Chapter Twenty-six
Potter…
After the attack, I became much more determined to speak to Harry Potter. I wasn't sure how I was going to do it, but when I received an owl from the ministry, I knew what I was going to do. The ministry letter detailed what was happening to the house that I used to live with my parents in. Snape had advised me to let them sell it because returning would make me a prime target for Voldermort. I tied a new parchment around the leg of the animal, advised it to take rest in the owlery and let it go. I smiled to myself, this was going to be interesting.
"What are you up to?" Snape asked. He stood at the end of my bed the next day, arms folded and wearing the normal black robes. "I heard Potter talking to Granger and Weasley all lesson about you and some note." I shrugged.
"I don't know. Perhaps you should ask him." Snape gave an 'I'd rather experience the cruciatus curse than do that" look. I laughed at it.
"The ministry is having trouble getting anybody to take the house. They're passing it to the muggle market." I handed Snape the letter.
"Can't have Voldermort killing muggles can we?" He mused slightly.
"It's probably common knowledge that I'm not living there anymore." Snape nodded, agreeing.
"Glad to see you're looking brighter." He told me.
"You are slightly too." I told him. His face was returning to how it used to be, and the eyes had returned to their deep black colour, rather than looking slightly grey.
"How's the work coming along?" He'd sat down at the edge of the bed at the bottom. I was sat beside the bed on a chair.
"I'm doing my best. I've almost finished my potions essay on antidotes." I reached into my bag and held out the parchment. Severus handed back the ministry letter and took my essay. He took a look through it, a slight frown on his face.
"That bad?" I asked.
"Considering the rest of the class, taught by Quirrell when it was set, wrote about the same standard or worse, it fits with them… but as I ran through the lesson with you, I'd have expected it to be better, although… you are still ill…" I sighed.
"I'll work on it. I promise." I glanced at the time. "We'd better be going or we'll be late for dinner."
"We-?"
"Madame Pomfrey said I could today. Don't worry I won't make it obvious." I put the parchment away and stood up. Snape took my arm.
"I can walk, honestly." I exclaimed. I took a few steps to prove to him. He let go. We walked down the stairs from the hospital wing together.
"Mum told me to talk to Harry." I told Severus. He looked at me oddly.
"She asked me the day Dumbledore held that meeting, the one Fudge was at. I sent Harry an owl this morning, asking to meet in one of the charm classrooms after dinner…"
"And what will you be telling Potter?"
"Not a lot. I'll be asking for his help, and offering mine."
"I wouldn't mention that I have anything to do with it Elixa. Potter knows about the mark, and he might not trust you because of it."
Dinner was enjoyable. Malfoy was very pleased to be able to see me again. Kerry had plenty of gossip too. Marcus Flint slapped Malfoy on the back as he passed.
"Draco, Quidditch practise tomorrow morning. Bring Amethyst." I frowned at Flint as he walked away.
"Why does he want me?" I asked. Malfoy shrugged.
"I don't know. Why is Potter looking at you?" I looked towards the Gryffindor table. Potter looked down as I did.
"Everyone's interested. I don't know if Pomfrey will let me out tomorrow."
"We'll find a way." After dinner, I tried to shake Draco off. When I thought I had, I headed for charms. Malfoy must have followed me because he spun me round and planted a kiss on my lips. I was shocked. I saw Harry coming up behind and waved an arm to hurry him past so Draco wouldn't see. The kiss verged on revolting, and I felt like spitting.
"Right. Now you better go. Professor Flitwick wants to see me, and you don't want to get caught." He nodded and left. I waited, leaning against the wall until he'd gone, and then I ran into the classroom which I'd seen Harry go into.
"Ugh!" I spat into the bin.
"So you two are an item?" Harry asked, almost comically.
"Sort of yes." I shut the door.
"Thanks for agreeing to meet me." We sat down and I explained a selective history of the deaths and other happenings. Potter seemed to understand. He accepted my plea for help and that I would stand by him if he needed me to. We hurried away, I knew Pomfrey at least would be out looking for me.