Chapter 29- Hospital Wing
Dobby was in a quandary, what should he do, the boy was obviously hurt bad and shouldn't be left alone. He knew that the boy was actually Severus Snape as did the other house-elves. They had known from the day school had ended in June. They felt very protective for the child he had become. Dobby was loyal to Harry Potter for he had helped the little elf become free, yet it upset him to know that Harry would still blame Severus for something that Dobby had done.
He was kneeling beside the boy when he heard the door creak open further, and he turned around to see who was there. His eyes grew big as he saw who was standing in the doorway. Draco Malfoy had noticed that the door of the potions locker had been revealed and ajar. He had thought Professor Snape had managed to make it back to Hogwarts and he wanted to talk to him. He pulled his wand out and the elf automatically moved in front of the semi- conscious child.
"Calm down Dobby, I wondered if Professor Snape had come back here." Draco explained."I'm not going to ask hw you got in...Merlin , what happened to the twerp?" Draco knelt and looked over the little boy who was lying huddled up with his hand under his head. "He doesn't look too good."
Dobby looked worried and said "Harry Potter sent me to find Perseus, and this is how I found him," He pleaded with Draco "Please don't hurt him."
Draco glanced quickly at the elf, "I'm not going to hurt him, I was just going to materialize a stretcher." This he did with a quick flourish of his wand. "Lets get him onto the stretcher and you can go ahead to inform Madame Pomfrey that I am bringing the Twerp."
Draco paused as he knelt down and checked the little boy before he moved him onto the stretcher. He looked at the wary little elf that was watching him closely. "Don't worry, I won't harm him, I'm not my father, even though I do have my differences with Potter." He smirked then gingerly he straightened the child's limbs; no bones were broken as far as he could tell. The twerp looked so pale and still. The blood that had dried around the child's face and the slightly swollen tongue bothered him. For a moment, Draco feared the child was dead but as he pressed his hand on the child's chest they could feel a faint heartbeat. Draco felt relieved a little now he knew the child was still alive.
Dobby watched the Slytherin as he carefully levitated the child and stretcher then they proceeded to leave the locker. Draco paused with the little elf as he closed the door and then sealed it. "I will be careful of the Twerp. I promise Dobby, now please hurry." The little elf nodded and then with a crack he disappeared. Severus stirred a little and looked groggily around as he felt himself being moved. He froze when he saw the blond boy who had been watching him for almost two months, in fact since he came to Hogwarts. He wondered briefly where the other two boys were that were usually around him. Draco noticed he was partly awake and said as gently as he could, "Hi Twerp, I will make sure you are safe while on your way to see Madame Pomfrey, lie still, I don't want you to fall off, you look like you've been through enough."
Severus wasn't sure if he should trust the blond boy, who he knew to be the son of Lucius Malfoy. "Why do you keep watching me?" Severus asked with difficulty as his tongue throbbed with pain.
"Let's just say you remind me of somebody I respect, and it is not my father." Draco told him as he checked to make sure Severus was comfortably situated on the stretcher.
Dobby returned to the Hospital Wing and Harry looked at the little elf and asked, "Is he coming Dobby?"
Dobby winced and said as he bat-ears quivered "Yes Harry Potter, Perseus is coming, master Draco is bringing him to the Hospital wing."
"WHAT." roared Harry who went to get off the bed, but was restrained by Madame Pomfrey who told him firmly that he was not to leave till she told him he could.
Frustrated Harry asked, "Where was Perseus, Dobby? And what was Malfoy up to?"
Dobby said timidly, "I found young Perseus in the private potions locker, Master Draco noticed the door was opened and came in behind me."
Harry's eyes narrowed and asked, "Why would S-Perseus come with him and not you Dobby."
Dobby's batears bent down and his long fingers were clasped together against the front of his tunic when he answered, "He was hurt and master Draco told me to come ahead and tell Madame Pomfrey they were coming."
Madame Pomfrey gasped and said she was going to meet them. She hurried out after warning Harry not to move off the bed while she was gone.
Draco and the twerp came out of the dungeons and proceeded down the main corridor heading to the stairs that would lead them up to the Hospital wing. A few students from Griffindor and Ravenclaw noticed the stretcher being guided by Draco and ran over to find out what was happening. "Hey Malfoy, what did you do to the Twerp." One of the fifth years said accusingly, as he stood in front of Draco and the stretcher.
"You trying for bully of the year award?" asked a girl from Ravenclaw
Draco sighed and said "If I did do anything to him, do you think I would be crazy enough to still be around him? He quickly looked down at the small pale face. "I don't know how or who hurt him but I am taking him to the Hospital wing." He tossed his head and a lock of hair flipped back away from his forehead. "Come along as an escort if you like, but do move out of the way so we can get there."
The Griffindor boy scowled then moved out of the way with the other students and they followed Draco . As they continued on there were some more students from all the houses who spotted the procession and asked what had happened. The news traveled fast that the Twerp was hurt and by the time the Hospital wing was reached everyone in the Castle had heard.
Dumbledore had came flying down out of his tower when he heard of the mishap from the castles painting network, and arrived at the Hospital wing shortly after Madame Pomfrey left, Minerva McGonagall along with Filius Flitwick came in behind him.
"Albus is it true? I heard that the Twerp was attacked, not too long after I sent Harry up here.' asked an Anxious Professor McGonagall. "It is bad enough that Umbridge woman harmed Harry with that awful dark arts blood quill. She should be sent to Azkaban."
"Calm down Minerva, we don't know what happened yet, It is possible that he had a simple accident." said Albus who looked just as worried as she did.
"Right Albus, you come racing out your tower for a simple accident, do tell that one to some other witch or wizard that don't know you well." said Filius. "Admit it, you are concerned more than you are letting on.
"Harry, what is it, you are looking upset." said Minerva who noticed that Harry had a funny look slide across his face.
Harry admitted to being a little rough on the boy earlier when he yelled at the child. He also admitted to picking him up by the front of his robes but swore that Perseus was all right when he left the common room.
"This happened when?" asked Professor McGonagall in her no nonsense voice.
"First was when I told him not to tell what Umbridge was doing to me in detention and then after you cmae in to tell me to come to the Hospital Wing. I didn't hurt him, honest." Harry sat on the bed and wrapping his arms around his knees, said quietly. "At least not physically."
"Harry, why? You know he is just a child now, even if he does have some of his adult abilities; he is a small child.' Professor McGonagall admonished him.
While the three Professors and Harry were talking Madame Pomfrey found Draco and the twerp and noticed the small crowd of students escorting the pair.
The students dispersed when she told them that she would let them know what was going on as soon as she knew herself but for now could they please go back to their dormitories or whatever they were doing at the time. She quickly checked the small boy over and asked Draco a couple questions as to what happened and he told her that he didn't know what happened himself. He told her that the twerp had talked a little bit, with some difficulty and he seemed tired. She told him to come with her as she fussed over the barely conscious child who tried to move away from her when he felt her hands touch him.
When Madame Pomfrey came in with Draco and Severus. Harry grabbed his wand and pointed it toward Draco.
Put your wand down Potter, I have no intention of hurting ...Twerp." Draco drawled as Madame Pomfrey took Severus and laid him on a bed near Harry. She felt Severus's head and neck for injuries. His eyes opened part way as she was examining him then winced as he opened his mouth and air struck his swollen and very sore tongue. Madame Pomfrey carefully healed the injury and asked him gently what happened. He looked thoughtful as he tried to remember exactly what happened.
"I am not too sure, I remember I was going to the dungeons but that Toad Woman grabbed me and the next thing I remember I was in my locker."
Dumbledore fought to keep a straight face as he heard Severus speak of Dolores Umbridge in that manner.. "Don't talk too much Twerp, I understand, but you need to rest now." Dumbledore left as Madame Pomfrey closed the curtains around the bed and got Twerp into some pyjamas. She gave him some pain potion and he settled down in the bed. Madame Pomfrey tucked the child in and met the three professors at her potions cabinet where they could talk without the boys listening in.
Dumbledore talked to Madame Pomfrey about using Legilimens on the child to see the whole incident, if he was willing, and she thought he should wait till tomorrow when the boy would be better able to withstand the invasion of his mind to find out what happened. She explained that they had to be careful, as he may have suffered some psychological trauma.
Meanwhile Harry glared at Draco and stated, "Dobby told me you followed him into Professor Snape's personal potions locker."
Draco glared right back at Harry "I noticed the door was partly open and wondered if Professor Snape had returned." His face flushed with anger, but he fought to keep calm. "I didn't realize till I looked in that Dobby was there, or the Pr...twerp."
The twins, Ron, Ginny and Hermione heard about Draco taking the twerp to the hospital wing and wondered what happened themselves, they met up with Bill Weasley who was also concerned. They came into the Hospital Wing together to see Harry and the twerp. They noticed that Draco and Harry were staring at each other and how Draco's hands were clenched into white knuckled fists at his side. They stopped at Twerps bed first and asked him how he was and asked him what happened and he thought but he could not remember anything much except his plans to walk to the dungeon and being grabbed by the Toad woman, then Draco bringing him to the Hospital Wing.
Madame Pomfrey noticed the little group that had come in to visit her two patients and told them firmly they should let Twerp sleep now but they could have ten minutes with Harry and then they better get out of the Hospital Wing so her charges could have their rest.
The little group grinned and after saying good night to Twerp they then talked to Harry, and watched Professor Dumbledore take Draco to the other end of the room to talk.
Draco sat on the bed near the window as Professor Dumbledore made himself comfortable on the opposite bed facing Draco. He studied the boy's features as he stroked his long white beard; he noticed the slight tension and emotions flicker across Draco's face.
He suspected the boy's apparent despair was to do with his father and the fact that he would be turning sixteen in less than a year. For now, all the old Headmaster could do was to extend a lifeline and hope that the boy would reach out and hold on.
"Draco, do you have anything you want to say to me." Professor Dumbledore asked softly while watching the blond boys emotions flicker across his face. "I can help."
Draco's face looked almost ghostly as he replied, "There isn't much anybody can do to help, my fate is sealed.
Dumbledore placed his hand on Draco's shoulder and said "Thank you, I think fifty points should be awarded to Slytherin for looking after our little twerp. As to your fate, that is up to you." He smiled sadly and then left, hoping that Draco would make the right choice.
Draco wondered to himself how long it would be before his father would find out that he had helped the twerp, and what would happen to him for he knew his father despised the child since he was known to associate with the Weasley family. He didn't think it would be too long.
It seemed that the main topic of the day was, ' what happened to Twerp the little 'brother.' There were the Griffindors, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs who were puzzled as to why Draco was being helpful and wondered if he had anything to do with the child's condition. It would be just like him to harm the child; after all he was a Malfoy.
Even in the Slytherin house there were those who expected Draco to have a very convincing explanation as to what he was doing and others who wondered what was wrong with the Twerp.
The rumours were going all over the castle, some students wanted to waylay Malfoy and hex him silly. Fortunately for him there were cooler heads that calmed the mob down.
The Castle Ghosts were gathering all over also, discussing the day's event and The Bloody Baron had even checked on what Peeves, the pesky Poltergeist and made him detail his doings for the day. The Grey Lady was concerned that the boy would suffer a set back and the normally jolly Hufflepuff Friar was furious. Sir Nicholas was bobbing around upset that he hadn't followed the boy when he saw him running out of that classroom.
Professor Umbridge overheard some students outside her study talking about the little twerp and when she inquired as to what happened, she was told that the little boy was found barely conscious in the dungeons, and was now lying in the Hospital Ward along with Harry Pottter. The Headmaster was very concerned for the boy's life, and Draco Malfoy was being questioned.
She secretly hoped that he would not regain consciousness and if he did, would not remember her 'talking' to him. She pretended that she was horrified at hearing the news. When the students continued on down the corridor to their destinations, she went back into her study and flooing the Minister of magic Fudge, reported to him that the little boy managed to get himself hurt and said that it was proof that a small child like him should not be at Hogwarts.
Later that night, while Madame Pomfrey was having a quick nap. Harry got up out of bed silently and slipped over to the next bed where Severus ws lying. The little boy was awake and staring at the ceiling. Harry asked him quietly what he was doing still awake and the little fellow gave him a somber look, and then turned away so his back was facing him. Harry sighed and leaning over the little boy said "I'm sorry Severus for hurting your feelings, I should have known that you would not break a promise.'
Severus muttered carefully, "You know your not supposed to use my real name."
"Sorry, it slipped out, anyway there is no-one here but us." Harry whispered.
Severus turned over and leaned on his elbow while looking at Harry."We are in the Hospital wing and Madame Pomfrey does not sleep too soundly," he whispered slowly "You should know that much, at least."
"Yeah I know, but I really do want to apologize for doubting you."
'hmmmf, Apology accepted, you better get back into bed before you find out how angry Madame Pomfrey can get." With that statement Severus laid back down and closed his eyes.
Harry smiled and adjusted the blankets around the little boy and then climbed back into his own bed.
Back in the Griffindor common room there were a few restless students who congregated arond the cozy fireplace who were making a few plans.
"You know that you will be the first two to be suspected once the plan goes into effect." Hermione said with a frown playing across her serious face.
The twin's eyes gleamed with the fires reflection, giving them an almost devilish look.
"How can we be in a dozen places at once?"
" When it starts we will be tucked into our itty bitty beds."
"We are innocent of the deed."
"Yeah, sure you are, and I'm a Slytherin." drawled Lee. "Don't get me wrong but don't you think the Twerp should be forewarned? "
"I think he will be safe enough, how can the 'Ickle' Twerp be responsible while tucked into his little bed?"
"Have you got your supplies bro?"
"Check and double check."
Hermione and Ginny looked tense as the twins gathered up their 'supplies'. "You two better not be caught out by Filch and that cat of his." Hissed Hermione.
"Yeah, not only will points be taken off our house, we would have to put up with double howlers from Mom." Ginny said bluntly.
"Honest, Ginny we will be extra careful and our helpers have been cautioned also."
"Helpers, who?"
"Not saying, but there are some in every house ready and willing to do their part."
"Even Slytherin?"
"Even Slytherin."
George checked his supply of ton-tongue toffees before calling on Dobby who appeared with a crack.
"Dobby could you make sure this piece of toffee is set beside Professor Umbridges plate tomorrow morning?" He asked the little elf as he handed it to him.
"I will, but why young master want to give her a gift?" asked Dobby as he looked at the toffee.
George grinned evilly and his brother mirrored the same grin. Dobby looked at them then gazed suspiciously at the toffee. "This is not a gift, is it? He asked.
"Oh yes it is, in a way," said Fred. "Kind of. To make sure she doesn't think anything unusual, have some regular toffees set out beside everyone else's plate."
"Oh sir, I understand." said Dobby. "I will make sure personally." With that he left the common room with a crack..
"Just what are you two up to?" asked Hermione with suspicion. "What is wrong with that toffee?"
"You will find out in the morning dear girl." George said sweetly. "well we have some business to atttend to right now."
Ron said to Hermione. "We had better head to our beds and pretend we did not hear or see anything." He then stood up as did everyone else. "Good night."
In the Slytherin Dormitory Draco was surrounded by his housemates.they were asking him what ever possessed him to take the twerp up to the hospital wing, not that it wasn't a good thing.They were secretly proud of him.
His father would probably kill him for it though and they thought they would pay their last respects to the soon to be the late lamented Draco Malfoy.
