A/N: Sorry guys, I've been going to doctors and hospitals like crazy. I promise to update as much as I possibly can. Love you!

Chapter 24: Infirmary

During the night, Draco climbed into bed with Harry. He snuggled gently against his broken frame and held the Gryffindor's hand. His thumb traced the patterns of scars and veins from Harry's fingertips to his wrists. He found a section of fresh cuts and sighed. His fingers itched to find a blade of his own and make marks to match his love's. No, he scolded himself, you have to be strong for Harry. Show him that it's not impossible. The temptation lingered in his mind, baiting him with promises of relief, with the momentary pleasure— SHIT. The realization that Harry had dropped his glamours struck him. Draco considered telling Snape or trying to extend his glamours over the Gryffindor, but found he was too tried to move; much less, get help. His eyelids flickered closed and he sighed contentedly beside Harry. His free hand stroked the soft cotton of the sheets as he inhaled Harry's scent. Finally, able to relax, he fell into the first deep sleep he'd had in weeks.

Severus stayed and kept watch over the boys. He conjured a leather armchair and pulled it to the foot of the bed so he was facing the pair. His gaze traveled down Draco's arm. It fell to the cuts on Harry's wrist that glowed a deep, dark red in the pale moonlight. Of course his glamours would fall, he thought sadly. Snape assumed Madame Pomfrey saw the cuts in her initial exam; he hoped she wouldn't bring them up. Draco started snoring quietly, drawing his attention back to the pair. A smile spread across the potion master's face, seeing them almost comfortably reunited. Even under these… most unfortunate circumstances. He tried to keep his eyes open, but exhaustion was creeping through his veins. He hadn't slept well since the school year started, paranoid that his charges would be found together. But the night waned on and eventually, he dozed off.

Madame Pomfrey woke before the sunrise, anxious to check on her patient. She opened the door of her chambers and stepped into the infirmary. Her gaze fell on Severus, sleeping in a leather chair at the foot of Potter's bed. She slowly inched closer and saw that a Slytherin was curled up beside Harry. A better look told her it was Draco. She cleared her throat and Snape jumped to his feet, wand at the ready. "Severus," Madame Pomfrey whispered quietly.

He lowered his wand and crossed his arms, waiting for her to go on. The boys in the bed hadn't moved.

"There's something I would like to discuss with you," she said, still speaking softly. "If you'd just come to my office."

His eyes flickered to the sleeping boys.

"They'll be fine, no one will find them," Poppy assured him as she started walking away.

Severus sulked behind her. The door to the infirmary closed softly behind him.

She took a seat behind her desk and gestured at the chairs before it.

He hesitantly sat and silently waited for her to begin with a look of disinterest.

"You don't have to pretend for me, Severus." Poppy had always seen through the sneers and glares. She saw the pain that lingered just beneath the surface. In the past few hours she also saw the love and care he had for the young lovers in the next room. Her face softened as he uncrossed his arms and leaned forward slightly. "It appears as though Mr. Potter has extensive injuries that are unrelated to his Quidditch accident." When he said nothing, she continued. "Some appear to be self-inflicted. Others— Severus? Are you alright?"

He was facing the wall with a far off stare. Pain flickered in his eyes and he folded his arm across his chest. His jaw tightened as he took a deep breath. "Go on," he said in a low hiss.

She sighed. "Others could be the result of years of abuse." Her mind was spinning as she considered what his meant. Albus left him with these horrid people and no one even bothered to make sure he was okay.

Severus watched as the realization sparked a fire in her eyes. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes and bowed his head. "Yes, go on."

"Those muggles abuse him, don't they?" Poppy inquired calmly. He didn't answer, but she pressed on. "You knew." Her voice shook as she asked, anger building. "You knew and you did nothing?" She slammed her fist on the table.

This was the most angry Severus had ever seen her. Before she said another word, he snapped, "Silence! Do you want him to hear you?"

She set her jaw and glared at him.

He threw back a glare of equal intensity, but she didn't back down or shy away. "I am aware of Potter's… situation. To make an extraordinarily long story short, he and Malfoy showed up on my doorstep in the middle of the summer. Both have… difficult home-lives."

Madame Pomfrey stared at him silently even though she knew he wouldn't say more.

His jaw was clenched and his eyes returned to their disinterested glare. He crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned back in the chair, looking at the wall behind her.

"He needs help." She said it as a challenge.

"Indeed," he replied in agreement.

"What do you propose?"

"Counseling secessions, with me."

"You? Are you sure?"

"Yes," he hissed as he stood, ending the conversation.

She followed him back into the Infirmary. The sun was rising and casted a vibrant orange light on the sleeping couple. Harry had turned on his side and draped an arm over Draco. The blonde was smiling with his eyes still closed against the morning light. He whispered something and Harry smiled as well. "Morning," Severus said as he approached the bed.

"'Morning, Professor," Draco replied sleepily, without opening his eyes. He snuggled closer to Harry, pulling his hand close to his face.

"Good morning, Mr. Malfoy," Poppy said sternly.

Draco quickly pulled himself out of Harry's grasp and climbed out of the bed. "Err, morning," he tripped over his words.

"Perhaps you should go back to your dormitory," Snape said in a low drawl.

"I'll just be going, then." The Slytherin's words slid smoothly off his tongue as he made his way to the door.

Severus met Harry's eyes with a sad knowing smile.

The young man already missed the feeling of Draco beside him. He felt vulnerable under the intense stare of the medi-witch.

"Professor Snape and I have been discussing your condition. We've come to the conclusion that you will need to receive counseling."

Harry instinctively pulled the covers tighter around his arms, hugging them to his sides. He bowed his head and looked at the patterns of the blanket.

"You are to report to his office twice a week for sessions," she continued, pretending to not notice his flinching.

"Yes, ma'am."

Satisfied with his answer, she retreated to her office.

Severus waited for her door to close before speaking. He knelt down beside his bed and looked him in the eyes. "I've figured out a way for you and Draco to meet on a more frequent basis," he whispered.

Tears formed in Harry's eyes as he moved his mouth but no words would come.

"You can thank me later," Snape said as he stood and turned to go.