we have to wait for some more time before I can be sure that it is the prophecy at play. At this time all I have are strong suspicions but then you cannot deny that my suspicions do have an uncanny way of becoming true. If it does, Severus then this might be what turns the tide of this war".

Severus let out a breath and nodded thinking over the words and what it entailed. Finally he got up "Fine if that's the way events are going to play out let them but now I will have to look in on Draco Albus .If you need me for anything I will be in the hospital wing" he said and walked out of the room. Dumbledore sat deep in thought "one born of darkness and one born of light indeed". Now only time will point out the one born of loyalty and the one born of nothing.

Hospital wing

Severus Snape strode into the hospital wing and headed to the far end where Draco lay behind the curtains of his bed. He walked softly up to the bed and looked sorrowfully at his godson's countenance. His wrists lay heavily bandaged as was his torso and he lay still and pale. A wave of anger coursed through Severus as he thought about the events that had led to Draco's presence here in the hospital wing.

He gently laid his hand on Draco's forehead and brushed back the lock of silky hair that had fallen loose. "Such an innocent face" mused Severus but at the same time shadowed by so much violence. Yes the road to healing was fraught with many challenges but Severus would be there to pick him up when he falls.

He noticed the way Draco unconsciously leaned into his touch and a deep sorrow filled him. A child who should have had his mother and father at his bedside, but now alone and abandoned. How much was this war going to take from everyone he wondered angrily.

Shaking his head and refusing to let the sorrow overwhelm him Severus conjured a chair and sat by Draco's side in time to see Poppy Pomfrey come in. She saw Severus and walked up to him "when did you come in Severus? Is there any change?" She enquired

'Where were you woman?" Severus snapped "don't you know that he might be in danger and you can't leave him alone"? Poppy shushed him "I just stepped out for a minute Severus and besides I have placed charms on his bed that will alert me if he wakes up. So relax. I have been here more years than you can imagine young man and don't presume to tell me how to do my job" she snapped back.

"Sorry Poppy, I am just worried" said Severus contritely. "He might very well be a target of the death eaters now" .Poppy shook her head sadly "did the death eaters do this Severus" she asked ? "Yes I am afraid so, but please don't ask for more poppy it's better that you don't know. 'When will he wake up by the way?' Severus asked.

'It could be anytime now' she replied 'but feel free to stay. The child must be in so much pain and it will help to see a familiar face when he wakes up. I will be in my office so if you need anything I am just around the corner' she said and strode to her office.

Severus sat by Draco's side and gently took his hand in his. He dint know how long he sat there lost in his thoughts before he felt the fingers in his hand twitch ever so slightly.

He looked down to see Draco struggling to open his eyes against the bright lights in the hospital wing. Severus immediately waved his wand to reduce the brightness so that it may help Draco.' Draco my child ' he called softly 'do you hear me? Can you try to wake up?'

Slowly Draco's eyes flit open as he struggled to focus his bleary eyes. The molten grey eyes were glazed over with pain and confusion as he looked at Severus. 'Uncle Severus?' He called in a weak whisper as recognition dawned in his eyes."Yes Draco. How do you feel son"responded Severus gently in a voice that no one would ever associate with Severus Snape.

Draco didn't respond as he took in his surroundings. His eyes lost their confusion and became clearer in their focus. Soon they were filled with a deep pain... "Mum" he said softly his eyes filling with unshed tears...' "She's really dead isn't she"? he asked in a tear filled voice. "What am I going to do Uncle Severus. I don't have anyone now"...he asked his voice breaking down with sorrow.

"No dragon, you are not alone, never alone. Never think that. I am there for you and will be always there for you" Severus said fiercely. "Yes I agree that your life will be different from now on and might seem impossibly hard to bear right now but trust me. Things will get better and what do you know it might even bring bigger and better things in the future. Just concentrate on getting better now and leave the rest to its course you understand?. You need to focus on getting better. Now tell me are you in pain?"

Draco opened his mouth to respond when Pomfrey bustled in carrying a tray of potions. "I see that you are back with us. You gave us quite a scare you know" she said with a smile as she started her diagnostic spells. "Your body has been under terrible stress, and it needs to rest. You need to start building your strength again. Now, do you think you can eat something right now?"

Draco shook his head in the negative. With the memories of his mother playing on his mind not few minutes ago the thought of food was nauseating. Pomfrey sighed and continued with her instructions "then I will simply add a nutritive potion to your pain potion and your strengthening potion for now but this cannot be done in the long run ok?" She said kindly and proceeded to administer the potions. She turned to Severus "can you help lifting him Severus?" she asked cordially.

Severus slipped an arm under Draco's shoulders and helped him to sit up a bit while Poppy fluffed the pillows behind him. Draco then numbly took the potions under the watchful eyes of his godfather before he became drowsy again. Severus helped him to lie down once more and smoothed the sheets over him and said "sleep Draco. It will help you heal. I will be right beside you. You are safe now. You are home. Go to sleep"

Draco hovered at the edge of consciousness as his godfather's words dimly filtered in. He was not aware of the words only the comforting tones as he drifted again into the world of a drug induced sleep.

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