Chapter 3
Same morning, an hour earlier
Harry Potter woke up early. He was planning on visiting Hermione in the Hospital Wing before classes. He just had to see her. A part of him still didn't believe that she wouldn't be downstairs, waiting for him and Ron to wake up so the three of them could head down to breakfast together
Harry sighed and quickly got ready. He walked over to Ron's bed and touched his shoulder.
"Ron. Hey, Ron. I'm going to visit Hermione."
"Wha? Harry? What do you want?" Ron grumbled as he opened his bleary eyes to look at the person interrupting his sleep - honestly it was an ungodly hour to Ron.
"I said, I'm going to visit Hermione. You coming?"
"Harry, she's petrified. Why are you visiting? It's not like she can talk to you. I'm going back to bed." With that final statement, Ron snuggled back in bed as Harry looked at him in shock.
Of course I know she's petrified. That doesn't mean I'm just going to ignore her. She's my friend.
Harry turned his back to Ron's snores and started to head down the stairs. He was going to see Hermione. He had to. His day wouldn't be right if he didn't.
"Harry? Are you, nevermind, of course you are. Let's get going, shall we?"
Percy was standing at the bottom of the dorm stairs, looking up at him. He motioned with a wave of his hand.
"Well, hurry up now. It's still early enough that you'll get in trouble for being out of the dorms, but you should be fine with me. Come on now."
Percy walked over to the portrait hole and turned around again. "Unless you're not going to the Hospital Wing to visit Hermione?"
"I AM! I mean, of course I am, yeah. Uh, thanks Percy." Harry hurried to follow him out the door.
Percy strode down the halls quickly. So fast that Harry had to run a bit to keep up. "Uh, thanks Percy. I mean it. I wouldn't mind getting in trouble to visit Hermione, but uhm, well, she'd probably be put out that I did, so thanks." He ducked his head as they waited for the stairs to move back in place.
"It's, well, it's okay Harry. Let's keep moving now."
Harry paused and looked over at Percy, the tips of his ears red. Harry knew Ron well enough to know his ears got red when embarrassed.
What's Percy got to be embarrassed about? I didn't upset him, right?
He shrugged and hurried down the stairs with Percy. The rest of their walk was in silence until they reached the hallway of the Hospital Wing entrance.
Percy cleared his throat, "Well, Harry, we'll head on in now. I'll let Madame Pomphrey know that you're with me. As long as you keep your voice down, I'm sure she won't have a problem with you visiting Hermione for a bit."
"Oh, of course. Yeah. Thanks again Percy."
He gave a quick nod as he opened the doors.
Harry watched as Percy spoke quietly to Madame Pomphrey and then wandered over to a bed holding an older girl.
Oh, that's the Ravenclaw prefect. The twins were teasing him about her last week. Oh!
"Mister Potter, as long as you keep your voice down and leave in time for your classes, I have no problem with you visiting. But I feel the need to tell you, she won't hear you.... None of those petrified can hear us, unfortunately."
Harry turned and looked at Hermione.
She looks cold. Is she cold? Is she okay? Is she in pain?
"Oh, of course Madame Pomphrey. I understand... But I'm still going to talk to her. It's just not right if I don't. Besides, maybe she can hear me, right?"
He looked up at her with such hope that Madame Pomphrey just gave a quick smile and said, "Oh, well, perhaps."
"Hey Hermione. It's early. Really early. I was planning to come visit - I tried to get Ron to come too, but you know how he is. He hates getting up early... Uhm, I was on my way out of the dorm when Percy stopped me."
Harry paused to look over towards Penelope Clearwater's bed, where Percy sat talking in hushed tones.
"You see, he was already on his way to visit. He offered to walk with me so I wouldn't get in trouble. You'll be proud, I stayed with him the whole time and didn't get in trouble. He's actually pretty nice. I don't know what I said that embarrassed him, but he got all embarrassed. The same way Ron does, you know? His ears turned red. I wonder if the twins react the same way? Maybe it's something we can research. You'll need a fun project once you're cured. You can't just focus on homework all the time..."
He paused, looking over at Hermione.
"Seriously Hermione. It's not gonna be all homeworker. You need some fun. I'll help you. We can prank the twins... Or try to. I'm not sure if we could get a prank off on them, but if anyone could it's you. You're determined enough.... Thank you for all that you do for me and Ron. I know we don't say it, but we're grateful for you. Yes, even Ron, even if he doesn't always show it. I mean, I don't either.... But I care about you. You're my friend. One of my best friends.... "
"Harry."
He jerked his head up. Percy was standing at his side, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh, Percy."
"I'm heading out. Make sure you come down for breakfast. You have to eat."
"Oh, okay. Sure. I'll be there. Thanks again Percy."
Percy gave a quick nod before hurrying out. Harry laughed.
"See Hermione, his ears did it again. Well, I'm not sure why still. But it's neat. I should get going soon. I have to take notes for someone. Don't worry, they'll be readible.... Okay, mostly readible.... Or kind of readible?
I'm sorry my writing is such chicken scratch, but I'll take diligent notes for you. I'll come back after dinner too and tell you all about the lessons. I'll drag Ron too. He should come say hi. I'll see you later, Hermione."
With those last words, Harry got up and said goodbye to Madame Pomphrey. "Thank you Madame Pomphrey. I'll be back this evening, okay?"
She smiled softly at him, "Of course Mister Potter. As long as you're not coming back injured, of course."
Harry hurried out of the Hospital Wing, intent on getting some breakfast and then concentrating like he never had before on his classes. He had just promised Hermione he would and he didn't want to disappoint her. The doors had barely shut when Draco Malfoy turned the corner.
"You'll be next, Mudbloods!" (Quote from Chamber of Secrets)
Draco Malfoy's words from only a few months ago rang through Harry's ears.
HOW DARE HE? HOW DARE HE COME NEAR HER
"What are you doing here Malfoy!"
Harry was practically seeing red.
Malfoy's words, Hermione in the Hospital Wing, Malfoy's obvious dislike of Hermione, Hermione laying in that bed frozen. They kept repeating endlessly in his head.
"I was taking a stroll Potter. Got a problem with that?"
Malfoy rolled his eyes as he marched closer to him, "Why are you near the hospital wing?"
"I can walk wherever I please, Potter. You're not my mother."
"Malfoy!"
Harry was just about to go off on Malfoy, ready to fight him.
GO AWAY. GET AWAY FROM HER.
Madame Pomphrey suddenly opened the Hospital Wing's doors. "Mister Potter. Mister Malfoy. Need I remind you two that you are outside of the Hospital Wing, where my patients are resting?"
She paused, eyeing both boys until they shook their heads. "Good. Now get going. You both have classes and you need to eat your breakfasts. Mister Potter, you can come and visit after classes, if you wish. Do you need any care, Mister Malfoy?"
Malfoy shook his head and walked away.
"Mister Potter."
He pulled his eyes away from the corner Malfoy had just turned around and looked over towards the matron of the Hospital Wing.
"Madame Pomphrey."
"I understand that you and Mister Malfoy do not get along. But I will not tolerate any altercations inside or outside of my Hospital Wing. IF you get into an altercation with anyone outside these doors, right here, again, you will not be permitted to visit any of my patients. Do you understand?"
He froze. Madame Pomphrey meant business. She would and could definitely keep Harry out. Even with his father's invisiblity cloak. He shakily nodded.
"I understand, Madame Pomphrey. I'm sorry. I just, I remember what he said on Halloween and it just, it upset me to see him right here."
The matron gave a soft sigh, "I heard about it Mister Potter, but don't let it get to you. Mister Malfoy is not the "Heir of Slytherin". It was an unfortunate accident that Miss Granger was attacked and a miracle she was only petrified. Something we can fix as soon as those Mandrakes are ready. Which will be soon."
She smiled and lightly tapped his shoulder. "Now off you go. You need to eat and get to class. Hurry along now."
Harry nodded, thanked her again, and hurried off to the Great Hall.
Great Hall
"Oi, Harry! There you are!"
Harry had barely made it partway down the Gryffindor table as Ron was excitedly calling out for him.
"Saved you a seat mate! I was wondering where you were. You took forever visiting Hedwig?"
"I was visiting Hermione, Ron. I told you that. I asked if you wanted to go?"
Harry looked at Ron incredibly.
Did he not hear me this morning? He had to, he answered me?
"Huh, I thought I dreamt that. No worries mate!" Ron clapped him on the back. "Now eat up!"
He filled his plate - he wasn't that hungry, but he knew Hermione would be upset if he didn't eat. He idly listened to Ron and Seamus chat about a recent professional Quidditch match while keeping an eye out. Malfoy walked in and hurried over to the Slytherin table to eat.
Where was he? He didn't go back to be Hospital Wing right? Breathe. It's okay. Madame Pomphrey wouldn't let him do anything. She's okay.
It was almost like Malfoy had heard his thoughts. He looked up and their eyes met. Malfoy rolled his eyes and started eating. Harry scoffed and shoved away his half eaten food. "I'm going to head to class."
Later that day, Hospital Wing
Harry entered the Hospital Wing. The day felt as though it was twice as long as normal, and he hadn't even had potions today.
"Mister Potter. You know the rules."
"Of course. I'll keep my voice down, Madame Pomphrey."
The matron returned to her office as Harry made his way to Hermione's bedside.
"Hermione. I'm back, just like I promised. I took a lot of notes, they're not great but Neville and Parvati offered to get copies of theirs for you too. Their writing is better, so you ll be able to read them easier. It's been such a long day... I think it's because you weren't there."
He paused, taking out his homework for the day.
"Ron said he'd visit tomorrow after classes. I, I don't know if he will. He said earlier that he'd visit tonight, but then when I got ready to come here he changed his mind. I hope he does, because you need our support, but I can't force him. ... And honestly, I kind of like it being us two."
Harry took a quick look around, suddenly feeling embarrassed that he had said that.
I like it being us two?! What is that about? Although, I do. It's nice. But, ugh. Nevermind, it's not important right now.
Harry shook his head quickly. It wasn't the right time to think about all that. This was time to do some homework, talk with Hermione, and just keep her company. That was his job right now.
So Harry set out to finish his homework, every few minutes he chatted away with Hermione. Whether it was talking through the theory, wondering aloud about the potential other uses of a spell, or just telling her about things that happened in class; Harry continued to talk about everything and nothing.
"So anyways, I saw Malfoy outside the Hospital Wing this morning. It really upset me. All I could think about was what he said on Halloween. Yes, I know he's not the Heir. But still. It really upset me. He must be so smug. It's like he was coming here to float about what happened to you. I won't let him. I won't let him hurt you. So don't worry, Hermione. I'll be back tomorrow night and I'll keep you informed of everything going on. You'll be sick of hearing me talk."
Harry smiled, told a quick goodnight, and left to head back to the common room for the evening.
Malfoy Manor
Narcissa looked over the letter Draco had sent her again. Something was off about it. Clearly it was about the strange pull he felt, but what was it.
A strange pull? Pulling him to the hospital wing? Why? Is his magic telling him something is wrong with him? Is he sick? No, Draco is perfectly healthy. What is it? Perhaps it's Lucius? No, he's as well as he can be.
Narcissa paced as she reread the letter for what felt like the fiftieth time.
"Dear Mother,
I hope all is well with you and Father. I'm doing quite well in my studies and getting along with my housemates. Gregory and Vincent still snore horribly, but we're all dealing with it. Your advice to ask the older years or Professor Snape to add extra silencing charms to our beds was extremely helpful. I'm grateful.
I must admit I wrote this letter because of an odd feeling. There's a strange pull. It's pulling me towards the Hospital Wing. It happened this afternoon after the Quidditch match was cancelled. (It's nothing to worry about.) I was in the common room with my housemates when I felt the strange pull. I decided to follow it, as you and Father have told me to listen to my magic. I was cautious, don't worry, and it led me to the hospital wing corridor. I admit following it only confused me more.
I feel fine. I'm not sick, at least I don't feel sick. I turned to head back to my dorm and my chest hurt. It was a strange pain. It wasn't painful but it was? I'm confused by it all and I'm not explaining it properly. I hope you can help me, mother.
Your son,
Draco
Mother! It happened again. I was on my way to the owlery to send this and I admit I was lost in thought. The next thing I know I'm standing outside the Hospital Wing. Of course Potter was there. I tried to just leave, like you told me, but he was furious. Madame Pomphrey came out and scolded us both for being so loud and I took the chance to hurry away. The strange pain came back the further I got away from the hospital wing.
I really need your help Mother."
It was baffling. What kind of magic was that? Family magic could reach out when a member of the house was in severe danger, but Narcissa doubted that was it. The only others with Malfoy family magic would be herself (albeit a weaker connection as it was through marriage) and Lucius. Lucius was fine - other than his drinking. It made no sense.
It was at moments like these that Narcissa regretted not staying in closer contact with her great aunt Cassiopeia.
Great Aunt Cassie would know or she'd be ready to research. I could write to her. It'd take a while for a response since she moved to France.
"Narcissa?"
Lucius' voice cut through her thoughts.
"Are you alright, Narcissa? Is that a letter from Draco?"
"Oh, yes. He's doing well and sends his regards." Clearly Draco didn't want his father involved. He would have asked for their collective help if he did, but Lucius might know something about it.
Perhaps I should just ask him. Draco could be in danger.
"It doesn't seem like all is well. You're agitated. What has he done now?"
She fixed a glare on her husband. "DRACO HAS DONE NOTHING WRONG." She paused an took a deep breath. He sounded just like Abraxas. "He wrote to check in with us and to ask for my advice and help with a problem. He said he's having a strange pull towards the hospital wing and a pain in his chest when he leaves that vicinity."
Lucius reached out for the letter. "Hmm. That's strange. I'll check through the family journals. Perhaps the family magic is telling him something." He put the letter down on the side table and walked over to her.
"I'm sorry. You know I don't mean to snap. You just sounded so much like him I couldn't help it." She leaned into Lucius' arms.
"I know. I apologize. You're a wonderful mother, you know. There's no one else I want as the mother of my child."
Narcissa sat down and wrote out two letters.
"My little dragon,
Try not to fret. I'm looking into it. So is your father. I know you didn't want him to be involved, but if it is the family magic trying to warn you of something, he's the one that will know. He's going to be looking through the family journals for information. We will solve this together.
I'm also writing to my Great Aunt Cassiopeia. She loves nothing more than a puzzle to solve. She's brilliant. Her research speaks for itself. I'm sure she'll join in on our search.
For now, keep track of when and where it happens. Is it always pulling you to the Hospital Wing? Does the pain get worse? Please keep us informed. I love you.
Mother"
"Cassiopeia Black,
Hello Great Aunt Cassie. It's been a long time and I apologize for not reaching out consistently. It must have been difficult for you, with Grandfather's passing.
I do hope you can help me with a mystery.
Draco wrote me from Hogwarts - he's a second year now. I've included a copy of his letter. The only time I've heard of the pull or pain is with family magic. But it affected all members, or at least the Head of House.
Lucius doesn't feel it, or if he does he didn't mention it. Although he is distracted enough that he may not feel it - or realize it. He's going to look through the Malfoy family journals for any information.
Please help me. I'm terrified that it could be a warning of danger to Draco. I can't lose him.
Narcissa Malfoy nee Black"
Narcissa hoped it was nothing serious, but her gut screamed that everyone and everything was in danger. Something big was on the horizon and she didn't know if her family would make it out.