Stepping stones
Warm eyes watched over the still form on the bed through the glass picture.
A guardian angle of sorts the red head reflected. Pondering on her introspective mood she tentatively nudged open the heavy hospital ward doors. Careful to keep the noise to a minimum the small figure crept inside the ward and towards the only occupied bed.
Anxious eyes darted over the slim body lying in the single bed, seemingly checking for any lasting injuries as she drew closer to the motionless figure. From beneath the stiff hospital covers badly bruised skin that had been reduced to a light purple screamed in sharp contrast with the crisp white sheets. Gazing down at the occupant's sleep induced peace she cocked her head in thought.
Her gaze darted about once more and settled on the now steady heartbeat hidden from view underneath the sheets, encased in an outwardly appearing hardened person, yet really beating in the body of a lost child.
Nibbling on her bottom lip in her recent contemplation Ginny backed away silently and perched quietly on the edge of the opposite bed.
Gazing about the ward her thoughts reverted back to the many times she had perched here, on this very bed, and watched over in silence for so many. A streak of red rebelliously fought its tie and slid down her cheek grazing her top lip. Flicking the strand of hair behind a petite ear Ginny slid further back onto the bed and folded her slim legs up underneath her. Resting her elbow on the curve of her knee, she leant her chin on a curled hand.
"Miss. Weasley I do believe visitors have not yet been permitted." Spoke a cutting voice behind Ginny's shoulder.
Jumping at the sudden rip in the silence the red head yanked her head up from its perch on her hand and spun round with such force she nearly toppled off the bed. Eyes wide with fright she gulped in almost relief as she caught sight of the speaker.
Sharp, deep set eyes met and held her brown ones as he spoke once more.
"Mr Malfoy is quite alright I assure you, he does not need, nor appreciate, a nursemaid in the form of you." Snape continued into the silent room.
"Well, now that you mention it..." whispered a voice behind her.
Jumping once more as the second voice cut through the now oppressive silence Ginny spun back to her original direction in such haste that she over balanced completely and toppled forwards.
Snapping her eyes shut in the certainty of meeting the cement floor she threw her hands out in an attempt at breaking her fall as a cascade of red broke loose of its band and flew in front of her heart shaped face.
A hand darted out to catch her shoulder with such speed her body jolted with the sudden stop. Gently a second hand grasped her other shoulder and nudged her back onto the bed in her previous sitting position.
Grimacing she opened a squinted eye and peaked out from beneath the sheet of hair covering the greater percentage of her face in search of the hand.
Snape withdrew his hand from her shoulder and glared at her for good measure.
A small chuckle broke through the renewed oppressive silence.
Starting once more at the soft laughter Ginny brought a hand up to rest on her heart in shock and drew in a deep breath. In the short space of her encounter with Snape she had completely forgotten about the woken boy on the bed. Tilting her head down at the blond she shot a piercing glare at the infuriating human excuse that had successfully scared her out of her wits for a second time in the space of a few minutes.
At the look being directed at him, Dracos lip curled into a minuscule sneer, then folded into a very small genuine smile. "Why Miss Weasley, have you developed epilepsy to my good looks? Why we must get you some medical help." His voice grew stronger with each syllable spoken as a perfectly arched eyebrow edged up at her expense for the second time in two days.
Grounding her teeth Ginny forced out a small smile at the pale prince as she clenched her delicate fingers into fists at her sides.
"I think I can manage Malfoy" she spat out, "After all I don't think I'd be having many fits around YOU."
Frowning at the underline insult Draco snorted in reply. His pink lips separated as his face drew together into indifference as he attempted to lift a hand to point at her and reply.
A loud bang reverberated throughout the room as the small formidable nurse exploded into the ward through her private quarter doors waving her wand as she stormed the three occupants at the far end.
"What do you all think you are doing?" Madame Pomfrey screeched. Upon reaching the bed she stabbed her wand in the younger Malfoys direction as she continued, "You, Mr Malfoy, should be resting and you Severus know better than to come wondering into this ward at night, and you Miss Weasley you, you, well neither should you be here at this hour, disturbing a patient in much need of rest."
Flinching away as the nurse stabbed her wand at each of them in a rather alarming manner as she spoke, a look of puzzlement passed between Ginny and Draco, united in that small capture of time as they were excluded in the information depths that Pomfrey and Severus obviously knew.
Having the grace to dip his head slightly in shame for a brief moment, Snape smoothed his features into indifference and strode over to the nurse to speak softly into her ear.
Madame Pomfrey nodded her head as the dark haired man retreated away from her. The bossy nurse watched in silence as Snape nodded again and spun in the direction of the doors with a swish of his black robes as he proceeded to leave the room.
The two teenagers trailed their eyes on the potions professor as he left the ward. As the door closed shut with a quiet snap brown eyes met grey as Draco and Ginny locked their gaze on one another in union for a second time.
Frowning Ginny spun towards Madame Pomfrey, only to catch sight of her retreating back and hear the gentle footsteps as they carried the nurse out of the room. Her eyes widened in total confusion and the red head cried out after Madame Pomfrey, to be answered by a second hushed snap of her the nurses quarter doors closing.
"What the-?" Ginny uttered into empty air, voicing her confusion as she looked back at Draco, a deep frown creasing her forehead.
Shrugging slightly at her gaze and then wincing at the effort it took the blond glanced back at both sets of doors.
Ginny shifted at the awkward silence that fell over the pair. Glancing nonchalantly about the ward she slowly unfolded her legs from under her and placed a foot on the tiled floor. She stopped at a mid standing point as the blond spoke again.
"Going so soon Weasley?"
Dropping her shoulders in exasperation Ginny sighed, rolled her eyes and stood up fully, leaning down to brush out the creases that had settled in her black muggle jeans. Stretching her back out Ginny pulled her hair onto one shoulder and ran a hand threw the sheet of red as she stepped away from the bed she had sat on.
"Yes." She replied in a clipped tone, not inviting any response.
She spun on her heel and strode out of the gap between the two beds, stepping out into the centre of the ward. Lifting an eyebrow at the blond she rolled her eyes as his eyebrow shot up in reply. Turning her head away she bit down on a small smile threatening to make its way onto her face as she strode towards the doors.
Quietly inching through the ward doors she flitted a glance back at the blond who had watched her go, and their eyes met for a third time for that night, not in spite, nor in anger, but pure consideration on each part.
**************************************************************************** ********
Allowing a frown to mar his complexion Draco puzzled over the past hours events, from his abrupt collision with the ground, to stirring only to meet the red head again.
Sighing softly he inched out of the crisp covers to sit up fully on the single bed. Dangling what felt like very stiff and bruised limbs over the side of the bed he flinched somewhat as the cold tiles met his pale toes. Contrary to belief the Slytherin's did not like the dungeon because it was cold; Draco being one of the most privileged Slytherin's certainly did not appreciate cold floors.
Gritting his teeth faintly he edged off the bed and stood up. Wincing as pain shot through his battered form he clutched at the small bed side table. Sucking in several deep breaths Draco gently unclasped the wood and edged towards the end of the single bed.
Breathing heavily now, he quietly managed to reach the hospital doors and slide out of them. Holding the door to edge it shut and keep his absence unknown to Pomfrey until the morning he waited for the quiet snap and then made his way down the hall.
Reaching his quarters some twenty minutes later he faintly wondered why his quarters were in fact located so near to the hospital ward. Shrugging the thought away and wincing at the action he muttered the password to the dark haired man that graced the painting to his rooms.
Clambering though the portrait hole the blond slumped on the floor of his lounge and sighed in small relief as he heard the portrait swish shut again. Closing his eyes at the effort it took to reach his quarters he sat up and inched towards the black sofa near the fire and climbed into its luxurious depths.
Sighing, he sunk into the sofa, grimacing at the aches that called to his attention.
Scanning the room he caught sight of the waiting flask he knew would be here with what looked like a lumpy red solution inside. Reaching out a muscled arm he grabbed at the potion silently thanking Severus and brought the flask to his lips, knowing that Dumbledore would want to talk in the morning and the stupid Weasley girl would come looking for explanations he hesitated for a second. He shrugged, threw back his head and gulped down the red liquid.
They could wait until morning.
Coughing slightly at the harsh taste the blond dropped the flask on the floor next to the sofa. His eyelids began to droop as the potion made its way around his body, soothing aches and mending bruised ligaments. Drifting into sleep the pale prince let thoughts of tomorrows inevitable cross- examination float from his mind and abandoned himself to the blackness once more.
**************************************************************************** *
A/N: Evil I know. I dragged out the explanations until the next chapter!
Thank you to all those wonderful reviewers; Amber, sickmindedsirias, xangelcrisisx, Black-Dragon2005, HarryPotterRoxStuff, drookit duck , Ella Palladino, SarkLover, LAUREN, MysticSilverAngel15, Darcy16, silverstar0011 and Eva(!).
Thanks to those who read, let me know by reviewing, that little button, just, yes, that's right, yep, just there, there you go! You got it! I look forward to reading what you just reviewed!
*grin*
AmbrosiaBunny x
Warm eyes watched over the still form on the bed through the glass picture.
A guardian angle of sorts the red head reflected. Pondering on her introspective mood she tentatively nudged open the heavy hospital ward doors. Careful to keep the noise to a minimum the small figure crept inside the ward and towards the only occupied bed.
Anxious eyes darted over the slim body lying in the single bed, seemingly checking for any lasting injuries as she drew closer to the motionless figure. From beneath the stiff hospital covers badly bruised skin that had been reduced to a light purple screamed in sharp contrast with the crisp white sheets. Gazing down at the occupant's sleep induced peace she cocked her head in thought.
Her gaze darted about once more and settled on the now steady heartbeat hidden from view underneath the sheets, encased in an outwardly appearing hardened person, yet really beating in the body of a lost child.
Nibbling on her bottom lip in her recent contemplation Ginny backed away silently and perched quietly on the edge of the opposite bed.
Gazing about the ward her thoughts reverted back to the many times she had perched here, on this very bed, and watched over in silence for so many. A streak of red rebelliously fought its tie and slid down her cheek grazing her top lip. Flicking the strand of hair behind a petite ear Ginny slid further back onto the bed and folded her slim legs up underneath her. Resting her elbow on the curve of her knee, she leant her chin on a curled hand.
"Miss. Weasley I do believe visitors have not yet been permitted." Spoke a cutting voice behind Ginny's shoulder.
Jumping at the sudden rip in the silence the red head yanked her head up from its perch on her hand and spun round with such force she nearly toppled off the bed. Eyes wide with fright she gulped in almost relief as she caught sight of the speaker.
Sharp, deep set eyes met and held her brown ones as he spoke once more.
"Mr Malfoy is quite alright I assure you, he does not need, nor appreciate, a nursemaid in the form of you." Snape continued into the silent room.
"Well, now that you mention it..." whispered a voice behind her.
Jumping once more as the second voice cut through the now oppressive silence Ginny spun back to her original direction in such haste that she over balanced completely and toppled forwards.
Snapping her eyes shut in the certainty of meeting the cement floor she threw her hands out in an attempt at breaking her fall as a cascade of red broke loose of its band and flew in front of her heart shaped face.
A hand darted out to catch her shoulder with such speed her body jolted with the sudden stop. Gently a second hand grasped her other shoulder and nudged her back onto the bed in her previous sitting position.
Grimacing she opened a squinted eye and peaked out from beneath the sheet of hair covering the greater percentage of her face in search of the hand.
Snape withdrew his hand from her shoulder and glared at her for good measure.
A small chuckle broke through the renewed oppressive silence.
Starting once more at the soft laughter Ginny brought a hand up to rest on her heart in shock and drew in a deep breath. In the short space of her encounter with Snape she had completely forgotten about the woken boy on the bed. Tilting her head down at the blond she shot a piercing glare at the infuriating human excuse that had successfully scared her out of her wits for a second time in the space of a few minutes.
At the look being directed at him, Dracos lip curled into a minuscule sneer, then folded into a very small genuine smile. "Why Miss Weasley, have you developed epilepsy to my good looks? Why we must get you some medical help." His voice grew stronger with each syllable spoken as a perfectly arched eyebrow edged up at her expense for the second time in two days.
Grounding her teeth Ginny forced out a small smile at the pale prince as she clenched her delicate fingers into fists at her sides.
"I think I can manage Malfoy" she spat out, "After all I don't think I'd be having many fits around YOU."
Frowning at the underline insult Draco snorted in reply. His pink lips separated as his face drew together into indifference as he attempted to lift a hand to point at her and reply.
A loud bang reverberated throughout the room as the small formidable nurse exploded into the ward through her private quarter doors waving her wand as she stormed the three occupants at the far end.
"What do you all think you are doing?" Madame Pomfrey screeched. Upon reaching the bed she stabbed her wand in the younger Malfoys direction as she continued, "You, Mr Malfoy, should be resting and you Severus know better than to come wondering into this ward at night, and you Miss Weasley you, you, well neither should you be here at this hour, disturbing a patient in much need of rest."
Flinching away as the nurse stabbed her wand at each of them in a rather alarming manner as she spoke, a look of puzzlement passed between Ginny and Draco, united in that small capture of time as they were excluded in the information depths that Pomfrey and Severus obviously knew.
Having the grace to dip his head slightly in shame for a brief moment, Snape smoothed his features into indifference and strode over to the nurse to speak softly into her ear.
Madame Pomfrey nodded her head as the dark haired man retreated away from her. The bossy nurse watched in silence as Snape nodded again and spun in the direction of the doors with a swish of his black robes as he proceeded to leave the room.
The two teenagers trailed their eyes on the potions professor as he left the ward. As the door closed shut with a quiet snap brown eyes met grey as Draco and Ginny locked their gaze on one another in union for a second time.
Frowning Ginny spun towards Madame Pomfrey, only to catch sight of her retreating back and hear the gentle footsteps as they carried the nurse out of the room. Her eyes widened in total confusion and the red head cried out after Madame Pomfrey, to be answered by a second hushed snap of her the nurses quarter doors closing.
"What the-?" Ginny uttered into empty air, voicing her confusion as she looked back at Draco, a deep frown creasing her forehead.
Shrugging slightly at her gaze and then wincing at the effort it took the blond glanced back at both sets of doors.
Ginny shifted at the awkward silence that fell over the pair. Glancing nonchalantly about the ward she slowly unfolded her legs from under her and placed a foot on the tiled floor. She stopped at a mid standing point as the blond spoke again.
"Going so soon Weasley?"
Dropping her shoulders in exasperation Ginny sighed, rolled her eyes and stood up fully, leaning down to brush out the creases that had settled in her black muggle jeans. Stretching her back out Ginny pulled her hair onto one shoulder and ran a hand threw the sheet of red as she stepped away from the bed she had sat on.
"Yes." She replied in a clipped tone, not inviting any response.
She spun on her heel and strode out of the gap between the two beds, stepping out into the centre of the ward. Lifting an eyebrow at the blond she rolled her eyes as his eyebrow shot up in reply. Turning her head away she bit down on a small smile threatening to make its way onto her face as she strode towards the doors.
Quietly inching through the ward doors she flitted a glance back at the blond who had watched her go, and their eyes met for a third time for that night, not in spite, nor in anger, but pure consideration on each part.
**************************************************************************** ********
Allowing a frown to mar his complexion Draco puzzled over the past hours events, from his abrupt collision with the ground, to stirring only to meet the red head again.
Sighing softly he inched out of the crisp covers to sit up fully on the single bed. Dangling what felt like very stiff and bruised limbs over the side of the bed he flinched somewhat as the cold tiles met his pale toes. Contrary to belief the Slytherin's did not like the dungeon because it was cold; Draco being one of the most privileged Slytherin's certainly did not appreciate cold floors.
Gritting his teeth faintly he edged off the bed and stood up. Wincing as pain shot through his battered form he clutched at the small bed side table. Sucking in several deep breaths Draco gently unclasped the wood and edged towards the end of the single bed.
Breathing heavily now, he quietly managed to reach the hospital doors and slide out of them. Holding the door to edge it shut and keep his absence unknown to Pomfrey until the morning he waited for the quiet snap and then made his way down the hall.
Reaching his quarters some twenty minutes later he faintly wondered why his quarters were in fact located so near to the hospital ward. Shrugging the thought away and wincing at the action he muttered the password to the dark haired man that graced the painting to his rooms.
Clambering though the portrait hole the blond slumped on the floor of his lounge and sighed in small relief as he heard the portrait swish shut again. Closing his eyes at the effort it took to reach his quarters he sat up and inched towards the black sofa near the fire and climbed into its luxurious depths.
Sighing, he sunk into the sofa, grimacing at the aches that called to his attention.
Scanning the room he caught sight of the waiting flask he knew would be here with what looked like a lumpy red solution inside. Reaching out a muscled arm he grabbed at the potion silently thanking Severus and brought the flask to his lips, knowing that Dumbledore would want to talk in the morning and the stupid Weasley girl would come looking for explanations he hesitated for a second. He shrugged, threw back his head and gulped down the red liquid.
They could wait until morning.
Coughing slightly at the harsh taste the blond dropped the flask on the floor next to the sofa. His eyelids began to droop as the potion made its way around his body, soothing aches and mending bruised ligaments. Drifting into sleep the pale prince let thoughts of tomorrows inevitable cross- examination float from his mind and abandoned himself to the blackness once more.
**************************************************************************** *
A/N: Evil I know. I dragged out the explanations until the next chapter!
Thank you to all those wonderful reviewers; Amber, sickmindedsirias, xangelcrisisx, Black-Dragon2005, HarryPotterRoxStuff, drookit duck , Ella Palladino, SarkLover, LAUREN, MysticSilverAngel15, Darcy16, silverstar0011 and Eva(!).
Thanks to those who read, let me know by reviewing, that little button, just, yes, that's right, yep, just there, there you go! You got it! I look forward to reading what you just reviewed!
*grin*
AmbrosiaBunny x