Disclaimer- Check the Prologue for that.
Notes- This chapter and future chapters take place six years after the prologue. There will be flashbacks though in later chapters.
Warning- Slash will come in later with Harry & Draco because well... did you really think one of my favorite Golden Boys'll stay in a coma forever! ~_^
Aurelius- is a Latin name that means 'The Golden One'
Abstulo Chapter 1-
Draco woke up at exactly five o' clock in the morning; it was a habit that stayed with him for six long years. He looked around his room and basked in its homely and comfortable feel. Although he wasn't accustomed to this type of housing, he became so fond of it that he actually signed a 70 year lease on it.
The room wasn't grand but it was large. A cream-colored paint was coated on its walls and an oak dresser stood proudly on a corner of the room. Draco's own bed stood on the opposite corner with its sheets in disarray. The last vacant corner housed Draco's old school desk taken from his old room in Malfoy Manor. Although he refused to live in the one place that caused so much emotional pain for him and his family, he wanted to take something that reminded him of his few happy years.
Draco's desk was handmade just for him. His parents had gotten it for him for his ninth birthday along with the condition to always put his studies ahead of everything else. The desk was tall and wide, fashioned with an expensive Italian wood that Draco couldn't remember. Swirls were decorated on each of its six drawers and the handles were made with pure silver. But what Draco loved most of all was his own name etched into surface of the top left corner in elegant script; Draco Malfoy- Son of Lucius & Narcissa.
'When Aurelius is nine,' Draco thought, 'I'll have his own name etched there.'
~*~
Hermione entered the doors carrying a garland of lilies, Harry's favorite type of flowers. She hadn't visited Harry for two weeks now. She was sure the flowers that she had brought on her last visit were wilted and lifeless now, much like everything else in this hospital. She entered Harry's room and would have cried at the sight of him if she hadn't so many times before. His face was pale and gaunt and his hair was wild and disruptive as ever. She remembered trying to tame his hair, along with Ron's help, but it was useless. Harry's genes had battled against a pair of sharp scissors and a comb. Harry's genes won and put them to shame.
She saw the lilies that she had brought before on the nightstand next to Harry's bed. They were just as she had predicted them- wrinkly, pale, and old. When Harry first went into his coma, she and Ron were devastated. Even wizards didn't have the cure to everything. They were overwhelmed. When Harry was first admitted, he was still the hero that everyone needed to worship. If he was awake, Harry would have been angry at all of this attention. Soon though, his fame died down when Voldemort was finally destroyed once and for all. The only people that would visit regularly were Ron and his family, Remus, and me. Severus would rarely come visit, even though Hermione wanted him to, and Albus and Minerva retired to the States. Draco had come before in the past, but since Aurelius was getting older, he visits became sparse. Pretty soon he stopped coming at all. She would bet her life that the young boy doesn't even know who Harry is.
Hermione pulled the wilted flowers out of the crystal vase and put the new bouquet in. She arranged them just to waste a few minutes. A chair that was sitting in the corner was soon pulled out. It was pulled forward the bed and Hermione took a seat on it. She smoothed her skirt out and pulled out a book. "Hogwarts- A History" was written on the ancient, brown cover. The copy of the book was one of the original copies to be published, and Hermione felt blessed to own it. The Christmas she received it was one of the best she ever had, not because of the book she got, but rather a person that she had gained.
"Now where were we?" Hermione said to Harry. She began to flip across the pages, looking for the page they left at. "Here it is!" she said cheerily. She began to read softly to the man, barely keeping the awe out of her voice. No matter how many times she read it, she would never be bored.
During the middle of the page, Hermione heard a swift but loud knock. Hermione looked up and saw one of the mediwitches standing on the doorway. "Sorry ma'am," she apologized. "I just need to check on him and give him something." Hermione frivolously waved her hand, allowing the mediwitch to come in.
"Do you mine if I keep reading?" Hermione asked. When the other woman shook her head, Hermione began to pick up from where she had left. A few minutes later, she glanced up and saw the other woman inject something into Harry. The mediwitch saw Hermione's puzzled face and she gave her a reassuring smile.
"It's a new potion to help Harry wake up. Injecting it seems to be the fastest way for it to work. It's still experimental, though."
Hermione frowned. "Can... can they do this?"
The other woman shrugged. "The other patients that had this seemed fine. They were doing much better, so don't worry." Before long she left leaving the two old friends together until Hermione needed to leave.
~*~
Hogwarts was rebuilt after the war. The restoration was costly, and some parts of the castle needed to be repaired, but otherwise the place was thriving. Many of the teachers decided to leave but the remaining few stayed to teach. Hagrid still brought in the dangerous animals and often the headmaster would scold him for it. He would patronize and reprimand, and even threaten to fire him, but everyone, including the headmaster himself, knew the threats were empty.
When Minerva decided to retire, she offered her job to someone she knew was perfect for it. "I'm an old woman," she said one day to Hermione. "I need relaxation, especially after all that has happened." Hermione, flattered that she was the first choice, accepted. She became known as Professor Granger to students, Hermione to the other teachers and friends, and "Love" to the headmaster.
~*~
Hermione was teaching a class of third-year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw class when Sydney Ides, a fifth-year Slytherin girl, came into her classroom. "Professor Granger!" she said breathless as if she had been running just to get through her class. She took a few deep, rapid breaths and quickly said, "I'm sorry but the headmaster wants to see you." Sydney looked apologetic and if this had happened at least 8 years ago, she would have been suspicious.
"Alright Sydney," Hermione said. "Give me a few minutes to get set an--"
"No!" Sydney grimaced and blushed at the same time. "Sorry, but he REALLY wants to see you."
"Oooooohhh," the class moaned. Everyone knew about their relationship.
Hermione glared at them and soon they quieted down. "Sydney, come inside and watch the class." She looked at her class and muttered, "Be good. She's a Slytherin, so she'll be tough." She glanced at the young girl standing away from her. "Right?"
Sydney took a military stance and saluted the teacher. "Yes ma'am!" The class erupted into a fit of giggles and Hermione couldn't help but let out one.
~*~
She walked towards the Headmaster's room feeling a touch of apprehension. He never would get her out of class for personal things. This had to be important. The more she thought of it, the worse she felt. She felt a gnawing twist in her stomach that bent and twisted with every step she took.
She reached the gargoyles that guarded his office and whispered the password- Polyjuice Potion. Immediately the doors opened and she stepped unto the stairway. This part of the building hadn't changed that much, even though hazardous damage had been located there. It was the same although the stairs move slightly faster. "Instead of being awe-inspiring, it's bloody annoying!" he said to her once in the staff room. I told him over and over again to fix it, but he wouldn't listen!"*
After a few moments of standing, she began to run up the stairs, eager to find out what was wrong. Seconds later she burst through the door and saw the headmaster sitting calmly behind his desk, quill in hand. They looked at each other, neither saying a word. Soon Hermione grew angry. 'Did she rush all the way here for a staring contest!' Hermione thought angrily.
"Well?" Hermione gritted out. "What did you need me for?"
Severus stared at her, mildly surprised that she blew up at him. If she was emotional about this, wait till she heard his news! He stood up slowly and put down his quill. With his robes billowing after him, Severus walked cautiously walked over to Fawkes and petted the loyal phoenix, gently. The phoenix was the final gift given by Dumbledore, and the magical creature itself didn't want to leave his ancient home.
"The new Herbology professor complained to me that one of your Gryffindor kids accidentally killed one of his priceless plants," Severus stated. "Don't worry. I coolly said that Gryffindors are like that." He started to chuckle softly and stopped abruptly when he saw his lover's agitated face.
"And?"
"Sybyl needs new equipment for some of her "soothsaying" lessons, one of Hagrid's creatures almost mauled a Ravenclaw, Nearly Headless Nick still wants to be completely headless, Harry woke up, the coffee machine broke this morning-"
"Whoa! What did you say?" Hermione yelled. Her heart was beating rapidly and hope blossomed at the words she heard. After 6 years, was it still possible?
"The coffee machine is broken, but don't worry! I'll fix it later and-"
"No, not that!" Hermione said agitated. She knew that he was enjoying this, but she needed to confirm what she heard.
Severus' face brightened slightly. "Harry woke up about an hour or two after you left." Hermione was still. She didn't know what to do anymore! "Ron and his family are will meet you there. I'm going to give you the rest of the day off."
Severus walked briskly towards his lover and engulfed her in a tight hug. "Go! I'll take care of everything." Hermione kissed Severus on the lips and soon left to visit her once lost friend.
~*~
Chaos was everywhere. People were shouting and running all over the place. Things disappeared and reappeared and peoples' appearance seemed to change right before her eyes. It was like wild magic was unleashed and it further heightened her hopes that Harry was truly awake. "Hermione!" she heard from behind her.
She saw Ron and his family running towards her. Ron's hair looked rowdy and his clothes were in disarray but it didn't compare to the joyous expression shown on his face. Beside him was Pansy carrying their three year old daughter, Harriet, in her arms. Harriet's red hair framed across her face and on her mother's chest.
"Are you guys all right!" Hermione yelled when they were within hearing distance.
Pansy looked alarmed and hugged her daughter tighter. "Is it safe for Harriet to be here?" Ron looked around before coming to a conclusion. He moved towards his wife and whispered into her ear. She pulled away and nodded before leaving with their daughter.
"Let's go calm him down!" Ron screamed with joy as he grabbed Hermione's arm and pulled forward.
~*~
When they reached Harry's room a mediwitch ran up to them. "I'm so glad you're here!" she screamed above the whistling sound that seemed to develop. "We can't seem to calm him down!" Hermione gave a reassuring smile to the other woman and entered the room.
Inside objects were floating around the room and the whistling sound seemed to grow higher in pitch. Harry was on his bed, his hands covering his head from everything. He was rocking back and forth, causing his clothes to wrinkle even more. "Where am I?" he muttered over and over again. His voice had a pitiful sound and fear was laced with every word.
"Harry!" Ron cried loudly. "It's us!" Soon wind blew them away from the bed and the two were forced to clutch the frame of the doorway. "Harry!" Ron tried again but he wouldn't listen to them.
Hermione grew desperate and took out her wand. "Silencio!" She screamed and soon Harry was speechless. The whistling sound and the wind decreased until it finally stopped. The objects that were floating in the room fell to the floor, shattering it into tiny pieces. Harry never looked as pathetic as he did now. His head was bowed in fear and he clutched the sheets on the bed so forcefully that his knuckles turned white. His bright green eyes were downcast in servitude.
Ron recovered first and carefully made his way towards his friend. He avoided the bits and pieces that stayed on the floor and stood next to Harry. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he put his hand on Harry's shoulder in a comforting manner. "It's okay mate," Ron said softly. "We're here."
Harry opened his mouth to say something but no words came out. Hermione realized that she hadn't taken the spell off and quickly did do. Harry checked his throat a few times before whispering out in a hoarse voice, "Ron." His speech was rough and Harry knew in an instant that he hadn't spoken for a long time. His memories were a blur, but he did remember facing off a band of death eaters.
"Harry, save your strength," Hermione replied. When her friend opened his mouth to speak, she quickly muttered, "Don't worry! We'll answer all of your questions when we get you back to Hogwarts."
TBC
*- An idea that came from another fanfic whose title and author I have forgotten. E-mail me if it might be you though!
Notes- This chapter and future chapters take place six years after the prologue. There will be flashbacks though in later chapters.
Warning- Slash will come in later with Harry & Draco because well... did you really think one of my favorite Golden Boys'll stay in a coma forever! ~_^
Aurelius- is a Latin name that means 'The Golden One'
Abstulo Chapter 1-
Draco woke up at exactly five o' clock in the morning; it was a habit that stayed with him for six long years. He looked around his room and basked in its homely and comfortable feel. Although he wasn't accustomed to this type of housing, he became so fond of it that he actually signed a 70 year lease on it.
The room wasn't grand but it was large. A cream-colored paint was coated on its walls and an oak dresser stood proudly on a corner of the room. Draco's own bed stood on the opposite corner with its sheets in disarray. The last vacant corner housed Draco's old school desk taken from his old room in Malfoy Manor. Although he refused to live in the one place that caused so much emotional pain for him and his family, he wanted to take something that reminded him of his few happy years.
Draco's desk was handmade just for him. His parents had gotten it for him for his ninth birthday along with the condition to always put his studies ahead of everything else. The desk was tall and wide, fashioned with an expensive Italian wood that Draco couldn't remember. Swirls were decorated on each of its six drawers and the handles were made with pure silver. But what Draco loved most of all was his own name etched into surface of the top left corner in elegant script; Draco Malfoy- Son of Lucius & Narcissa.
'When Aurelius is nine,' Draco thought, 'I'll have his own name etched there.'
~*~
Hermione entered the doors carrying a garland of lilies, Harry's favorite type of flowers. She hadn't visited Harry for two weeks now. She was sure the flowers that she had brought on her last visit were wilted and lifeless now, much like everything else in this hospital. She entered Harry's room and would have cried at the sight of him if she hadn't so many times before. His face was pale and gaunt and his hair was wild and disruptive as ever. She remembered trying to tame his hair, along with Ron's help, but it was useless. Harry's genes had battled against a pair of sharp scissors and a comb. Harry's genes won and put them to shame.
She saw the lilies that she had brought before on the nightstand next to Harry's bed. They were just as she had predicted them- wrinkly, pale, and old. When Harry first went into his coma, she and Ron were devastated. Even wizards didn't have the cure to everything. They were overwhelmed. When Harry was first admitted, he was still the hero that everyone needed to worship. If he was awake, Harry would have been angry at all of this attention. Soon though, his fame died down when Voldemort was finally destroyed once and for all. The only people that would visit regularly were Ron and his family, Remus, and me. Severus would rarely come visit, even though Hermione wanted him to, and Albus and Minerva retired to the States. Draco had come before in the past, but since Aurelius was getting older, he visits became sparse. Pretty soon he stopped coming at all. She would bet her life that the young boy doesn't even know who Harry is.
Hermione pulled the wilted flowers out of the crystal vase and put the new bouquet in. She arranged them just to waste a few minutes. A chair that was sitting in the corner was soon pulled out. It was pulled forward the bed and Hermione took a seat on it. She smoothed her skirt out and pulled out a book. "Hogwarts- A History" was written on the ancient, brown cover. The copy of the book was one of the original copies to be published, and Hermione felt blessed to own it. The Christmas she received it was one of the best she ever had, not because of the book she got, but rather a person that she had gained.
"Now where were we?" Hermione said to Harry. She began to flip across the pages, looking for the page they left at. "Here it is!" she said cheerily. She began to read softly to the man, barely keeping the awe out of her voice. No matter how many times she read it, she would never be bored.
During the middle of the page, Hermione heard a swift but loud knock. Hermione looked up and saw one of the mediwitches standing on the doorway. "Sorry ma'am," she apologized. "I just need to check on him and give him something." Hermione frivolously waved her hand, allowing the mediwitch to come in.
"Do you mine if I keep reading?" Hermione asked. When the other woman shook her head, Hermione began to pick up from where she had left. A few minutes later, she glanced up and saw the other woman inject something into Harry. The mediwitch saw Hermione's puzzled face and she gave her a reassuring smile.
"It's a new potion to help Harry wake up. Injecting it seems to be the fastest way for it to work. It's still experimental, though."
Hermione frowned. "Can... can they do this?"
The other woman shrugged. "The other patients that had this seemed fine. They were doing much better, so don't worry." Before long she left leaving the two old friends together until Hermione needed to leave.
~*~
Hogwarts was rebuilt after the war. The restoration was costly, and some parts of the castle needed to be repaired, but otherwise the place was thriving. Many of the teachers decided to leave but the remaining few stayed to teach. Hagrid still brought in the dangerous animals and often the headmaster would scold him for it. He would patronize and reprimand, and even threaten to fire him, but everyone, including the headmaster himself, knew the threats were empty.
When Minerva decided to retire, she offered her job to someone she knew was perfect for it. "I'm an old woman," she said one day to Hermione. "I need relaxation, especially after all that has happened." Hermione, flattered that she was the first choice, accepted. She became known as Professor Granger to students, Hermione to the other teachers and friends, and "Love" to the headmaster.
~*~
Hermione was teaching a class of third-year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw class when Sydney Ides, a fifth-year Slytherin girl, came into her classroom. "Professor Granger!" she said breathless as if she had been running just to get through her class. She took a few deep, rapid breaths and quickly said, "I'm sorry but the headmaster wants to see you." Sydney looked apologetic and if this had happened at least 8 years ago, she would have been suspicious.
"Alright Sydney," Hermione said. "Give me a few minutes to get set an--"
"No!" Sydney grimaced and blushed at the same time. "Sorry, but he REALLY wants to see you."
"Oooooohhh," the class moaned. Everyone knew about their relationship.
Hermione glared at them and soon they quieted down. "Sydney, come inside and watch the class." She looked at her class and muttered, "Be good. She's a Slytherin, so she'll be tough." She glanced at the young girl standing away from her. "Right?"
Sydney took a military stance and saluted the teacher. "Yes ma'am!" The class erupted into a fit of giggles and Hermione couldn't help but let out one.
~*~
She walked towards the Headmaster's room feeling a touch of apprehension. He never would get her out of class for personal things. This had to be important. The more she thought of it, the worse she felt. She felt a gnawing twist in her stomach that bent and twisted with every step she took.
She reached the gargoyles that guarded his office and whispered the password- Polyjuice Potion. Immediately the doors opened and she stepped unto the stairway. This part of the building hadn't changed that much, even though hazardous damage had been located there. It was the same although the stairs move slightly faster. "Instead of being awe-inspiring, it's bloody annoying!" he said to her once in the staff room. I told him over and over again to fix it, but he wouldn't listen!"*
After a few moments of standing, she began to run up the stairs, eager to find out what was wrong. Seconds later she burst through the door and saw the headmaster sitting calmly behind his desk, quill in hand. They looked at each other, neither saying a word. Soon Hermione grew angry. 'Did she rush all the way here for a staring contest!' Hermione thought angrily.
"Well?" Hermione gritted out. "What did you need me for?"
Severus stared at her, mildly surprised that she blew up at him. If she was emotional about this, wait till she heard his news! He stood up slowly and put down his quill. With his robes billowing after him, Severus walked cautiously walked over to Fawkes and petted the loyal phoenix, gently. The phoenix was the final gift given by Dumbledore, and the magical creature itself didn't want to leave his ancient home.
"The new Herbology professor complained to me that one of your Gryffindor kids accidentally killed one of his priceless plants," Severus stated. "Don't worry. I coolly said that Gryffindors are like that." He started to chuckle softly and stopped abruptly when he saw his lover's agitated face.
"And?"
"Sybyl needs new equipment for some of her "soothsaying" lessons, one of Hagrid's creatures almost mauled a Ravenclaw, Nearly Headless Nick still wants to be completely headless, Harry woke up, the coffee machine broke this morning-"
"Whoa! What did you say?" Hermione yelled. Her heart was beating rapidly and hope blossomed at the words she heard. After 6 years, was it still possible?
"The coffee machine is broken, but don't worry! I'll fix it later and-"
"No, not that!" Hermione said agitated. She knew that he was enjoying this, but she needed to confirm what she heard.
Severus' face brightened slightly. "Harry woke up about an hour or two after you left." Hermione was still. She didn't know what to do anymore! "Ron and his family are will meet you there. I'm going to give you the rest of the day off."
Severus walked briskly towards his lover and engulfed her in a tight hug. "Go! I'll take care of everything." Hermione kissed Severus on the lips and soon left to visit her once lost friend.
~*~
Chaos was everywhere. People were shouting and running all over the place. Things disappeared and reappeared and peoples' appearance seemed to change right before her eyes. It was like wild magic was unleashed and it further heightened her hopes that Harry was truly awake. "Hermione!" she heard from behind her.
She saw Ron and his family running towards her. Ron's hair looked rowdy and his clothes were in disarray but it didn't compare to the joyous expression shown on his face. Beside him was Pansy carrying their three year old daughter, Harriet, in her arms. Harriet's red hair framed across her face and on her mother's chest.
"Are you guys all right!" Hermione yelled when they were within hearing distance.
Pansy looked alarmed and hugged her daughter tighter. "Is it safe for Harriet to be here?" Ron looked around before coming to a conclusion. He moved towards his wife and whispered into her ear. She pulled away and nodded before leaving with their daughter.
"Let's go calm him down!" Ron screamed with joy as he grabbed Hermione's arm and pulled forward.
~*~
When they reached Harry's room a mediwitch ran up to them. "I'm so glad you're here!" she screamed above the whistling sound that seemed to develop. "We can't seem to calm him down!" Hermione gave a reassuring smile to the other woman and entered the room.
Inside objects were floating around the room and the whistling sound seemed to grow higher in pitch. Harry was on his bed, his hands covering his head from everything. He was rocking back and forth, causing his clothes to wrinkle even more. "Where am I?" he muttered over and over again. His voice had a pitiful sound and fear was laced with every word.
"Harry!" Ron cried loudly. "It's us!" Soon wind blew them away from the bed and the two were forced to clutch the frame of the doorway. "Harry!" Ron tried again but he wouldn't listen to them.
Hermione grew desperate and took out her wand. "Silencio!" She screamed and soon Harry was speechless. The whistling sound and the wind decreased until it finally stopped. The objects that were floating in the room fell to the floor, shattering it into tiny pieces. Harry never looked as pathetic as he did now. His head was bowed in fear and he clutched the sheets on the bed so forcefully that his knuckles turned white. His bright green eyes were downcast in servitude.
Ron recovered first and carefully made his way towards his friend. He avoided the bits and pieces that stayed on the floor and stood next to Harry. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he put his hand on Harry's shoulder in a comforting manner. "It's okay mate," Ron said softly. "We're here."
Harry opened his mouth to say something but no words came out. Hermione realized that she hadn't taken the spell off and quickly did do. Harry checked his throat a few times before whispering out in a hoarse voice, "Ron." His speech was rough and Harry knew in an instant that he hadn't spoken for a long time. His memories were a blur, but he did remember facing off a band of death eaters.
"Harry, save your strength," Hermione replied. When her friend opened his mouth to speak, she quickly muttered, "Don't worry! We'll answer all of your questions when we get you back to Hogwarts."
TBC
*- An idea that came from another fanfic whose title and author I have forgotten. E-mail me if it might be you though!