Kit: Chapter 14

Prognosis

It had been three days. Three long days, and Severus had yet to leave Ebonys side. His classes had all been cancelled with written work handed out instead. He hadn't showered, changed or even deigned the Headmaster with a meeting when he'd been summoned. The only time he'd left his beloveds side was to relieve himself. Poppy had attempted to throw him out several times, not truly understanding Severus' need to be there for his familiar. She may have felt differently if she had realised it was not actually a panther in one of her hospital beds, but actually her most regular and favourite student.

"Severus? You really should go shower and change. What would Ebony think if he woke up and all he could smell was you? It'll be ten times worse for him too with the extra senses of the feline form. And what about Angelica? I've been going to check on her regularly, but I can't get her to eat anything, and she's constantly meowing. Severus please…."

Severus slowly looked to Draco, "Angelica?" he croaked.

"Yes, Angelica. You need to go and see her! And shower and change. Or I swear I'll stun you myself and drag you there. I'm sure Granger and the other Gryffindorks will help me."

Severus slowly looked towards his mate, "But…"

"No buts, I'll stay with him. And if he even so much as twitches a finger, I'll come get you I promise. Now go!" Draco grabbed Severus' arm and started to pull him towards the door to the infirmary.

"Very well." He swiftly pulled his arm from Dracos grasp, and took the few steps back to the bed. He quickly gave Ebony a light kiss to his temple, stoked his sleek fur, and then in a flurry of robes was gone.

"Looks like it's just you and me, Eb," Draco said as he sat where Severus had been before. "I really need you to wake up soon Ebony, he's a mess without you." Draco sat with him in silence for about five minutes before he heard the infirmary door swing open again. Expecting Severus to glide in, he was confused when no one appeared at Ebonys bedside. Instead, as he looked up, he saw Granger, Longbottom and Lovegood all standing by the door looking very unsure of themselves.

"Don't stand on my account. Pull up a chair." He waved his hand indicating the rather rickety looking chairs nearby. "I managed to finally talk Severus into going to shower, he should be back in 10 minutes or so."

"Any changes?" Hermione asked.

" No. Pomfrey said that the skull injury could mean that he is mentally compromised or something along those lines. But she's unsure as he's a panther. I think we need to work on getting him to change back. Once in his human form, she can better diagnose him and better treat him."

"What are you talking…"

"Oh stop the act Granger. I'll admit I was confused at first as to why you three followed us up here after the fall. But it didn't take a lot of effort to realise. How long has Severus known?"

"Just over a month." This was Neville.

"A whole month! And no-one thought to tell me. Great. And now he's got all my secrets too, bet he just loved that." But despite his words, his tone was soft, and he hadn't once stopped stroking Ebonys fur.

They sat in silence after that, just watching over their friend, hoping for the best.

"Move!"

Draco was instantly up and out of his seat. Severus sat down in the newly available space. If it wasn't for his now clean, but slightly damp hair, new robes and the young kitten in his arms, it almost looked like he'd never moved.

"Oh, it's adorable! Where did you get it from professor?" exclaimed Hermione.

Severus merely glared at her, while he placed the young kitten on the bed next to Ebony, where she proceeded to curl up beside him.

"Her name is Angelica. She's Ebonys kitten. He picked her up before he found us, so they've basically adopted her." Supplied Draco.

"Oh. I never knew."

"Well no, since Ebony cannot actually talk I doubt he was able to tell you."

"I think I'll be off, Severus. Just an idea Sev, but perhaps you should try talking to him. They say that people in comas can hear the world around them. Talk to him. Tell him how you feel for him. I think helping him change back to his human form is important for his healing."

"I'll think on it…" was he murmured reply to Dracos unsubtle hint.

And with that the four students got up and left, Luna and Hermione giving Ebony a farewell kiss to his forehead.

It was another 3 days before Severus took Dracos advice. He shuffled in his seat nervously, constantly looking up to make sure there was no one else in the room. He quickly waved his wand and constructed a privacy bubble around himself and the bed.

"Ebony. Harry. Can you hear me? I hope you can. Draco said this may help." He cleared his suddenly dry throat and carried on, "I miss you. Come back to me please Love. I need you to wake up. I need to see your beautiful green eyes. Angelica needs you. Your friends need you. You need to wake up, Draco wants to rant about the fact that he's the only one that didn't know who you were. I don't know what to do without you. Our quarters don't feel the same, it's like the rooms are lifeless. I didn't realise how much you changed my life until you weren't in it. Please wake up. I know we had our difficulties. I know I was awful to you before you were Ebony. I know that you don't think I want you anymore, now that I know you're Harry. But it doesn't matter to me. Whether you believe me or not. I just want you to wake up and come home. Please. I'm lost without you. I love you."

Severus was sobbing by the end, Ebonys paw firmly encased in his own hands, his head leaning gently on his lovers side. Severus cried for the first time in years, he cried for himself and for his mate. He eventually cried himself into a fitful sleep.