Chapter 11: I'D explain it to you but…

Hermione and Ron spent several hours in the library and came to four conclusions: Harry is a big-headed git, Dumbledore doesn't really eat socks, the Komacritus Draught is most often used for kidnappings, and Filch kidnapped Fleur along with the assistance of Professor Flitwick.

"He always has looked a little shady," Ron said in what he thought was a clever voice.

"Too bad it's really the shadows of everyone above him," Hermione contradicted.

"But it's the best lead we've got!" Ron argued.

"You can just believe that all you want," Hermione told him.

"Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall coughed, "You are wanted in the hospital wing, immediately." Hermioen and Ron got up from their chairs in the Gryffindor common room and ran to the hospital wing.

Outside the door, Ron asked, "Why did we run here?"

"Because…I…was…following…you…"Hermione puffed, "And…you…were…running."

"I…ran…" Ron wheezed, "Because…you…ran."

"Well…I ran…because…you ran." Hermione retorted.

"Fine, have…it your…way," Ron clutched at a stitch in his chest, "Oooh…I've got a cramp…" Madam Pomfrey opened the door and bustled them in.

"Hurry up dears." Madam Pomfrey shut the doors behind them. They saw Professor Snape was holding a foaming goblet and someone had sat Draco up slightly. Hermione thought he looked somewhat grotesque with his head lolling to one side.

"Alright," Snape said, "Who wants to give him the antidote?"

"I will," Narcissa reached out to take the goblet.

"Don't spill it," Snape warned, "This should be enough to wake up the dead but you never know. Every drop is crucial."

"Of course," Narcissa somewhat snapped, "This is my son I am giving it, too. Why would I spill it?" She sat down on the bed next to Draco and carefully held his head with one hand. In her other hand, she held the goblet, which she neatly tipped into his mouth. She held it there for a few moments. "I don't think he's drinking it!" she gasped.

"Just keep holding it like you where," Snape said calmly, "He will drink it even if he is unconscious, his reflexes will take care of that."

"Alright, I'll try again." She tipped it into his mouth again. It seemed like she held it their for ages until there was a small cough and then a sufficiently louder, "ACK!"

"Well, he awake," Lucius announced. Draco weakly opened his eyes and blinked. He sat up a little and stared around the room.

"Why am I up here?" he said, he slurred his words. "What time is it? Why were you trying to choke me? Mum, Dad, what are you doing here?" His voice sounded like he hadn't talked in years, it was so hoarse.

"Dear, you just got sick that's all," Narcissa said soothingly, "Your friends will explain everything to you. Your father and I have to go to a meeting at the Ministry."

"I'll try to explain it to you, later," Lucius added, "The meeting's at six and it's five thirty. I tried to cancel it but Fudge wouldn't let me. I'm sorry Draco." He reached and stroked his hair. "We'll be back to check on you though, alright?"

"'K," Draco collapsed back on to the pillow. "So I'll see you later?"

"Of course," Narcissa smiled fondly. "Thank you so much Severus for making the antidote," and much to everyone's surprise, even Lucius', she kissed him on the cheek, "We couldn't have done it without you."

"Well, er…you see…" Snape blushed and stuttered. Narcissa walked out the door with Lucius following her. He turned around and faced Snape. "Thank you…I owe you one." He stuck out his hand and Snape shook it.

"Never were one for traditional language, were you, Lucius?" Snape smiled, "I will tell you when I need a favor."

"Bye, Hermione, Ron," Narcissa waved. Ron waved back and Hermione said, "Goodbye." Lucius said goodbye to both of them too. Hermione instinctively drew back from him a bit and Ron stiffened a little.

"So," Draco voice was slightly louder, "Just what exactly did happen?"

"Well," Ron began, "I'd explain it to you but your brain would explode."

"Try me," Draco smiled.

"Alright, it's a long story," Hermione began.

Then Ron and Hermione explained everything to him. Hermione began with the part where he passed out and Ron finished up with his idea of Filch and Flitwick being partners and "S"'s letter.

"You know what the last thing I remember is?" Draco grinned.

"I hate that smile because it usually means I don't want to know," Ron stuffed his fingers in his ears.

"Well, the last thing I remember is you," he looked at Hermione, "asked me out. Yes, I'll go out with you. Oh yeah, and you told me to forget the whole Operation: Assassinate Hermione. But I won't, okay? I can't."

Draco sat up, "Are you two still mad at Harry?"

"How did you know I was mad at Harry?" Ron asked.

"My dad told me, he was right there, remember?"

"Oh yeah," Ron said, "I'm still mad at him."

"Me, too," Hermione said, "He's such a jerk lately. It's almost like you two switched brains."

"Oh, so you're saying I couldn't be nice to anyone unless I had my brain switched?" Draco laughed.

"Yeah, pretty much," Ron admitted with a grin.

"Have we got any leads on Fleur?" Draco became serious, "I haven't told my dad yet. I should've but I didn't."

"Well, we think that Flitwick and Filch are working together, that's all really," Hermione said, "But Ron made the theory up."

"Flitwick? Evil? You're joking right?" Draco smiled, "I might have a few theories of my own, but we would need to investigate."

"Theories like what?" Hermione asked.

"Like I need to know more before they're any good."

"Mr. Malfoy," Madam Pomfrey said, "You need to stay here over night-"

"But I'm fine," Draco protested, "I don't-"

"No buts!" Madam Pomfrey chided, "You're staying here tonight and give me anymore complaints and I'll make it tomorrow night too! You two-" she gestured to Hermioen and Ron, then at the door, -"out! The boy needs his rest!"

"How can I need rest if I've been unconscious for about seven hours?" Draco argued.

"What did I tell you, young man?" Madam Pomfrey reminded him.

"Fine," Draco pouted. He gave a small wave, "Bye Hermione, bye RONALD WEASLEY! Punch Harry for me…"

"You bet I will," Ron muttered, out loud he side, "Bye DRACO MALFOY! Goodbye Madam Pomfrey."

"Bye Draco," Hermione gave him a book, "It's full of the stuff." She winked. "Goodbye, Madam Pomfrey."

"Bye dears."

Ron and Hermione were in the common room doing homework, when unsuspecting Harry walked in.

"OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?"

"Well, Harry, Draco told me to punch you for him."

"Ron, I don't think he meant it literally."

"You have to take everything literally with Malfoys."

"True 'dat…"

" NO, YOU DON'T HAVE TO AND I STILL WANT TO KNOW WHY YOU HIT ME!"