A/N: This is set during Fifth year. I don't own Harry Potter or Yu-Gi-Oh!
Mahaad opened his eyes at the sound of the dormitory door opening and shutting softly to his right. The Pharaoh and Master Yugi had looked at him that morning and insisted he get more rest. Mahaad complied somewhat reluctantly with the order. He had nodded in thanks and settled back against his pillow. Through the fever that burned his skin and chills that wracked his body, the magician exhaled slowly as Master Yugi pulled up a chair to his bedside.
"Are you feeling any better?" Yugi's soft melodic voice drifted towards him. Mahaad turned his head toward the source. He could make out his Master's distinctive tri-colored hair and the Millennium Puzzle that rested prominently against his chest. A fresh wave of guilt rolled over Mahaad.
"A bit," he rasped. His throat parched from lack of water. Mahaad closed his eyes in an effort to dull the pounding in his skull, but mostly to avoid his Master's gaze.
Mahaad could sense the Pharaoh's hawk-like gaze fixed on him, suspicious.
Mahaad tensed slightly and resisted the urge to bit his lip.
The chair squeaked as Yugi leaned back against it. A few minutes later Mahaad's eyes flew open. "Forgive me for…" Mahaad began weakly. The chair squeaked again, as Master Yugi leaned forward to hear him better. His younger Master rested the back of his hand against Mahaad's forehead. The coolness of his Master's touch shot through him like ice. "You're burning up!" Yugi gasped.
Mahaad drew his courage again. "Forgive me for...getting blood on the sheets." He closed his eyes again, breathing shallowly.
Mahaad knew without looking that Yugi's brows would be knit together in confusion, and a slight frown would pull his lips down. Yugi removed his hand from the priest's forehead and gently began moving the covers back. A spike of panic shot through Mahaad.
He could feel his younger Master's eyes traveling down his body, to where his tan sleeping tunic was dark with blood. The last thing he heard was his Master's startled gasp before he sensed the change as his Masters switched places.
"Let me see," The Pharaoh demanded sharply. His regal bearing made it hard to refuse. Mahaad hissed sharply as he rolled away gingerly from his king so that the Pharaoh could get a better look at his wound.
The mattress grew heavier as the Pharaoh braced his hands against it to get a better view of his servant's injury. Mahaad knew the extent of his ruler's battlefield experience and wounds. The Pharaoh clicked his tongue in disapproval. "It's infected."
"Did Umbridge do this to you last night?" The Pharaoh asked in an even tone as pushed on Mahaad's right shoulder to coax him to lay on his stomach. Mahaad turned his head toward his king. "Hai, Pharaoh-sama."
"You will tell me why you didn't bring this up last night later and we will discuss what should be done, later. Right now, I'm taking you to Ishizu."
"She teaches class—" Mahaad began.
The Pharaoh waved a had dismissively. "That does not matter. The whims of her king are more important than her class." Mahaad felt a familiar rush of Shadow Magic as the Pharaoh silently summoned the Celtic Guardian.
The elfin warrior bowed. "Pick him up gently. He's been injured and we are taking him to see Ishizu." Mahaad and Karim exchanged glances. Clearly the elf wanted more of an explanation, but their Duelist wasn't inclined to say any more on the matter.
The Celtic Guardian obeyed. He gently picked up the taller magician and slung him over his shoulder. Once the Pharaoh looked them over and determined that Mahaad was secure and comfortable as possible. The Pharaoh strode forward with determination. He walked with an air about him that no one tried to talk to him or stop his progress. Harry opened his mouth when they entered the common room, but snapped it shut when Hermione grabbed his sleeve.
Karim trailed behind the Pharaoh, his armor clanking softly in rhythm with Mahaad's breathing. The king led the way to Ishizu's classroom. Mahaad thought about protesting his king's interruption of her class, but decided against it. When he king made up his mind, there was very little he or anyone else could do to change it.
"Wait here," the Pharaoh ordered. Without waiting to see if the elf obeyed, he opened the door to the Ancient Runes classroom and disappeared inside. Mahaad's heart pounded against his ribcage. It seemed like an hour had passed before his king reemerged with Ishizu in tow behind him.
Her face white, she winced when she saw Mahaad's condition and quickly led the way to her office. She quickly moved scrolls and brushed off her desk, before Karim laid the magician on the desk on his stomach. Ishizu gasped as she took in the full extent of his wound. Mahaad's back had been lacerated. Parts of his back had scabbed over, but the movement had broken some of them open and fresh blood leaked down his back.
Ishizu immediately set to work. She began cutting away the rags that now covered the magician's back. While she worked the Pharaoh drew up a chair and settled himself into it. Unseen by the priest, the nodded curtly at the elf who bowed and melted into the Shadows. The Pharaoh looked at Mahaad worriedly. Mahaad hated seeing that expression on his king's face.
The Pharaoh reached out and gently touched Mahaad's face with his fingertips. Mahaad inhaled sharply. "Shhh," the Pharaoh urged tenderly. He stroked Mahaad's cheek with his thumb. Mahaad unconsciously leaned into his touch. Mahaad's breathing evened out as he relaxed slightly. Ishizu had finished with washing Mahaad's wounds and now was applying ointment to them.
Mahaad yelped and tried to curl into himself. He brought his hands up by his head, his hands in tight fists, his eyes squeezed shut. The Pharaoh's hand left his cheek and Mahaad found himself disappointed by the lack of contact. Mahaad's heart skipped a beat as the Pharaoh grabbed his hand. He stroked it gently. Mahaad slowly uncurled his fist. The Pharaoh smiled tenderly at him. The Pharaoh intertwined his fingers with the magician's and gave him a reassuring squeeze. Mahaad could feel his heartbeat as well as the Pharaoh's in their intertwined hands. Mahaad knew they would have hard talks ahead, but for now he was content to enjoy this rare moment with his king.
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