Chapter 2
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Harry's godfather's arrived a short time later, looking distressed and disheveled. Sirius greeted them and kissed his cousin on the cheek, while Remus questioned Lucius as to what had happened. They'd been aware of past problems between Draco and Harry, but Lucius had assured them he had persuaded Draco quite forcefully to behave and care for his bonded properly. Both men were furious, but believed Lucius when he told them they had not known the abuse had continued. Cissa wept quietly, the shock finally settling in, now that Harry's family was here.
The four turned as one, when the door opened and the Head Healer stepped into the hall, his expression serious and his eyes reflecting his weariness. Lucius held Cissa's hand, his other arm around her in comfort. Remus moved to stand by Sirius, a hand on his shoulder, as they waited to hear about Harry's condition.
One of the house elves appeared and handed the Healer a small cup of tea, which after thanking the small creature, he downed in three long sips. Handing the cup back to the elf, he sighed, then smiled when the elf disappeared with a pop. They were always so bloody efficient and prompt. Looking around him at the four worried faces, he took a deep breath and cleared his throat before launching into a description of Mr. Potter-Malfoy's injuries and his prognosis.
Healer Jacob Blunt, pulled a parchment from the outer pocket of his robes, "Mr. Potter-Malfoy was very near death when you found him, Madam Malfoy. If he had lain there any longer, you would now be preparing for his burial rites--rather than for his recovery."
All four family members released the breaths they hadn't realized they'd been holding. They looked at each other as Healer Blunt waited, before Sirius finally stepped forward.
"Please, what is the extent of my godson's injuries?" Sirius' voice wavered a bit as he spoke.
"Mr. Malfoy-Potter, evidently beat him with a Quidditch Beater's bat, breaking both legs in various places. He has a concussion and a broken nose. His left eye is swollen shut--the orbit cracked. He may have damage, but we won't know for sure until he's healed more. His left forearm is broken in three places. The fingers of his left hand are also broken. Four of his ribs are shattered and one punctured a lung. Another rib came very close to hitting his heart. He has lost a substantial amount of blood." Seeing the distress in their eyes and hearing Madam Malfoy begin to weep again, he needed to give them hope. "Remarkably, the remainder of his internal organs were untouched, especially those in his lower abdomen, which I suspect he took measures to shield from the blows. He is far from being out of the woods as the Muggles say, and he has a long road to recovery. But, if watched closely and cared for diligently, he will heal. His will to live is strong. Currently, we have him in a Healing Coma for the next seventy-two hours."
Ignoring the looks of barely controlled fury beginning to burn in the wizards' eyes, he continued, wanting to finish before all hell broke loose.
"What do we need to do?" Remus asked, his voice raw from holding back tears, though his eyes had begun to gain a golden hue.
"I will assign another healer or two, if necessary, to stay with him around the clock, for the first two weeks. He must be monitored at all times and will be on a very strict and complicated regiment of potions, spells, and charms. Following that, will be regular physical therapy to help him regain his mobility and range of motion."
"Who do you recommend?" Sirius asked, his eyes staring at the door his godson was behind.
"Well, Poppy Pomphrey has retired from Hogwarts and Mr. Potter-Malfoy was one of her favorites if I recall. She would jump at the chance to come to his side. Healer Granger-Weasley has just finished her internship and is available, as well as Healer Longbottom, who happens to also hold a duel Mastery in Potions and Herbology, as well. Neville and Hermione would both come immediately. He would be better off with those he trusts and loves to care for him. I must return to help my assistants finish."
The Healer nodded to each of them and disappeared back into Harry's rooms, closing the door quietly behind him.
"Lucius, I want Severus here. He can work with Healer Longbottom to make Harry's potions." Cissa grasped his arm and looked at him with a pleading in her eyes.
"Agreed, darling. That thought has already occurred to me." He watched a shadow pass over Sirius' face at the mention of his old friend's name. "Cousin?"
"It's nothing, Lucius. I will put aside any animosities I have for Harry's well-being. I have no problem with Severus being here." He couldn't put into words in front of this Healer how he really felt. How Harry bonded with Draco in exchange for his and Remus' freedom...and what did it bring him? Tears and pain.
"What about Draco?" Remus asked, his voice a low growl, his eyes flashing in supressed anger.
"He's your son, Lucius." Sirius added, his anger evident.
"Yes, but I did not raise him to do these things. You know I warned him several years ago to stop this."
"Healer Blunt has all the documentation if you decide to press charges, Lucius." Sirius looked at Cissa, as he spoke.
Cissa laid a hand on her husband's arm. "Luc, Luv, Harry almost died. He trusted Draco. We trusted Draco." It pained her to say this about her son, but she now considered Harry her son as well.
"He cannot be allowed to escape accountability for this! It's time he learned--once and for all, Lucius. He's fooled us all twice now, and at what expense?" Remus struggled to be the voice of reason. "Anything he does from here on out, we will all be responsible for if he isn't punished for what he has done. Next time, Harry may die!"
Cissa began to weep quietly again as she swooned. Sirius caught her and helped her to one of the chairs. Lucius watched them for a moment, then looked into the eyes of Harry's remaining 'family.'
"Sirius, summon Kingsley and have him bring Auror Lovegood. She has talents that will help them locate Draco. I want them here before the Healers leave. I will contact Severus myself." He leaned down to kiss his mate's pale hair. "Cissa, you and Remus, try to see Harry as soon as you can."
Both men moved quickly down the hall, and disappeared down the staircase, as Cissa and Remus sat and waited, watching the door to Harry's rooms, silently willing it to open.
Tbc…