Title: legatum de maladie

Genre: Romance/Drama/Angst

Pairing: HP/DM

Rating: M

Summary: AU. There was never a boy who lived, only a boy who died.

Draco Malfoy is ill. Harry Potter is a Healer. Lucius Malfoy is desperate. Slash.

Disclaimer: I don't own a thing. It's all the property of J.K Rowling, and this story is being written for entertainment purposes only. Not a dime is being made.

13

Draco wandered around in the dark, creeping through the drifts the shadows made, desperately searching for some kind of light. It was really cold, and didn't have any shoes or socks. While he couldn't see the ground, the cold permeated the tender skin of his feet and chilled him to the very core. "Hello?" He called, and once again received no answer. He tried in vain to find some source of light, but couldn't see a thing. "Hello?" His voice had taken on a desperate edge and he tried vainly to calm himself. It wasn't the Malfoy way to panic.

Draco hated the dark.

xxxx

"Mr. Parkinson? Miss. Potter? If you'd wait a moment after class, please?" Across the void of the Transfiguration classroom, the two shared a look. What could Professor McGonagall possibly want with them? They waited for the rest of the class to file out and then approached the teacher's desk with only mild apprehension. "Thank you for staying. It's unfortunate that I have to call on you today, but I fear I have no other choice. You are aware of what has happened to Miss. Rainwater's family?"

Both students shook their heads. "Sorry Professor, but Rhoswen hasn't said much of anything since she got that letter."

Minerva sighed sadly. "Then it is my unfortunate duty to inform you that Miss. Rainwater is now without any living relatives. Her family had an unfortunate accident that took the lives of both her parents and her younger brother."

Kate gasped and trembled slightly when her own eyes filled with tears. The girl's parents were dead? She had no family? Kate couldn't possibly imagine losing her own family. "That's awful!"

The older woman nodded gravely. "She has requested that she be allowed to stay here for the remainder of her grieving process. Friends of the family are dealing with funeral arrangements, but she doesn't feel close to them. Her own friends will be of some help, but I'd noticed that you two had taken to talking to her over the last few days. I think it would be a good idea if you'd try and be there for her now in her time of need. Perhaps the maturity of two older students such as you might help to anchor her emotionally."

Olli nodded; Slytherins always looked out for their own. "Of course, Professor, we'll look after her." He was pleased at the stern nod from his new Ravenclaw counterpart. "Excuse me for asking, but where is Professor Snape?"

Minerva shook her head. "Professor Snape has been detained in the infirmary assisting with an unfortunate mishap related to a potion's accident. The one suffered by Draco Malfoy?" The elderly witch watched her pupils with a crude eye. She was aware that they had been in the infirmary with the sick boy, but Miss. Rainwater hadn't said whether or not these two students knew the complete truth. When she saw them nod, she continued. "If you're not aware, Mr. Malfoy suffers from an unusual malady that requires regular potion consumption. He forgot to take his necessary dose and Professor Snape is now seeing to his recovery."

"So Harry's help wasn't needed after all?" Kate asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Professor Potter is assisting. The Headmaster has had quite the busy week overseeing classes for the pair of them. Now, if you two could go and check on Miss. Rainwater, I have a meeting to attend. I appreciate your consideration of this matter." She nodded to dismiss them, and they picked up their books to leave.

Once in the hall, Olli started muttering to himself. "Something's going on. I can almost smell it."

Kate nodded in agreement. "I hate it when they gloss everything over. I thought it would be different this time, but I guess not. I say we find Rhoswen and ream the information out of her."

"Potter, the kid's family just died. Maybe we should cut her some slack?"

"Of course! I just meant-well, you know. We can be subtle about it if it makes you feel better?" She smiled weakly.

"How about we find her and make sure she doesn't need…what do the muggles call it? Therapy?"

Kate giggled. "We shouldn't joke. How would you feel if it happened to you?"

Olli's eyes widened as the thought hit his brain. "I have no idea."

xxxx

"Who are you?" Draco squawked. He clapped his hands over his mouth in embarrassment and shriveled away from the stranger.

The stranger lifted his head and smiled sadly. "I am a Prince. I'm here to guide you to the gate. You called out and said you were lost, so I've come to help you."

Draco looked at him wearily. "I didn't call out for help." He snapped. "Go and find someone else to lead, I can do it myself."

"Oh no, no. I'm afraid you can't. This road is very dangerous, and so many before you have fallen. I don't want you to fall though."

"What's so special about me?" Draco asked in suspicion. In his opinion, people only ever helped others if they wanted something.

The stranger shrugged. "I don't know, but the bad things want you and I've worked very hard to keep them away. Will you come with me?" The stranger offered his hand. "I can help you. There's no need to be afraid of the dark."

Draco took the stranger's hand.

xxxx

"So, Lucius wasn't quite as forthcoming with information and assistance as you'd wanted him to be?" Severus sneered and poured himself a glass of something strong before slumping over in the corner.

"Regretfully no." Harry sighed deeply and stretched against the door frame. The little room was too crowded with all of Severus' junk and two other bodies for him to enter completely. "I don't know what that man's problem is. He was so eager to save his heir and now I propose a means of doing so and he won't talk to me." Harry rubbed at his face in exasperation. "I hate to say it, but this whole fucking ordeal is exhausting."

Remus looked apprehensive. "So, if Lucius Malfoy isn't speaking to you, than he certainly isn't going to provide a blood offering. What are we going to do, Harry?"

"Well," Harry began cautiously. "Sirius is a cousin of Narcissa Malfoy. Therefore, there is a blood connection to Draco there." Harry finished and looked at his godfather hopefully. He'd been digging through the Malfoy family tree for a few hours the night before, and had been delighted to see the answer was so readily available.

Sirius was exhausted. He'd had to pull more than a few strings to get back to the UK for Harry's scheduled appointment, and then he'd had to trek all the way to Hogwarts. He'd only just arrived an hour ago and was in desperate need of a shower and a hot meal. He was so into his plans for the upcoming evening that he started when he heard Harry connect his name and 'blood ritual' in the same sentence. Him? Donate blood to a Malfoy? There had to be some joke. "Wait, hold the phone here. How weak can the blood connection be? Will this result in some strange kind of bond thing, because if it does, than I want no part in it." Sirius crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the potions cupboard with a sneer.

"Sirius, you've got to be kidding me! We have one chance to save Draco and you won't help because you're afraid of being bonded, even through a bond as inconsequential as this?"

"We don't know if it's inconsequential Harry. We have no idea what using my blood will do to me. I'm not interested. If Lucius Malfoy doesn't want to help his own son with a blood donation than I'm certainly not going to give one up. Merlin knows what could happen!"

Harry stared at his godfather, deeply offended. "I can't believe how selfish you're being."

Sirius winced. "I'm not being selfish Harry. I want to help the kid. I came all the way from Africa to help the kid, but I'm not willing to sacrifice my blood."

"What about another cousin?" Remus asked gently.

Harry shook his head sadly. "No. Too many people are already involved as it is. What we're doing is technically illegal, and if one of Draco's cousin's finds out the truth about him, than that might cause trouble for Lucius over who will inherit the estate, and then it won't matter if Draco makes it or not because Lucius will just kill him anyhow."

Severus croaked from his corner where he'd been watching the proceedings with a heavy heart. "I'm distantly related to Lucius through my father." Everyone turned to look at the weary Potions Master. "I doubt the link will be strong enough, but if my blood could be of some use, I'll gladly offer it up."

Harry started and smiled gently at the tired potions master. "We may just have to make due with it. Thank you Severus. How's the potion coming?"

Severus sipped wearily at his glass and sighed. "The potion was simple enough. The math gave me a bit of trouble at the beginning of the week, but I managed just fine once I sat down and thought about it. The potion has been simmering for two days. I expect it will be ready by noon tomorrow, but I'll keep checking on it just in case." He sighed again. "At this point, I just want this whole ordeal to be over with so I'll know if I can relax or start preparing for a funeral." He winced.

Remus winced with him. "No need to be so negative, Severus. We must have a positive outlook for this to work."

Harry nodded in agreement and glared at his godfather. "Positive outlook, indeed, isn't that right Sirius?" The glorified tour guide had the grace to blush. "I have a great deal of final preparation to take care of, not to mention a patient to look after, so if you'll excuse me." Harry picked up his books and wandered out the door, presumably to go back to Draco's bedside. "Everyone try and rest tonight," he called back into the room. "Merlin knows we likely won't get any sleep tomorrow evening!"

xxxx

"Harry! Open this door we need to talk to you!" Kate banged on the door one last time before clutching her fist in agony. She looked pleadingly at Olli to try knocking again when the door opened with a whoosh.

"Kate, now isn't really a good time." Harry swept a hand through his hair in frustration, and one look at him told her that he hadn't slept properly in a good long while.

She glared at him. "You've been avoiding us for days now. You said you'd fill us in as soon as you got back, but then I heard a rumor that Sirius had arrived today and I remembered that I still hadn't talked to you. I may have allowed it to pass before, but now is a bit late. We want to know about Draco. Why did you make us that story, and what is it you're planning to do?"

Harry sighed. "Look, I really can't discuss it with you. I asked you to read the story so that you might trust me, plus it provided you all with something to do to pass the time." He leaned against the doorframe and paused to consider his next words. "I hate to pull my Professor/Adult cards again, but I'm going to have to ask you to just concentrate on your classes and trust me. Draco ought to be fine by tomorrow night, as Severus is brewing a potion that should help him. You will not under any circumstances be allowed to see him until the day after at the i earliest /i , maybe even later than that."

"This is bullshit!" Olli roared from behind her. "Draco is my best friend. Would you honestly lie down and be silent while your best friend was dying in hospital?"

Harry frowned. The answer was no, of course, and he knew he was being a bit of a hypocrite by asking what he was of these students, but the magic involved was simply too dark, too unknown, and he didn't want anyone to get hurt. "Language, Mr. Parkinson." He said weakly. "Kate," he addressed his sister solemnly. "I promise you that nothing good can come of your being involved in this. I need you both to trust me and back off."

"The first of November then? That's when we can see him, and you promise to try and explain what's going on?"

"Of course. November first, I promise." He looked at the two. "Where is your partner in crime?"

Kate bit her lip. "Harry, something awful happened to her family. She got a letter from the Ministry announcing their death a few days ago and she hasn't spoken since."

Harry's face went ashen. "She was the one delivering Draco Malfoy's meds, wasn't she?"

Olli sighed. "Yes sir. She hasn't had a very good month. Not only does she feel responsible for Draco getting sick, now this had to happen to her family."

"No kidding." Harry quickly explained that he had more work to do and said his goodnights. He was glad that the two students had seemed placated by his promise, and he sincerely hoped that Kate would take him seriously and stay away until he called for her. The last thing he needed was to be telling his parents that his youngest sister was being arrested for her involvement in his scheme. Harry shuddered and sat on the floor. Rhoswen rainwater's parents were dead. There was no question in Harry's mind that Lucius Malfoy was behind their deaths. He sighed and remembered his own contractual obligations. There was really no telling if his plan to save Draco Malfoy was going to work. If it didn't, he knew that he would be the next name listed in the Daily Prophet's announcements page as having had an unfortunate accident.

But while he had his own, rather selfish, reasons for wanting to save the young boy, there were others as well. He hadn't told a soul, but he'd been dreaming of Draco Malfoy, not as the sixteen year old patient that he knew, but as a rather handsome twenty something young man.

The dreams were not something he was proud of having. Waking of with an erection and sweet fantasies involving one's sick student were not what his wildest dreams were made of. In fact, they made him feel quite heart sick. He pinched the bridge of his nose when he felt the tears begin to rise. He was so tired…

Severus Snape had visions of a little toddler smiling brightly.

Harry had visions of a smile just as bright, but the eyes were more mischievous. More adult

Tomorrow was going to be a long fucking day.

xxxx

"Checkmate." Minerva moved her queen across the board and trumped Albus in their third game of the evening. Albus, for his part, had been staring vacantly into a tea cup for the last twenty minutes in silence, pausing only to move his pieces around the board when it was his turn. Albus was usually extraordinarily good at multitasking; making small talk while playing chess and plotting world domination were nothing for the old man, but he seemed to be having quite a bit of trouble of late. "Are you alright, my old friend?" Minerva inquired, sipping from her own tea cup leisurely.

Albus finally looked up with broken eyes. "I'll admit for once I'm not, Minerva. This situation troubles me deeply, and I regret that I cannot become more involved. I wish there was something more I could do, but there simply isn't."

Minerva reached around the table and patted his knee. "Perhaps this time it's best to just sit back and not intervene, Albus?"

The elderly wizard shook his head and smiled softly. "It's too late for that, Minerva. I'm afraid I've already meddled as was my bit to meddle."

The Gryffindor Head of house raised a perfectly combed grey eyebrow. "What do you mean, Albus."

Albus' eye twinkled, if only slightly. "It's for me and portraits to know, Minerva my dear."

The witch laughed. "Isn't it always?"

The headmaster nodded again, staring down at the board in confusion. "Beaten me again, have you?"

"Of course. I always so."

"Sirius Black arrived tonight." He mentioned offhandedly, standing to check on Fawkes, who had taken to staring at the couple all night, as if demanding attention.

"I suppose his reasons for being here is another secret between you and the portraits?"

"Oh no, this is the secret you and Miss. Rainwater are also familiar with."

"Can he help Potter and Severus?"

"I truly hope so, my dear. I truly hope so. If not, than this Halloween will be the darkest these walls have seen in an age."

xxxx

The Great Hall was surprisingly vacant when Olli entered the next morning for some much needed breakfast. He quickly took his seat and started to dig in to the usual fair when a half-loaded plate landed on the table opposite him with a slight clatter and an unusual set of blue trimmed robes dropped into the accompanying seat. He looked up and blushed. "Good morning, Potter."

"Good Morning, Parkinson" Kate smiled cheerily. "I usually don't see you here so early."

Olli nodded and continued to shovel food on his plate. "I didn't sleep very well, and I woke up starving."

The red head raised a delicate eyebrow at the amount of food now covering the Slytherin's plate. "Obviously." She smiled and bit her lip when Olli blushed again. "You shouldn't worry so much, that's why you can't sleep. It's not good for your health."

"Yes Doctor," the boy sneered. "Uh oh…this can't be good." He sighed as his family owl dropped gracefully onto the table beside him. "I never get mail." He snatched the letter from the owl and winced when he saw what it was about. "That's great. Just what the kid needs."

"What is it?" Kate asked around her pumpkin juice.

"My sister. She's getting married, to Theodore Nott of all people." Olli made a face. "Why the hell she's ally herself with i that /i family is beyond me." The boy shook his head. "This couldn't have come at a worse time."

"Why do you say that? Because Draco is sick? Or because of Rhoswen? Harry said Malfoy would be okay after tonight and I'm sure I can look in on Rainwater for a few days while you breeze off to your sister's wedding."

Olli looked at her incredulously. "It's not like that." He flipped the letter about casually. "This is just my parents letting me know they're planning on making an announcement about her engagement. The reason why this is bad is because as of yesterday, as far as I knew, my sister was in an arrangement with the Malfoy's"

Kate actually choked on her breakfast. "What! The Malfoy's? But isn't your sister the same age as Harry?" Olli nodded. "Then how the hell? You mean Draco?"

"Yep! Draco was engaged to my sister. Actually, it wasn't like that originally. See, the Malfoy's had another son first. He was a month or so older than Pansy and she was engaged to i him /i . Unfortunately, there were complications and that child died, so the contract fell to the Malfoy's next born. However, it took them a long time to have a kid again, and Pansy has always been bitter about being married off to someone so young. My parents obviously don't want Pansy wed to Draco anymore and are breaking the contract. Which I suppose is a good thing, because the match would have been horrible, but still, I'm not looking forward to telling Draco when he wakes up that he no longer has a guaranteed wife."

Kate frowned. "Wouldn't Draco be happy? I mean, now he can choose his wife, can't he?"

"I suppose so. However, Draco is the Malfoy Heir and any wife he chooses must be of the strictest breeding and integrity. It's a very complicated process to choose a Malfoy bride." Olli winced. "Lucius Malfoy is going to be pissed at my sister."

Kate nodded as she finally finished her muffin. "No kidding, I wouldn't want to be her." She glanced at the clock and reached into her bag for her textbook. The Headmaster was giving a shirt quiz in potions that day, and she wanted to be ready for it. Though, judging the headmaster, the quiz was probably on which types of potions produced the famous candies he loved so much. She probably wouldn't need to study. Remembering that it was Halloween, she became even more certain of the candy-themed quiz. She frowned slightly, noticing that the mood at the Slytherin table was suddenly very dark, and she knew she ought to head back to her own. However, she had a sudden desire to stay as close to Olli, and thereby Olli's charge, whenever Rhoswen decided to make an appearance, as possible. She tried to lighten the mood. "Are you excited for the feast tonight?"

Olli grinned. "Of course, it always has the best food." He tried not to think about Draco's noticeable absence. "I'm more excited for tomorrow though. I hope Draco will be okay. Maybe we should save him some of the special sweets?"

She smiled gently. "He'd probably like that."

xxxx

"Why is it so cold?" Draco asked his companion miserably.

The stranger shrugged. "It's always cold here."

"I feel as though we've been walking for days, but nothing changes. Are you sure you know where you're going?"

His strange companion smiled gently in the dark, the shadows hiding his features so that Draco didn't notice. "Of course I do. Don't worry, we'll get there yet."

Despite his companion's reassurances, Draco couldn't help but worry, or the shivers of icy fear that gripped his heart. He was suddenly very desperate for a glimpse of the sun again, even on a cold winter day. Somehow, he wasn't certain he'd ever be granted his simple wish.