Author note- Little bonus chapter for you all. I know my posting has been a little inconsistent. So, take this as a thank you for sticking with me. Hope you all enjoy.

Song inspirations – My silver Lining- First Aid Kit (Harry & Draco), You Got The Silver- The Rolling Stones ( Sirius & Remus)

Chapter 21

Silver

A sudden voice startled Harry from his restless sleep. Sitting up abruptly, Harry realized Dumbledore's Patronus was illuminating the room.

"An attack has occurred at Hogwarts. The Order is to convene in my office. Keep your guard up." Dumbledors voice said darkly before the Phoenix disappeared.

Harry jumped out of bed and quickly dressed. Stumbling out of his room, he tried to shove his trainer on. His head swiveled as he exited the hall. He didn't see Snape and assumed he must still be on patrol.

Summoning his invisibility cloak from his room, he ran from Snapes quarters.

He kept his ears perked for any sounds of battle. The halls were deathly silent. Maybe the attack had been small, perhaps the teachers had already handled the situation.

That thought sent a shiver of dread down his spine. What if someone had been hurt. His feet pounded harder on the ground and his lungs burned as he ran faster. He wished he wasn't so far from the headmaster's office.

What if Remus or Sirius had been hurt? What about Snape? He was on patrol tonight. His mind raced as he pushed himself harder. He'd done a lot of running at the beginning of the year but with everything the last few weeks he hadn't been practicing as much. His muscles protested the treatment, and his lungs felt like they were filling with sand.

He gasped as he rounded another corner. The cloak kept him mostly covered but as it whipped around him, glimpses of his feet became visible.

Harry began to hear voices and slowed his movements. They weren't harsh voices, and they certainly weren't the sounds of an attack, but he would still move cautiously. If death Eaters had breached the school, he would need to stay hidden.

He began plotting how he would alert the other students. He knew where the entrance to three of the common rooms were but was unsure how to reach Hufflepuff. Perhaps he could get there by floo. His mind supplied images of the castle filling with Death Eaters and Voldemort leading them. Visions of bloody bodies lining the halls.

Harry swallowed thickly. He would not see the school fall.

Stepping cautiously around the corner, Harry saw a group of teachers making their way to the headmaster's office. Harry's whole body slumped with relief. Sirius and Remus were walking with McGonagall and Flitwick.

Harry's mind slowed and he walked directly at them. Crashing into Remus' chest, Harry wrapped his arms around him tightly.

"oof, what the…" Remus said, going stiff in his arms.

Harry had forgotten they couldn't see him.

"It's me." Harry mumbled into Remus' chest.

Remus relaxed upon hearing Harry's voice. He and Sirius had been worried that another attack in the school might have been Harry. They'd run into Minerva and Fillius coming down from the towers. None of them had heard or seen anything.

"Are you okay?" Remus said reaching up and pulling the hood of the cloak away.

Harry just nodded and clung tighter to him.

Remus brows creased at the rough sound of Harry's breathing.

"I was worried you were hurt." Harry wheezed pulling away, then hugging Sirius too.

"Were alright pup." Sirius reassured, giving Harry a tight hug before releasing him.

Harry pulled away and nodded before giving Minerva and Filius assessing looks.

Harry looked panicked, though some of the anxiety seemed to be leaving now that he knew they were okay. Remus wasn't sure how he felt about Harry being included in the Order.

"We should head up." Minerva said, motioning them towards the office.

Remus nodded but kept his eye on Harry as the continued to walk.

"Harry, do you have your inhaler?" Remus asked. He was beginning to worry about how hard Harry was breathing.

Harry patted his pockets and shook his head.

Remus took a deep breath to calm himself. He knew it was unlikely he could convince Harry to return to Severus quarters to get his inhaler.

"I'm fine. Just ran too much." Harry mumbled as they stepped into Albus office.

Remus wasn't so sure about that, but he dropped it for now. If Harry seemed like he was getting worse, he would send him regardless of his protests.

Severus grumbled as he and Poppy made there way to Albus office. He was feeling a little on edge after what had happened. He hadn't expected an attack at the school. The halls were quiet and Severus internally cursed. Everyone must have already made it to Albus office.

Albus was speaking when they entered.

"We will be increasing patrols on the grounds." Albus said.

Severus wanted to roll his eyes. More patrols wouldn't have prevented this. It was a targeted attack against him.

Severus stared down those who had turned to look at him. Merlin only knew what Albus had said.

Stepping to the side of the door, Severus took his normal spot near the back. Only to realize he was now standing next to Harry and the mutts. Harry looked him over worriedly, but Severus just shook his head. He was fine.

His ears pricked at the labored sound of Harry's breathing.

Reaching into his pocket he retrieved the backup inhaler he had picked up when he'd first gone with Harry to the doctor. He handed it to Harry without a word.

He could see the slight smile of Harry's mouth as he took the inhaler. A few puffs and deep breaths later Harry was no longer wheezing.

Severus focused his attention back on Albus.

"This will be a long weekend, with both a Hogsmeade trip and quidditch match planned. I see no reason the students should lose those activities, but I would request non-staff Order members that are available to please join us." Albus said.

Many of the members nodded and Severus sighed. They needed to address the real threat here. The students that were marked needed to be removed from the school. They couldn't be allowed to remain. He'd been able to hold his own but if they'd attacked Draco or Harry they may not have been as successful.

Severus looked at Albus with a raised eyebrow, that he hoped clearly expressed his concern. Albus shook his head and Severus cursed under his breath. Albus was not going to expel the others.

Harry looked at him worriedly. Shaking his head again he looked back at Albus.

The man continued to blather on about how rotations on other monitored locations would go. The meeting that he and Remus had scheduled with the werewolves this weekend. As well as an apparent parley with the giants that Hagrid and Madam Maxime would be embarking on just before Christmas break.

Severus was relieved when the meeting was finally called to an end. Albus of course waved him over. It would be to much to ask if he might just be allowed to go to bed now.

Severus approached Albus' desk and waited for the others to clear out.

"I take it you did not explain that this was a student that attacked me?" Severus asked.

Albus sighed.

"I did tell them that it was a student, and which student it was. I also explained that he had been taken into custody." Albus said calmly.

"But you didn't tell them that there are still seven more marked students in my house that pose the same risk." Severus growled.

Albus shook his head.

"There are parents among the Order. I do not want to incite alarm." Albus explained.

Severus clenched his jaw.

"They should be alarmed. These students are a threat Albus. I wish they weren't. I wish we could do something for them. Keep them safe. Keep them from going blindly into war. What would you have me do though? Two of their classmates were killed in front of them for turning away from The Dark Lord." Severus growled.

"They are afraid. They are brainwashed. They think they are fighting for the right side. They've heard this talk all there lives. It's too late to come in as a white knight Albus. They are lost to us now." Severus tried to get Albus to see reason.

Albus gave him a sad look and shook his head.

"You don't believe even one of them is likely to change course?" Albus asked.

Severus held his tongue for a moment. The thought was painful. He'd known them all for years. He could remember them as wide-eyed first years. Remember there first awkward steps into teenhood. They weren't bad kids. They had just been led astray. Could even one of them be brought back?

"I don't know Albus. Is one of them worth the dozens they could kill if they attack the school from within?" Severus asked.

He didn't want to weigh one life against another. Unfortunately, there were true innocents in the school. Especially in the younger years. Children that certainly did not deserve to die in place of the older student's being kicked out a few months early of their graduation.

Albus shook his head.

"I don't know Severus." Albus admitted.

Severus nodded. It was difficult.

"Perhaps this latest incident will encourage some of the others to reconsider." Albus suggested.

Severus pursed his lips in frustration. There wasn't a good answer.

"Very well. Is there anything else you need tonight Albus? I'd like to check on my students." Severus said.

"No, my boy. Nothing else tonight. Rest well." Albus said before sitting behind his desk.

Severus nodded and headed out of the office. He was surprised to find Harry, Minerva and the mutts waiting in the hall.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked walking closer.

"I'm fine Harry." Severus said calmly.

Sirius and Remus gave him concerned looks but nodded.

"It's late. Come along." Severus said before heading back towards the stairs.

Harry walked beside him. The others had turned and begun the walk back upstairs where there quarters were.

"Bechtel. He was one of the student's that attacked Quinn, Right?" Harry asked softly.

Severus sighed.

"Yes, Jack Bechtel. Susan Donnelley and Casey Carter were the others. Keep an eye out for them. So far, the three of them are the only ones who have made any significant movement towards their task for the Dark Lord. I suspect the others are watching to see what will happen. Do not discount them as potential problems though." Severus said seriously.

Harry nodded.

"Are you going to check in with the Slytherin's?" Harry asked as they approached his office.

"Yes." Severus said stopping in his steps.

Harry nodded. Severus looked Harry over. His clothing looked rumpled, and his hair was a mess. There were bags under his eyes. Severus knew that Harry had likely not gotten very much sleep before the Headmaster had called.

"Are you alright?" Severus asked.

Harry rubbed his face and nodded.

"Yeah, just tired." Harry answered.

"If what happened with Draco is upsetting you, you can talk to me." Severus said.

Harry startled and looked at him strangely before looking away as a blush climbed up his cheeks.

"What?...Um what do you mean?" Harry choaked out.

Severus was confused by the reaction.

"Draco's panic attack." Severus said, stepping sideways so that he was looking Harry in the face again.

Harry's shoulder's fell a little as he nodded.

"Right…um. No, I'm fine. It's fine. I'm okay." Harry mumbled.

Severus scrutinized Harry for a long moment. He wandered if Harry thought he was referring to the conversation they'd had about his feelings about Draco.

"Did you address you're bruise?" Severus asked, he was not trying to keep the boy up longer.

Harry nodded but the blush on his face hadn't dimmed, and he was still not making eye contact.

"Very well, off to bed. I should be back shortly." Severus said.

Harry glanced at him briefly before nodding and disappearing into the office.

Severus shook his head and continued to the common room. He kept his eyes peeled as he walked for any sign of students'. The common room was also vacant. The fires were burning low and there were a few scattered items sitting out on the tables.

Severus was momentarily taken back to his years as a student. His heart clenched for the friends he'd made here. It hadn't been many, but they were all either dead, imprison, or firmly intrenched in the Death Eater's now.

Sighing, Severus walked down the hall of the girl's dorm. He cast silencing spells as he cracked each door. He made it policy not to enter any of the student dorms at night unless there was an emergency. He walked past each of the open doors and cast Homenum Revelio. He'd count the lights and move on to the next door.

When he reached the seventh-year girls' dorm, he found that one of the girls was awake. The hangings on her bed were open and the light next to her bed was on. She had a book open in her lap.

Nova Ravenwood.

She was near the top of her class. She'd always been a bright and motivated student. The knowledge that she was now a marked Death Eater soured Severus' stomach. She had had a bright future. Her family was darker then neutral, but they weren't Death Eaters.

Her short black hair was tucked behind an ear and Severus could see her eyes scanning the page. He watched her for a long moment. He didn't have bedtimes for the Sixth and Seventh years. They were expected to be in the common room by ten like the rest of the school, and in their dorm by midnight, but he thought they were old enough to know when to head off to bed.

Severus' one-on-one meetings this year had mostly gone well. However, the Seventh years never said a word. They sat in stone silence until Severus allowed them to leave.

Nova moved a little on the bed before looking up and seeing him. Her eyes widened in alarm, and she looked around the room. Severus wondered if she was aware of Jack's plan this evening. He supposed they may have all known.

Nova's shoulders relaxed after her frantic look around the room. When her eyes met his again, Severus was surprised when she smiled softly at him before looking back down at her book.

Severus brows creased. Was there a chance that some of them could be saved. Could Nova be saved?

Severus sighed and walked back down the hall, closing the doors softly as he went.

When he reached the hall of the boy's dorms, he hesitated. He didn't think that there would be another attack tonight, but he would not be ambushed again. He dropped his wand into his hand and performed the same charms he had in the girl's hall. A silencing spell and then a charm to open all the doors. As he passed each, he cast to reveal the people occupying each room. He was relieved to find the rest of the students in bed.

As he walked back down the hall he glanced into the sixth-year room. He couldn't see Draco from the hall but part of him wanted to go in and check on him. He loved his godson, and he worried about him. He was down the hall from boy's who were prepared to kill.

Severus took several deep breaths to calm himself. He would invite Draco for tea tomorrow he decided. With everything going on with Harry it had been a while since they had time to just sit down with one another.

Remus leg bounced nervously as he sat on the hospital bed. Severus had finished brewing the potion to purge the silver from his body. They'd agreed to meet after dinner in the hospital wing. Severus had said the pain might be intense and having Poppy on hand would be safest. Harry and Sirius were coming to sit with him. Though he'd tried to talk them out of it. He didn't know how this would go and while he wanted the comfort that Sirius offered, Harry was a different matter.

Harry wasn't even a full week back to school. Remus had been surprised by the hug the night before and hoped that it showed signs of improvement but he was still hesitant to reach out. They planned to spend tonight with Harry and them perhaps some time in the evening one of the nights this weekend.

Remus worried that Harry seeing him writhing in pain could trigger him and that was the last thing he wanted. This had all been made possible by Harry though. He couldn't deny his son this if he wanted to be here. If it hadn't been for Harry every month would be slowly killing him anyway.

Sighing deeply, he saw the hospital wing doors swing open and Severus and Harry walked in. Severus had a pinched look on his face and Harry looked worried.

Remus gave them both a small smile.

"Evening." Remus said softly.

He'd been sitting next to Severus less then an hour ago at dinner, but it still felt like the polite thing to say.

"Were's the mutt?" Severus asked, pulling up a table and setting a potion on top.

Remus swallowed. He didn't know where Sirius had gone. He'd left dinner early and said he'd be to the hospital wing before they started.

"I don't know." Remus murmured.

He was afraid and he wanted Sirius here.

Harry stepped up next to him and reached out his hand. Remus looked up at him and was surprised to realize while he hadn't been watching, Harry had switched into base form. It was nice to see his son not hiding from him.

Remus reached out and took his hand.

"It'll be okay. I'll be here the whole time." Harry said softly, giving his hand a weak squeeze.

Remus smiled before startling as something crashed into the door. Remus looked up to see Sirius stumble in to the room. He was wearing his leather jacket and his hair looked windswept. In one hand he was clutching a few flowers that looked like they'd seen better days. In the other hand, Remus spotted his favorite Honeydukes chocolate.

Sirius gave him a lopsided grin as he approached. Remus just shook his head and tried to suppress a laugh.

Harry released his hand and stepped back.

"Got these for you." Sirius panted out, handing him the flowers and chocolates.

Remus reached out to take the gifts.

"Thank you." Remus said, blushing a little.

Remus caught the slight eye roll from Severus. Though there was also a fondness in the action. Remus had noticed that Severus' looks no longer held the hostility that they always had. Things had changed and his words of 'Mutt' or 'Wolf' or "the Potter brat' often came with a teasing edge. The unlikely friendship they had developed warmed something in Remus and he was glad the man was here to help him through this.

"May we begin. I am unsure how long this may take." Severus drawled.

Remus set the gifts on the bed next to him and nodded. Sirius looked worried but took his hand and gave Remus a reassuring nod.

"Very well. This is a single dose of silver purging potion. You will drink the entire vial. The potion will begin working in twenty to thirty minutes. Silver closest to the skin will work its way out first. This process will be uncomfortable. Silver that may be in the blood stream will work its way to your kidneys and be expressed through your urine. Substantial amounts of silver deeper in the tissue may create wounds in the skin. Your skin may bleed where these silver deposits exit. You may remain conscious during the process, but if you become overwhelmed, we can use mild sleeping options to ease your discomfort." Severus explained.

Remus swallowed thickly and nodded. It all sounded horrible, but he wanted to be well.

"If you become erratic or unable to communicate efficiently, I will administer sleeping potions to monitor your progress more effectively. I do not foresee any adverse reactions to the potion but there are risks. Should any significant amount of silver be present in major blood vessels or organs, there is a risk of major blood loss. Should this occur, I will administer blood replenishers and Madam Pomfrey will assist me in mending any wounds." Severus continued.

Remus nodded and took a deep breath. He certainly did not want to bleed to death and the process sounded painful. He looked to Sirius and Harry and felt comforted by their presence.

"Finally, you will need to take a blood replenisher and calming draught before ingesting the silver purging potion. This will compensate for the expected small amount of blood loss and calm your nervous system from the irritation of the process." Severus said, holding out the two potions.

Remus took both and looked as Severus. Remus could tell the man was concerned. It warmed something in him to know how far they had come. He knew that before this summer, Severus would have been content to watch him bleed to death.

"I certainly would not have." Severus growled.

Remus raised an eyebrow. Severus had been gently probing his mind. Remus wasn't sure what he was looking for. It wasn't an attack. Remus could feel the concern in the mental touch.

Severus blushed slightly at being caught.

"I'm sorry. This process can be intense. I just wanted to make sure you were all right." Severus mumbled, looking back at the table as Remus took the potions in his hand.

"I appreciate the care. I'm all right. I appreciate you doing this for me." Remus said softly back.

Severus nodded sharply.

"Do you have any questions?" Severus asked, turning slightly to meet Remus eye.

Remus glanced over his shoulder to where Sirius and Harry were sitting. They'd been listening to Severus' explanation and both looked rather concerned.

"Should I send Harry away?" Remus whispered. He was worried about this upsetting Harry.

"I'm not leaving, Remus." Harry said firmly.

Remus looked back to him and Harry had a determined look on his face.

Remus sighed and nodded.

"I'll make them both leave if things get bad." Severus whispered, softly enough, that only Remus could hear him.

Remus gave him a tight smile. "Thank you."

Severus handed him the potion and Remus grimaced. No potion ever looked good; this one however looked like pond scum.

"It wont taste any better then it looks. Algae is the main ingredient. It helps absorb the heavy metal in your blood. Unfortunately, I imagine it will taste something like the bottom of the lake." Severus said with a slight smirk.

Harry and Sirius laughed a little behind him. He turned and gave a half-hearted glare. Honestly, it was good to hear them laugh, even if it was at the misfortune of him having to drink lake water.

Sirius fidgeted in his seat. He had been so worked up about Remus taking the potion that he felt like he needed to do something for Remus. He had left dinner early and ran to Hogsmeade. He hadn't expected so many things to be closed. It made sense. It was late and he had nearly been the only one walking around. He'd caught a clerk locking up Honeydukes and offered to pay triple for a bar of chocolate. The girl had looked unsure but allowed him in.

When he'd gotten back to the road, he realized that he wanted to get him something else. The bookshop was closed though and there wasn't much else he could think of. He'd run to the hogshead, hoping to use the floo but stumbled into an unexpected bar fight.

Once he had helped Aberforth sort out the row, he had run out of time to do anything else. He'd asked if he could take the flowers on the bar. Aberforth had laughed at him. The vase had been smashed, and the flowers were laying in a puddle of glass and water.

Sirius had scooped them up and ran at full speed back to the castle. He was thankful they hadn't started when he arrived. Remus exasperated smile had been worth the effort.

His side twinged a little were one of the blokes in the fight had caught him with a fist. He didn't think he'd been in a fight like that since he'd been twenty. He supposed he should limber up next time.

He moved slightly in the chair and groaned as the arm of the chair dug into his side. No doubt he had a bruise.

Harry glanced at him worriedly. Sirius gave him a tight smile before looking back at Remus. The potion hadn't started working yet but it should soon. Severus had recommended that Remus rest. Harry was twisting his fingers in the untucked hem of his shirt.

"How are you doing pup?" Sirius asked.

They hadn't talked much since returning to the school. They wanted to give Harry a little space. Remus said Harry was better about opening up when they allowed him to come to them.

Harry nodded and shrugged.

"I'm doing all right. This week as been long already." Harry said with a sigh. He raised his hand and rubbed at his face.

Sirius nodded. This week did seemed to be dragging.

"When did you get the ink?" Sirius asked.

He'd seen the tattoo on Harry's back when he'd been in the bathtub. He'd initially thought it was a bruise and been livid. When he'd gotten a better look, he'd realized that it was a well-done tattoo. A portrait of the three of them in their Animagus forms.

Harry's cheeks blushed.

"Um…in Diagon. The day before we came back to school." Harry muttered. He glanced worriedly over at Sirius.

Sirius wasn't mad, though it was obvious that Harry was expecting a reaction.

"I like it. It fits you. Did Marcus do it?" Sirius asked. He hadn't seen the man since before he'd been locked up. He wondered if it might be time for a new tattoo. Something to represent the new part of his life.

Harry bit his lip.

"He said you guys should come visit some time. He told me a little about you guys. Even mentioned that you all came in together to get tattoo's." Harry said softly.

Sirius smiled. He remembered that day. They'd spent a lot of gold.

"Yeah. What a day. I think Marcus like the company." Sirius laughed, leaning back in the chair and trying to suppress a wince when he pushed on the bruise again.

"What did you guys get?" Harry asked hesitantly.

Sirius smiled, before pulling up the him of his shirt a little.

"The footprints." Sirius said.

"Like the map?" Harry said, turning slightly to examine the tattoo.

Sirius nodded.

"Yeah, I got a pair for each of us. It felt like a good, end of school thing." Sirius explained.

Harry nodded but he seemed hesitant.

"What about my parents?" Harry asked very softly.

Sirius could see the pain in Harry's eyes. Harry knew so little about James and Lily. This wasn't even an important thing, but it was something he would have known growing up, If he'd grown up with them. Sirius kept himself from following that train of thought.

"James had antlers on his wrist." Sirius said, gesturing to the placement.

Harry looked thoughtful before nodding.

"Lily didn't want to get a tattoo. We talked her around. She was so in love with James then. I think she would have agreed to just about anything." Sirius said with a laugh.

Harry smiled softly.

"She was always such a nerd. She got a book quote along her collar bone." Sirius said in thought.

Sirius searched his mind, but he couldn't remember what it had said. It was lost to him. The dementors had taken so many memories from him.

"And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good." Remus said.

Sirius looked up and smiled at Remus.

"John Steinbeck." Harry said.

Remus nodded and smiled softly at Harry.

"She thought that getting a tattoo was 'moving away from her perfect image'." Remus said with a laugh.

Sirius smiled.

"Lily was just as mischievous as us. She was just sneakier." Sirius said with a bark of laughter.

Remus laughed back, a slight twinkle in his eye.

"What about you?" Harry asked Remus.

"I've never seen a tattoo." Harry added.

Sirius laughed loudly and Remus blushed.

"I'd hope not." Sirius whooped.

The blush grew darker on Remus' face, and he glared half-heartedly at Sirius.

"I have a paw print on my arse, thanks to that arse." Remus growled playfully.

Harry blushed and let out a surprised chuckle.

"What?!" Harry asked.

Remus just shook his head and kept staring at Sirius.

"Remy didn't want a tattoo either." Sirius said.

"However, like Lily I was an idiot in love. I let Sirius pick. He told me no one would ever see it, so it didn't matter." Remus said, shaking his head.

Sirius smirked back.

"It says 'padfoot was here' under it." Sirius added cheekily.

Harry laughed again, shaking his head.

"Right, so lesson learned. Don't let your friends pick your tattoo's." Harry smiled softly at Remus.

Remus nodded before his face twisted slightly.

"You alright, Moony?" Sirius asked, standing from his chair.

Remus shrugged.

"It's starting. My skin feels itchy." Remus said shifting in the bed.

"I'll go get Snape." Harry said popping up from his seat and making his way to Poppy's office.

Sirius took Remus hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed each knuckle and stared into Remus' eyes.

"I love you." Sirius whispered softly, before lowering his hand.

"I love you too." Remus murmured.

Sirius smiled softly at his husband, before leaning down and gently kissing his lips.

Harry felt like he was going mad. Remus wasn't crying or screaming. The noises he made were more guttural. Moans and whines slipped from his lips as he twisted on the bed. There were small trails of blood on his cheek and the hospital gown. The blanket was also speckled with blood and silver.

He wanted to do something to comfort Remus but there was nothing they could do for him. It had been an hour and Severus had run several diagnostics to check for any internal bleeding. So far everything had been fine.

Remus gritted his teeth and thrashed on the bed again.

"Siri, I need to get up." Remus growled.

Sirius hadn't left his side at all. Harry watched as Sirius slid his arm behind Remus back and helped him sit up.

"I need the loo." Remus said through clenched teeth.

Sirius nodded and helped Remus off the bed.

Severus was leaning against the wall near the head of the bed with his arms crossed. He had a blank mask on, and Harry wished that he still had his wall. He was feeling near panic, but he did not want to leave Remus.

Harry watched Sirius lead Remus to the restroom. Turning to Severus he looked for reassurance.

"It should be over soon. The bleeding is slowing down." Severus said.

Harry bit his lip and nodded. He waved his hand over the bed and vanished the mess, before fussing around it to straighten the bedding. He needed something useful to do. Cleaning helped calm his nerves. He could tell Severus was watching him, but he ignored it. If he had something to say he would.

"Are you planning to stay in the hospital wing tonight?" Severus asked.

Harry hadn't considered it. He didn't want to leave Remus though.

"Is that okay?" Harry asked.

Severus nodded before pulling something from his pocket. Harry recognized the special calming draught Severus had made for him.

"This is destressing. Why don't you take this? Remus should be done before it wears off." Severus said.

Harry took the vial and studied the swirling colors for a moment.

"Thank you, Severus." Harry said genuinely.

"I believe next week we should focus on rebuilding your wall. I've been hesitant to suggest it, as you were overusing it before. However, for full occlumency it is necessary. I can show you a few options to make it more efficient." Severus said.

Harry smiled tightly at the man and nodded. Occlumency hadn't been as bad this time around and he felt he understood it significantly better.

Remus twisted and scratched himself for another hour before a relieved sigh left his lips and he fell asleep. Severus had left before then, saying that he had another matter he needed to address and that if anything went wrong, he would return immediately.

Sirius had cleaned Remus up and all three of them were now laying in hospital beds. Harry was thankful that he'd been allowed to stay. While he normally slept horribly in the hospital wing. Remus even breathing next to him was soothing though. It reminded Harry that he was okay. The potion had worked, and he was now on the road to a healthier life. One that wouldn't be cut short by silver poisoning.

Harry let his eye's drift shut and was soothed by the soft snores from Sirius and the even breathing from Remus.

He found his mind drifting to thoughts of Draco. His emotions felt all over the place. He'd put so many things in place in his mind to keep himself safe. To protect his heart, mind and body and Draco without knowing it was ripping it all down.

Harry sighed and rolled over. He caught sight of Remus face. He knew that Sirius was in the next bed. He'd levitated closer so that he could keep holding Remus hand. He found there love both adorable and inspiring. He wanted that.

He knew it had been childish to avoid Draco all day. Seeing him in class had made his cheeks flush and his heart pound. Not a feeling that was new when he was around Draco, but after last night it did feel different. Unfortunately, the feeling was very undefined. Did Draco like him? Or had that just been an effort to comfort Harry? Or comfort himself?

Maybe it hadn't meant anything.

He would keep moving forward. It's what he'd always done. He wasn't sure where that would take him but he knew that no road was going to be easy.

Slowly he tried to get his breathing to match Remus'. He could do nothing but agonize over Draco tonight. Perhaps tomorrow he would have a better idea of what to do.

Severus made his way down to the dungeons. He'd told Draco to meet him for tea at nine thirty. It was late for them to meet but he wanted to check in with Draco after what had happened yesterday. Not only his flashback, but also the attack. He didn't like using Draco as a spy in his own house, but he'd been left with little option.

Draco was leaning against his office door when he approached. He looked crestfallen.

"Good Evening." Severus said.

Draco nodded and moved away from the door.

Severus called a house elf and requested tea. He could have made it himself but frankly he was just exhausted.

Draco was slouched at the end of the couch and Severus wondered if something else had happened today.

Severus sipped at his tea.

"How were things in the common room today?" Severus asked.

Draco sighed but sat up a little and looked over to Severus.

"Bechtel is missing." Draco answered.

Severus nodded.

"He's in Azkaban." Severus drawled.

Draco perked up and looked alarmed.

"He thought it was wise to ambush me on patrol last night." Severus explained.

Draco looked him over, like he was expecting to see blood, nearly an entire day later.

"Draco you saw me in potions this morning. I'm fine." Severus said blandly.

Draco relaxed a little and nodded.

"The seventh years seemed a little frantic. I think he's kind of been leading them. Do you want me to spread the word about what happened?" Draco asked.

Severus considered for a moment. On one side, he did want Draco to do that, with the hope that it might sway a few of the others. On the other hand, if Draco was right and Bechtel was their leader this could escalate the situation. If one of the others wanted to take over as the leader, they may take more dramatic actions.

Severus sighed. There was no stopping what was going to come as long as Albus refused to expel the Death Eater students.

"Yes, but you need to stay vigilant Draco. Things are likely to get more dangerous." Severus warned.

Draco sighed deeply and nodded. "This year hasn't exactly felt safe."

Severus conceded with a nod. This year certainly hadn't been safe at the school. Although he supposed that some students had in fact had a safer year. As Quinn had pointed out, for some this had been the best year because of how united the school was.

He hoped it could stay that way.

Draco had gone back to slouching. The lackluster look on his face worried Severus.

"Are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Severus asked, settling back in his seat.

Draco shrugged.

"Something happened but…I don't know what it means. Then today…I don't know, it was like it never happened." Draco groaned into his hands.

Severus brows creased. He had no idea what the boy was talking about.

"Is this about the flashback? You might have days that are better and ones that are worse. Just remember to be patient with yourself. Nothing is wrong with taking time to heal." Severus said compassionately.

Draco's brows furrowed before he shook his head.

"No, It's not that." Draco said before running his fingers into his hair.

"I held hands with Harry." Draco said softly, a light blush dusting his pale cheeks.

Severus felt a little shocked by that answer. His mind raced back to the night before and Harry's confession. Then his jumpy behavior when he'd returned from Astronomy.

Severus wanted to groan. He did not want to be in the middle of this. Though he felt like he'd already mis-stepped by allowing Draco to talk to him about his feelings for Harry.

Severus tried to formulate a response, but nothing came to mind.

"It was…" Draco started but broke off with a sigh. A smile stretched across his face. Severus shook his head at Draco's ridiculousness.

The smile slipped from his face, and he sat forward.

"But then he avoided me all day. He didn't sit with me in any of our classes, and he disappeared right after all of them. I thought maybe I could catch him between Gryffindor and Slytherin quidditch practices, but he just disappeared again. Then I thought maybe I could invite him on a walk after dinner and he just left before I could even talk to him." Draco whined.

"I don't want to lose our friendship…I just…I thought last night that maybe things were changing. That maybe he felt the same way." Draco said softly.

Severus considered. He could make some guesses. Harry was likely overwhelmed or embarrassed or ashamed of holding hands with Draco and to avoid further distress he'd avoided Draco. His other guess is that the meeting last night upset him. That in combination with knowing that Remus was going to be drinking the purging potion tonight he may have just been stressed out.

"I shouldn't have done it. I wanted to talk to him last night. We talked a little and then I saw the bruise and I felt so bad. When we were walking our hands brushed a few times and then I just took his hand." Draco said.

"Was he holding your hand back?" Severus asked.

Draco nodded.

"He didn't pull away or anything. I just…." Draco sighed.

Severus shook his head. He wasn't getting more involved. He'd keep an eye on Harry to make sure the incident hadn't triggered him, but otherwise the boys needed to sort this out themselves.

"Maybe I could invite him to Hogsmeade with me on Saturday." Draco mumbled.

"Might be a good place to start." Severus said neutrally.

Draco smiled softly, before nodding to himself.

"Yeah, I could invite him on a date. Right? I mean clearly, he likes me a little, or at least knows I like him." Draco puzzled.

"Do you think he'll say yes?" Draco asked, looking to him for reassurance.

Severus thought that Harry was likely to say no. Though he didn't want to crush Draco's spirit. Harry might eventually come around to the realization that Draco did like him, but it wouldn't likely be before this weekend.

Harry was still struggling to except that Sirius, Remus, and himself did in fact care about him. Despite months of effort. This would be a rocky road if Draco continued to pursue Harry.

"Only one way to find out. I would suggest being clear about your intentions. Don't invite Harry to Hogsmeade without telling him it's a date. You two are friends and it could be upsetting for you both if one of you thinks your there as friends and the other thinks it's a date." Severus suggested.

He'd seen plenty of those dates go wrong.

Draco nodded before standing and giving Severus a bright smile.

Draco looked around and then frowned.

"Where is Harry?" Draco asked.

Severus was surprised that it had taken Draco this long to notice his absence.

"He's with his parents." Severus said neutrally. He did not need to explain what was going on with Remus. It wasn't anyone else's business.

Draco nodded.

"I better get back to the dorm." Draco said softly.

"Constant vigilance Draco." Severus reminded.

Draco nodded once more and headed back to the dorm.

Severus leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Today had been exhausting and the week was only getting longer. He hoped that by next Monday things would be more settled.