A/N: Sheesh you guys work quick! This is sheer madness!!!! I'm glad that
you liked that last chapter and I've decided to start the next chapter.
Aren't you all happy now?! Okay, I'm just going to get on with this so
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chapter 37
The month of January faded imperceptibly into February without anything big or important happening. Ron, being true to his word, had started to hang around and get to know Draco a bit. Slytherin had completely shunned Draco at this point and it was getting necessary for Draco to put wards up around his bed because of the anonymous threats he had been getting lately. They had gotten to the point that Draco had showed them to his father and Severus agreed that something had to be done about it.
Severus went to go talk to Dumbledore and showed him the letters and notes Draco had been getting and they both agreed that Draco would have to be taken out of the dormitory for safety purposes. It was decided that Draco would simply sleep in his and Harry's bedroom in his father's quarters, that way he would be protected.
Harry was very worried about his brother but he didn't go unnoticed either. Harry had also received some anonymous notes but didn't really think much of it since he did have a private, password protected room of his own surrounded by other prefects. Harry felt that the situation was under his complete control so he neglected to tell his father and brother about it. Harry's house and yearmates found that they didn't really care that Draco was Harry's brother as long as Harry was happy. Harry was glad that most Gryffindors were laid back and just generally accepting as long as it didn't directly impact them.
Under Severus' watchful eye, Draco's marks significantly went up and Severus was willing to bet that Draco would probably be made a prefect the next year since the 7th years were leaving and there weren't really any current 4th years that really qualified for the position. Harry's marks stayed in their usual high position and the boy was now only taking the nightmare potion twice a week instead of every other night and Severus was very pleased to see that the boy was having no significant problems.
Harry was still training his team harder than ever for their upcoming match against Hufflepuff the first weekend of February. Harry still felt guilty about Cedric's death and the fact that this would be the first time he had played Hufflepuff since the match in his third year when the dementors came didn't help matters. Harry couldn't supress the deep shiver at the thought of both memories.
As was the case with Harry's third year, the points and competition was very tight in persuit of the quidditch cup. Harry was absolutely determined to get the cup and it looked like he would have to face his brother head on again.
Both boys got along very well now but when it came down to business, it was business and things could get downright nasty. Both boys were very competitive in nature but were unobvious about it but the feeling was almost tangible when they really got going.
Draco was getting slightly worried about the upcoming quidditch match because that would be the perfect opportunity to try and do something to Harry. Draco was getting a little bit nerved about the looks and snippets of conversations he'd overheard without the people doing the talking realizing that he'd heard.
Pansy Parkinson had taken it upon herself to be Harry's tormentor since Draco was out of that role. Crabbe and Goyle had now taken to Pansy. Pansy as a person was pretty volatile and the girl new a fair amount of nasty hexes and curses since she had originally had plans to join Voldemort as soon as she was old enough. Now that Harry had ruined her chance she was in a particularly vindictive mood. The whole thing with Draco was just icing on the cake.
Draco knew that Pansy was plotting something but he couldn't find out what she was plotting or when it would happen. Draco hated feeling helpless more than anything in the world. He hated feeling powerless to stop whatever he was sure was going to happen.
Before Harry and the entire school knew it it was the night before the Hufflepuff/Gryffindor quidditch match. Harry was completely sure in his team as Hufflepuff was usually pretty easy and the fact that Harry had noticed their new Seeker. It was a third year flying a Cleansweep 7. With Harry's new broom, not to sound overly confident, the kid didn't stand a chance.
Harry fell asleep without any problems that night and had no nightmares whatsoever. He woke up the next morning feeling extremely refreshed and went through his usual routine of taking his medications and getting ready for the game. Harry went to the Great Hall for breakfast with Ron and Ginny. Before they knew it it was time for the game.
Harry did his usual talk down in the locker rooms and the team walked out onto the pitch greeted with tumultuous applause and cheering. Both captains shook hands and Madame Hooch's whistle blew the game began. (a/n: sorry, I'm not much of a writer for quidditch so I'm just going to skim over it)
Gryffindor was completely and totally dominating Hufflepuff with the score at 60-0 but the snitch was nowhere in sight. Harry circled around trying to shake off the 3rd year and was successful easily. Finally when Gryffindor was up 100-0 Harry spotted the snitch hovering just above the ground at the base of the Hufflepuff goalposts and Harry took off after it. The Hufflepuff seeker spotted Harry but didn't have a chance at beating him on his broom but still tried his best to keep up.
As soon as Harry had grabbed the snitch he held up his hand and pulled out of the dive. Madame Hooch's whistle rang out while Lee Jordan screamed into the magical megaphone "Gryffindor Wins!"
Harry landed and Ginny ran over to him and he wrapped his arms around her, still holding the snitch, and kissed her full out in front of everybody. Harry thought he saw a flash go off indicating that Colin had taken another picture. Harry could care less though, he was happy and knew that he could get the picture off of the overzealous Gryffindor later.
Harry went into the locker room with the rest of the team and decided to take a shower before going to the party in the common room that was sure to be going on. Harry told Ginny and Ron to go on ahead and he'd be there soon.
Harry quickly finished his shower and pulled out a grey t-shirt, red sweater and courderoys out of his locker and quickly got dressed and left the locker rooms. Unbeknownst to him, somebody else had stayed behind to wait for him. Somebody that he didn't want to wait. Pansy Parkinson with Crabbe and Goyle in tow.
Harry started walking towards the school completely by himself and lost in his own world. No sooner had he ascended the marble staircase in the main entrance hall than he was hit with a blinding spell.
Staggering for a moment Harry grabbed onto the nearest thing he came in contact with which happened to be a railing. Harry had barely managed to get out a yelp than he was hit with a silencing spell. Harry heard 1 light and 2 pairs of heavy footsteps coming up towards him and he had a very good idea as to who it was.
Pansy shoved Harry back further onto the landing and said,
"So Potter. Where's iDaddy/i and Draco now?"
She paused for a moment and said,
"What? Cat got your tongue?" She laughed at the stupid joke and Crabbe and Goyle chortled mindlessly as well.
"You know Potter, or should I say Snape now? I heard an interesting rumor. I heard that your muggle family beats you. I also heard that you have a imuggle/i illness that makes it difficult for you to breathe. Did you really think that you'd get away from getting beaten up just by leaving them? Because murderers like you, deserve it." Pansy paused and said evilly,
"Well boys, why don't we really make it difficult for Mr. Snape to breath?"
Harry knew in the back of his mind that Pansy was wrong. But that small part back in the tiny recesses of his brain actually listened. Pansy had had her fun and the hexes, curses, feet and fists went flying. Harry knew that it was coming and withdrew inside himself. He built back up the walls that he hoped he would never have to build up again. The last thing Harry felt before he passed out was the sensation of being shoved down the stairs and the pain from having his bones broken again.
(a/ n: I was considering stopping it there but I decided not to since it is rather short if I did.)
Draco was sitting in the main chamber in his father's rooms attempting to read but couldn't because he felt uneasy. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but he felt that something was wrong. Draco remembered Harry telling Ginny and Ron that he was going to take a shower and then come up to the Tower. Draco also remembered not seeing Pansy walking back and Draco was one of the last students to leave the quidditch stadium.
Severus could see that something was troubling Draco and said,
"Draco what's wrong?"
"I don't know Dad. Something just doesn't feel right." Draco responded
Severus nodded and said,
"What do you think it is?"
"Well I remember Harry saying to Ginny and Ron to go back up to Gryffindor Tower and that he was going to take a shower."
Severus nodded and Draco continued
"I also remember that I didn't see Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle leave the stadium before I left and I was one of the last students out of there and I kept checking over my shoulder during the walk back to see if they were coming."
Severus nodded and Draco's eyes widened and said,
"I think Pansy's going to attack Harry. She knows not to attack me because I can beat her into the ground but she would have no qualms about attacking Harry. I know that."
With that Severus and Draco went bolting out of the quarters. Draco and Severus went up towards the Entrance Hall because Harry would've come in that way to go back to Gryffindor. Severus got there first due to his longer legs than Draco's, but before they could get there he heard the sound of laughing and chortling.
They reached the hall and at the base of the grand marble staircase was Harry's crumpled form and at the top was Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle laughing their heads off. Severus and Draco wasted no time in putting full body binds on all 3 of them and rushed over to Harry, who's eyes were closed, his arm and leg sticking at wierd angles, bruises sprouting and cuts oozing blood on just his face.
Draco was wondering what kinds of hexes and curses Pansy had used because he knew that Crabbe and Goyle were useless in that area and had more than likely done the physical beating since Pansy really wasn't that big. Pansy however; did know several hexes and curses that were particularly nasty and didn't show any outside effects because they damaged the inside. Draco also knew that she would think to use those.
While Draco was contemplating, Severus was doing some very fast thinking. He didn't want to move Harry outright in case he had a back or neck injury from the fall but he obviously couldn't leave the boy in his current state. Immediately Severus cast a charm to determine which bones were broken. Other than having an obviously broken arm and leg, Harry also had some cracked ribs, a broken collerbone, a shattered kneecap and a hairline fracture in his skull.
Severus frowned, they had really done a number on the boy. He also knew that they would be expelled for this. Blatantly attacking a student, professor's child or not, was an expellable offense.
Having determined that Harry had no back or neck injuries, Severus conjured a stretcher and levitated Harry onto it. Severus turned to Draco and said,
"I want you to take those 3 up to Dumbledore's office. The password is Chocolate Frog. Tell him what happened and what you saw then come down to our rooms. I can easily take care of this on my own and I know that Harry would prefer to be down there instead of the hospital wing."
Draco nodded and ran to the top of the stairs where he didn't bother hiding the look of utter revoltion as he looked down at his, soon to be former, housemates. Draco reapplied the body bind and levitated them down the stairs and made his way towards Dumbledore's office.
Draco delivered the Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle and quickly explained to the Headmaster what had happened. After receiving a reassurance that they would be dealt with accordingly and that Professor McGonagall would be informed, Draco practically flew down to his father's rooms. Once he stepped inside the main chamber he heard the mutterings of spells and charms and the sound of vials being set down hastily coming from his and Harry's bedchamber.
Draco stepped inside the door just as his father was sitting back and wiping the sweat from his brow and sitting back in an armchair that was conveniently next to Harry's bed. Draco made a hesitant step forward and said,
"Dad, is Harry going to be okay?"
Severus sighed and said,
"He will be son, don't worry. I took care of almost all of the problems though some can't be fixed with magic or potions. His broken bones are healed but they'll be stiff for a day or two. He'll sleep for at least a couple more hours. He was knocked pretty badly from the fall."
Draco nodded and came over to Harry's bed and sat down on it. He noticed with a wry smile that Harry's hair was still partially wet from his shower. Draco lightly mussed Harry's hair and whispered in the unconscious boy's ear,
"Don't worry Harry. They got what's coming to them so just get better and wake up."
Draco laid down next to Harry as if to protect the boy and was soon fell asleep. Severus couldn't be happier at that moment. He decided to leave the two boys alone since it was clear that Draco wasn't going anywhere. Severus silently left the quarters after writing a brief note saying that he was going to the Headmaster's office and made his way there.
A/N: I've decided to end it there. I'm sorry if it's incredibly short but my brain is so exhausted but I wanted to finish this chapter and get it up. Hope it wasn't too bad and that the whole 'draco scene at the end' wasn't too sappy and corny. Now push that little 'go' button to leave me a review and tell me what you think and ya'll know that flames will be used to make s'mores since I'm craving them especially right now!! TTFN!
Chapter 37
The month of January faded imperceptibly into February without anything big or important happening. Ron, being true to his word, had started to hang around and get to know Draco a bit. Slytherin had completely shunned Draco at this point and it was getting necessary for Draco to put wards up around his bed because of the anonymous threats he had been getting lately. They had gotten to the point that Draco had showed them to his father and Severus agreed that something had to be done about it.
Severus went to go talk to Dumbledore and showed him the letters and notes Draco had been getting and they both agreed that Draco would have to be taken out of the dormitory for safety purposes. It was decided that Draco would simply sleep in his and Harry's bedroom in his father's quarters, that way he would be protected.
Harry was very worried about his brother but he didn't go unnoticed either. Harry had also received some anonymous notes but didn't really think much of it since he did have a private, password protected room of his own surrounded by other prefects. Harry felt that the situation was under his complete control so he neglected to tell his father and brother about it. Harry's house and yearmates found that they didn't really care that Draco was Harry's brother as long as Harry was happy. Harry was glad that most Gryffindors were laid back and just generally accepting as long as it didn't directly impact them.
Under Severus' watchful eye, Draco's marks significantly went up and Severus was willing to bet that Draco would probably be made a prefect the next year since the 7th years were leaving and there weren't really any current 4th years that really qualified for the position. Harry's marks stayed in their usual high position and the boy was now only taking the nightmare potion twice a week instead of every other night and Severus was very pleased to see that the boy was having no significant problems.
Harry was still training his team harder than ever for their upcoming match against Hufflepuff the first weekend of February. Harry still felt guilty about Cedric's death and the fact that this would be the first time he had played Hufflepuff since the match in his third year when the dementors came didn't help matters. Harry couldn't supress the deep shiver at the thought of both memories.
As was the case with Harry's third year, the points and competition was very tight in persuit of the quidditch cup. Harry was absolutely determined to get the cup and it looked like he would have to face his brother head on again.
Both boys got along very well now but when it came down to business, it was business and things could get downright nasty. Both boys were very competitive in nature but were unobvious about it but the feeling was almost tangible when they really got going.
Draco was getting slightly worried about the upcoming quidditch match because that would be the perfect opportunity to try and do something to Harry. Draco was getting a little bit nerved about the looks and snippets of conversations he'd overheard without the people doing the talking realizing that he'd heard.
Pansy Parkinson had taken it upon herself to be Harry's tormentor since Draco was out of that role. Crabbe and Goyle had now taken to Pansy. Pansy as a person was pretty volatile and the girl new a fair amount of nasty hexes and curses since she had originally had plans to join Voldemort as soon as she was old enough. Now that Harry had ruined her chance she was in a particularly vindictive mood. The whole thing with Draco was just icing on the cake.
Draco knew that Pansy was plotting something but he couldn't find out what she was plotting or when it would happen. Draco hated feeling helpless more than anything in the world. He hated feeling powerless to stop whatever he was sure was going to happen.
Before Harry and the entire school knew it it was the night before the Hufflepuff/Gryffindor quidditch match. Harry was completely sure in his team as Hufflepuff was usually pretty easy and the fact that Harry had noticed their new Seeker. It was a third year flying a Cleansweep 7. With Harry's new broom, not to sound overly confident, the kid didn't stand a chance.
Harry fell asleep without any problems that night and had no nightmares whatsoever. He woke up the next morning feeling extremely refreshed and went through his usual routine of taking his medications and getting ready for the game. Harry went to the Great Hall for breakfast with Ron and Ginny. Before they knew it it was time for the game.
Harry did his usual talk down in the locker rooms and the team walked out onto the pitch greeted with tumultuous applause and cheering. Both captains shook hands and Madame Hooch's whistle blew the game began. (a/n: sorry, I'm not much of a writer for quidditch so I'm just going to skim over it)
Gryffindor was completely and totally dominating Hufflepuff with the score at 60-0 but the snitch was nowhere in sight. Harry circled around trying to shake off the 3rd year and was successful easily. Finally when Gryffindor was up 100-0 Harry spotted the snitch hovering just above the ground at the base of the Hufflepuff goalposts and Harry took off after it. The Hufflepuff seeker spotted Harry but didn't have a chance at beating him on his broom but still tried his best to keep up.
As soon as Harry had grabbed the snitch he held up his hand and pulled out of the dive. Madame Hooch's whistle rang out while Lee Jordan screamed into the magical megaphone "Gryffindor Wins!"
Harry landed and Ginny ran over to him and he wrapped his arms around her, still holding the snitch, and kissed her full out in front of everybody. Harry thought he saw a flash go off indicating that Colin had taken another picture. Harry could care less though, he was happy and knew that he could get the picture off of the overzealous Gryffindor later.
Harry went into the locker room with the rest of the team and decided to take a shower before going to the party in the common room that was sure to be going on. Harry told Ginny and Ron to go on ahead and he'd be there soon.
Harry quickly finished his shower and pulled out a grey t-shirt, red sweater and courderoys out of his locker and quickly got dressed and left the locker rooms. Unbeknownst to him, somebody else had stayed behind to wait for him. Somebody that he didn't want to wait. Pansy Parkinson with Crabbe and Goyle in tow.
Harry started walking towards the school completely by himself and lost in his own world. No sooner had he ascended the marble staircase in the main entrance hall than he was hit with a blinding spell.
Staggering for a moment Harry grabbed onto the nearest thing he came in contact with which happened to be a railing. Harry had barely managed to get out a yelp than he was hit with a silencing spell. Harry heard 1 light and 2 pairs of heavy footsteps coming up towards him and he had a very good idea as to who it was.
Pansy shoved Harry back further onto the landing and said,
"So Potter. Where's iDaddy/i and Draco now?"
She paused for a moment and said,
"What? Cat got your tongue?" She laughed at the stupid joke and Crabbe and Goyle chortled mindlessly as well.
"You know Potter, or should I say Snape now? I heard an interesting rumor. I heard that your muggle family beats you. I also heard that you have a imuggle/i illness that makes it difficult for you to breathe. Did you really think that you'd get away from getting beaten up just by leaving them? Because murderers like you, deserve it." Pansy paused and said evilly,
"Well boys, why don't we really make it difficult for Mr. Snape to breath?"
Harry knew in the back of his mind that Pansy was wrong. But that small part back in the tiny recesses of his brain actually listened. Pansy had had her fun and the hexes, curses, feet and fists went flying. Harry knew that it was coming and withdrew inside himself. He built back up the walls that he hoped he would never have to build up again. The last thing Harry felt before he passed out was the sensation of being shoved down the stairs and the pain from having his bones broken again.
(a/ n: I was considering stopping it there but I decided not to since it is rather short if I did.)
Draco was sitting in the main chamber in his father's rooms attempting to read but couldn't because he felt uneasy. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but he felt that something was wrong. Draco remembered Harry telling Ginny and Ron that he was going to take a shower and then come up to the Tower. Draco also remembered not seeing Pansy walking back and Draco was one of the last students to leave the quidditch stadium.
Severus could see that something was troubling Draco and said,
"Draco what's wrong?"
"I don't know Dad. Something just doesn't feel right." Draco responded
Severus nodded and said,
"What do you think it is?"
"Well I remember Harry saying to Ginny and Ron to go back up to Gryffindor Tower and that he was going to take a shower."
Severus nodded and Draco continued
"I also remember that I didn't see Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle leave the stadium before I left and I was one of the last students out of there and I kept checking over my shoulder during the walk back to see if they were coming."
Severus nodded and Draco's eyes widened and said,
"I think Pansy's going to attack Harry. She knows not to attack me because I can beat her into the ground but she would have no qualms about attacking Harry. I know that."
With that Severus and Draco went bolting out of the quarters. Draco and Severus went up towards the Entrance Hall because Harry would've come in that way to go back to Gryffindor. Severus got there first due to his longer legs than Draco's, but before they could get there he heard the sound of laughing and chortling.
They reached the hall and at the base of the grand marble staircase was Harry's crumpled form and at the top was Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle laughing their heads off. Severus and Draco wasted no time in putting full body binds on all 3 of them and rushed over to Harry, who's eyes were closed, his arm and leg sticking at wierd angles, bruises sprouting and cuts oozing blood on just his face.
Draco was wondering what kinds of hexes and curses Pansy had used because he knew that Crabbe and Goyle were useless in that area and had more than likely done the physical beating since Pansy really wasn't that big. Pansy however; did know several hexes and curses that were particularly nasty and didn't show any outside effects because they damaged the inside. Draco also knew that she would think to use those.
While Draco was contemplating, Severus was doing some very fast thinking. He didn't want to move Harry outright in case he had a back or neck injury from the fall but he obviously couldn't leave the boy in his current state. Immediately Severus cast a charm to determine which bones were broken. Other than having an obviously broken arm and leg, Harry also had some cracked ribs, a broken collerbone, a shattered kneecap and a hairline fracture in his skull.
Severus frowned, they had really done a number on the boy. He also knew that they would be expelled for this. Blatantly attacking a student, professor's child or not, was an expellable offense.
Having determined that Harry had no back or neck injuries, Severus conjured a stretcher and levitated Harry onto it. Severus turned to Draco and said,
"I want you to take those 3 up to Dumbledore's office. The password is Chocolate Frog. Tell him what happened and what you saw then come down to our rooms. I can easily take care of this on my own and I know that Harry would prefer to be down there instead of the hospital wing."
Draco nodded and ran to the top of the stairs where he didn't bother hiding the look of utter revoltion as he looked down at his, soon to be former, housemates. Draco reapplied the body bind and levitated them down the stairs and made his way towards Dumbledore's office.
Draco delivered the Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle and quickly explained to the Headmaster what had happened. After receiving a reassurance that they would be dealt with accordingly and that Professor McGonagall would be informed, Draco practically flew down to his father's rooms. Once he stepped inside the main chamber he heard the mutterings of spells and charms and the sound of vials being set down hastily coming from his and Harry's bedchamber.
Draco stepped inside the door just as his father was sitting back and wiping the sweat from his brow and sitting back in an armchair that was conveniently next to Harry's bed. Draco made a hesitant step forward and said,
"Dad, is Harry going to be okay?"
Severus sighed and said,
"He will be son, don't worry. I took care of almost all of the problems though some can't be fixed with magic or potions. His broken bones are healed but they'll be stiff for a day or two. He'll sleep for at least a couple more hours. He was knocked pretty badly from the fall."
Draco nodded and came over to Harry's bed and sat down on it. He noticed with a wry smile that Harry's hair was still partially wet from his shower. Draco lightly mussed Harry's hair and whispered in the unconscious boy's ear,
"Don't worry Harry. They got what's coming to them so just get better and wake up."
Draco laid down next to Harry as if to protect the boy and was soon fell asleep. Severus couldn't be happier at that moment. He decided to leave the two boys alone since it was clear that Draco wasn't going anywhere. Severus silently left the quarters after writing a brief note saying that he was going to the Headmaster's office and made his way there.
A/N: I've decided to end it there. I'm sorry if it's incredibly short but my brain is so exhausted but I wanted to finish this chapter and get it up. Hope it wasn't too bad and that the whole 'draco scene at the end' wasn't too sappy and corny. Now push that little 'go' button to leave me a review and tell me what you think and ya'll know that flames will be used to make s'mores since I'm craving them especially right now!! TTFN!