"No Poppy, there hasn't been any change," Remus said tonelessly as he heard the door to Sirius's room open. Each time it had opened all morning, it had been the Matron wondering if Sirius's condition was any different … but this time it was someone different.
"Professor Lupin?" a soft voice drifted to him in the silent room. Remus swivelled and saw Ginny, leaning up against the doorjamb to support herself.
"Ginny?" Remus exclaimed, jumping from his seat and approaching her. "What are you doing up? You should be in bed resting."
"I know," Ginny replied, letting Remus steer her into Sirius's room and sitting her on the bed. She let out a relieved breath when she took the weight off her legs, wishing that she'd be strong enough to walk around on her own. "But I was sick and tired of just laying in that bed with nothing to do, and no one to talk too." Her gaze flicked to Sirius as Remus sat down again. "And I wanted to see how Sirius was doing…" she finished sadly.
Remus swallowed down the lump that had been building in his throat all morning, and decided to tell Ginny the situation. "He's doing just as badly as he was this morning, Ginny," he whispered. "There's hardly been any change in him, other than the fact that his external burns are healing rather steadily … but that's only because of Madame Pomfrey's paste."
Ginny stared at Sirius intently for a moment, before looking at Remus and asking, "Do you think he'll live?"
Remus held Ginny's gaze for a moment, before dropping it to the floor, and heaving a deep, shuddering sigh. This action told Ginny all she needed, and it was then that she allowed the tears that had been creeping into her eyes, to overflow and run silently down her cheeks. If Remus didn't think Sirius had much of a chance, then how could anyone else? Harry would be left with no one…
They sat in silence for a time, until Madame Pomfrey's crisp voice was heard just outside the door, making Ginny tense with apprehension.
"Remus!" she called, her voice echoing into the room. "Harry's come to visit – "
Suddenly, she stopped speaking, and Ginny looked near on petrified, knowing that she hadn't shut her door when she came down the hall. No doubt the Matron would have seen her missing…
"Remus, is Miss Weasley – " Poppy stuck her head around the corner, mid-sentence, and once again stopped talking as she recognised the long red hair that was Ginny's. She scowled deeply (only Remus could see, because Ginny's back was to the door) and went to reprimand her, but stopped at a sudden gesture from Remus. Her brow creasing with curiosity, Poppy obligingly held her tongue and stepped aside to allow Harry into the room.
"As I said earlier," said Poppy. "Mr Potter has come to visit."
"Thank-you Madame Pomfrey," Harry said quickly, as he darted into the room and sat at Ginny's side, joining her in looking at Sirius. Ron and Hermione had to stay out in the main ward, and neither of them had been happy about it, but Harry had told them that he wouldn't be that long … unless there was an emergency.
"Thank-you Poppy," said Remus quietly, smiling as she nodded and went to leave, but stopped and turned back, opening her mouth, but Remus already knew what was about to come, and answered before she could even ask. "No Poppy … no change."
Poppy shut her mouth and nodded, before shutting the door as she went back out into the main ward.
"So there hasn't been any change?" Harry put forward, guessing that Remus had been referring to Sirius.
"No Harry … sorry. No change yet, either way," Remus answered, feeling his heart wrench at the sense of loss, shining brightly in Harry's emerald eyes. He really didn't know how Harry would take it if Sirius was to die. In Remus's opinion, he would probably require containment for a couple of days … but if Sirius lived, Remus knew that Harry's spirit would lift considerably higher than it had been over the last couple of days … and that would be a very good thing.
"And, why are you in here, Ginny?" Harry stated, raising his eyebrows at her, but smiling happily all the while. "Aren't you supposed to be in bed? Resting?"
"Well fine, if you don't want me here, I can go!" she replied huffily, starting to stand, but stopping when Harry placed a hand on her arm.
"No wait … I didn't mean that," said Harry hurriedly, looking apologetic. "Of course I want you here, otherwise I wouldn't've been able to see you … but you really should be resting Ginny, otherwise you won't heal properly."
Ginny took one look at Harry's pleading face, and sat down again, leaning up against his shoulder as she now felt rather tired. "I'm sorry, Harry … I only wanted to see how Sirius was doing…"
"That's OK," Harry replied gently, hooking a stray lock of hair behind her ear as he spoke. "I'm sure that Remus could have used the company anyway," he smiled, laughing softly as Remus shot him a mock glare. "I'm quite sure that Sirius is a joy to talk to at the moment," he continued, feeling his resentment from that morning decrease rapidly as he heard Ginny giggling beside him.
"Hey, at least he doesn't argue with anything I have to say," Remus countered, smiling at Ginny and Harry as they laughed on the other side of the room. "He listens quite efficiently, he doesn't interrupt – "
"And he's not as loud as the other occupants!"
All three of them fell silent and turned, as Madame Pomfrey stuck her head around the corner, scowling heavily in an attempt to hide her smile.
"Now I understand that laughter is the best medicine … but this is getting ridiculous. Really, I can hear you out in the Main Ward!"
"We're sorry Poppy," Remus chuckled. "We'll try and keep the noise down a bit."
As soon as she shut the door again, they all burst into bouts of reasonably silent laughter.
"We weren't being that loud, were we?" asked Ginny, resting her head on Harry's shoulder as she stifled a small yawn.
"Apparently," Remus replied, raising an eyebrow when Harry placed his arm around Ginny's shoulders to help hold her upright, almost automatically. "Though I'm sure that Poppy is able to hear a pin drop in this ward, if she was at one end, and it was at the other, so it's pretty irrelevant. And Harry?" Remus added, suddenly remembering something and grinning widely. "Did I hear correctly this morning, or did you really hospitalise Malfoy?"
Harry looked at the floor, and Remus saw him flush a shade of pink. Ginny had picked her head off Harry's shoulder, and was now looking at him with intense scrutiny.
Remus grinned slyly, and pushed just a bit further, "And isn't it also true that you succeeded in doing what no one ever thought possible, by making Severus's nose even more crooked than it was before?"
"That wasn't my fault!" Harry exclaimed, looking up suddenly. "If he hadn't've gotten in the way, then I wouldn't've hit him!"
Remus smiled wider, but Ginny actually gasped at the news.
"You hit Professor Snape!?" she breathed, as though stunned he was still alive after doing such a thing. "Oh my, Harry … are you a lot of trouble?"
"Actually … that's something that was strange," Harry answered, looking down at Ginny. "He never gave me a punishment, or even a reprimand? No points taken, no detention … he didn't even argue with me when I told him my theory about how not to snap and go on a rampage?"
Remus nodded in acknowledgement. "Yep. Don't let him fool you Harry. He's not everything he makes himself out to be … something I've only just found out this year as well. He's not always the cold and vindictive professor that you all know … he can be quite understanding. Though his Slytherin nature overrides that sometimes…"
"I found it almost unnerving," Harry chuckled, shaking his head at how the nature didn't suit the Potions Master. "He's always been so mean to us, that it felt weird to see him act – well … humane…"
"Don't fret over it, Harry," Remus laughed. "I doubt he'll behave any different from the norm once you get out into public or class. He has to keep up appearances after all. Can't let everyone know he's really a big softie. Only a few people know what he's really like."
"I guess I'll just have to play along then?" said Harry, thinking that he might actually get along with Snape one day … though that wasn't anywhere in the near future.
"Yep," Remus nodded. "No choice in the matter. Even we have to pretend he's a tyrant, because anyone could be watching, or listening … and report it back to the wrong people."……
"Was there any change?" Ron asked as Harry came out of the back hallway, and strode over to them.
Harry shook his head. "No … either way. He's still the same as this morning. Ginny's better though," Harry added, as they exited the Ward. "She was strong enough to walk down to Sirius's room, and back again … but I had to help her on the way back. She was still a bit shaky."
"But, I thought she was supposed to be in bed!" Ron cried, looking shocked that she wouldn't rest.
"Don't act so surprised Ron," said Hermione seriously. "She gets it from you. And don't argue with me over it – " she said quickly, just as Ron was about to do just that. "You know I'm right. Who's idea was it to go trudging about last night?? Hmmm??"
Harry laughed as Ron scowled and looked away, his ears matching his hair. "So, what do we have now?" asked Harry, trying to change the subject for Ron's benefit.
"Double Transfiguration," Hermione answered instantly. At Harry's inquisitive look, Hermione explained, "I memorized the timetable while you were in with Sirius. There's nothing to do in that Ward if you're not a patient…"
"Believe me," Harry laughed. "I know."
Harry's spirits were a bit higher, knowing that McGonagall was his teacher. She knew everything about him, and would treat him normally. Harry also doubted that she would allow the other students to treat him so coldly as their previous class, and it made him feel more relaxed.
Sure enough, when Harry arrived at the Transfiguration classroom, the students began to disperse and gather in groups away from him, leaving only a selected few anywhere near him. Although Harry felt as rejected as he did in Charms, he really couldn't hold it against them. Especially not after what Dumbledore had told them about him. Who would want to be near anyone who could fly off the handle and attack them at any given moment?
"It's OK Hermione," Harry said quietly when he felt her hand on his arm. "I understand why…"
The next moment, Professor McGonagall came out and motioned for them to enter, faltering for the briefest moment when she saw everyone skirt around Harry. Harry saw her narrow her eyes minutely at them, but she still gave him a rare smile as he walked into class. ……
Remus stared at Sirius as the afternoon continued to tick by, wishing that something would happen, just to tell them that he was either going to die, or live. The waiting and wondering was driving him insane. It was while Remus was pacing up and down the room, that something happened … it made Remus stand in shock and stare.
"Madame Pomfrey!!" he shouted, dashing to Sirius's side as a numbing disbelief washed over him. Poppy arrived the next moment and also went to Sirius's side.
"Remus," she breathed. "Go and tell Albus! Quickly!"
Hastily, Remus nodded and dashed from the Ward, feeling his chest swell with emotion as he ran. He couldn't believe it…
Remus skidded to a stop at the Gargoyle, and spluttered the password, jumping up the stairs three at a time, before fumbling at the office door and opening the door without knocking.
"Albus!" he gasped, bending over in an effort to catch his breath.
"Remus?" said Dumbledore, standing from his chair and hurrying to Remus's side. "What is the matter? Has something happened?"
Remus straightened up and clutched at the stich in his side, breathing heavily. "You – have to – come – It's – Sirius – "
Without another word, Dumbledore nodded and accompanied Remus through the halls of Hogwarts.
"When did it happen?" asked Dumbledore, as they entered the Wing.
"Couldn't've been any more than twenty minutes ago," Remus answered, still finding everything hard to believe.
They both walked into the back hall and headed straight for Sirius's room, opening the door to see a teary Poppy, and Ginny kneeling by Sirius's side, crying softly.
Dumbledore looked at Poppy for a moment, before returning his eyes to Sirius and saying, "I think someone should inform Mr Potter, of the sudden change in events…" ……
Harry sat unobtrusively, trying to change his piece of rope into a carpet snake, while ignoring the new stares he received from the Ravenclaws. Ron and Hermione noticed them as well, but they didn't dare speak up about it in McGonagall's class.
Every now and then, he would see McGonagall shoot them a disapproving glare, if she caught them looking over their shoulder at him, but otherwise, she said nothing about it.
There was a sharp knock on the door, about halfway through class, and everyone turned to see Remus stick his head into the room.
Harry's blood ran cold, because he knew that Remus was supposed to be with Sirius, and if he'd left, then something must've happened.
"Something I can help you with Professor Lupin?" McGonagall asked briskly, though underneath, Harry heard a touch of concern.
Remus stepped fully into the room and said, "Yes, Professor. I wonder if I might borrow Harry for a while?"
McGonagall glanced at Harry, who also turned to face her, and exchanged a glance. They both knew what this was about…
"You may," McGonagall answered. "But he'll have to make up the class later."
Remus nodded and motioned for Harry to hurry up. "Thank-you Professor, and I'll make sure he does."
"Is this about Sirius?" Harry asked when they'd shut the doors and begun half-running toward the Ward. "Has something happened?"
"You'll see," was all Remus would say. Harry studied Remus's face, but it remain totally impassive, so he couldn't even tell if the news was good or bad.
Feeling his heart beating a mile a minute, Harry walked down the Ward and into the back hall. He took a couple of deep breaths before Remus opened the door and stepped aside for him to enter first.
The first thing Harry saw was Ginny' weeping at Sirius's side, making him hold his breath. His eyes travelled upward, and came to rest on Sirius's face. Numbness took over Harry's senses instantly, as he slowly walked forward. His breathing became rapid as he fought to keep back the tears that were building rapidly in his eyes. He felt his body tremble slightly as he stood beside Ginny, staring down at his Godfather … who smiled weakly up at him and said, "Hey Kiddo…"
Although Sirius's voice was scratchy and harsh, it was the most wonderful thing Harry had ever heard. He began to laugh and cry at the same time, as he reached down and grasped Sirius's hand firmly, kneeling down by Ginny, who was smiling broadly despite her tears, and looked up at Sirius. Harry could tell that he was beyond exhausted, and still needed loads of rest … but he was practically bursting at the seams with happiness. Sirius was awake, and more importantly … alive.
As though he could sense the profoundness of Harry's relief, Sirius smiled and rested his hand atop Harry's untidy hair. "S'ok Harry…" he whispered, almost inaudibly as he closed his eyes, followed by his deep and steady breathing as he fell into a deep sleep.
Wiping at his face, Harry very gently lay the hand Sirius had placed on his head, back onto the bed and smiled widely as he stared down at his Godfather. Feeling someone grasp his hand lightly, Harry looked down at a beaming Ginny, and squeezed her hand lightly.
He helped her stand and let her lean on him as they turned, intending to let Sirius rest, but stopped as, for the first time, Harry noticed Dumbledore and Madame Pomfrey in the room along with Remus; all of them smiling warmly.
Harry felt his face flush with mild embarrassment, but he still smiled at them as he assisted Ginny past the teachers, and down to her room……
Remus beamed as he watched Harry help Ginny down the hallway, blinking quickly to chase the tears in his eyes. The image of Harry's wide smile was fixed in his memory, and Remus could see the aura of happiness radiating from Harry, solely in his very movements. Smiling himself, Remus followed Dumbledore outside, while Poppy gave Sirius a check-up.
"I don't believe we'll have much trouble from Harry for a couple of days," said Dumbledore, as he shut the door to the back hall. "I'm hard pressed to remember a time where I've ever seen him so happy."
Remus nodded, still unable to wipe the grin from his face. "I know what you mean. Although he wasn't even here for half the time I have been here this term, I know that he hasn't been the happiest of people recently. This is going to do him wonders…"
All of a sudden, Hank Orbed into the centre of the Main Ward, startling both Remus and Dumbledore. He turned around and saw them staring at him.
"What?" he asked, truly curious about their reactions.
Remus balked. "What do you mean 'what?'" he replied, flabbergasted. "Are you mad? Just Orbing in here like that? And, don't you have a class at the moment?"
"I looked first," said Hank indignantly. "I wasn't about to come in here without checking it was clear first. And as to having a class, yes. I do, but they're a bit preoccupied at the moment, so I thought I'd come up and see how Sirius was going for a moment, before heading back down."
"I'm not even going to ask how you've distracted your class, Hank," said Dumbledore, grinning slightly. "But as to Sirius … I believe if you took a quick look in Miss Weasley's room, you'll see the answer to that quite clearly."
Hank shot Dumbledore a quizzical look, but obligingly headed toward the back rooms, wondering why the answer to Sirius's condition would lie within Ginny's room.
"Why didn't you just tell him?" asked Remus quietly, as Hank vanished down the back Hall.
"Harry was not the only person that required cheering up, Remus," Dumbledore replied slowly. "Perhaps seeing Harry so jovial, will lift his spirits as well, plus the knowledge that Sirius is going to live. He should be back to his usual self in no time…" ……
"I can't believe he's going to live!" Harry said for the tenth time since he put Ginny back into bed. He couldn't stop smiling, and Ginny was beaming up at him as well. She was clearly as happy as he was that Sirius was going to live. "Now I know why Remus was playing it cool … he wanted it to be a surprise. Mongrel he is…" Harry shook his head, chuckling. "I'll get him back for that."
"No, don't be mad at him Harry," said Ginny, putting on a pout. "I'm sure he only wanted to hold you in suspense … that's all. I mean … when I heard him run down the hall after he yelled out for Madame Pomfrey, I thought the worst had happened. So I shuffled down to his room. It wasn't until I heard him speaking to Madame Pomfrey that I registered he was alive…" she shook her head and sighed. "Harry, I never thought I could feel so relieved … it was indescribable…"
Harry grinned broadly, and was about to reply, but stopped as he heard the door to Ginny's room swing open.
"Hey Harry," Hank grinned, instantly spotting the overwhelming happiness pouring from Harry. "Ginny," he added, nodding his greeting and entering the room. "How's it going?"
"You wouldn't believe what's happened!" Harry gushed, standing up and walking up to him. "Sirius woke up!! Can you believe it!? He's gonna be OK!!"
"H – He is?" Hank's smiled slowly faded and he gained a dazed look, as he sunk slowly onto the spare bed. "He's going to live…" he whispered, his expression remaining blank.
Harry's grin vanished as he looked at Hank with growing concern. "Yeah, he's going to be fine. What's the matter? Aren't you happy?"
Hank looked up at him, and Harry was surprised to see tears shining in his eyes.
"Harry, I couldn't be happier," Hank answered, in barely more than a whisper, his deep voice wavering violently. "I couldn't be happier…" he said again, bowing his head.
Harry looked over toward Ginny, for any kind of assistance in the matter, but she was looking as lost as he felt. He wasn't used to seeing Hank cry, not that he'd actually known him for very long, but it felt like he'd known him his whole life. In some ways, Harry felt more comfortable around Hank, than he did Remus, and sometimes, even Sirius.
"Um – Hank? If you wanted to see Sirius, I'm sure that Madame Pomfrey would let you?" Harry suggested, trying to lift his mood a little. "He fell asleep not that long ago, but if you just wanted to see him – ?"
"No, it's all right Harry," Hank interrupted, clearing his throat as he tried to compose himself. "I'll ah, …I'll see him some other time. Excuse me."
Hank stood abruptly and quickly left the room, leaving a very confused pair in his wake. Harry glanced at Ginny for a moment, before tearing out of the room after him……
"How is he?" Dumbledore asked, as soon as Madame Pomfrey emerged from the Hall.
Poppy smiled. "Much better. He's out of the danger zone, and should be walking around again in a few days. But he won't be fit enough to leave until a while after that."
"Terrific," said Remus, smiling widely.
The door to the back Hall opened suddenly, and they all turned to face it, feeling somewhat surprised when an anxious Harry came bounding into the ward, looking all over the place. Remus exchanged a glance with Dumbledore, before turning his gaze back to Harry, as he scratched his head and walked over toward them.
"Where'd he go?" he said upon reaching them, looking utterly bewildered.
"He?" Poppy asked, raising her eyebrows. "He who?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Hank, hello? Where'd he go? He got really upset when I told him Sirius was going to be all right, and hurried out of the room. So, hence my question as to where he went, because I followed him not two seconds after he left?"
"Well, Harry … no one came through that door before you did, so I'm at a loss as what you're even talking about. I don't even recall seeing Hank enter the back-lot," Dumbledore explained, peering down at him over his glasses, and ignoring the scandalized look Remus was giving him.
Harry eyed Dumbledore for a moment, as though he didn't believe him, but he soon sighed heavily and nodded. "OK, but I was positive he came out here. I know I didn't imagine him, because Ginny saw him too…" he sighed again and swept the ward one more time with his eyes. "Oh well … maybe I'll see him later on…? Thanks," he added over his shoulder as he started back to Ginny's room.
"Um, Mr Potter, I'm going to have to ask you – "
"Don't worry Madame Pomfrey," Harry interrupted, opening the Hall door. "I won't be long…"
"WHY on earth did you just lie to him!!??" Remus exclaimed the instant Harry shut the door.
"Well, to put it simply, Remus," Dumbledore started, "As Harry knew he'd seen Hank exit the back-lot, and as Poppy here had already declared that no one had exited before him, I had to tell Harry that we didn't see Hank enter. That way, it could be feasible that he got into the back-lot a different way. As it is I'll be having some choice words with him about using his magic so carelessly. He's making everyone else's job harder with the way he's blatantly disregarding the limits we agreed upon at the start of the year."
"I don't understand why he doesn't just tell them what he is?" Poppy commented lightly. "It's not as though Harry will react the same way Miss Granger did?"
"He has his reasons, Poppy," Dumbledore replied. "It is his own choice, and we can't change that. However we'll have to start getting Harry and his friends off Hank's trail, if he wants to keep them ignorant." ………
"So, what was the big emergency?" Ron asked as soon as Harry met up with him and Hermione in the Gryffindor Common Room. "Was it to do with – "
"Shhh!" Hermione hisses, clamping Ron's mouth shut as a small group of second years walked by, on their way to dinner. "Honestly Ron! Will you ever learn?"
"Sorry," he replied, waving a hand impatiently. "Well Harry, was it?"
Harry looked around them, before gesturing to follow him over to their usual secluded corner. "Yes, it was about 'Snuffles'," Harry answered, pulling a Remus and sighing heavily, feigning disappointment.
When Harry didn't continue, Hermione – who was practically jumping up and down with anticipation and anxiety – whispered urgently, "AND???"
Harry's face broke out into a wide grin, and said, "He woke up! He's going to be fine!"
Ron smiled happily and Hermione let out a quiet squeal, before throwing her arms around Harry's neck, and hugging him tightly.
"Oh that's such good news!" she gushed, letting him go before turning to Ron and doing exactly the same thing.
"Gee Hermione, not too happy are we?" Harry laughed, watching with interest as Hermione didn't release Ron as fast as she did him, and how Ron's ears had turned a bright shade of magenta, as he hugged her back.
"Anyway," Harry continued pointedly, as they broke apart. "Madame Pomfrey said he should be able to leave in about a week, give or take a couple of days."
"What about Ginny?" said Ron. "Did she say when she'd be let out?"
Harry nodded, "She should be allowed to come to dinner tomorrow night."
So, in a considerably higher mood than at the start of the day, all three friends made their way down to the Great Hall for dinner……
Hank was staring at the stormy night sky, once again atop North Tower as he ran Harry's words through his mind again. A smile crept onto his face, in spite of the tears of pure joy that were mingling with the steady rain as it splashed gently on his skin. He felt as though his chest would burst with emotion, knowing that Sirius would live and heal, after that disastrous night.
Suddenly feeling the need to move around, Hank stood on the steep roofing and looked over the edge, smiling as he saw the ground through the rafters and outcrops, hundreds of feet below him. He couldn't help himself. The knowledge that Sirius wasn't going to die had made him fidgety with joy and he had to get rid of the adrenalin that was starting to make it's way through him.
Hank let off a loud whoop as he leapt from the roof, judging his jump perfectly as he agilely made contact with a sloping roof below him, sliding down the slippery surface with undisputed grace and balance. Hank reached the edge and leapt again, flying through the air as he reached out for a small flagpole fifty feet away. He reached it easily and grasped the pole tightly in his hands, flicking his legs below him to swing himself into a handstand.
He held himself vertically for a moment, before slowly lowering his feet and shifting his weight, sitting on his heels effortlessly in the forceful wind, gripping the two-inch pole with his toes. Slowly, he stood, standing as steadily as he would on a stone floor. From his vantage point, Hank could see the brightness of the Great Hall, and he knew that Remus would not be there, because he'd be out looking for him. Hank was sure that Harry would notice his absence from dinner as well, and with that thought he grimaced.
He'd made so many mistakes where Harry was concerned, and it pained Hank to know that he'd be spending a large amount of time redeeming himself for them. Deciding to try and cause Harry less reasons to worry, Hank walked the narrow pole swiftly, and climbed the sleek and sheer stone of Hogwarts speedily, as though a spider on a wall … unaware of the audience peering at him through more than one window……
"Don't worry so much Harry." Hermione had been trying to tell Harry that nothing was wrong, just because Hank hadn't shown for most of Dinner, but it wasn't working very well. "Hank's a big boy, and he can look after himself."
"But you didn't see how upset he was earlier on," Harry repeated, emphasizing his point by knocking his hand against the table. "He was actually crying, and all because I told him Snuffles was OK! Look– " Harry pointed up to the Head Table. "Even Remus is getting up to look for him…"
"He could be leaving for any number of reasons Harry," Hermione tried to explain. "It's not as if he's displaying a neon sign that's flashing "I'm going to search for Hank!" …"
"What's a neon sign?" Ron interjected, looking confused at what Hermione had said.
"It's – never mind…" Hermione waved a hand dismissively before turning back to Harry, who was watching Remus exit through the door behind the teachers table.
"I'm going to look for him as well," Harry announced suddenly, standing from his seat. "You two can come if you want, but if you don't want to, I'll understand…"
Without a backward glance at them, Harry strode briskly from the Great Hall and into the Entrance Hall, grinning to himself as he heard two sets of footsteps emerge behind him.
"Just for the record Harry," Ron called as they jogged to catch up with him. "I'm not helping to look for Hank. I'm going to see if I'm allowed to visit Ginny, seeing how the only time I've seen her all day was this morning…"
Harry held up his hands in mock defence, grinning. "Hey it's all right by me mate. Family comes first, right?"
"Well, I am going to help you look," Hermione put forward firmly, "because, knowing you, Harry, you'll just get yourself into some sort of trouble, and will probably need my expertise…"
Hermione grinned broadly as Harry raised his eyebrows at her, shaking his head in exasperation. "I suppose you can come along then, miss "Hank is a big boy and can take care of himself". I could really use your company…"
Harry chuckled as Hermione proceeded to poke her tongue at him, though still grinning widely. "It's such a reassurance to know that I'm needed," she remarked dryly. "Thank-you very much…"
"Well … I try," Harry replied coyly, giving Hermione a small bow.
They came to the turnoff to the Hospital Wing and Ron said that he'd meet them in the common room later on, before turning down the corridor and walking out of sight.
As Harry walked, he took a sidelong glance at Hermione, flinching when he spotted the still visible bruise on her face. She'd done a good job of hiding it during class, but as now she didn't see the need to, it was plainly visible. Madame Pomfrey had rubbed some ointment into it to bring down the swelling, but the mark itself would still need to heal normally.
Harry sighed and rubbed at his own knuckles, feeling a twinge pass through them as he did so. Looking down, Harry spotted for the first time, that his knuckles bore some yellow bruising, where his hand had connected with Hermione.
Harry glanced at her again, and found her gazing at him, knowing what he was thinking. "Hermione – "
"Don't Harry," Hermione cut in, looking up at him. "Don't apologize." Seeing an extremely injured expression flash across Harry's face for an instant, Hermione rushed onward, "It's not that I'm angry with you, Harry … but you can't keep taking the responsibility for things you have no control over."
"But – You know that I never would've – "
"Oh Harry, you know that I would never believe that you would do that intentionally!" Hermione cut in, overriding Harry's hopeful query. "If it was anyone's fault it was mine. I was the one who just jumped in without thinking, so don't you believe for one moment, that it was your fault."
"But – I still feel like I should apologise for it," Harry insisted. "I felt so bad for it after I calmed down. I didn't know if you would hate me or shy away or – "
"Stop Harry," said Hermione firmly, stopping midway down a windowed corridor. Harry stopped walking as well, and turned around to face her. "You're one of my best friends, and I would never turn from you. I know that you wouldn't hurt me on purpose, but accidents happen … even though they're usually preventable if some more thought went into it…" she added sheepishly.
"Hey, you should take your own advise," said Harry, grinning minutely in the moonlight, the nights rain splashing lightly against the glass windows. "You only wanted to help Ron. It wasn't your fault either."
Hermione smiled weakly and laughed lightly before looking out the window. "Hey, no playing the blame game again," she said. "Anyway, I'm – What the hell is he doing?"
"What?" Harry asked, walking over to the window Hermione was staring out of. "Who's doing what where?"
"Nobody!" she answered, turning away swiftly and starting up the hall again, trying to drag Harry along with her … but it didn't work.
"What's Hank doing sitting on the roof???" Harry watched, listening to his heart thud against his ribs, as Hank stood on the sloping tiles … and jumped. Harry yelled in shock, not noticing Hermione had come up beside him, and stared in horror as he fell at least eighty feet … only to land smoothly on an outcrop below him and slide down it effortlessly. Harry's eyes widened as Hank reached the lip of the roof, and jumped again, seemingly into nothingness, but after a short distance, grasped onto a flagpole, jutting out from the wall, and spun around it, leaving him sitting on his heels on the narrow pole, gazing out into the distance as though what he'd done was nothing spectacular.
"How…?" was all Harry managed to say, and even then his voice was weak, though filled with absolute awe and confusion. All of a sudden, Hank stood, balancing on the metal below him as though it was the ground, and walked the length of it … before climbing up the sheer vertical stone easily. It reminded Harry strongly of a comic book character that Dudley used to read … "Spiderman" maybe, Harry thought?
Harry was rooted to the spot, unable to tear his eyes from Hank, until he edged smoothly through an open window and out of sight.
"WHAT the HELL was THAT!!!???" Harry exclaimed, pointing to where Hank had vanished moments beforehand, wide eyed and awestruck. He turned to an extremely anxious looking Hermione and continued, "Did you see that??? How'd he do that??"
Harry looked back out the window again and didn't see Hermione screw up her face and bite her lip, looking around hopelessly for anything that could get Harry distracted from what he just saw……
Remus shook his head as he spotted Hank's acrobatics, taking note of which window he'd disappeared into, and striding briskly in that direction. Dumbledore was right. Hank was taking far too many chances when it came to his talents, and had to be set back on track. Remus sighed, biting back his anger, as he pondered the real possibility that someone else had seen Hank's superior agility in full effect. He didn't even have the sense to try and keep out of sight.
Remus slowed his walk, as he heard some raised voices, echoing faintly through the halls. Hoping that it had nothing to do with what Hank had just done, Remus changed his route and followed the sound of the voices. Quietly, he made his way down the hall, and down a flight of stairs, tilting his head to try and determine if he was on the right track. After deciding that he was, Remus continued down the corridor, slowing his walk even more as the voices became clear enough to recognise.
Deciding to wait and see if it was anything serious, Remus stayed still, and focussed on their tone of voice, feeling a twinge of worry pass through him as one started to become hard and angry, the other mildly fearful.
"…You had to know something or you wouldn't've tried to tell me it was nothing!!"
"Please Harry, I can't tell you. Ahh!!"
At this, Remus dashed around the corner to see Harry gripping Hermione's upper arm, refusing to let her go as she struggled to get away from him.
"You can and you will!!" Harry shouted, pulling her roughly back toward him, making her yelp lightly with pain.
Remus heard Hermione say something, but it was too soft for him to hear over his thumping heart. He started to hurry down the hall, but froze as he was temporarily overcome with horror, when Harry drew back his balled fist and ferociously drove Hermione to the floor with the force he struck her with.
Abandoning all stealth and subtlety, Remus sprinted the rest of the distance as Harry stood over Hermione and bent to grasp her by her hair. Hearing his approach, Harry looked up at him as he grew closer, and stood abruptly, just as Remus threw himself at Harry, tackling him to the floor.
Remus winced as they hit the floor, but he didn't have the time to think about it. He could already feel Harry struggling forcefully beneath him, and judging by his strength, Harry was already too far gone to be reasoned with. Taking a chance, Remus shot a worried glance toward Hermione, and saw her starting to sit up groggily, pressing a hand to her cheek in an effort to take away some of the pain.
Remus's focus was drawn back to Harry, as he felt him jerk violently beneath him, in an effort to free himself. But Remus found Harry to be too strong now, and he broke the grip he'd held him with…
Next moment, Remus's head exploded with pain as Harry freed an arm and elbowed him viciously in the temple. Grunting in pain, Remus felt himself roll off Harry and clutch at his head, his vision blurring with the tears of pain that had sprung in his eyes.
Remus heard movent beside him, and the next moment, found himself being hauled to his feet, by who he could only assume was Harry. His head still swimming, Remus felt Harry grasp him by the front of his robes and drag him somewhere close by, before turning him around.
As though from far away, he heard Hermione begin to protest to Harry fervently, the terror she was feeling evident in her voice, but as his vision wasn't clearing, Remus had no idea what Harry was doing.
The next moment, Remus felt the wind get knocked out of him, as something crashed into his chest, the force of the blow sending him flying backwards. The last thing he heard, was Hermione shriek in horror, just before he heard the shattering of glass, as his body was propelled through a window, out into nothingness……
"NOOOO!!!!" Hermione shrieked, feeling time stop for an instant as she watched Remus fly through the window helplessly. She heard Remus cry out as he fell, and felt despair close in around her, trying to suffocate her. She continued to stare at the broken window, even after Remus's voice could no longer be heard, as he fell the five stories toward certain death.
She felt hot tears burning her face as they streaked down her cheeks, but she did nothing to halt their flow. "No…" she whispered hoarsely, feeling herself shake her head and start to stand. "No!" she repeated, more urgently as she walked toward the gaping hole Remus's body had left in the glass. Hermione passed Harry, but in her current state of distress, she didn't notice that he hadn't moved ever since he'd given Remus that fateful shove.
Hermione looked out of the hole, ignoring the rain that was showering down on her, desperate to see any sign of Remus through the darkness and water … but she couldn't. It was too dark and the rain was obscuring her vision, along with her tears……
Harry came out of his daze, as a piercing scream echoed through his mind, mixed with the tinkling of breaking and falling glass. Then another cry reached Harry's waking ears, and it sent a chilling spasm through him, as he recognised it to be Remus.
A numbness started to spread throughout Harry, as Remus's voice became fainter, until only an icy silence could be heard in the corridor in which he was standing. It was as Hermione staggered into view, that Harry froze with the sudden memory of what had only just transpired. He vividly recalled drilling Hermione to the ground, before being tackled by Remus … he hit him before dragging him to his feet … then he stood him in front of the window and –
Harry's eyes snapped back to the shattered window, just as Hermione was turning slowly to face him. Harry felt his breathing and heartbeat quicken rapidly and shook his head, as he saw the tears on Hermione's face, and the absolute despair and loss in her eyes.
All of a sudden, Harry felt as though something had caught in his throat, though at the same time, still able to breathe freely. His breaths came short and shallow, he backed away from the blemish he'd created, still shaking his head and feeling his eyes burn. Harry backed into the opposite wall, trembling violently, and scrunched up his eyes, blocking out the sight of what he'd just done.
"No…" he croaked, bringing his hands to his ears as Hermione's ear-splitting scream echoed through his mind again, followed by Remus's desperate cry as he fell to his doom. Yet the sound didn't fade, and it kept playing in his head, over, and over again. "No!" he cried again and again, gripping his hair in his hands as he sank to his knees, unaware that Hermione was calling his name. Harry rocked back and forth, squeezing his eyes tighter, trying to force away the vision of Remus being catapulted through the window by his own hand.
The burning in his eyes grew so painful that Harry was forced to open them, letting them fill with his shame and misery, spilling down his face as he wept for his heinous actions. Through his blurry vision, Harry saw someone kneeling in front of him, and impulsively through himself forward, onto their shoulder and sobbed. He didn't know who it might be, but at that moment, Harry didn't care.
Harry wrapped his arms around them, holding onto them tightly, as though he would lose his mind if he was to let go. He felt them return his embrace, speaking softly to him, though Harry could hear a great amount of sorrow in his companions voice as well, even though they were trying to calm him. ……
Through her despair, Hermione felt a jolt of alarm as Harry started to back away and mutter to himself. She took a step toward him, just as he blocked his ears and clamped his eyes shut, saying no, over and over.
As he sank to his knees, gripping his hair tightly, she called, "Harry?" He didn't react. "Harry??" she said, louder this time, though still having no effect. Feeling herself panic, Hermione hastily stepped forward and knelt in front of Harry. "Harry, it's Hermione! Harry, snap out of it, please!!"
Hermione's tears returned in full force as she covered her mouth with her hands, fearing that Harry may have crumbled completely by what he'd just done. Then suddenly, Harry opened his eyes and looked at her through tear filled eyes. "Harry?" she asked tentatively.
The next instant, Harry had thrown himself upon her shoulder and began to weep uncontrollably, his body shaking violently with every wave of misery that washed over him. He wrapped his arms around her, so tightly she could barely breathe, but Hermione simply returned the embrace and whispered in his ear, her own voice laced with the great loss she was feeling.
Hermione lost all track of how long she sat there, trying to soothe and calm Harry, but she didn't really care. She had to get Harry settled before anything else could be thought of. By this time, Harry's heart wrenching sobs had subsided considerably, but he still clung to Hermione as though she was all he could be sure was real.
Luckily they were in an area that was hardly travelled, because Hermione was sure that dinner would have finished by this time, and they'd have to deal with awkward questions from other students, which Hermione was sure Harry wouldn't be able to handle at present.
Hermione continued to calm Harry, speaking to him softly while rubbing his back in a reassuring manner, and asking if he was ready to go and tell Dumbledore what had happened. Harry continually refused to move, but Hermione was glad that he'd regained enough of his senses to reply to her.
"Could you ever forgive me?" Harry whispered suddenly, his voice thick with emotion and still wavering. "Could anyone?"
Startled initially by his voice, Hermione soon registered what Harry had actually said, and very gently pulled away from him, so she could see if he was actually serious. Through his puffy an hollow eyes though, Hermione could see that he was, and contemplated her answer carefully.
"Harry, I don't have to forgive you, because I don't blame you – "
"But I killed him Hermione!!" Harry cut in, raising his voice, not in anger but with a desperate pleading. "It doesn't matter if you blame me or not! The simple fact is I - Killed - Him!! I just took Remus's life … It was all me this time. Voldemort was nowhere to be seen, nor anyone else. It was by my hand…"
"But it wasn't intentional, Harry," Hermione reasoned. "It wasn't intentional, all right? You had no control over what you were doing, and everybody knows that…"
Harry didn't reply. He just stared at the opposite wall as a cold wind whistled through the gaping hole. "How am I going to tell them?" he whispered, his anguish threatening to spill over again. "How will I tell Sirius, or Dumbledore, or any of them what I did?"
Hermione didn't have an answer, and so just sat by Harry, leaning up against the wall as they stared at the window that Remus had fallen through, each with an arm over the others shoulders, as they tried to gather their courage, and tell someone of what had just transpired……
Ron sat in the Common Room, looking around anxiously as the room continued to empty as the night progressed, but there was still no sign of Harry or Hermione. Ron looked at his watch, running a hand through his hair as he saw that it was near on curfew. Deciding that they most likely lost track of the time while they were walking around, Ron stayed seated, looking at the Portrait hole each time a straggler walked through it.
He'd been rather late getting back from his visit with Ginny, and expected them to be there when he got back, and after speaking to a couple of the other Fifth years, had found out that they hadn't gone up to bed early.
Looking at his watch again, Ron gathered himself and exited the Common Room, hoping that he didn't run into anyone on the way to his destination. It was definitely passed curfew now, and Ron was getting worried. What if something had happened to them while they were searching for Hank? Shaking the thought from his mind, Ron continued hurriedly through the corridors … and heard foot steps approaching his location ahead of him.
Freezing in his tracks, Ron looked around in a panic, trying to find anywhere he could hide, but was trapped, for the corridor he was in possessed no extra doors or passageways. The footsteps rounded the corner, and Ron's insides turned to lead as Snape stepped into view, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the lone Weasley brother.
"Well, well, well," he sneered, walking toward Ron with deliberate slowness. "Mr Weasley, I do believe that it is well past curfew?"
"Yes Professor, but I was – "
"And as it is past curfew," Snape cut in, still approaching Ron, "Isn't it true that students are supposed to be in their Common Rooms?"
"I know Professor," Ron answered hurriedly. "But I was only – "
"Well then do tell, Mr Weasley, the reason as to why you are wandering the halls when you so obviously know that you're not permitted?"
"If you would let me finish!!" Ron exclaimed heatedly, cowering slightly under Snape's smouldering gaze. "I mean – I know that it's after curfew, Professor, but as I've been trying to tell you – I was on my way to see Professor Dumbledore, to tell him – "
"Why, Mr Weasley, would you need to see the Headmaster at this time of night?" Snape interrupted again, his voiced laced with suspicion.
"Oh for Gods sake!! Forget it, OK! Just forget it!" Ron fumed, spinning around and stalking back down the hall, hoping to find a more secluded path to Dumbledore's office.
"How dare you take that tone of voice with me!?" Snape snapped, following Ron down the hall. "You might be able to get away with that sort of behaviour when Mr Potter is around, but I certainly won't put up with it!"
Ron stopped in his tracks and turned to face Snape, scowling heavily as his temper had it's way with him. "What a coincidence! I wouldn't be here if he was around! But I guess a missing student is little consolation to you … two would be even less of a worry, wouldn't it!?"
To Ron's surprise, Snape's heavy frown melted into an expression of confusion, and mild concern. Even though he was probably the vilest teacher at Hogwarts, it didn't stop him from doing his job, or ignoring his responsibility in regards to the students safety.
"What are you talking about, Mr Weasley?" he asked firmly, taking another step forward. "Who's missing? Mr Potter?"
Ron nodded exaggeratingly slow. "Hermione is too, that's why I was going up to see Professor Dumbledore."
"When did you see them last?"
"We left dinner just after Professor Lupin did, and I split off with them to visit Ginny not long afterwards…" Ron answered, feeling his worry creeping back with the absence of his previous anger.
"Why did you leave dinner early?"
"Um … Harry wanted to look for Hank. Apparently he got upset when he told him Sirius was going to be all right, and he hasn't been seen since then. Harry was getting worried about him…"
"So naturally Mr Potter went looking, and Miss Granger just had to accompany him," Snape finished flatly, nodding nonchalantly. "Typical," he growled, though feeling his concern spike at the fact that the two hadn't been seen for over four hours. "Very well, Mr Weasley. I shall inform the headmaster of the situation. You will return to your Tower immediately – ," he paused for an instant, smiling inwardly at the protest beginning to form on Ron's lips, before continuing with, "– in case they show up."
Ron shut his mouth and nodded grudgingly. "Yes professor," he muttered, turning around and heading back toward Gryffindor Tower, scuffing his feet on the way……
Snape continued to watch Ron's retreating back, until he was out of sight, before swivelling on his heels and half sprinting back up to Dumbledore's office. His stomach twisted as he thought of the things that might've occurred which would result in Harry and Hermione not returning to the Common Room on time. After all, Hermione was well known to be in the Common Room at least half an hour before curfew, if they were out and about for some reason.
After giving the password, Severus bolted up the staircase and barged into the office, startling Dumbledore, who was just finishing up for the night.
"I apologise for the intrusion Albus," Severus began breathlessly. "But I just ran into Mr Weasley as he was on his way up here…"
"It's quite all right Severus," said Dumbledore, approaching him quickly. "Now what was the reason for Mr Weasley's intended visit?"
"He told me that Mr Potter, and Miss Granger haven't returned to the Tower ever since they parted company during Dinner. Apparently Mr Potter was concerned about Hank and went looking for him. Miss Granger followed."
Dumbledore shook his head grimly. "Not good news," he said. "Remus went searching for him during Dinner as well. He has yet to make contact with me…" Dumbledore sighed heavily and shook his head.
"Do you wish me to go search for them?" Severus asked cautiously.
"If you would, I would be most grateful, Severus," Dumbledore answered, sounding tired all of a sudden. "With the times being as they are at present, I feel that this does not bode well." ……
"Harry!" Hermione hissed into Harry's ear, shaking him gently in an effort to wake him from his fitful slumber. He mumbled something and stirred, but didn't wake. "Harry!!" she hissed again, more urgently and shaking him harder.
"What is it?" Harry groaned, blinking groggily as he raised himself from Hermione's shoulder.
"Someone's coming!" she whispered fearfully. Harry awoke instantly, all traces of sluggishness vanishing, and quickly got to his feet, helping Hermione up as he did so.
Pausing only for a moment, to take one last look at the shattered window, Harry said, "Come on," and took Hermione's hand, leading her in the opposite direction the footsteps were coming from. When they rounded the corner, Harry stopped and cautiously peeked around the corner, clenching his jaw as he saw Snape walk into view, looking strained.
"Who is it?" Hermione whispered into his ear.
"It's Snape," Harry growled, feeling his heartbeat quicken when the Potions Master spotted the broken window. Snape looked up and down the hall, before approaching the wall and looking out into the night, his face a picture of perfect concern and worry.
Looking on curiously, Harry saw Snape turn and look at the floor, as though studying it. He started to move around, his eyes darting everywhere, when they fell upon something on the floor. Seeing Snape hunch over something on the stone floor, Harry began to worry. Had he left any sign that either he or Hermione had been there?
Harry heard Snape mutter something, but didn't catch it, and next moment had to hold back a cry of surprise when a see-through hologram type thing of Hermione suddenly shot from the ground. Harry stared at it, seeing a highlight somewhere near her temple, but was taken by surprise again when Snape leapt to his feet as if bitten by a spider, and swivelled to stare at the window, almost fearfully.
Harry turned to look at Hermione, as he felt her tugging lightly on his robes.
"What's he doing?" she whispered. But Harry wasn't listening. He reached up slowly and ran his fingers along the side of her head, confirming that she'd been injured when he attacked her earlier, as he pulled away and saw half-dry blood on his fingertips.
Swallowing the lump that rose in his throat, Harry turned to look at Snape again, unwilling to meet Hermione's eye at the moment. Snape was now over by the window and leaning out of it, as though searching the ground below through the darkness, in the hopes that he would see something to disprove what he feared.
Not wanting to see any more, Harry turned back to Hermione and said, "We're leaving," before heading down the hallway as silently as possible.
Hermione stared at Harry's back for a moment, before looking around the corner herself, just as something in the hall vanished at a flick of Snape's wand, while he stood staring out of the window. Sighing lightly, Hermione turned and followed Harry's retreating form, trying to make as little noise as possible, as they walked through the empty corridors, on what seemed to be on their way to the Hospital Wing. ……
Snape turned around, and leant heavily on the windowsill, flicking his wand to make the image of Hermione disappear. He knew that he was most likely jumping to conclusions, but by what he could see here, Hermione had been attacked before being thrown from the castle. Although he wasn't exactly fond of her, he prayed that his synopsis wasn't the case. Steeling his resolve, Snape stood and briskly made his way down to the ground floor, intent on seeing for himself if his theory was correct.
Severus drew his robes around him tighter, trying to capture the warmth he had in the freezing temperature and rain. Hurrying, so as not to remain out in the weather for long, Severus jogged around the edge of the castle walls, until he reached the general area below the corridor he'd found the smear of Hermione's blood. Steeling himself for a grizzly sight, Severus held his breath as new shapes became visible through the rain as he drew closer to the drop zone.
He passed a couple of statues and benches, before he came to the place he guessed she might be …… but there was nothing. Letting out a huge sigh of relief, Severus bent to examine the sodden ground more closely. Reaching into his robes, he extracted his wand and lit it's end, finding multiple shards of razor sharp glass, littering the grass and mud in a rather widespread area, making Severus believe that there had indeed been something thrown through the window at great velocity … even though whatever it was, was nowhere to be seen.
As he turned to report his findings, the shape of the ground in the wand light seemed to flick a light on, in the back of Severus's mind. Bending down again, he examined the earth, and discovered it to be a hollow … as though something large and heavy had fallen a great distance before coming in contact with the ground. It looked rather recent, and upon closer observation, had drag marks leading away from it to a point where they suddenly vanished.
Running this new information over in his head, Severus backtracked, into the castle again and immediately headed up to the Hospital Wing … guessing that whatever had fallen, had been found … and he wanted to know if it was Hermione or not. As she was supposed to be with Harry, Severus held some hope that it wouldn't be, but Harry's constant eruptions didn't make that a guarantee……
"Don't tell anyone."
Hermione stopped in her tracks, just outside the hospital wing. "What?"
Harry turned around and gazed at Hermione pleadingly, speaking only for the second time after they started their travel there. "Don't tell anyone what happened," he repeated.
Hermione shook her head. "I can't do that Harry. We have to tell someone what's happened. Anyone will do, they have to know."
"Please?" Harry begged, his eyes growing moist. "I only ask that you pretend that we never saw – him. Please, not until I'm ready to talk about it?"
"But, Harry – " Hermione began, "They're bound to notice him missing? We can't just pretend like it never happened!"
"I'm not asking that," Harry remarked, placing his hands on Hermione's shoulders. "I'm simply asking that we say we never saw him, and that the window was like that when we got there or something? At least until I feel like I can take talking about it to someone."
Although Hermione was experiencing extreme trepidation about Harry's request, she also understood where it was stemming from. She understood that he didn't want to relive the taking of a friends life, just as much as she didn't want to remember it. But it still happened, and ignoring it wouldn't make it go away … but out of respect to Harry's fragile state at present, Hermione grudgingly agreed to keep her silence.
"OK Harry," she said softly. "I promise I won't say anything."
Harry smiled weakly, but Hermione could see no warmth or feeling of comfort in it. It was an empty smile, almost as empty as Harry's eyes.
After sharing a quick hug, Harry opened the Ward doors and let Hermione enter first. After knocking quietly on Madame Pomfrey's office door a few times, a torch inside was finally lit, and a minute later a dishevelled Poppy opened the door.
"Mr Potter? Miss Granger, do you have any idea what time – " She stopped abruptly as she spotted the prominent bruise on Hermione's other cheek in the torchlight, before taking a swift glance at Harry, who lowered his eyes shamefully, telling her all she needed without words. "Follow me, Miss Granger," she ordered gently, walking into the office and retrieving the same lotion she'd used earlier on that day. "My, my. You are going to be a sight tomorrow," she commented lightly.
"She hit her head as well," Harry stated softly from the doorway, still not looking up.
Poppy glanced at Harry sadly for a moment, before looking to Hermione for confirmation. Hermione nodded and gestured to the side of her head, near her temple, where Harry had inspected earlier. Turning her head gently, Poppy glanced at the area and nodded, before instructing Hermione to keep rubbing the ointment in, as she went to fetch some other treatments.
Hermione did as she was instructed, throwing concerned looks at Harry as she went. Although the situation was far from all right, Hermione was feeling slightly at ease, in that Harry had totally forgotten about what he'd seen Hank doing on the rooftops. At this though, Hermione's concern spiked again, in that Hank hadn't been seen since that time as well. Though, considering her and Harry hadn't moved from the corridor at all, it didn't mean that Hank was missing.
Hermione looked at Harry again, and saw him staring blankly at the wall opposite him, unmoving and emotionless. This was quite disconcerting to her, for she felt she was constantly on the verge of tears, just by thinking about what had happened in that hallway, and yet Harry – who had every reason to be a broken shadow of his former self at the moment – was not. His features were stony and his eyes hollow, as he leant casually against the doorjamb. He no longer looked upset, nor fearful … just empty. And it was beginning to make Hermione feel uneasy……
Wolfgang smiled slyly, as he gazed up at the dark silhouette that was Hogwarts, his long teeth glinting in the dim, yellow glow his eyes were creating. He was feeling rather proud of himself at the moment. It had taken him a long time to escape from that little prison his Feline friend had so graciously placed him in the previous night, but he'd gotten over it rather quickly. His kind, had all the time in the world to plan their vengeance, and patience was something they learned to acquire quickly.
Wolfgang's grin morphed into a snarl, as his thoughts drifted back to the agreement he'd just offered and accepted. He knew, that his compatriot would desperately try to avoid the terms of his pact, while devising a way to retrieve his payment. But he would be hindered in that he knew he couldn't tell any of his colleagues about it … otherwise payment would be terminated.
Crossing his arms across his broad and furry chest, hearing a quiet chink of metal on metal, as his arm gauntlets made contact with each other; Wolfgang knew he was risking a great deal, by trusting his compatriot with only his word to go on … but he was beginning to get desperate. Of course there would be other way's, if this venture ended up failing … but it would most definitely make his newest Clan member antsy. Not that he couldn't handle him, far from it. Clan was Clan after all … and Wolfgang had to admit, that he held a greater fondness for him than he'd like to. His record was something to be proud of, even though it paled in comparison with his own.
Deciding to get down to business, Wolfgang cleared his mind and sent out a beam of thought, searching for his contact inside the school. Finding him, Wolfgang told him of the arrangement and it's conditions, telling him to notify him immediately if any were breached. Upon confirmation, Wolfgang withdrew his thoughts and just stared up at the castle. Yes … if nothing else, this arrangement would be most entertaining. ………
Snape breathed a huge sigh of relief when he entered the Hospital Wing, not seeing Hermione anywhere in the room. He stepped into the ward, and felt himself stop again, when he saw Harry, standing at Madame Pomfrey's office door. Feeling his worry return a fraction, Snape continued forward, just as Poppy emerged from the back hallway, with some ointments and cotton wads in her hands.
"Severus?" she exclaimed, spotting him in the gloom. "What are you doing here?"
Snape walked forward, into the torchlight the office was emitting, and answered, "I was looking for Miss Granger. Is she in here by any chance?"
"Why do you want to know?" a different voice asked.
Turning his head toward Harry, Snape almost balked at what he saw. It looked like Harry, yet it was so far from it at the same time. He seemed hollow and dead. His usually bright green eyes seemed dull and lifeless, and his expression was so hard, Snape was sure that he could take a chisel to it.
Deciding right there and then to tell Dumbledore as soon as he'd finished, Snape composed himself a trifle, before answering, "Well if you must know, Potter … during my patrol of the school I came across a shattered window. Upon closer inspection, I found some blood on the floor, and identified it to be Miss Granger's. I was simply seeing if she was admitted here, and was going to ask her how it happened."
Snape fought to keep eye contact with Harry as he spoke. He didn't want to admit it, but Harry's cold detachment was making even him feel uncomfortable, and it took all of his resolve to remain poised under his gaze.
"No need to ask her," Harry replied, allowing an uneasy Poppy to pass him, on her way through the door. "I can tell you. I lost my temper again and decided to take it out on her, much like I did with Malfoy this morning. Madame Pomfrey is seeing to her now, and she wasn't hurt that badly. You can go now."
Snape stared at Harry's cold expression, feeling something he'd never thought he'd feel in the presence of a fifteen year old … Intimidated. He felt as though Harry was staring right through him, reading his soul. Yet at the same time, Snape saw a glint in Harry's eye, that was almost daring him to press forward with his inquiries. Struggling to keep his composure, Snape managed to shoot Harry a strained smile, and nodded curtly, before turning on his heel and walking as fast as he could from the ward, without actually running, feeling Harry's eyes boring into his back until he exited and shut the doors.
Trying to shake the uneasiness, Snape practically sprinted back up to Dumbledore's office and opened the door. He knocked on the door leading to the Headmasters quarters, and paced, waiting until Dumbledore opened the door before saying, "Albus, you won't believe what I just saw…"……