I do not own any of this!

Chapter 29

Harry woke only briefly that evening, accepting a drink of water and a chocolate frog at Hermione's urgings, before falling back into a feverish sleep. For Harry's dorm mates and Hermione, the night was a restless one. Though only Hermione and Ron were officially watching over Harry in alternate shifts, none slept soundly, struggling to banish the image of a sleeping Harry from their minds. In an effort to minimise the pain and maximise the healing, Ron and Hermione had left Harry's back uncovered, and even in the pale moonlight, the eyes of anyone entering the room were drawn swiftly to the bed where he lay. Ron and Hermione took turns sleeping in chairs, leaving to get food and drink once or twice, or to visit the bathroom.

There had been several visitors to the room in the evening, including Fred and George coming to explain that they had been caught by McGonagall out of bounds in search of Gray, and had been barred from leaving the tower. Despite this, they swore several, times that they would be out as soon as they were awake the next morning. Grunting, with his anger spent and too tired to care, Ron's only answer was to hustle them swiftly out of the room.

Another visitor was Colin, much to everyone dismay. Unfortunately, it was too late. By the time they realised what was happening it was done, the flash of the camera receding in their minds. Ron was furious. After gripping Colin by the arm and hauling him out into the corridor, Ron made him swear not to show the picture to anyone, and to bring it to him as soon as it was developed. Scared, Colin was only too happy to agree.

When morning came Harry awoke at his usual hour, instinctively stiffening as he felt the skin of his back stretch. Wincing, it took a few seconds for him to remember what had happened. Meanwhile, his subtle movements had roused Ron and Hermione, where they dozed squashed up on the single wicker chair. Hearing their footfalls, he spoke, his voice dry and croaky.

'Wait a minute.'

Taking a deep breath, he carefully edged sideways, and then slowly swung his legs over the edge of the bed, twisting his hips as he did so. With a grunt of pain, he sat upright. Once that had been successfully accomplished, he groaned. Clsing his eyes for a moment, he mumbled.

'Water.'

Hermione carefully held a goblet to his lips, being sure to let Harry drink for himself. If there was one thing that they knew, it was that Harry hated to be pitied. Seeing that in their eyes would d cause him more pain, in a way, than Gray had. It was a few minutes before they spoke, which Harry used to collect himself. Finally he looked up, sending his friends a grin that was soon cut short by a flinch.

Convinced he was going to be alright, Hermione left to shower and change, leaving Harry in the care of Ron and the other fifth form boys who were now stirring, despite the fact that it was still well before six. Harry gave them each a tired smile as they came over, amused to see the majority of them were still in the clothes they had been wearing the day before, minus their robes. All looked relieved to find Harry awake and sitting up. Reassured by his smile, they returned to their beds, and loosed the curtains while they changed, struggling to stifle their yawns. Only Ron was left. Glancing at the shirt lying discarded on the floor, Ron's voice was humorously sarcastic.

'Don't think you'll be wearing that again.'

Harry gave a snort, not wanting to risk laughter.

'I think you're right there.'

There was a slightly uncomfortable pause.

'Look Ron, I need you to help. I can't see but.'

His voice trailed off, and Ron nodded his understanding. He went round to the other side of the bed, and knelt on it, waiting for instructions.

'What do they look like?'

Ron frowned. He reached out and touched Harry neck, just below the hairline.

'They go from here,'

His hand moved to the base of Harry back, just above his waistline. 'to here.'

'How deep?'

It wasn't a question he wanted to ask, but he needed to know.

'Some very, they're not scabbing properly yet. Others, it looks like just the top few layers of skin have been ripped off.'

Harry nodded, then swore bitterly.

'I've got to get to Gray's office by six. I need a shirt, can you do accio for me? And some food?'

Ron pulled out his wand, and Seamus came over clutching a pumpkin pasty. With a grin even weaker than the one Harry had sent him, he shrugged his shoulders apologetically.

'The sugar will do you good, give you energy.'

Harry nodded ruefully.

'I'll need it today.'

Seamus cocked his head to one side, and was joined by the others. Harry responded to their silent question.

'The second part of my punishment.'

Seeing their horrified paced, he quickly reassured them.

'Don't worry, it's no more of this. I've got to clean up the mess in his workroom, that's all. But them if I'm late, he might see fit to do a bit more damage.'

At this moment Ron came back over, clutching what Harry recognised as being one of his light white shirts. Motioning to the others to stand back, he stood up. The movement was swift and fluid, yet still his face contorted with pain.

About to take the shirt from Ron, his hands were gently brushed away by Hermione. Having returned with her hair still wet, Hermione took the shirt from Ron's freckled fingers, and walked behind Harry. She slipped it gently on; first the right arm, then the left, and finally up over his shoulders. About to do the buttons, Harry stopped her. Noticing her from, Harry explained.

'I'm not going to get away with people helping me all day. That may as well start now.'

She nodded her comprehension, understanding the logic behind what he said. Hermione handed him his wand, which he swiftly holstered at his side. It took him several tries to get his trainers on, leaving him gasping as his friends looked on, eyes clouded once more.

They moved down the stairs in a group, Harry leading slowly, the others following behind Ron and Hermione. Harry didn't question their decision, and silently appreciated their support. The DADA room was just off the route from the Great Hall. Intending to go with him all the way, Harry stopped them when they reached the end of the corridor. He met Hermione's eyes steadily.

'Go on, I'll be fine.'

Trying not to show how upset she still was, Hermione leaned up and kissed him gently on he cheek. In spite of his surprise, Harry was grateful for the gesture. When she turned away all but Ron followed her down to the Entrance Hall, albeit reluctantly. Ron's eyes were hard.

'If Snape knew about this he would stop it.'

Harry made no reply, and Ron shook his head, wondering at Harry stubbornness. Harry late answer caught him unawares.

'It's a matter of pride now. Telling Snape would be admitting how much it hurts.'

Ron's brow knitted into frown.

'Be careful.'

'I will be.'

The words were as much to reassure himself as they were to placate Ron.

As Ron hesitantly followed the others down the stairs, Harry turned, and began to make his way down the corridor. Reaching the door, he saw it was already open. He straightened his back, and masked him pain. He went in.

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I know I said this would have Fed and George in it, but I got a little sidetracked. And this seemed to fit, so please no complaints.

As I said at the end of chapter 28, I doubt I'll be writing anything in the next few days, so I'm afraid that's it as I'm back to school. I will try to get another chapter out within two weeks, but I'm not making any promises.

Thanks for any reviews - Pose.