Draco held Neville's hand and kissed his fingers he was exhausted and wrought with worry.
There had been no change since the time Neville had been brought into the hospital.
The Healer and told he and Augusta that a Neuro Specialist would be coming from Scotland later that day to assess him and work on a course of action.
At some point during the night Augusta Longbottom had gone up to the mind damage ward where her son and daughter in law were permanent residents.
They had suffered at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange during the first war.
She had repeatedly used the Cruciatus Curse until their minds were no longer their own.
Augusta knew in her heart that Alice and Frank would have no understanding of what she was saying.
But the old woman hoped somewhere deep in the fortress of their minds it would register and they would offer up a prayer for their beloved son.
Frank and Alice sat a smiled at Augusta as she did her best to explain about Neville.
From the blank looks on their faces she knew that nothing had sunk in and more than likely didn't know who Neville was.
It was such a heartbreaking waste to see to brilliant people reduced to a puddle of confusion.
Kissing them both goodbye, she went back down to the ward where her Grandson lay fighting for his life.
Tears fell from the Longbottom Matriarch eyes she brushed them aside and composed herself.
It wouldn't do any good for Draco to see her coming apart.
Augusta kissed Neville's forehead and sat down on the other side of the bed and picked up Neville's hand and began to sing.
Tears fell from Draco' eyes as he listened to the tune, it seemed to go straight through to his very soul.
Somewhere far away Neville Longbottom was fighting as hard as he could to wake up. He could hear Draco crying and his Grandmother singing.
He wanted to go back to tell them he was ok, but the darkness wouldn't loosen its grasp long enough fro him to try. Instead it pulled him back under taking him away from the people and the life he loved.
Hermione settled into the routine of teaching.
The students had all been concerned about Draco and Neville, but accepted the change in Professor and didn't give the witch any trouble.
She was taken aback at the change in Ginny's behaviour and attitude.
From what she had heard the redhead had made it her mission to upset as many of the teaching staff as was possible.
Now though she was calm and oddly elated which left Hermione with a sinking feeling.
She had spoken to Ron and the others about it and they had noticed the same thing.
Dean told her he had Ancient Runes with her and it was the first time she hadn't been given detention.
Professor Sprout had offered to come back and teach Herbology until Neville had recovered.
The students were happy to see Pomona again but saddened that Neville was in such a bad way.
Ginny on the other hand wasn't saddened at all in fact she had never felt better.
There was something about watching from the sidelines while everyone else chased their tails trying to catch the culprit.
Oh what bliss it was to hold the answers, they were her puppets and she was their Master.
Ginny had come to the conclusion that it wasn't about Harry anymore.
The thought of endlessly pursuing him and talking him into marriage didn't hold the same appeal it once had.
The Dungeon Bat could have him she mused and anyways there was always the chance she might need him for something one day.
The idea of being able to use him whenever she pleased held more appeal
Now that she had the power to control who and when she was willing wait.
She looked over to where Michael Corner was sitting a faraway look in his eye.
They had only spoken a handful of times since the attack on Neville.
He had always looked to Ginny like he wanted to say something but couldn't quite figure out what it was.
Oh what fun it was to be the Master and work the strings.
Healer O'Neil arrived at St Mungo's later that day to assess Neville's condition.
It took the better part of an hour.
He came out into the waiting room where everyone had gathered while the Healer did his work.
'Mr Malfoy, Mrs Longbottom' Healer O'Neil approached the pair.
'I have completed my examination on Mr Longbottom, the swelling has started to decrease slightly, there was some concern that he had sustained a fractured skull but I have ruled that out. He is still in the coma and we will keep it that way for a few more days at least. I will come back at the end of the week and assess his progress after that we may be able to slowly being to bring out of the coma'
'So he will be alright?' Draco asked wearily.
'He has a long way to go Mr Malfoy but the decrease in swelling is a good sign, we just have to hope he continues to improve.' Healer O'Neil replied.
Draco sank back into the chair and closed his eyes.
'I suggest you get some rest Mr Malfoy; you will need your strength in the coming days. It doesn't pay to be exhausted' the Healer said kindly.
'He's right Drake you need to sleep' Harry said with concern.
'I can't leave him' Draco rubbed his eyes tiredly
'You will go and sleep Draco I will remain here with Neville; I'll contact you immediately if anything changes' Augusta said firmly.
Having no strength to argue the point further he kissed Neville goodbye and let Harry and Severus floo him back to Hogwarts.
Harry put him into bed after he drank a cup of tea laced with a sleeping draught courtesy of Severus.
He transfigured the sofa into a double bed and he and Harry stripped down to boxers and drifted off to sleep.
They held each other closely neither willing to be too far from the other.
Neville's attack had left them feeling unsettled and on high alert.
Whoever had attacked Neville had meant him serious harm maybe even death.
One couldn't help but think they might be next.
When Draco woke a few hours later, he insisted on going straight back to the hospital.
Severus persuaded him to at least shower and eat something first.
He reluctantly agreed. Harry left them to it while he went to see Minerva and fill her on Neville.
He spent some time with Hermione, Ron and the others in his rooms.
The one thing that made Harry's mind turn was the sudden change in Ginny Weasleys behaviour.
He hadn't given the redhead any thought there had been no time when Neville was hurt.
Now he pondered the thought that she could have been responsible for the attack. What he couldn't work out was why.
Neville had never been anything but kind to Ginny.
He didn't hold grudges so to speak.
Unless Harry wondered it was to get back at Draco for giving her detention.
It was a bloody big risk to take and a cruel vindictive way to get even.
As always Hermione seemed to read his mind, she gave him a kind look.
'Do you really think she would be that ruthless?' she asked Harry
'I don't know to be honest, I wouldn't like to think so, but I can't think of anyone else who would have a reason to hurt Neville' Harry surmised.
'What do you think Ron?' Dean countered
'I want to say no, but having grown up with her I know what she's like. Ginny has been spoilt most of her life, she always has to get what she wants and throws a hell of a fit if she doesn't. We boys used to always get the blame for doing something when it was really her that had done it, so she's cunning' Ron explained
'We will just have to keep a close watch on her' Seamus concluded.
They talked for a bit longer before the others left and Harry showered and changed ready to head back to St Mungo's.
Before he left the rooms he checked on his lesson for the following day.
Kingsley had mentioned that one of the Aurors would be teaching his class for a few days.
Professor Slughorn had come back to teach Potions for Severus.
He was incredibly grateful. His and Severus' place was with Draco at the minute he needed their support more than anything.