A/N i'LL ANSWER QUESTIONS IN THE NEXT CHAPTER. Next one features a sweet
Hermione and Draco moment, and a bit of Ron and Lupin, then Harry as he
brings Snape to the cabin.
Chapter 35 - THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Part 2
"I watched the world float to the
Dark side of the moon
After all I knew it had to be something
To do with you
I really don't mind what happens now and then
As long as you'll be my friend at the end" 3 Doors Down - Kryptonite
After a snowball fight, which ended with Hermione, Harry and Ron thoroughly wet and bedraggled but laughing, they went into Honeydukes and treated themselves to a warm hot chocolate with a generous heap of whipping cream and nutmeg sprinkle.
While taking a slow sip from her steaming mug, Hermione glanced at Harry. For the first time since the last Quidditch match did she see his green eyes sparkle with laughter. He and Ron were still reliving the snowball match and how they had rubbed snow on her as revenge for getting them earlier. She smiled at them happily; it felt so good just like old times.
Harry rubbed his numb hands together and wrapped them around the warm steaming mug. He was so glad they had all come to Hogsmeade today. For a brief moment thoughts of Sirius flitted through his mind but he consoled himself with the knowledge that Sirius would want him to have fun, still he missed him and wished he could have been here with them.
"I think we better start." Ron's words were cut off by screams from outside.
They jumped up hurrying to the window. Before they even got there Harry stumbled to his knees struck by the icy cold hopeless feeling that only a Dementor could bring. Ron and Hermione froze when they saw what must have been at least 50 dementors outside in the square. They turned and quickly picked Harry of the ground.
"What are we going to do?" Ron asked looking around desperately.
"Out the back door, quickly!" Shouted Hermione. As they headed out the back carefully making sure no one was around Hermione spoke up.
"It's not safe here, especially not for Harry, let's head up to the shrieking shack I'm sure they won't go there, there's an old rustic cabin up there, we can hide there until the coast is clear."
Harry had sufficiently recovered by then. "I could use my patronus against them."
"NO, the place may also be crawling with death eaters out to get you for you know who." Shouted Ron.
The three of them hurried through the swirling snow up to the shack.
"Come on the cabin is this way." Hermione directed as she led them to the back. She suddenly froze staring horrified at the ground.
Sprawled and covered in snow was a body. They recognized the black cloak and barely discernable emblem as belonging to a Hogwarts student.
Harry ran over dropping to his knees brushing the snow off the student's face. Inhaling sharply he recognized Malfoy.
"Someone has attacked him!" Hermione spoke with panic evident in her voice.
Draco's face had dried blood on it and a terrible green blue tinged bruise on his jaw.
Hermione lightly ran her hands down his chest. "He has broken ribs."
"His hand isn't looking to good either." Ron pointed out looking at the unnatural angle of his wrist.
"We've got to get him to the cabin. Harry lifted him under the shoulders while Ron grabbed his legs; they carried him slowly following Hermione into the forest to the small snow covered cabin.
With a quick "Alohamora" she unlocked the door and led them inside. There was an old wrought iron bed in the corner and they carefully lay Malfoy down on it. Hermione waved her wand and a fire appeared in the large stone fireplace.
"He's badly injured, we need to get help from a professor. Harry you are the most affected by Dementors you need to stay here. Ron and I will head into town. I'll see if I can get some supplies from somewhere and Ron you will need to find a teacher. I've seen Madam Pomfrey at the Three Broomsticks in the past, maybe you can find her there. Professor Snape would also be good, he might have a healing potion he can use."
Fear entered Harry's heart. "No you can't go. I'll go. I won't let you risk your lives. I can conjure up a patronus to ward off dementors, you haven't learned that well enough yet."
"Harry we don't have time to argue! Malfoy is barely breathing he could DIE! We have to get help. You need to stay safe! Come on Ron!" Hermione barked out the orders and grabbing Ron's arm pulled him out of the cabin locking the door behind her.
Harry went over to Malfoy. Hermione was right, he was barely breathing. His skin tone was an awful shade of gray and his skin cold to the touch. He searched the cabin for more blankets and covered Malfoy with them.
After what seemed like a long while Malfoy moaned and seemed to grow restless. His eyes opened and he struggled to sit up.
His vision was blurry. Every fiber of his being hurt. What had happened? Where was he? Then the memories came rushing back. He whimpered at the memory of his father's fury.
An arm came around him and helped him up. He stared to retch as his stomach cramped up from all the blood he had swallowed. A bucket appeared in front of him as he weakly threw up into it. Waves of pain coursed through him as his ribs screamed from the effort, there was a severe pain in his chest and he could hardly breath. He felt himself break out in a cold sweat and he shivered uncontrollably.
Someone was holding him up with an arm on either side of him. He grabbed onto the arm in front of him with his uninjured hand for support and tried to work through the pain tearing through him.
Malfoy was shivering violently, as Harry held him up with one hand he cast a spell with the other and cleaned out the bucket. He remembered how badly his ribs had hurt after the Quidditch tournament. He didn't envy Malfoy what he was feeling right now. He tried to maneuver him to lie down again but Malfoy let go off the tight grip he had on his arm and grabbed the bucket once more. He threw up again and Harry realized it was likely from the shock and pain of his injuries. "Easy Malfoy, just try to breathe through it. Try to take as deep a breath as you can then hold it and slowly release it, it will make you feel better."
Draco recognizing the voice started fighting back tears, not quite believing that his father must have just left him lying there bleeding. Of all people to find him why did it have to be Potter? He glanced up at him with bleary eyes. He looked away quickly as his eyes welled up. He'd rather die than cry in front of Potter.
Harry noticed him struggling and knew exactly how he felt. He hadn't wanted to cry in front of Snape, yet when it happened Snape didn't hold it over his head.
"It's ok Malfoy, I won't tell anyone." But Malfoy kept the tears at bay. The sound of his breathing scared Harry. It as shallow and almost sounded like he was underwater.
He carefully lowered him back down on the bed. Malfoy gasped out in pain.
"What is it, what's hurting?" Harry knew it was a stupid question as likely everything hurt.
Malfoy didn't answer and his eyes were tightly closed his breath coming in shallow pants. Harry gently pulled his hand out from his back. His heart jumped when he saw faints streaks of blood on his hand.
"You're bleeding. You've got more injuries. He gently rolled him over a little more. Malfoy sprang to life and struggled against him murmuring a weak but desperate "No."
Draco didn't want Potter seeing his back. Despite the heavy fog hanging in his mind, he knew Potter wouldn't know what exactly had happened but still he felt so humiliated over what Lucius had done, he didn't want anyone to see it.
"Shhh, you're bleeding I have to find the wound."
He gently untied the cloak and lifted his shirt up. He froze, his stomach churned at the bloody sight. Malfoy's back was covered in red angry welts ending in deep bleeding gauges in his skin.
"Who did this to you?" Harry whispered. He gently rolled Malfoy over on his stomach but the groan of pain and the frantic attempt for breath made him realize Malfoy had to stay on his side. The pressure from his ribs was too painful. He got him on his side again. He noticed the gray blue eyes were open again although rather unfocused. He knelt down in front of him.
"I'm going to clean the wounds as best as I can. Hermione and Ron went for help. They're trying to find Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape. They'll be back soon. You have to hang on."
Draco's eyes closed as he put his full effort into attempting to speak but he only succeeded in wincing. At the mention of Snape's name is throat closed painfully. He so desperately wanted Snape, even though he knew he's be so disappointed in him. He was so ashamed but he knew Snape wouldn't abandon him.
Harry patted his shoulder. "Come on Malfoy, fight. I know you can. You've got this year and another at Hogwarts to make my life miserable as only you can."
With that Draco's eyes opened again and gray blue looked into green for a moment.
Draco tried to speak again. He wanted to tell Potter where he could find Professor Snape but his jaw ached so baldly he could barely open his mouth.
Harry looked concerned and he spoke reassuringly. "Just take it slow. Do you want me to get some paper and a pen? You could try and write with your left hand?"
Draco nodded weakly. Harry helped his slowly sit up again and watched as his trembling hand tried to write what he wanted to say. He made out 'Snape' and 'Potion' but the last word had ended in a scribble as the pen fell out his hand. Draco's eyes closed in frustration as Potter laid him down on his side again.
"Rest your hand for minute, then try again."
Harry's heart raced. He was afraid. Malfoy was getting weaker. Despite being enemies he certaintly didn't want to watch Malfoy die like this. Silently he wished Ron or Hermione would come racing through the door with Pomfrey or Snape. A shiver ran through him as he thought of the dementors and possible death eaters out there. What if they couldn't come back? He shook his head, he couldn't think that now, he had to focus on Malfoy.
He grabbed a bowl of luke warm water and a soft rag. He pulled out his wand making Malfoy's shirt and cloak disappear. He made sure the blanket covered him as much as possible in the front so he would stay warm as he carefully wiped off as much blood as possible.
Draco fervently hoped the darkness would envelop him again, the pain was excruciating. He couldn't stop the whimper of pain escaping from his lips.
Harry's hand went to his shoulder. "I'm sorry this is hurting you more, I'm almost finished."
Draco's stomach cramped up and with a cry he attempted to sit up. Potter's arm went around him instantly and the bucket was put in front of him. There was nothing left in him to throw up but his stomach kept cramping.
With a heartbreaking groan Malfoy went limp and fell against Harry.
Just then he heard 'Alohamora' and Hermione came through the door.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you all right, I'm so glad you are back."
Hermione's worried gaze lit on Malfoy. "I couldn't find Snape or Pomfrey, I'm hoping Ron had more luck. I found a bunch of supplies to make potions with that can help him. I've also brought a warmth package. The dementors and death eaters were gone but I heard that two people had been killed. I couldn't find Ginny, Luna and Neville, I hope they're ok."
Harry lay Draco down on his side again. "I'm going to see if I can find Snape. Malfoy was trying to communicate about Snape, something about Snape potions, maybe he's in a potions store or something we've never paid attention to?"
Hermione's eyes lit up, "The Potions Seminar! Oh why didn't I think of that before. There was one last year in the Golden Pentagram? There might be one this weekend. Maybe he's still there?"
Harry headed for the door. "I'm going. The dementors and death eaters are gone and you're definitely better at making potions than I am. He's in really bad shape. He keeps throwing up maybe you can make something for his stomach and also a painkiller."
She looked at Draco's pale form, he looked so helpless and vulnerable.
Chapter 35 - THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Part 2
"I watched the world float to the
Dark side of the moon
After all I knew it had to be something
To do with you
I really don't mind what happens now and then
As long as you'll be my friend at the end" 3 Doors Down - Kryptonite
After a snowball fight, which ended with Hermione, Harry and Ron thoroughly wet and bedraggled but laughing, they went into Honeydukes and treated themselves to a warm hot chocolate with a generous heap of whipping cream and nutmeg sprinkle.
While taking a slow sip from her steaming mug, Hermione glanced at Harry. For the first time since the last Quidditch match did she see his green eyes sparkle with laughter. He and Ron were still reliving the snowball match and how they had rubbed snow on her as revenge for getting them earlier. She smiled at them happily; it felt so good just like old times.
Harry rubbed his numb hands together and wrapped them around the warm steaming mug. He was so glad they had all come to Hogsmeade today. For a brief moment thoughts of Sirius flitted through his mind but he consoled himself with the knowledge that Sirius would want him to have fun, still he missed him and wished he could have been here with them.
"I think we better start." Ron's words were cut off by screams from outside.
They jumped up hurrying to the window. Before they even got there Harry stumbled to his knees struck by the icy cold hopeless feeling that only a Dementor could bring. Ron and Hermione froze when they saw what must have been at least 50 dementors outside in the square. They turned and quickly picked Harry of the ground.
"What are we going to do?" Ron asked looking around desperately.
"Out the back door, quickly!" Shouted Hermione. As they headed out the back carefully making sure no one was around Hermione spoke up.
"It's not safe here, especially not for Harry, let's head up to the shrieking shack I'm sure they won't go there, there's an old rustic cabin up there, we can hide there until the coast is clear."
Harry had sufficiently recovered by then. "I could use my patronus against them."
"NO, the place may also be crawling with death eaters out to get you for you know who." Shouted Ron.
The three of them hurried through the swirling snow up to the shack.
"Come on the cabin is this way." Hermione directed as she led them to the back. She suddenly froze staring horrified at the ground.
Sprawled and covered in snow was a body. They recognized the black cloak and barely discernable emblem as belonging to a Hogwarts student.
Harry ran over dropping to his knees brushing the snow off the student's face. Inhaling sharply he recognized Malfoy.
"Someone has attacked him!" Hermione spoke with panic evident in her voice.
Draco's face had dried blood on it and a terrible green blue tinged bruise on his jaw.
Hermione lightly ran her hands down his chest. "He has broken ribs."
"His hand isn't looking to good either." Ron pointed out looking at the unnatural angle of his wrist.
"We've got to get him to the cabin. Harry lifted him under the shoulders while Ron grabbed his legs; they carried him slowly following Hermione into the forest to the small snow covered cabin.
With a quick "Alohamora" she unlocked the door and led them inside. There was an old wrought iron bed in the corner and they carefully lay Malfoy down on it. Hermione waved her wand and a fire appeared in the large stone fireplace.
"He's badly injured, we need to get help from a professor. Harry you are the most affected by Dementors you need to stay here. Ron and I will head into town. I'll see if I can get some supplies from somewhere and Ron you will need to find a teacher. I've seen Madam Pomfrey at the Three Broomsticks in the past, maybe you can find her there. Professor Snape would also be good, he might have a healing potion he can use."
Fear entered Harry's heart. "No you can't go. I'll go. I won't let you risk your lives. I can conjure up a patronus to ward off dementors, you haven't learned that well enough yet."
"Harry we don't have time to argue! Malfoy is barely breathing he could DIE! We have to get help. You need to stay safe! Come on Ron!" Hermione barked out the orders and grabbing Ron's arm pulled him out of the cabin locking the door behind her.
Harry went over to Malfoy. Hermione was right, he was barely breathing. His skin tone was an awful shade of gray and his skin cold to the touch. He searched the cabin for more blankets and covered Malfoy with them.
After what seemed like a long while Malfoy moaned and seemed to grow restless. His eyes opened and he struggled to sit up.
His vision was blurry. Every fiber of his being hurt. What had happened? Where was he? Then the memories came rushing back. He whimpered at the memory of his father's fury.
An arm came around him and helped him up. He stared to retch as his stomach cramped up from all the blood he had swallowed. A bucket appeared in front of him as he weakly threw up into it. Waves of pain coursed through him as his ribs screamed from the effort, there was a severe pain in his chest and he could hardly breath. He felt himself break out in a cold sweat and he shivered uncontrollably.
Someone was holding him up with an arm on either side of him. He grabbed onto the arm in front of him with his uninjured hand for support and tried to work through the pain tearing through him.
Malfoy was shivering violently, as Harry held him up with one hand he cast a spell with the other and cleaned out the bucket. He remembered how badly his ribs had hurt after the Quidditch tournament. He didn't envy Malfoy what he was feeling right now. He tried to maneuver him to lie down again but Malfoy let go off the tight grip he had on his arm and grabbed the bucket once more. He threw up again and Harry realized it was likely from the shock and pain of his injuries. "Easy Malfoy, just try to breathe through it. Try to take as deep a breath as you can then hold it and slowly release it, it will make you feel better."
Draco recognizing the voice started fighting back tears, not quite believing that his father must have just left him lying there bleeding. Of all people to find him why did it have to be Potter? He glanced up at him with bleary eyes. He looked away quickly as his eyes welled up. He'd rather die than cry in front of Potter.
Harry noticed him struggling and knew exactly how he felt. He hadn't wanted to cry in front of Snape, yet when it happened Snape didn't hold it over his head.
"It's ok Malfoy, I won't tell anyone." But Malfoy kept the tears at bay. The sound of his breathing scared Harry. It as shallow and almost sounded like he was underwater.
He carefully lowered him back down on the bed. Malfoy gasped out in pain.
"What is it, what's hurting?" Harry knew it was a stupid question as likely everything hurt.
Malfoy didn't answer and his eyes were tightly closed his breath coming in shallow pants. Harry gently pulled his hand out from his back. His heart jumped when he saw faints streaks of blood on his hand.
"You're bleeding. You've got more injuries. He gently rolled him over a little more. Malfoy sprang to life and struggled against him murmuring a weak but desperate "No."
Draco didn't want Potter seeing his back. Despite the heavy fog hanging in his mind, he knew Potter wouldn't know what exactly had happened but still he felt so humiliated over what Lucius had done, he didn't want anyone to see it.
"Shhh, you're bleeding I have to find the wound."
He gently untied the cloak and lifted his shirt up. He froze, his stomach churned at the bloody sight. Malfoy's back was covered in red angry welts ending in deep bleeding gauges in his skin.
"Who did this to you?" Harry whispered. He gently rolled Malfoy over on his stomach but the groan of pain and the frantic attempt for breath made him realize Malfoy had to stay on his side. The pressure from his ribs was too painful. He got him on his side again. He noticed the gray blue eyes were open again although rather unfocused. He knelt down in front of him.
"I'm going to clean the wounds as best as I can. Hermione and Ron went for help. They're trying to find Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape. They'll be back soon. You have to hang on."
Draco's eyes closed as he put his full effort into attempting to speak but he only succeeded in wincing. At the mention of Snape's name is throat closed painfully. He so desperately wanted Snape, even though he knew he's be so disappointed in him. He was so ashamed but he knew Snape wouldn't abandon him.
Harry patted his shoulder. "Come on Malfoy, fight. I know you can. You've got this year and another at Hogwarts to make my life miserable as only you can."
With that Draco's eyes opened again and gray blue looked into green for a moment.
Draco tried to speak again. He wanted to tell Potter where he could find Professor Snape but his jaw ached so baldly he could barely open his mouth.
Harry looked concerned and he spoke reassuringly. "Just take it slow. Do you want me to get some paper and a pen? You could try and write with your left hand?"
Draco nodded weakly. Harry helped his slowly sit up again and watched as his trembling hand tried to write what he wanted to say. He made out 'Snape' and 'Potion' but the last word had ended in a scribble as the pen fell out his hand. Draco's eyes closed in frustration as Potter laid him down on his side again.
"Rest your hand for minute, then try again."
Harry's heart raced. He was afraid. Malfoy was getting weaker. Despite being enemies he certaintly didn't want to watch Malfoy die like this. Silently he wished Ron or Hermione would come racing through the door with Pomfrey or Snape. A shiver ran through him as he thought of the dementors and possible death eaters out there. What if they couldn't come back? He shook his head, he couldn't think that now, he had to focus on Malfoy.
He grabbed a bowl of luke warm water and a soft rag. He pulled out his wand making Malfoy's shirt and cloak disappear. He made sure the blanket covered him as much as possible in the front so he would stay warm as he carefully wiped off as much blood as possible.
Draco fervently hoped the darkness would envelop him again, the pain was excruciating. He couldn't stop the whimper of pain escaping from his lips.
Harry's hand went to his shoulder. "I'm sorry this is hurting you more, I'm almost finished."
Draco's stomach cramped up and with a cry he attempted to sit up. Potter's arm went around him instantly and the bucket was put in front of him. There was nothing left in him to throw up but his stomach kept cramping.
With a heartbreaking groan Malfoy went limp and fell against Harry.
Just then he heard 'Alohamora' and Hermione came through the door.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you all right, I'm so glad you are back."
Hermione's worried gaze lit on Malfoy. "I couldn't find Snape or Pomfrey, I'm hoping Ron had more luck. I found a bunch of supplies to make potions with that can help him. I've also brought a warmth package. The dementors and death eaters were gone but I heard that two people had been killed. I couldn't find Ginny, Luna and Neville, I hope they're ok."
Harry lay Draco down on his side again. "I'm going to see if I can find Snape. Malfoy was trying to communicate about Snape, something about Snape potions, maybe he's in a potions store or something we've never paid attention to?"
Hermione's eyes lit up, "The Potions Seminar! Oh why didn't I think of that before. There was one last year in the Golden Pentagram? There might be one this weekend. Maybe he's still there?"
Harry headed for the door. "I'm going. The dementors and death eaters are gone and you're definitely better at making potions than I am. He's in really bad shape. He keeps throwing up maybe you can make something for his stomach and also a painkiller."
She looked at Draco's pale form, he looked so helpless and vulnerable.