READ ME: This is a warning to all those that cannot stand slash or simply do not like reading it. After this chapter this story will have slash in it. For those that don't know what that means it means to males loving on another is something other than a strictly platonic relationship.

Chapter 11 – Healing Care

As soon Laura and Draco arrived at their location Draco started to whimper. The inky blackness of the cave reminded him of his cell, whilst all he craved right now was light.

"Too dark." He whimpered.

A look of concern passed over Laura's face, changing to concentration. Raising her hand, a swirling sphere of silver appeared that illuminated the cave. Draco threw up his hand at the sudden brilliance of the globe, but felt immediately comforted.

"We can't stay here long." Laura said.

Draco merely nodded. Nausea had plagued him for days now, Lucius had decided he was not worthy of the food he had been given and had stopped feeding him. At first there were the hunger pains.  Then, a dull ache in the pit of his stomach had plagued him. Now nausea was the only other thing he was capable of feeling. That, and pain.

In the mean time Laura sat silently next to Draco, thinking about what her possibilities were. She had never really thought as far as what to do with Draco when she had retrieved him from Malfoy Manor.

Damnit, where do I take him? Healing him myself would weaken me, and…no, can't take that risk…not that healing will help much. He has no wand, and no knowledge of wandless magic. Stupid fools….

"Lau…au…ra? Draco chattered.

"Mmm."

"I'm really cold." Draco chattered out through rattling teeth.

"Goddess forgive me. I'm sorry Draco, I got lost in my thoughts."

Laura looked around the cave. There was nothing big enough for her to transfigure into something warm for Draco except her own robe.

"At least I have something underneath." Laura whispered whilst pulling the robe over her head.

Laura waved her hand at the robe and it slowly took the shape of a warm winter robe, made of the softest material so as not to aggravate Draco's wounds.

"Here Draco. Let's get this on you so you'll be warm and I can get you to Hogwarts."

"NO!!" Draco yelled.

"Draco?"

"There is…there is a Death Eater there and he'll take me back to my father. I can't go to  there…to Hogwarts."

"You wouldn't mean Severus Snape now would you?" she asked.

"Ye..Yes."

"Well it seems that he is a rather good actor. He is a Death Eater yet he isn't. He has been spying for many years and has been concerned about you. He's on your side."

"He…He has?"

"He has. In fact he's been trying to figure out a way of getting in and out of Malfoy Manor undetected."

"Oh…" Draco exclaimed stupefied.

"Let's get out of here."

"Umm…Laura? I don't…I don't think I can walk that far." Draco whispered ashamed at being such an inconvenience.

"You won't have to walk. I'll be carrying you."

"But…I…" Draco trailed off not understanding how a small person like Laura was going to carry him all the way to Hogwarts.

"I'm going to transform and then I want you to climb onto my back and hold on tightly. Don't worry about hurting me. Just hold firm."

Laura looked at Draco for confirmation that he understood and she immediately changed into her wolf form. The wolf in front of Draco looked nothing like the girl. She was big and majestic giving off a strong feeling of pride and wisdom. Laura was larger than normal wolves but she noticed that depending on her purpose she could alter her size to accommodate her needs. Draco sat on the floor looking at Laura in awe. She literally glowed and she seemed so wise and noble. A small bark reminded Draco that his ride was waiting for him. He slowly stood on shaky legs, grabbing onto the wall behind him for support as the world spun dizzily around him. Closing his eyes for a moment to compose himself, he took a few deep breaths or as deep as he could with the aching in his chest and opening his eyes he saw Laura, still in her wolf form, looking at him questioningly.

"I'll be okay, just a bit dizzy." Draco told her.

Laura barked softly and walked over to Draco crouching low so that he could easily climb onto her back. Draco rolled and climbed onto Laura's back with graceless movements, almost sliding off her again when he leaned too far to the side. Grabbing onto her fur to stop himself from falling he finally settled down upon her back while wrapping his arms loosely around her neck.

"Sorry for pulling so hard on your fur." He murmured into her ear.

Laura merely yapped in response while she started rise and walked towards the cave entrance. She did not hurry nor did she make any sudden unexpected movements so as not to dislodge the precious cargo upon her back. The slow back and forth movement of travelling on Laura's back soon eased Draco into the land of slumber. Laura smiled inwardly as she felt Draco fall asleep. He would need all the rest he could get because his hard times were far from over.

Sirius shifted, trying to find a comfortable position in the chair that stood next to Harry's bed. Harry had been sleeping for six hours and showed no signs of waking. He would mumble in his sleep and make small movements but he would then simply lie still. This quiet time gave Sirius time to think about his role as Harry's godfather. He never really did understand why James had chosen him as Harry's godfather. Remus or even Snape would have been a better choice, they were calm, collected and knew when to rush into to things and when to back off. Harry once again shifted in his sleep except this time his movements did not seem like natural movements one makes in their sleep.

"No…" Harry mumbled shaking his head.

Harry couldn't believe what he was seeing. Draco Malfoy huddled in a corner, thrown there by his own father. There was no arrogant rich boy left in Draco. All there was now was a wounded teenage boy, beaten and ruined by his very own flesh and blood. Harry had been fortunate to some extent. He had never loved his Aunt and Uncle, never looked up to them and had never cared for what they wanted of him. Draco on the other hand had continuously strived for his father's approval, if not to ease the physical suffering then at least the emotional. The cold atmosphere that surrounded Malfoy Manor had left Draco starving for affection just as much as Harry had in his isolated years at Privet Drive. Harry had now learnt however that satisfaction and belief in ones abilities should never come from another person. Satisfaction and joy should come from within and you should never only be able to feel those emotions just because of another person's opinion.

"Leave him alone." Harry whispered.

Luciuse did not hear Harry's plea and continued to yell and hit Draco. Only when Draco had finally passed out from the pain did Lucius stop his cruel behaviour. Harry did not understand why he was seeing this because he had no connection to either Lucius or Draco. His scar did not burn with the inner pain he associated with visions. Harry crawled towards Draco and just as he was about to touch Draco he was wrenched from his dream into another. This time he saw Laura in her wolf form retreiving Draco from the Malfoy dungeons but not before the crucio that Lucius had thrown at them hit Laura. Laura merely  ignored it and dissapeared in a flash of light to a destination unknown to Harry. Harry knew within his mind that they would be returning to Hogwarts and they should prepare for the treatment Draco and Laura would need.

Sirius was shaken from his mournful day dreaming by Harry's tossing and turning. He was used to the movements Harry made in his sleep but this was beyond his normal movements.

"Harry?" Sirius whispered.

Harry merely moved some more and just as Sirius was about to lean forward to ensure that Harry was okay, Harry sat up in bed. Harry's eyes had a strange glow to them that dulled as Harry looked around him.

"Harry?"

"Sirius...what…who?" he asked looking disorientated.

"Relax. You are in my rooms here at Hogwarts. I thought it might be better to bring you here than to the infirmary because Madam Pomfrey would merely cope you up. And I thought that you wouldn't want that."

"Umm…thanks." Harry said while trying to get a look around the room. The lack of glasses made things slightly impossible but Sirius seemed to notice Harry's frustration and placed something in his hand. Harry felt the object within his hand and it was certainly not his glasses, it seemed almost like a potions bottle if his senses were telling the truth. Sirius chuckled softly inside as he noticed Harry's confusion.

"It's a potion. It almost works the same as Muggle contact lenses. It corrects the lenses within your eyes for a given time. This potion should last about 6 months maybe longer depending on your body and how it adjusts to the potion."

Harry nodded and preparing himself for the bitter and acidic taste most potions had he gulped down the potion. He was surprised that the potion actually had a faint lemon taste to it and wondered what ingredient would actually cause that taste within in the potions. He would have to ask Remus because he was the only person who would be kind enough and smart enough to answer that question. Harry blinked and looked around the room with his now crystal clear vision. Sirius's face lit up with a goofy grin and Harry could not help thinking that it was surprising that Sirius was still alive. Harry shook his head. This was not the time or place to think of such things. He needed to get someone to help Laura and Draco once they arrived at the castle. They would both need healing but it would need to be done in secret and by someone who would not be biased in their opinion or treatment. That ruled out Madam Pomfrey and so that left Remus or  Snape.

"Sirius?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you fetch Professor Lupin for me? I had this vision and there are things in it that I need help with and if you can't find him could you find Snape." Harry requested refusing to look into Sirius's eyes.

"But…"

"Sirius…PLEASE? This is important and it cannot wait for you to finally get over petty school feuds."

Sirius merely nodded and left the room in an almost Snape like movement with his robes swirling around him in a silent rage.  Harry sighed in relief. For a moment he thought that Sirius would refuse and then Harry would have few to little options left. Harry sighed once again and attempted to move off the bed but as he put his hand on the bed to move a stabbing pain shot up his arm. Pulling up his sleeve he noticed a large bruise in the shape of a hand. How had that gotten there? It can't be…could it? Harry could not have gotten the bruise from the dream. It wasn't possible or at least it had never been mentioned in any of his Divination classes. Could people really get bruises from dreams or in this case a mixture of vision and dream? He would have to ask someone or look it up in the library. He ignored the pain and pushed himself up so that he could stand next to the bed. Looking around the room for something to wear other than the pyjamas he had been put in he noticed a clean, folded robe on the chair. Slipping it over his head he walked to the door and out the room.

Harry couldn't believe this. He had been walking around the castle for two hours and he still had no idea as to where he was. He could not recognise any of the portraits or statues that lined the long Hogwart's hallways. Harry sighed and sat with his back against the wall. He wasn't half as healthy as he should be merely walking around had left him weak and unstable. Folding his arms he rested his head upon his drawn upped knees. He would just rest for a few minutes and carry on searching.

Laura barked happily as she saw the entrance to Hogwarts castle. It had taken them longer than she had expected because of the slow pace at which she had to travel. Draco stirred and shifted on her back. Laura scolded herself mentally. Draco needed his rest and by making noises that was not going ensure that. Laura whined when she saw that the heavy Hogwart's doors were shut. There was no way that she would be able to open them unless someone else opened them for her. The Hogwarts doors had been charmed to resist all opening charms ever since the last battle of Hogwarts.

"Stupid werewolves! Always sticking their noses where they don't belong. How dare he!" Snape raged unaware that his godson and his rescuer where standing around the corner. Snapes strides were as angry as his voice and he nearly collided with Laura and her precious bundle as he strode around the corner.

"What…Draco!" Snape yelled, forgetting his cold mask.

Laura barked, no longer worried about waking Draco because with Snape yelling Draco's name he stirred and opened his eyes.

"Mmm…" Draco muttered.

He was so tired. He knew he was safe and that his godfather, who he first thought had abandoned him, was there to look after him. Draco now understood the hints and the hidden messages his godfather had used in their conversations. All the time Draco had thought that he wanted Draco to become a Death Eater but in all this time it was the exact opposite. Severus could never come out and say it in case it truly was Draco's desire to become a Death Eater. Draco smiled in a delirous way before he once again succumbed to the call of sleep.

"Draco?" Severus asked worriedly.

Laura tried to convey that Draco would be okay and that he was merely resting but Snape was not in the mood to play twenty questions. He became agitated at the whining and other animal like noises she was making. Laura sighed and trotted to the doors and being careful with Draco still on her back, scratched on the door. To be brought down to animal tendencies, like a mere creature shamed her slightly but she knew that getting Draco inside was more important than her pride. Snape finally seemed to get some part of the message and opened the doors. Laura yapped in joy as they crossed some of the safest and strongest wards in the world. She crouched to the ground and slowly leaned to one side so that Draco would slide off her back. Once Draco was on floor, she transformed into her human form.

Snape ignored her and kneeled down next to Draco. What he saw made him weep inside. Draco's once almost elvish features were beaten purple and blue giving him the appearance of a multicoloured blowfish. Snape slid his arms underneath Draco and stood, cradling him to his chest.

"He is going to need an Anti-Toxin potion." Laura whispered, afraid to break the silence but knowing it was a necessity. 

"Anti-Toxin? What for? Surely Lucius would not waste his time on such petty things as poison."

"He wouldn't, but Draco would if it meant freedom from pain and suffering."

"How dare you suggest that Draco is weak!" Snape spat out.

"I'm not. But you know as well as I do that every person has their breaking point." Laura argued back.

Snape wanted slap Laura for being right but he held his anger in check and turned on his heel and headed towards his chambers. There was no way the Madam Pomfrey was going to treat his godson. He had seen enough of her incompetent healing when it came to children likely to be Death Eaters. The woman was incapable of keeping an objective mind and then people wondered why Slytherins chose the dark side. They were ridiculed and never given the opportunity to show there potential because of people like her.

Laura sighed knowing that she had upset Snape but he needed to understand that Draco would not be the same boy he once was. She had hoped with Snape's past experiences he would know that, but it seemed as if his love for his godson blinded him from seeing it. She followed him silently, making sure she stayed out of his way.

Snape continued to stride down the hallways and up the stairs to his chambers. Despite all the rumours, Snapes chamber was at one of the highest towers at Hogwarts Castle. After what seemed liked hours they finally arrived at the entrance to his chambers. The dragon which guarded the entrance took one look at Snape and then at Draco and opened her wings with out a sound. Underneath her wings was the entrance to his chambers. Once again Laura followed without a sound.

Snape walked through his living room and into the guest room where he laid Draco on the bed. Turning he barged past Laura and went to a cupboard standing in the living room corner.

"Damnit!" Snape yelled, slamming the cupboard door shut.

"What?" Laura asked softly.

"I have no Anti Toxin potion up here which means I have to go all the way down to the dungeons to fetch it."

"I'd fetch it for you but I'm afraid I don't know how to recognise it."

"You wouldn't be able to find it anyway. Stay up here with Draco. If anything happens to him, I will hold you responsible."

Laura merely nodded and watched as Snape left the rooms. She went back to Draco and noticed that he was filthy and that his wounds needed to be cleaned. Magic was not an option because whatever poison was flowing through Draco's veins might react badly to the magic. Walking out the room once again she tried to locate the bathroom and after opening and closing several doors she found it. Seeing a string dangling by the door she assumed it was for the lights and pulled it and was shocked when a sudden popping noise sounded behind her.

"Miss called?" a scantily dressed house elf asked.

"Oh well not really but maybe you could help me. I have a friend who needs a bath but I can't move him with magic because he is ill. Do you know anyway I could move him?"

The house elf merely nodded and snapped his fingers. Several things happened at once. Several other house elves appeared and they spoke quietly amongst themselves before they moved to the bedroom. Behind Laura the bath filled with hot water and several healing and cleansing oils. Next Draco came out of the room, carried by the house elves that had appeared seconds ago. They moved past Laura and into the bathroom. Draco soon had the winter robe removed and was gently settled into the bath. Before Laura could say thank you they continued with their given tasks and washed Draco carefully and tenderly. He was then moved out of the bath, dried and put in silky pyjamas and moved back to bed. Laura went back into the room and settled herself next to Draco on the bed in her wolf form so as not to take up to much space.

Snape ran down the corridors. The one time he really needed access to his classroom quickly and he couldn't get that access. Since students had started using the hidden entrance that led to his rooms for pranks he made Albus seal the passage. He never understood how the Weasley twins knew where the passage was and what the password was but some how they always managed to get in.

"Oof…"

Snape snarled as he collided into something both hard and soft.

"Potter!"

"Professor Snape." Harry muttered nervously.

"Must you be incompetent and get in my way?"

"No sir, sorry sir." Harry said, looking down at his feet. Even though Harry was now free of the Dursleys he still acted the same around a forceful tone of voice.

Snape sighed inwardly when he noticed Potters reaction towards his tone of voice.

"It is fine Potter." Snape reassured.

Harry merely nodded and was about to step around the professor when the thought struck him. If any teacher was concerned about Draco and would want to help him it would be Professor Snape.

"Umm Professor…Draco is umm…" Harry trailed off uncertain how he would actually explain what he knew.

"What about Draco, Mr Potter?" inquired Snape, he was intrigued in what Potter was trying to tell him.

"LuciusbeatupDracoreallybadandDracoisonhiswaytothecastlewithLaura." Harry rambled out trying to go with the direct approach.

"Let me see if I understood that rambling you called speech. Lucius Malfoy beat up his only heir and is on his way to Hogwarts Castle with our mystery girl Laura?"

Harry nodded and prepared himself for the rage and humiliating taunts that he knew where bound to come his way.

"IF you hadn't chose this time, Potter, to delay me, I might be able to return to those who really need it."

"What...what do you mean?"

"My Godson is currently in my chambers in a condition..." here he gave Harry a once over "much worse then yours"

Harry's body slumped in relief. Snape believed him and Draco was receiving the best care he could possibly hope for. Trust Snape to give him a vague answer to an important inquiry.

"Sir? Do you think it's possible that I could see Draco?" Harry timidly asked, knowing he was pushing his luck.

"Why do you wish to do that Mr Potter?"

"I thought…well I know or at least sort of know how Draco is feeling and I thought he could use a friend…or at least someone to talk to."

"I don't…," Snape shook his head, "I suppose your presence could not do any more harm than what has already been done."

"Thank you, sir."

"Follow me. I have potions to fetch and then we shall tend to Draco."

Harry merely nodded and followed Snape. Snape could not believe that he had actually agreed to let the boy near his godson. Potter had a point however. Draco needed someone to talk to and he would not talk to his godfather in fear of rejection. Draco had no such problem with Harry. They had humiliated each other constantly through school and a reaction of disdain would not be unexpected.  Then it would also be beneficial for both Potter and Draco if they talked to one another. Draco would never tell Potter everything if Potter was not willing to tell Draco anything in return. It would almost be therapeutic. In helping the other deal with their pain they might actually learn to deal with their own.

A few minutes later Snape returned to his chamber with Harry behind him. Harry sighed in relief. He was exhausted, his body refused to cooperate with his intentions.

"Potter, follow me." Snape spoke softly.

Once again which seemed to be the hundredth time in the day Harry followed Snape. Severus blinked in shock. Draco was clean and sleeping peacefully in the bed with Laura lying at his feet in her wolf form. He hated to do this but Draco would have to be woken up for him to drink the potions. Softly so as not to wake up Laura, he walked to the bed and cradled Draco to his chest.

"Draco. Wake up." He whispered soothingly.

Draco stirred and buried his face in the soft material that offered only comfort.

"Come Draco wake up. You need to take these potions." A voice gently spoke.

A bottle was placed at his lips and Draco merely swallowed the potions not concerned about what the potions could contain. He had taken his poison and if someone was going to try kill him with poison then they would merely speed up the process of his death. Confusion raced through Draco's mind. Instead of feeling worse he was feeling better. He could feel the welts on his back closing and healing, broken bones were mended and bruises slowly faded.

"Hush. Rest now. You are safe and you will never go back, never, I swear it to you." Severus whispered into his godson's ear.

Harry smiled softly at the scene before him. It was nice to be able to see beyond the cold exterior that the Potions Master of Hogwarts had erected around himself. It was a small reminder to Harry that there was some light in the dark. He fell to the ground silently. His legs would now longer keep his body standing and so he rested, closing his eyes.

Snape looked up startled as he heard a soft rustle of cloth. He saw Potter fall to ground and close his eyes. He laid Draco on the bed and went to move Potter on to the bed next to Draco. There was no point in waking Potter to get him to move, he needed his rest just as much as Draco and this way he could keep an eye on both of them. Laura grinned inwardly as she saw how Severus gently tucked Harry in next to Draco. She had woken as soon as he had entered the room.

Making sure that everything was in order he left the room with out looking behind him as he closed the door gently. Had he looked back he would have seen Harry and Draco shift towards each other and join hands and settle with a soft green and silver glow surrounding them and seeping into their skin.

To be continued…

A/N Alright where do I start?? I know exactly where to start. To my loyal and kind Captain who has been my inspiration, my muse, my kick in the ass when I needed it. The only reason I got anywhere with this chapter is because of her guidance and motivation. Thanks soooo much.

To those that have reviewed previous chapters. Thank you.

To all those that have followed my story and have given answers to my options and are disappointed that I haven't stuck to those results I apologise. I have an ending in mind and some things would not make sense if I had kept to that. I hope you continue to read my story and give it a chance.

All new readers are welcome to leave reviews.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. J