Runaway Wizard 40
Here's another chapter. Have a nice weekend.
Title: Runaway Wizard
Chapter: 40
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: Except for the few original characters, all characters in this story are the property of J. K. Rowlings, who has kindly allowed me to play with them.
Warnings: Probably a little of everything. Fighting, Living on the streets with everything that entails, Spanking, Bondage, Blood, Gore, Bad Language, and Pissy Snape.
Parings: H/D eventually
Beta: 50ftqueenie Brit picker: purpledodah
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Lucius' return to the infirmary was met by a deer in the headlights look from Hermione and a glad little cry from Harry.
“Papa!” Harry was now propped up on pillows and looking a little better.
“Well, my treasure, you look a little less like death warmed over.” Lucius settled on the side of the bed and took Harry's hand in his. He gave Harry a stern stare then asked, “Harry, will you really take the potions, now that you know who is making them?”
Harry looked him in the eye. “Yes, sir. I've been taking them for months. And I'm sure that Snape would never flub a potion on purpose, no matter who it was for. He's too proud of his skills.”
Madam Pomfrey interrupted to say, “Professor Snape, Harry.”
Harry, for the first time ever, glowered at her. He refrained from saying anything as Lucius beat him to it.
“Madam, this is a private conversation.” He turned back to Harry. “Harry, we've all forgotten something rather important. Where is Aspis?”
Harry blinked. “Oh, Aspis started to shed this morning. He's really irritable so I left him in his tank. But, could you check on him. Dean doesn't like him and ... well, I'd hope he wouldn't do anything but ... Aspis has already threatened to bite him once. Please?” he turned on his best pleading look.
“I'll check on him in a moment. Should I try to bring him to you?” Lucius was doubtful about handling an irritable snake.
“Yes. He understands a few words. If you just say you're bringing him to me, it should be ok. If he hisses at you, just ... well, couldn't you just levitate the whole tank? Please?”
Lucius seized on this with relief. “I shall just bring the whole tank and its stand and let you deal with him. I will return in a few minutes. Mw Thomas is signaling me so I shall go. Rest.”
Lucius took a moment to speak to Mw Thomas, who told him that Harry would be fine if he just resumed taking the potions. He would prescribe a very strong nutrition potion for the next week.
Lucius nodded, “Very well. Give the script directly to Severus, please.” he turned to Madam Pomfrey and barked, “As for you, you will see that Harry has his potions exactly as prescribed. Or I'll have your head, never mind your job. Do. You. Under. Stand.” There was no denying that he turned on the attitude that had made even Bellatrix back off.
Madam Pomfrey nodded but was relieved when Severus said softly, “Luka, calm down. I will see that the brat has them myself.”
Lucius gave Severus a smoldering look and nodded once. “Thank you, my friend. Harry wants Aspis. I'm going to fetch him.”
“I'll be here until you come back. Guarding your treasure for you. Yes?” Severus lowered his eyes, flushing slightly.
“Thank you.” And with that, Lucius left, boot heels tapping softly on the flagstones.
It was a fairly long walk to Gryffindor tower because the stairs refused to co-operate. Lucius had always hated those stairs, now he felt like hexing them into gravel.
When he did get to the tower, the Fat Lady refused to open for him. He was saved from burning her off the wall by Colin Creevy, who scampered up behind him and tossed out the password then bowed slightly and motioned for Lucius to enter before him. His bright smile brought a quirk to Lucius' lips.
“Thank you, young man.”
“You're welcome, sir. Is Harry going to be ok?”
“He will be fine in a day or so. His dorm?”
Colin pointed. “There. Do you need any help with anything?”
“No, I thank you. I can manage.”
Lucius watched as Colin plopped down on a chair and began to fuss with his camera.
He knew which stair to take so he climbed them. Just in time, it seemed. He caught Dean just before he hexed Aspis.
“Stop that! What do you think you are doing, young man?” He drew his own wand, just in case.
“I ... I hate snakes. He's got no right to have that slimy creature here.” Dean didn't even try to stand up to Lucius, instead, he darted past him and down the stairs.
Lucius took a moment to look Aspis over, but the snake seemed unharmed. Lucius levitated the tank, stand and all and returned to the infirmary.
He put the tank down by Harry's bed then settled on the edge of it again. “Harry, I feel that I should tell you. The black boy, Dean Thomas?” Harry nodded. “Was getting ready to hex Aspis when I arrived. He evidently does not like snakes.”
Harry scowled at this. He turned to Aspis to ask, “Did the dark one hurt you?”
Aspis slithered out of his hollow log to weave his head back and forth as he answered. “No, he did not. He made lots of angry noise but did nothing. I do not like him. I will bite him if I get the chance.” he made an irritable gesture with his tail. “I am shedding. I itch. I wish to be done with this.”
“I am sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No, it is to be endured. But, I itch!”
Lucius listened with pleasure and, when he was sure they were done, asked, “Is he injured?”
“No, but he's in a mood. He itches and there's nothing to be done until he's done shedding. And there's no way to help him with that.” Harry cast a fond look at his snake. “Poor guy, he's just cross. He'll be hungry when he's done shedding, too.”
Lucius smirked slightly. “I'll see that he has a nice fat rat.” A noise behind them made him turn his head.
Severus was just emerging from a hidden door to the side of the room, obviously a direct connection between the potions lab and infirmary.
He held out the beaker and waited. Harry took it and gulped the potion down without comment, merely shuddering at the taste.
“Not to your liking? So sorry.” Snape sneered at Harry rather meanly.
“I really wish I knew why you hate me. I never did anything to you.” Harry settled back wearily.
Aspis, sensing that his human was not happy, raised his head, opened his black mouth and hissed in warning.
Severus eyed the snake, a bit startled. “That is a Black Mamba.” his smooth tones made Lucius eye him.
Harry on the other hand just said in a flat tone, “Do not eye him like that. He's not potion ingredients.”
“Oh, but he is. Or, rather, his venom is. I would like to collect some, at a time in the future.”
Harry just snorted, then said, “No.”
Severus thinned his lips into a scowl but a glance at Lucius and he merely nodded his head once. “We can discuss this later. When you're not in a mood.”
Lucius decided then that it was time Harry heard a few things. He watched as Severus left, robes billowing.
“Harry, I would not tell you another persons secrets but ...”
Madam Pomfrey sighed and interrupted gently. “Harry, I shouldn't do this, it's really against my oath but ... the only person to spend more time in the infirmary than you was Severus. All due to your father and his friends. The Marauders were mostly just pranksters but ... they took a dislike to Severus for some reason and got quite vicious at times. Lucius, as a governor of the school, I can release records to you. If you like.” She gave Harry a strange look then went away.
“Would you like to read his file?” Lucius hoped not as some of the information was quite embarrassing to Severus
“No, sir. I know a bit. But ... I don't think my father was very nice sometimes. Mob mentality. He got caught up in the thrill of it, as did everyone else. I wouldn't put it past Pettigrew to egg them on either. Was it really that bad?”
Lucius thought for a moment. “It drove him to say some very indiscreet things to Lily, destroying their friendship entirely. And it dropped him into my arms like ripe fruit. They are entirely the reason that Severus embraced the dark mark at all. He is understandably bitter.” he took a good look at Harry and announced, “But enough of this. You need rest. Go to sleep. I need to find your friends and give them an update on you. Before they break down the doors.”
Harry obediently nestled down. Lucius tucked him in, patting his cheek and telling him to sleep.
When he was sure that Harry was taken care of, Lucius went to deal with the other disaster.
When he reached Slytherin House, he snarled the override password at the door and entered the common room.
“Miss Parkinson. Here. Now.” No one argued with him. A first year scurried to find her, knowing that he wasn't returning to the common room until Lucius was gone.
He found Pansy in her room, sitting at her desk. “Mr Malfoy is here. He's awful mad. You better just go.”
Pansy stood up, straightened her robes with shaking hands and went to the common room.
Lucius was just standing in the middle of the room, his face stern and cold. She knew he wouldn't rant at her but his flat, cold expression and smooth, chill tone could cut like a knife.
Lucius eye Pansy for a moment then said softly, “You stupid girl. You have no idea what you have done. Pray, what were you thinking?” his tone turned decidedly snide. “Or were you thinking at all?”
“I ... I'm sorry. It just sort of ... popped out. I didn't mean to.” Pansy peeked through her bangs, a trick that usually worked on her father.
“Do not try your tricks with me. That will not work. It has been tried by an expert and he has always failed. I want an explanation and I will have it. Either from you, or your father. Begin.”
But Pansy couldn't do more than stammer that she hadn't meant it and she was sorry. When Lucius allowed that she was indeed a sorry specimen she burst into tears and ran out of the room. Lucius nodded decidedly. His dressing down was flat and rude, delivered to the other students in the common room instead of directly to Pansy. He ended by saying, “I am not a nice man. I protect my family with all that I am and all that I have. That includes both my son and my foster son. You will find that I do not make allowances for age, past the age of fifteen. Remember that.” he looked from face to face, making eye contact with those that he knew would cause the most problems. No one could meet his eye for more than a second. “Good day.” With that, he bowed slightly to the whole room and left.
Severus, standing in a small nook that hid the door between his office and the common room, sighed. This was not going to turn out well.
.
Lucius flooed home, ignoring Dumbledore's questions, as usual. He took a few moments to calm himself, then he wrote a scathing letter to Mr. Parkinson. It didn't make him feel much better, but it did put the Parkinson family on notice that their daughter was making a nuisance of herself.
He returned his thoughts to the present problem, but could see no way out of it. Draco was now vulnerable to all sorts of attack. Now that everyone knew that a simple blow could incapacitate him completely, things were looking grim. He fumed that he couldn't protect his son from malicious attacks at school, and couldn't take him out. That would be admitting that Draco was weak, which would make his life impossible. He snarled as he realized that he'd broken his quill.
.
Draco managed to get to his quarters before he broke down. This whole day was a disaster, and it wasn't even noon yet.
His secret was out, but worse, Harry was sick again. It was all Dumbledore's fault too. The old fart was way too stingy with his information. He kept things back when he didn't need to, when it would actually be more beneficial to tell people things.
Now, he had to contend with a sick foster brother, and his secret being known at one and the same time. He could manage, but it would be difficult.
He realized that someone had been knocking on the door for awhile so he got up, dried his eyes and answered it.
Hermione entered, babbling, “Draco. I'm so sorry about Pansy. I know there wasn't anything I could do but still... And Harry's going to be fine. Snape is brewing him new potions to help him. He said he would make sure Harry got them when he should. Dumbledore has really done it this time. There was no reason for him not to let Madam Pomfrey know that Harry was supposed to have them. I used to think he was really wise, I'm not so sure now. So ... what are we going to do about you? Oh ... Ron and Neville will be here soon. And Vince and Millicent too. Theo is going to hang around in the Slytherin common room for awhile and see what's being said.”
Draco watched in astonishment as Hermione managed the whole situation with ease. He was actually pleased to realize that he didn't have to cope alone.
Vince and Ron actually arrived together, arms full of meat pies and other goodies.
They put their booty down on a side table and arranged it into an impromptu buffet.
Neville and Millicent came in just as they got done arranging things.
Hermione made sure that everyone had food and tea, waited until they were about half way done eating, even coaxing Draco to eat, then called her meeting to order.
“Fine! Everyone has eaten something so now. Ideas. What are we going to do to keep Draco safe for Harry?”
Ron stated it simply. “At least one of us has the same class as he does. We guard his back. Hermione will set up a schedule so he's never alone. Anyone bumps him, hexes him or causes any sort of trouble, we'll be around to help.” He turned to Draco to say, “that doesn't mean we're your personal enforcers just back up ... in case. Right?”
Draco nodded his understanding. “I ... thank you. I won't take advantage, I promise. Now, however, there is the matter of retribution.”
Theo knocked then came in at that moment. “Retribution? Did I hear the word retribution? In relation to Pansy, or Miss Parkinson as she is now known to everyone without a social suicide wish. Your father is a truly scary person, even, or especially when he is being polite. Creepy. It's not so much what he says as how he says it. He can make 'good day' sound like a death threat.”
Draco flopped back in his chair, “Well, that's taken care of. There's nothing but clean up to do. Pansy is officially persona non grata. Bitch. I don't believe that Mother and Father considered her for me. Ugh.” He handed his cup to Hermione. “Could I have some more tea, please?”
Hermione poured, dosed and handed back the cup. Draco accepted it and sipped.
Everyone settled down to wait for more news of Harry.
.
Severus Snape spent the next three hours brewing potions for Harry. He didn't do anything about the vile taste but he didn't do anything to make it taste worse either. He would do this, not for Harry, or not for him alone, but for his old friend as well. So he brewed his best and bottled it in vials, each one carefully marked with his mark.
As he was finishing the work, something finally struck him. He got out his brewers book and checked back. He had been brewing for Mw Thomas for years so he tended to remember what he'd ordered. He realized that he'd been brewing for Harry for several months. He'd brew the potions, send them to Mw Thomas and he would send them on. As he carefully reviewed the potions he'd brewed he really didn't like the picture they presented.
He remembered the cupboard and the poem he'd seen. He rubbed his face and tried to dismiss his conclusions, but that was like trying to rebottle lightning. He sighed, put his book away and took the potions to his sitting room where he placed them by the door.
.
Harry spent most of the day resting, he felt much better after a dose of potion and something to eat. He was happy to find that he was allowed Neville's tea as well. It helped with his upset stomach and the honey in it did him some good too.
Aspis didn't like the smells in the infirmary and said so, frequently. Harry agreed that most of the smells were bad. He called Dobby to get Aspis a hard boiled egg.
When Dobby appeared Madam Pomfrey smartly told Harry that personal elves were not allowed at Hogwarts. Harry returned just as smartly that actually they were. He'd checked. He wasn't sure how the rules were changed but they'd been returned to pre-seventeenth century conditions. He'd been reading up on them in his, admittedly scarce, spare time.
Dobby just gave Aspis his egg, nodded to Madam and bowed to Harry. He then popped out again.
He was just falling asleep again when a boy wearing Ravenclaw robes staggered into the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey immediately took him into a small, private room, did something with him then brought him back out dressed in pajamas and tucked him into a bed.
Her disgusted expression and huffed, “Argus Filch, you idiot.” left him wondering what the hell was going on. Several students had been sent to detention with Filch last year and ended up in the infirmary.
He decided to think about all that later, right now, he was tired again.
He didn't wake when Aspis managed to get out of his tank and curl up between his neck and shoulder, right on his pillow.
.
Madam Pomfrey woke Harry for dinner by throwing rolled up socks at him.
When he woke she told him to put Aspis back in his tank and eat. Then, if he wished he could get the snake back out for a while.
Harry blinked at her for a moment then asked, “Why are you throwing socks at me?”
“I'm not about to get close to a Mamba. Now put him up and eat your dinner.”
Harry managed to persuade Aspis to hide under his covers until Dobby brought them a tray. The elf had made sure to bring Harry foods to tempt his appetite which wasn't needed as, now that the potions had taken effect, he was starved. Dobby also brought another egg for Aspis.
Aspis really didn't want the eggs but ate them anyway. He was grumpy as he was still shedding and itching. Dobby eyed the snake for a moment then said, “You is telling him, Harry Potter sir, that Dobby is being able to help, if he will allow.”
Harry explained what Dobby wanted to do and Aspis agreed, anything to stop the itching. Dobby just ran his hands over the snake and pealed the skin off in one piece.
“There! He is being more comfortable now. Dobby will go. Harry Potter will eat. Now.” and with that, he snapped his fingers and disappeared.
Harry obediently ate the meat pie, mixed veg, and fresh fruit. There was also pumpkin juice to drink and a cup of tea. Aspis had another egg and declared himself full.
Harry set the tray aside and it disappeared. When he cast a wandless tempus he found that it wasn't even seven yet. He was bored so he called Dobby and had him bring his homework. It was too difficult to take notes but he could do some reading and go back later to take notes. Dobby came back with his Transfiguration text and Potions essay notes. Harry sent the little elf back for the rest of his things, telling him to just bring his school bag and a lap desk.
Dobby tried to obey, searching for the bag all over Harry's room. It wasn't there. He widened his search, found the small devils bag under Harry's bed and continued his search. He only found the rucksack.
Finally he returned to Harry's bed side.
“Dobby is sorry. Dobby only found this and the rucksack. No school bag. What should Dobby be doing?”
Harry thought for a moment. “Is there any way you can find it? I don't care where it is. Find it, bring it here and tell me who had it.” Harry was getting very tired of the Gryffindor habit of borrowing other peoples stuff without asking.
“Dobby can be finding it, no matter where it is. Master Harry only has to ask. Otherwise, Dobby cannot be looking everywhere. Dobby will find.”
And Dobby did find it. In Hermione's possession. She was copying all Harry's scattered, messy notes into one notebook for him. Dobby fussed at her a bit, telling her that she'd worried them.
Hermione apologized and said that she was afraid that someone would get Harry's school bag and get him into trouble. There was still a bit of resentment for him taking off for nearly a year. No one seemed to understand that Harry hadn't been living in the lap of luxury, skiving off. Dobby took the bag and started to leave but Hermione called him back when she saw that he had the devils bag clutched in the other hand.
“Dobby! You must be very careful with that bag. Don't try to take anything out of it. It'll burn you.”
Dobby huffed his irritation. “Dobby is not being silly enough to be sticking his hand in a devils bag. Dobby is not a thief, no matter what Sneaky Snape is saying.”
Hermione, having heard the whole thing from Harry's point of view, asked Dobby to tell her his story.
Dobby, being a free elf, even if he had taken service with Harry, told her the whole story ending indignantly, “As if Dobby is being stupid enough to be thinking that Winky will be helped by being given more butterbeer. So, Dobby is not being able to help Master Harry anymore and he is going hungry.” The elf lowered his voice and widened his eyes at the last statement.
Hermione sighed. She didn't like Snape any better than any of the other students and she couldn't even force herself to believe that Snape did anything for any of the students good.
“I wish he ... no. never mind.”
Dobby shrugged and offered, “If wishes were horses house-elves would ride. Dobby will be getting this to his master. Excusing him, please.”
Harry looked up from scratching Aspis under the chin when Dobby put the bag on the foot of his bed.
“Have trouble?”
“No, Dobby is finding the bag with Missy Hermi. She is helping by copying note from all that.” He waived a hand at the mess of notes Harry had just extracted from the bag. “to nice note books. We is having a bit of a gossip.”
Harry grinned at Dobby, the elf's satisfied expression was just cute.
“Well, that's ok then. I was a bit worried that you might have had trouble of some sort.”
“Dobby is not having trouble. Dobby is giving Harry Potter his talisman. But Harry Potter is saying Dobby is still free. Dobby is not having trouble with anyone or anything.” He grinned in a way that would have troubled Dumbledore greatly, if he could have seen it.
“Good. I'm going to work on ... something. You go do whatever it is you do. Thanks for finding my book bag.”
“You is welcome. But Dobby is having something to say before he is going.” Harry just looked up from fishing in his bag to pin Dobby with a sharp green gaze. “Here is devils bag. You is not leaving it around like you did. Be for putting it in your pocket and keeping it there. If you is sleeping, put it under your pillow. Someone will be getting curious and trying to see what is being in it. You is knowing your housemates is not having any sense.”
Harry smacked himself on the forehead. “Damn! You're right Dobby. I'll do that.”
Dobby gave Harry a very stern look. “You is not a house elf to be punishing yourself. Do not be doing that again.” and with that, he snorted and left with a sharp pop.
Since he was actually all caught up on his homework, Harry decided to just read Merlin's Grimoire. Parts of it were really fascinating. He spent the rest of the evening reading about Merlin's efforts to create a magic staff, as his magic had gotten so powerful that he'd burned out the core of his wand. It was really fascinating stuff.
He even managed to get to the part where he hid his staff in someplace called Brú na Bóinne, in a hill there. He knew he'd heard about that somewhere, but before he could get a handle on the thought Madam Pomfrey told him it was lights out. He put the book back in his bag and tucked the bag under his pillow. Aspis settled beside his shoulder and they both went to sleep.
He woke again to the sound of Aspis asking, “Who are you? I do not like you so close to my sleeping consort. Go away.”
Harry woke completely at that and looked up. Dumbledore was hovering over him, wand out.
Harry yelped and rolled away from the pointing wand. He snatched at Aspis on his way over and the snake wrapped around his arm. He landed on his feet and snatched at his wand on the bedside table. Aspis reared up and opened his mouth as widely as he could and hissed, “No! Back off!” Harry managed to get his wand but then couldn't decide what to do.
It wouldn't look good to hex Dumbledore, much as he wanted to, so he just stood there blinking warily at the man.
“Now, Harry, I know you don't see well without your spectacles. It's me, Dumbledore.”
Harry rubbed one eye, his contacts were a bit dry, then just grumbled, “I got contacts. I can see fine. What do you want?”
“Madam Pomfrey has released you to go down to breakfast. She asked me to inform you that you are not to run for the next four days. Contacts? What are contacts?” Dumbledore's expression of confusion made Harry sigh. “Also, that snake does not seem to like me.”
Harry just picked up his clothing, saying, “Good. I'm starving. I'll run if I think I can. And contacts are special lenses that you put in your eyes. Like glasses only better.”
Dumbledore puffed up a bit then said in his best 'I'm Headmaster' voice. “Harry, as Headmaster, I'm in charge of you. You'll do as I say.”
Harry blenched, turning pasty white, then flushed. “So. Look here old man. I'm bloody well in charge of my own damn self. You've done such a friggin’ good job of it so far, haven't you? You can do things my way or not at all. I've fucking had it with you and your sodding twinkle and bloody guilt trips. From now on there'll be no trouble from the ministry, or the order. If you keep mixing in, I'll go back to France and you can bloody fucking well take care of Tommy boy yourselves. I don't want any more interference with me, with my friends, who are all doing their best to help me, or my Papa. Got me?”
Dumbledore spluttered then exclaimed, “But ... Harry, it's your destiny and duty to deal with Voldemort. You have to.”
Harry cut him off with a slash of his hand. “Aspis doesn't like you because he sees you as a threat to my health and safety. And you are. You don't want to hear what I have to say about anything. You don't care, I'm nothing but a weapon to you. If you want me to do your dirty work, there have to be some incentives. Got me? If not. Well, I really, really like France. Now, I'm going down to eat. Keep yourself to yourself. Excuse me.”
And with that he just stormed past the stunned man and went down to eat his breakfast with his friends, Aspis wrapped around him and fussing all the way. Harry fussed right back.
“First they love me then they hate me. I'm a hero one minute and an attention seeking mental defective the next. Idiots. I ought to leave them to their fates.”
He was still muttering and cussing when he sat down in a chair, which he had to conjure, at the table and reached for a bowl of scramble.
Colin Creevy, poor innocent that he was, managed to bring Harry's ire down on his head by asking, “Harry, what's got you so upset?” Everyone else at the table just cringed.
Harry shook the eggs off the serving spoon with a splat. “Oh, I don't know! Dumbledore messing about in my business, meddling old fool that he is. Or maybe it's just that having an insane, megalomaniac with a god complex out to kill me tends to make me a bit cranky. Call me crazy!”
Colin flinched a bit then said with commendable calm, “I think it'd make me more than a bit crazy. I'm sorry. Would you like some toast?” He handed over the toast rack.
Harry sighed, “Look ... Colin, I'm sorry. I'm just pissed off at the world right now. No adult listens to me, but they expect me to save the whole damn world for them. Without any help from them. My worst enemy for years turns out to be more use to me than the headmaster of my school who is also the greatest light wizard in years. Idiots!”
Draco sighed, he'd been expecting this for weeks. “Well, don't get your knickers in a twist. We'll work it all out. Now, calm down and eat your breakfast. We have Potions in ... half an hour.” Draco sighed again. “And I'd tell you to change your robes but we don't have time.”
Harry glanced down at himself. Dobby had brought him clean clothing, leaving it on the foot of his bed before he was awake. These were the clothes he'd put on while he was yelling at Dumbledore. Dobby had brought the under layer of his combat robes, dragon hide vest, trousers and boots. Harry had put them on without thinking and just tossed his school robes on over. He looked ... dangerous. His eyeliner and the bit of lip gloss he wore were missing but he corrected that right at the table.
Seamus, always curious, asked, “Harry, not to get my head bitten off or anything. But where did you get in the habit of wearing ... makeup?”
“I worked at a club. Got in the habit there.” he cast a wandless tempus and growled, “Come on, lets go before we're late. Snape will go mental.”
Everybody but Harry and Draco flinched as a smooth, snide voice said from the end of the table, “I assure you I have better use for my intellect than 'going mental' as you put it simply because you are late.” He held out a hand to Harry. “Mr Potter, your potions.”
Harry took the vials and gulped them down, handing the empties back to Snape. “Thank you.”
Professor Snape looked startled, paused for a moment then replied, “You are welcome. No complaints about the taste, I take it?”
Harry shook his head. “I'm used to it. Draco explained to me that most flavourings act as a reactive ingredient. There aren't many inert flavourings available and most flavourings only cover the taste, leaving the after taste. And that's really the worst part of a potion. So, what are we doing today?”
The Professor managed to look pleased with himself without actually changing expression. “I have managed to find several patches of plants that are wild potion ingredients and gotten permission from Dumbledore to take you into the Forbidden Forest to gather them. They are not sensitive types so they are excellent for ham-handed beginners to practice on.” He looked around, counting heads. “Since all the class is actually here, we should just head on out. You'll be issued equipment by house elves at the site. Come along.”
So the whole class trooped after their professor, straight to the Forbidden Forest, past Hagrid's hut. In the small clearing just on the other side of it several elves waited for them with baskets of tools.
“Here you will find a pile of trugs. Take one. You will also be given a pair of gardeners gloves, a knife, a pair of scissors and some wrapping paper. Put all these things in the trug, for ease of transport.”
Harry just took a trug and let each elf put his contribution into the trug. He fished around in his bag to find his sketches. These were the reference sketches he'd made for his book so he thought they might come in handy.
“Potter, what are you doing?” Harry handed the sketches to Snape who glanced through them then remarked, “Good. Share these if you are asked to.” a raised eye brow made it a request instead of an order.
Harry shrugged. “Sure. If they ask.” He was soon glad he had brought not only his sketches but his potions book and his Compendium of Herbology, a present from Neville.
Harry dropped his sketches back in the trug and put it over his arm. He joined Neville and Draco when Professor Snape told them to form groups in threes.
After they did that, he ordered, “Now, spread out. Look around you. You'll find several different plants that are potion ingredients. Follow the directions in your text to harvest each variety you find. Wrap them in the paper, do not allow one variety to touch the others. Now go.”
There was a lot of moaning and groaning as most of the students hadn't bothered to bring their texts with them and Professor Snape informed them that it was much too late to go back for them.
Harry just shrugged, he'd brought his and extra materials as well. Hermione was the only other student who had brought a text book. Neville was now prime partner material.
Harry eyed a Slytherin he didn't know and barked, “You had your chance years ago. Bugger off.” Neville just rubbed his wrist where the boy had grabbed him. “You ok?”
“Yeah, just wish they'd keep their hands to themselves.” He looked around. “Lets go this way. Draco?”
Draco just smirked a bit. “I know how to do this. Father taught me before first year. Do you have that list?”
Neville produced a list from a pocket and they bent their heads together to look it over and try to figure out which plants they were most likely to find.
“Well, Snape did say that there were several here in the forest. We could go this way.” Harry pointed so they went that way.
Neville consulted the list and said, “There's one here, the Greater Thistle. It's rare but I've seen it here. It's used in several potions that help nervous conditions. If we could find it, that would be a real coupe. I've heard that it's really hard to harvest successfully. Anyone can cut it and it's good for lots of potions. But there are special conditions for harvesting it for others.”
Harry nodded. “I remember. Snape bored on and on about that. Here. What's this?” Harry pointed to a rather gaudily orange fungus.
Neville eyed it for a moment. “That's Fairy Table. It's on the list. Shall I?”
Draco and Harry just stayed out of his way as he harvested enough for all three of them, carefully wrapping the portions in paper and handing them out.
Draco found the next plant, which was a lank looking bluish grass that was used as a catalyst for bases. He harvested this and passed each of the others some.
Draco sighed. “This is really nice. The weather is even co-operating. What could possibly go wrong?”
Harry moaned. “Draco, damn it, you just hexed us. Something horrible is bound to happen now.”
Neville nodded. “That’s right. Just so you know.”
Harry led the way out into a small clearing, looking for something that grew in the sun. They were supposed to have one fungus, one grass, something that grew in the sun and something that grew in the shade. They had three of the four in the two plants they already had so all they had to do was find something that grew in the sun.
Neville stopped and pointed. “There. That's Sunsprite. I don't remember what it's used in but it's on the list. Harry? You want to do the honours? You haven't harvested anything yet.”
Harry sighed, this was way too much like gardening for him. “I guess so. Just cut it at the base? Or pull it up by the root?”
“Cut it. The only plant on the list you pull up is the thistle.”
Draco nodded. “Yes and the nasty thing has to be harvested per a patesco manus manus. Ouch.”
Neville thought for a moment. “I swear the text says, per manus manus.”
Harry checked his notes and his sketches. “Well, my notes say a patesco but the text just says per manus manus. I'm inclined to go with my notes. They're from a book in the Malfoy library and backed up by another from the Black library. Hogwarts texts are notoriously imprecise. I swear...” He trailed off then he pointed. “Look! Is that a greater thistle or am I bonkers?”
Neville hurried to the plant and examined it carefully. “It is. What should we do? Draco?”
Draco looked at the plant like it was his hope of heaven. It just might be, it was the prime ingredient in the potion that would cure his Sensatus Nervosa.
Neville made his decision. “I'll go get Professor Snape. I can hear him talking to someone. Stay right here.”
It didn't take long for them to return. Harry heard the professor telling someone else to take themselves off as they only had one ingredient and weren't to be dilly-dallying around.
“Well, where is it?”
Harry just pointed off to the side.
“It is the Greater Thistle. Excellent eye, Mr Longbottom.”
Neville just pointed to Harry. “He saw it.”
“Well then, excellent eye, Mr Potter.” He turned to Neville, holding out a hand. “I would appreciate the loan of your gloves, Mr Longbottom.”
Harry grabbed all his courage with both hands and managed to say, “There's a question about the method of harvesting.”
“Indeed?” Snape was actually desperate enough to listen.
“I consulted several books to make sure my drawing is exact. Two books said the same thing, but in the text it says something different. The books, one from the Malfoy library and the other from the Black, say per a patesco manus manus while the text, which has been in use since Dippet's time says per manus manus. I know you have your own notes, so which is it?”
Snape thought for a moment then decided to take them seriously. “I've consulted several modern works, not having access to older works except for one in the Restricted Section. So ... but who has the nerve to pluck a Greater Thistle with their bare hand?”
Harry eyed the thing for a moment. “If it gives Draco a chance...” he just reached out, grasped the thistle with his bare hand and pulled it up. “Here you go.”
Neville rushed to wrap the plant in paper, careful not to touch it himself.
Snape made sure that the plant was safely in his trug then took Harry's hand in his own.
Harry had let go of the thistle the second Neville got the paper around it. Now his hand was stinging and burning something awful. He'd accidentally grabbed a thistle a few times while weeding in the Dursleys garden but this was ten times worse.
“Fool boy. Let me see.” Snape eyed the reddened and rapidly swelling member. “Not too bad. At least you had sense enough to grasp the stem only instead of getting a leaf. I have some cream that will take care of that.”
He pulled a tin out of a pocket, opened it and slathered Harry's hand with the grayish cream. Harry breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thank you. That feels much better.”
Draco just stood and stared, until Professor Snape was done with Harry's hand. Then he hurried over to examine it for himself.
“You wanker! What are you thinking?”
“I'm thinking that it's a chance for you to be well. I'd do anything to help you get better.”
Draco gave Harry the blankest look imaginable. “Oh. Well.”
Snape gave Harry a narrow eyed look, but refrained from comment. Instead, he handed the tin to Draco. “He'll need at least one more application. When it starts stinging again, put on more.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” Draco turned to Harry, his expression soft and open. “Thank you, Harry, you shouldn't have hurt yourself like that.”
Harry flushed. “It's nothing.”
Draco just snorted and said, “Prat.”
Harry grinned back. “Rotten snake.”
Neville just shook his head and went to harvest the Sunsprite.
Draco fussed over Harry a bit then calmed down as the salve took the swelling and redness out.
They returned to the class room to turn in their trugs, carefully labelled with their names.
Snape had them sit at the tables and addressed them. “I do hope you were very careful gathering your ingredients as you will be using them in a potion. The potion you produce will be predicated by what you have gathered. Next session you will be given your ingredients, carefully preserved by detentionees. Therefore, your assignment is to research which potions can be produced by the ingredients you have found. Mr. Longbottom, thank your Grandmother for getting you into this class.” He gave Neville a look that said plainly that he'd been coerced somehow and was regretting the fact. “Your groups will be the one which you were in on our little expedition. Malfoy, I expect you to restrain Longbottom's propensity for exploding, melting, or otherwise damaging cauldrons, or the lab in general. Dismissed.” He waited until everyone was on their way out then called, “Potter, Malfoy a moment, if you please.”
Harry, whose hand was hurting again, muttered, “Or even if we don't please.” but he obediently turned to face Professor Snape with Draco by his side.
Snape, who'd heard that, as intended, just gazed at Harry for a moment then asked, “How is your hand?”
Harry clenched the member in question and answered, “Hurts. It'll be fine in awhile. I've grabbed a thistle before.”
Snape just held out his hand. “Let me see.”
Harry held out his hand, which was still a bit swollen. “See, the swelling is going down.”
Snape examined Harry's hand closely. “So I see. I've never seen anyone just grab a thistle like that. Most who have to do it, have to brace themselves.”
Harry just shrugged. “There was no thinking about it. If it could help Draco ... well, there's no thinking involved.”
“So I see. Draco, continue applications of the cream every two hours until the swelling and redness are completely gone. If it lasts until morning, come see me. I have another cream we can try. Now, shoo.” He flicked his fingers in the direction of the door. Harry notice that his dark eyes held a very assessing expression but didn't think much of it.
Lunch was a rather leisurely affair as Snape had let them go twenty minutes early, an unheard of thing.
Hermione got a good look at Harry's hand when he reached for a platter of roast beef and had to withdraw it, hissing in pain. She grabbed it, hurting him again and demanded, “Harry! What did you do? This is inflamed! You're such a goof. Tell me what you did so that I can figure out how to fix this. I would say that you should go to Madam Pomfrey but after that potions disaster, I'm not sure.”
Harry finally managed to wrestle his hand away while Draco ordered, “Granger! Let go at once. You're hurting him worse. Fool.”
Hermione gasped and plopped back into her seat, exclaiming, “Oh, Harry! I'm sorry. But ... I just ... You're so careless with yourself that you just drive me mad.”
Draco took the lead. “Hermione, calm down. Harry found a Greater Thistle and pulled it with his bare hand. Like the recipe says to. Severus gave me a cream for it. Now. Put a slice of that beef on his plate.”
Hermione did as requested, babbling about Greater Thistles and the potions that could be created from them. No one paid much attention, now used to the fact that, when she was nervous or upset she had a tendency to ramble, boring on about random facts.
Harry found that he couldn't handle a utensil with his right hand, it was still very painful. He tried with his left but only managed to fumble a blob of mash and gravy into his lap.
Draco just snarled, “Oh, give me that.” and flicked his wand to clean Harry's robes. Then the Great Hall was treated to the sight of Draco Malfoy feeding Harry Potter-Black from his own plate. Purebloods, who were aware of all the ramifications of that act, stared. Those who didn't understand the declaration of shared food, stared for different reasons.
Harry looked at Ron and Neville and asked “What? It's not like he hasn't done it before. When I was sick. At first, I was so weak I couldn't do it myself. Papa and Draco took it in turns. Mmmm.” Draco took that opportunity to shove a forkful of mash into his mouth.
“Eat! Babble later. Now, you do realize that me feeding you off my own plate, in public is a declaration of sorts. Right?”
Harry nodded. “Yes, it's a declaration that you and your family will offer me sanctuary at the cost of your blood, if necessary. I wish my hand didn't hurt so much. I'd feed you back.”
Draco gave Harry a smile of such joy that Harry had to look away. “Maybe tomorrow?”
“Deal.” Harry opened his mouth for a bite of beef, completely ignoring the whispers that filled the hall.
Draco continued to feed Harry all through lunch even feeding him a huge piece of treacle tart.
When it was time to go to Arithmancy, Ron picked up Harry's school bag and said that he'd take it to class for him.
“Ron, you'll be late to your own class.” Draco held out his hand for the bag.
“Not really a problem, as it's Magical Creatures. All I have to do is tell Hagrid why I was late and he'll give me a pass. Besides, it's grindylows. Bleh.”
Professor Vector took one look at Harry's hand and told him to just borrow Hermione's notes, with her permission. She looked at Hermione for her co-operation, Hermione just nodded.
Harry smiled at her and said, “Thanks, Hermione. Between you and Draco, I'm set.”
The lecture was actually interesting as it was on the formula to figure the actual power of a wizard.
“Now, the wizarding world has developed a system where by each wizard or witch is assigned a title that indicates their power. They aren't used much except in the duelling circles but everyone should know their level. Why this isn't covered in Defence or Charms, I don't know, but we will cover it here. You'll work out your level yourself, using this formula.” She turned to write it on the board. As she wrote she continued, “Write this down, as well as the titles, which are; Wizard, Magician, Master Magician, Sorcerer, Grand Sorcerer, Mage or Warlock, and Magus. For comparison, Professor Snape is a Sorcerer, while Professor Dumbledore is a Grand Sorcerer. Most of you, as seventh years, will probably test out as Master Magicians. Some might edge into Sorcerer, but I doubt it. Now, we'll do the tests and work the maths over the next two weeks. We'll spend the rest of the class reading the applicable chapters in Arithmancy Through the Ages and I am handing out a list of other books you'll need to use to finish your research into the methods of acquiring the data needed for the formula. Better get to the library before the Ravenclaws get all the books. Now, read, please.”
Harry sighed. He was really tired of the Ravenclaws getting all the books and hogging them until the last minute. Hermione grumbled and groaned about the same thing.
When class was dismissed the whole group rushed to the library to grab as many of the books as they could manage. They were too late by several hours, Madam Pince told them that Ravenclaw had everyone of them.
Harry snarled and threw his book bag onto the table. “Damnit! How are we supposed to do our work when all the books are in Ravenclaw and won't show up until ... well, fucking never. Shite!”
Hermione didn't even call him on his language. Draco just flopped into a chair and grumbled, “You're right, Harry. I wish we could go home to do the research. Malfoy library is one of the best in the world.”
Harry snarked, “Yes, but can we use it? Hell no. We're forbidden to leave campus. I can't even go to my own library.”
Dobby, sensing that Harry was very upset, popped in exclaiming, “Harry Potter, sir. What is upsetting you so?”
“Books. I've got books that we could be using for research, without having to hurry so that others can use them, and I can't get to them. Fuck!” Harry kicked a chair, causing Madam Pince to hiss at him. He stuck his tongue out at her, knowing she couldn't see him.
Dobby nodded his understanding. “You is hurting and not being happy. Your snaky is not being happy either.” and it was true, Aspis was weaving his head back and forth by Harry's ear, hissing softly
Harry took a moment to soothe Aspis with the promise of a mouse, while he was doing that he had an idea.
“Dobby! You're my elf now, we've bonded, right?” Dobby grinned widely and nodded. “So, you can go to any of my properties anywhere and bring back anything?”
“Yes, Dobby can do. If Missy Hermi is giving Dobby a list, Dobby can be bringing any book, or anything else that is being wanted. But where is Dobby to put these things?”
Harry smiled an entirely evil smile. “In my trunk. It's Papa's old travelling trunk. After you put the books in place, lock it with your magic. Make it so that only I can unlock it.” he glanced around a bit apologetically. “That way no one can claim I'm being irresponsible with valuable books or letting anyone have unlimited access to dangerous property. Draco, you might have Dobby check the Malfoy library too.”
But Dobby shook his head at that. “Dobby is being sorry to be difficult but Dobby is never returning to Malfoy Manor. Dobby will be going to another of the Black or Potter residences if Harry Potter, sir returns there after school is being out.”
Draco just nodded. “I'll send an owl to Father. I'm sure he'll be able to figure out something.”
Harry shrugged. “Just have him send them by Gerard.”
Dobby looked relieved, Harry had forbidden him to punish himself except on express orders to do so. He'd expected at least a mild punishment for refusing a direct order, even with a good excuse. He murmured, “Harry Potter is a great and kind master. Dobby is being so lucky.”
Hermione interrupted these musings by giving him a sixteen inch list of books that she would like to have. He examined it for a moment then said, “Dobby is knowing that some of these books are not being in either library.”
Harry just shrugged, “Then find them and buy them. You've got limited access to my vaults.”
“Yes, Master Harry, Dobby is going now.” and he popped away to search out the books on the list.
Hermione gave Draco another list, causing him to question, “How the hell does she do that?” He sat down to write a letter to Lucius, telling him about Harry picking the thistle and the need for books on what was called the 'Merlin Test'.
The books all showed up in his trunk by the next afternoon.
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Authors notes.
Well, another chapter done. I'm not going to do much more with classes, most of the story will occur after or between classes, on the week-ends and during training sessions or Quidditch practice and games. Things are going to pick up a bit with lots happening fairly quickly.
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With a bare hand - per a patesco manus manus
by hand - per manus manus
Title: Runaway Wizard
Chapter: 40
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: Except for the few original characters, all characters in this story are the property of J. K. Rowlings, who has kindly allowed me to play with them.
Warnings: Probably a little of everything. Fighting, Living on the streets with everything that entails, Spanking, Bondage, Blood, Gore, Bad Language, and Pissy Snape.
Parings: H/D eventually
Beta: 50ftqueenie Brit picker: purpledodah
Banner code for RW
Lucius' return to the infirmary was met by a deer in the headlights look from Hermione and a glad little cry from Harry.
“Papa!” Harry was now propped up on pillows and looking a little better.
“Well, my treasure, you look a little less like death warmed over.” Lucius settled on the side of the bed and took Harry's hand in his. He gave Harry a stern stare then asked, “Harry, will you really take the potions, now that you know who is making them?”
Harry looked him in the eye. “Yes, sir. I've been taking them for months. And I'm sure that Snape would never flub a potion on purpose, no matter who it was for. He's too proud of his skills.”
Madam Pomfrey interrupted to say, “Professor Snape, Harry.”
Harry, for the first time ever, glowered at her. He refrained from saying anything as Lucius beat him to it.
“Madam, this is a private conversation.” He turned back to Harry. “Harry, we've all forgotten something rather important. Where is Aspis?”
Harry blinked. “Oh, Aspis started to shed this morning. He's really irritable so I left him in his tank. But, could you check on him. Dean doesn't like him and ... well, I'd hope he wouldn't do anything but ... Aspis has already threatened to bite him once. Please?” he turned on his best pleading look.
“I'll check on him in a moment. Should I try to bring him to you?” Lucius was doubtful about handling an irritable snake.
“Yes. He understands a few words. If you just say you're bringing him to me, it should be ok. If he hisses at you, just ... well, couldn't you just levitate the whole tank? Please?”
Lucius seized on this with relief. “I shall just bring the whole tank and its stand and let you deal with him. I will return in a few minutes. Mw Thomas is signaling me so I shall go. Rest.”
Lucius took a moment to speak to Mw Thomas, who told him that Harry would be fine if he just resumed taking the potions. He would prescribe a very strong nutrition potion for the next week.
Lucius nodded, “Very well. Give the script directly to Severus, please.” he turned to Madam Pomfrey and barked, “As for you, you will see that Harry has his potions exactly as prescribed. Or I'll have your head, never mind your job. Do. You. Under. Stand.” There was no denying that he turned on the attitude that had made even Bellatrix back off.
Madam Pomfrey nodded but was relieved when Severus said softly, “Luka, calm down. I will see that the brat has them myself.”
Lucius gave Severus a smoldering look and nodded once. “Thank you, my friend. Harry wants Aspis. I'm going to fetch him.”
“I'll be here until you come back. Guarding your treasure for you. Yes?” Severus lowered his eyes, flushing slightly.
“Thank you.” And with that, Lucius left, boot heels tapping softly on the flagstones.
It was a fairly long walk to Gryffindor tower because the stairs refused to co-operate. Lucius had always hated those stairs, now he felt like hexing them into gravel.
When he did get to the tower, the Fat Lady refused to open for him. He was saved from burning her off the wall by Colin Creevy, who scampered up behind him and tossed out the password then bowed slightly and motioned for Lucius to enter before him. His bright smile brought a quirk to Lucius' lips.
“Thank you, young man.”
“You're welcome, sir. Is Harry going to be ok?”
“He will be fine in a day or so. His dorm?”
Colin pointed. “There. Do you need any help with anything?”
“No, I thank you. I can manage.”
Lucius watched as Colin plopped down on a chair and began to fuss with his camera.
He knew which stair to take so he climbed them. Just in time, it seemed. He caught Dean just before he hexed Aspis.
“Stop that! What do you think you are doing, young man?” He drew his own wand, just in case.
“I ... I hate snakes. He's got no right to have that slimy creature here.” Dean didn't even try to stand up to Lucius, instead, he darted past him and down the stairs.
Lucius took a moment to look Aspis over, but the snake seemed unharmed. Lucius levitated the tank, stand and all and returned to the infirmary.
He put the tank down by Harry's bed then settled on the edge of it again. “Harry, I feel that I should tell you. The black boy, Dean Thomas?” Harry nodded. “Was getting ready to hex Aspis when I arrived. He evidently does not like snakes.”
Harry scowled at this. He turned to Aspis to ask, “Did the dark one hurt you?”
Aspis slithered out of his hollow log to weave his head back and forth as he answered. “No, he did not. He made lots of angry noise but did nothing. I do not like him. I will bite him if I get the chance.” he made an irritable gesture with his tail. “I am shedding. I itch. I wish to be done with this.”
“I am sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No, it is to be endured. But, I itch!”
Lucius listened with pleasure and, when he was sure they were done, asked, “Is he injured?”
“No, but he's in a mood. He itches and there's nothing to be done until he's done shedding. And there's no way to help him with that.” Harry cast a fond look at his snake. “Poor guy, he's just cross. He'll be hungry when he's done shedding, too.”
Lucius smirked slightly. “I'll see that he has a nice fat rat.” A noise behind them made him turn his head.
Severus was just emerging from a hidden door to the side of the room, obviously a direct connection between the potions lab and infirmary.
He held out the beaker and waited. Harry took it and gulped the potion down without comment, merely shuddering at the taste.
“Not to your liking? So sorry.” Snape sneered at Harry rather meanly.
“I really wish I knew why you hate me. I never did anything to you.” Harry settled back wearily.
Aspis, sensing that his human was not happy, raised his head, opened his black mouth and hissed in warning.
Severus eyed the snake, a bit startled. “That is a Black Mamba.” his smooth tones made Lucius eye him.
Harry on the other hand just said in a flat tone, “Do not eye him like that. He's not potion ingredients.”
“Oh, but he is. Or, rather, his venom is. I would like to collect some, at a time in the future.”
Harry just snorted, then said, “No.”
Severus thinned his lips into a scowl but a glance at Lucius and he merely nodded his head once. “We can discuss this later. When you're not in a mood.”
Lucius decided then that it was time Harry heard a few things. He watched as Severus left, robes billowing.
“Harry, I would not tell you another persons secrets but ...”
Madam Pomfrey sighed and interrupted gently. “Harry, I shouldn't do this, it's really against my oath but ... the only person to spend more time in the infirmary than you was Severus. All due to your father and his friends. The Marauders were mostly just pranksters but ... they took a dislike to Severus for some reason and got quite vicious at times. Lucius, as a governor of the school, I can release records to you. If you like.” She gave Harry a strange look then went away.
“Would you like to read his file?” Lucius hoped not as some of the information was quite embarrassing to Severus
“No, sir. I know a bit. But ... I don't think my father was very nice sometimes. Mob mentality. He got caught up in the thrill of it, as did everyone else. I wouldn't put it past Pettigrew to egg them on either. Was it really that bad?”
Lucius thought for a moment. “It drove him to say some very indiscreet things to Lily, destroying their friendship entirely. And it dropped him into my arms like ripe fruit. They are entirely the reason that Severus embraced the dark mark at all. He is understandably bitter.” he took a good look at Harry and announced, “But enough of this. You need rest. Go to sleep. I need to find your friends and give them an update on you. Before they break down the doors.”
Harry obediently nestled down. Lucius tucked him in, patting his cheek and telling him to sleep.
When he was sure that Harry was taken care of, Lucius went to deal with the other disaster.
When he reached Slytherin House, he snarled the override password at the door and entered the common room.
“Miss Parkinson. Here. Now.” No one argued with him. A first year scurried to find her, knowing that he wasn't returning to the common room until Lucius was gone.
He found Pansy in her room, sitting at her desk. “Mr Malfoy is here. He's awful mad. You better just go.”
Pansy stood up, straightened her robes with shaking hands and went to the common room.
Lucius was just standing in the middle of the room, his face stern and cold. She knew he wouldn't rant at her but his flat, cold expression and smooth, chill tone could cut like a knife.
Lucius eye Pansy for a moment then said softly, “You stupid girl. You have no idea what you have done. Pray, what were you thinking?” his tone turned decidedly snide. “Or were you thinking at all?”
“I ... I'm sorry. It just sort of ... popped out. I didn't mean to.” Pansy peeked through her bangs, a trick that usually worked on her father.
“Do not try your tricks with me. That will not work. It has been tried by an expert and he has always failed. I want an explanation and I will have it. Either from you, or your father. Begin.”
But Pansy couldn't do more than stammer that she hadn't meant it and she was sorry. When Lucius allowed that she was indeed a sorry specimen she burst into tears and ran out of the room. Lucius nodded decidedly. His dressing down was flat and rude, delivered to the other students in the common room instead of directly to Pansy. He ended by saying, “I am not a nice man. I protect my family with all that I am and all that I have. That includes both my son and my foster son. You will find that I do not make allowances for age, past the age of fifteen. Remember that.” he looked from face to face, making eye contact with those that he knew would cause the most problems. No one could meet his eye for more than a second. “Good day.” With that, he bowed slightly to the whole room and left.
Severus, standing in a small nook that hid the door between his office and the common room, sighed. This was not going to turn out well.
.
Lucius flooed home, ignoring Dumbledore's questions, as usual. He took a few moments to calm himself, then he wrote a scathing letter to Mr. Parkinson. It didn't make him feel much better, but it did put the Parkinson family on notice that their daughter was making a nuisance of herself.
He returned his thoughts to the present problem, but could see no way out of it. Draco was now vulnerable to all sorts of attack. Now that everyone knew that a simple blow could incapacitate him completely, things were looking grim. He fumed that he couldn't protect his son from malicious attacks at school, and couldn't take him out. That would be admitting that Draco was weak, which would make his life impossible. He snarled as he realized that he'd broken his quill.
.
Draco managed to get to his quarters before he broke down. This whole day was a disaster, and it wasn't even noon yet.
His secret was out, but worse, Harry was sick again. It was all Dumbledore's fault too. The old fart was way too stingy with his information. He kept things back when he didn't need to, when it would actually be more beneficial to tell people things.
Now, he had to contend with a sick foster brother, and his secret being known at one and the same time. He could manage, but it would be difficult.
He realized that someone had been knocking on the door for awhile so he got up, dried his eyes and answered it.
Hermione entered, babbling, “Draco. I'm so sorry about Pansy. I know there wasn't anything I could do but still... And Harry's going to be fine. Snape is brewing him new potions to help him. He said he would make sure Harry got them when he should. Dumbledore has really done it this time. There was no reason for him not to let Madam Pomfrey know that Harry was supposed to have them. I used to think he was really wise, I'm not so sure now. So ... what are we going to do about you? Oh ... Ron and Neville will be here soon. And Vince and Millicent too. Theo is going to hang around in the Slytherin common room for awhile and see what's being said.”
Draco watched in astonishment as Hermione managed the whole situation with ease. He was actually pleased to realize that he didn't have to cope alone.
Vince and Ron actually arrived together, arms full of meat pies and other goodies.
They put their booty down on a side table and arranged it into an impromptu buffet.
Neville and Millicent came in just as they got done arranging things.
Hermione made sure that everyone had food and tea, waited until they were about half way done eating, even coaxing Draco to eat, then called her meeting to order.
“Fine! Everyone has eaten something so now. Ideas. What are we going to do to keep Draco safe for Harry?”
Ron stated it simply. “At least one of us has the same class as he does. We guard his back. Hermione will set up a schedule so he's never alone. Anyone bumps him, hexes him or causes any sort of trouble, we'll be around to help.” He turned to Draco to say, “that doesn't mean we're your personal enforcers just back up ... in case. Right?”
Draco nodded his understanding. “I ... thank you. I won't take advantage, I promise. Now, however, there is the matter of retribution.”
Theo knocked then came in at that moment. “Retribution? Did I hear the word retribution? In relation to Pansy, or Miss Parkinson as she is now known to everyone without a social suicide wish. Your father is a truly scary person, even, or especially when he is being polite. Creepy. It's not so much what he says as how he says it. He can make 'good day' sound like a death threat.”
Draco flopped back in his chair, “Well, that's taken care of. There's nothing but clean up to do. Pansy is officially persona non grata. Bitch. I don't believe that Mother and Father considered her for me. Ugh.” He handed his cup to Hermione. “Could I have some more tea, please?”
Hermione poured, dosed and handed back the cup. Draco accepted it and sipped.
Everyone settled down to wait for more news of Harry.
.
Severus Snape spent the next three hours brewing potions for Harry. He didn't do anything about the vile taste but he didn't do anything to make it taste worse either. He would do this, not for Harry, or not for him alone, but for his old friend as well. So he brewed his best and bottled it in vials, each one carefully marked with his mark.
As he was finishing the work, something finally struck him. He got out his brewers book and checked back. He had been brewing for Mw Thomas for years so he tended to remember what he'd ordered. He realized that he'd been brewing for Harry for several months. He'd brew the potions, send them to Mw Thomas and he would send them on. As he carefully reviewed the potions he'd brewed he really didn't like the picture they presented.
He remembered the cupboard and the poem he'd seen. He rubbed his face and tried to dismiss his conclusions, but that was like trying to rebottle lightning. He sighed, put his book away and took the potions to his sitting room where he placed them by the door.
.
Harry spent most of the day resting, he felt much better after a dose of potion and something to eat. He was happy to find that he was allowed Neville's tea as well. It helped with his upset stomach and the honey in it did him some good too.
Aspis didn't like the smells in the infirmary and said so, frequently. Harry agreed that most of the smells were bad. He called Dobby to get Aspis a hard boiled egg.
When Dobby appeared Madam Pomfrey smartly told Harry that personal elves were not allowed at Hogwarts. Harry returned just as smartly that actually they were. He'd checked. He wasn't sure how the rules were changed but they'd been returned to pre-seventeenth century conditions. He'd been reading up on them in his, admittedly scarce, spare time.
Dobby just gave Aspis his egg, nodded to Madam and bowed to Harry. He then popped out again.
He was just falling asleep again when a boy wearing Ravenclaw robes staggered into the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey immediately took him into a small, private room, did something with him then brought him back out dressed in pajamas and tucked him into a bed.
Her disgusted expression and huffed, “Argus Filch, you idiot.” left him wondering what the hell was going on. Several students had been sent to detention with Filch last year and ended up in the infirmary.
He decided to think about all that later, right now, he was tired again.
He didn't wake when Aspis managed to get out of his tank and curl up between his neck and shoulder, right on his pillow.
.
Madam Pomfrey woke Harry for dinner by throwing rolled up socks at him.
When he woke she told him to put Aspis back in his tank and eat. Then, if he wished he could get the snake back out for a while.
Harry blinked at her for a moment then asked, “Why are you throwing socks at me?”
“I'm not about to get close to a Mamba. Now put him up and eat your dinner.”
Harry managed to persuade Aspis to hide under his covers until Dobby brought them a tray. The elf had made sure to bring Harry foods to tempt his appetite which wasn't needed as, now that the potions had taken effect, he was starved. Dobby also brought another egg for Aspis.
Aspis really didn't want the eggs but ate them anyway. He was grumpy as he was still shedding and itching. Dobby eyed the snake for a moment then said, “You is telling him, Harry Potter sir, that Dobby is being able to help, if he will allow.”
Harry explained what Dobby wanted to do and Aspis agreed, anything to stop the itching. Dobby just ran his hands over the snake and pealed the skin off in one piece.
“There! He is being more comfortable now. Dobby will go. Harry Potter will eat. Now.” and with that, he snapped his fingers and disappeared.
Harry obediently ate the meat pie, mixed veg, and fresh fruit. There was also pumpkin juice to drink and a cup of tea. Aspis had another egg and declared himself full.
Harry set the tray aside and it disappeared. When he cast a wandless tempus he found that it wasn't even seven yet. He was bored so he called Dobby and had him bring his homework. It was too difficult to take notes but he could do some reading and go back later to take notes. Dobby came back with his Transfiguration text and Potions essay notes. Harry sent the little elf back for the rest of his things, telling him to just bring his school bag and a lap desk.
Dobby tried to obey, searching for the bag all over Harry's room. It wasn't there. He widened his search, found the small devils bag under Harry's bed and continued his search. He only found the rucksack.
Finally he returned to Harry's bed side.
“Dobby is sorry. Dobby only found this and the rucksack. No school bag. What should Dobby be doing?”
Harry thought for a moment. “Is there any way you can find it? I don't care where it is. Find it, bring it here and tell me who had it.” Harry was getting very tired of the Gryffindor habit of borrowing other peoples stuff without asking.
“Dobby can be finding it, no matter where it is. Master Harry only has to ask. Otherwise, Dobby cannot be looking everywhere. Dobby will find.”
And Dobby did find it. In Hermione's possession. She was copying all Harry's scattered, messy notes into one notebook for him. Dobby fussed at her a bit, telling her that she'd worried them.
Hermione apologized and said that she was afraid that someone would get Harry's school bag and get him into trouble. There was still a bit of resentment for him taking off for nearly a year. No one seemed to understand that Harry hadn't been living in the lap of luxury, skiving off. Dobby took the bag and started to leave but Hermione called him back when she saw that he had the devils bag clutched in the other hand.
“Dobby! You must be very careful with that bag. Don't try to take anything out of it. It'll burn you.”
Dobby huffed his irritation. “Dobby is not being silly enough to be sticking his hand in a devils bag. Dobby is not a thief, no matter what Sneaky Snape is saying.”
Hermione, having heard the whole thing from Harry's point of view, asked Dobby to tell her his story.
Dobby, being a free elf, even if he had taken service with Harry, told her the whole story ending indignantly, “As if Dobby is being stupid enough to be thinking that Winky will be helped by being given more butterbeer. So, Dobby is not being able to help Master Harry anymore and he is going hungry.” The elf lowered his voice and widened his eyes at the last statement.
Hermione sighed. She didn't like Snape any better than any of the other students and she couldn't even force herself to believe that Snape did anything for any of the students good.
“I wish he ... no. never mind.”
Dobby shrugged and offered, “If wishes were horses house-elves would ride. Dobby will be getting this to his master. Excusing him, please.”
Harry looked up from scratching Aspis under the chin when Dobby put the bag on the foot of his bed.
“Have trouble?”
“No, Dobby is finding the bag with Missy Hermi. She is helping by copying note from all that.” He waived a hand at the mess of notes Harry had just extracted from the bag. “to nice note books. We is having a bit of a gossip.”
Harry grinned at Dobby, the elf's satisfied expression was just cute.
“Well, that's ok then. I was a bit worried that you might have had trouble of some sort.”
“Dobby is not having trouble. Dobby is giving Harry Potter his talisman. But Harry Potter is saying Dobby is still free. Dobby is not having trouble with anyone or anything.” He grinned in a way that would have troubled Dumbledore greatly, if he could have seen it.
“Good. I'm going to work on ... something. You go do whatever it is you do. Thanks for finding my book bag.”
“You is welcome. But Dobby is having something to say before he is going.” Harry just looked up from fishing in his bag to pin Dobby with a sharp green gaze. “Here is devils bag. You is not leaving it around like you did. Be for putting it in your pocket and keeping it there. If you is sleeping, put it under your pillow. Someone will be getting curious and trying to see what is being in it. You is knowing your housemates is not having any sense.”
Harry smacked himself on the forehead. “Damn! You're right Dobby. I'll do that.”
Dobby gave Harry a very stern look. “You is not a house elf to be punishing yourself. Do not be doing that again.” and with that, he snorted and left with a sharp pop.
Since he was actually all caught up on his homework, Harry decided to just read Merlin's Grimoire. Parts of it were really fascinating. He spent the rest of the evening reading about Merlin's efforts to create a magic staff, as his magic had gotten so powerful that he'd burned out the core of his wand. It was really fascinating stuff.
He even managed to get to the part where he hid his staff in someplace called Brú na Bóinne, in a hill there. He knew he'd heard about that somewhere, but before he could get a handle on the thought Madam Pomfrey told him it was lights out. He put the book back in his bag and tucked the bag under his pillow. Aspis settled beside his shoulder and they both went to sleep.
He woke again to the sound of Aspis asking, “Who are you? I do not like you so close to my sleeping consort. Go away.”
Harry woke completely at that and looked up. Dumbledore was hovering over him, wand out.
Harry yelped and rolled away from the pointing wand. He snatched at Aspis on his way over and the snake wrapped around his arm. He landed on his feet and snatched at his wand on the bedside table. Aspis reared up and opened his mouth as widely as he could and hissed, “No! Back off!” Harry managed to get his wand but then couldn't decide what to do.
It wouldn't look good to hex Dumbledore, much as he wanted to, so he just stood there blinking warily at the man.
“Now, Harry, I know you don't see well without your spectacles. It's me, Dumbledore.”
Harry rubbed one eye, his contacts were a bit dry, then just grumbled, “I got contacts. I can see fine. What do you want?”
“Madam Pomfrey has released you to go down to breakfast. She asked me to inform you that you are not to run for the next four days. Contacts? What are contacts?” Dumbledore's expression of confusion made Harry sigh. “Also, that snake does not seem to like me.”
Harry just picked up his clothing, saying, “Good. I'm starving. I'll run if I think I can. And contacts are special lenses that you put in your eyes. Like glasses only better.”
Dumbledore puffed up a bit then said in his best 'I'm Headmaster' voice. “Harry, as Headmaster, I'm in charge of you. You'll do as I say.”
Harry blenched, turning pasty white, then flushed. “So. Look here old man. I'm bloody well in charge of my own damn self. You've done such a friggin’ good job of it so far, haven't you? You can do things my way or not at all. I've fucking had it with you and your sodding twinkle and bloody guilt trips. From now on there'll be no trouble from the ministry, or the order. If you keep mixing in, I'll go back to France and you can bloody fucking well take care of Tommy boy yourselves. I don't want any more interference with me, with my friends, who are all doing their best to help me, or my Papa. Got me?”
Dumbledore spluttered then exclaimed, “But ... Harry, it's your destiny and duty to deal with Voldemort. You have to.”
Harry cut him off with a slash of his hand. “Aspis doesn't like you because he sees you as a threat to my health and safety. And you are. You don't want to hear what I have to say about anything. You don't care, I'm nothing but a weapon to you. If you want me to do your dirty work, there have to be some incentives. Got me? If not. Well, I really, really like France. Now, I'm going down to eat. Keep yourself to yourself. Excuse me.”
And with that he just stormed past the stunned man and went down to eat his breakfast with his friends, Aspis wrapped around him and fussing all the way. Harry fussed right back.
“First they love me then they hate me. I'm a hero one minute and an attention seeking mental defective the next. Idiots. I ought to leave them to their fates.”
He was still muttering and cussing when he sat down in a chair, which he had to conjure, at the table and reached for a bowl of scramble.
Colin Creevy, poor innocent that he was, managed to bring Harry's ire down on his head by asking, “Harry, what's got you so upset?” Everyone else at the table just cringed.
Harry shook the eggs off the serving spoon with a splat. “Oh, I don't know! Dumbledore messing about in my business, meddling old fool that he is. Or maybe it's just that having an insane, megalomaniac with a god complex out to kill me tends to make me a bit cranky. Call me crazy!”
Colin flinched a bit then said with commendable calm, “I think it'd make me more than a bit crazy. I'm sorry. Would you like some toast?” He handed over the toast rack.
Harry sighed, “Look ... Colin, I'm sorry. I'm just pissed off at the world right now. No adult listens to me, but they expect me to save the whole damn world for them. Without any help from them. My worst enemy for years turns out to be more use to me than the headmaster of my school who is also the greatest light wizard in years. Idiots!”
Draco sighed, he'd been expecting this for weeks. “Well, don't get your knickers in a twist. We'll work it all out. Now, calm down and eat your breakfast. We have Potions in ... half an hour.” Draco sighed again. “And I'd tell you to change your robes but we don't have time.”
Harry glanced down at himself. Dobby had brought him clean clothing, leaving it on the foot of his bed before he was awake. These were the clothes he'd put on while he was yelling at Dumbledore. Dobby had brought the under layer of his combat robes, dragon hide vest, trousers and boots. Harry had put them on without thinking and just tossed his school robes on over. He looked ... dangerous. His eyeliner and the bit of lip gloss he wore were missing but he corrected that right at the table.
Seamus, always curious, asked, “Harry, not to get my head bitten off or anything. But where did you get in the habit of wearing ... makeup?”
“I worked at a club. Got in the habit there.” he cast a wandless tempus and growled, “Come on, lets go before we're late. Snape will go mental.”
Everybody but Harry and Draco flinched as a smooth, snide voice said from the end of the table, “I assure you I have better use for my intellect than 'going mental' as you put it simply because you are late.” He held out a hand to Harry. “Mr Potter, your potions.”
Harry took the vials and gulped them down, handing the empties back to Snape. “Thank you.”
Professor Snape looked startled, paused for a moment then replied, “You are welcome. No complaints about the taste, I take it?”
Harry shook his head. “I'm used to it. Draco explained to me that most flavourings act as a reactive ingredient. There aren't many inert flavourings available and most flavourings only cover the taste, leaving the after taste. And that's really the worst part of a potion. So, what are we doing today?”
The Professor managed to look pleased with himself without actually changing expression. “I have managed to find several patches of plants that are wild potion ingredients and gotten permission from Dumbledore to take you into the Forbidden Forest to gather them. They are not sensitive types so they are excellent for ham-handed beginners to practice on.” He looked around, counting heads. “Since all the class is actually here, we should just head on out. You'll be issued equipment by house elves at the site. Come along.”
So the whole class trooped after their professor, straight to the Forbidden Forest, past Hagrid's hut. In the small clearing just on the other side of it several elves waited for them with baskets of tools.
“Here you will find a pile of trugs. Take one. You will also be given a pair of gardeners gloves, a knife, a pair of scissors and some wrapping paper. Put all these things in the trug, for ease of transport.”
Harry just took a trug and let each elf put his contribution into the trug. He fished around in his bag to find his sketches. These were the reference sketches he'd made for his book so he thought they might come in handy.
“Potter, what are you doing?” Harry handed the sketches to Snape who glanced through them then remarked, “Good. Share these if you are asked to.” a raised eye brow made it a request instead of an order.
Harry shrugged. “Sure. If they ask.” He was soon glad he had brought not only his sketches but his potions book and his Compendium of Herbology, a present from Neville.
Harry dropped his sketches back in the trug and put it over his arm. He joined Neville and Draco when Professor Snape told them to form groups in threes.
After they did that, he ordered, “Now, spread out. Look around you. You'll find several different plants that are potion ingredients. Follow the directions in your text to harvest each variety you find. Wrap them in the paper, do not allow one variety to touch the others. Now go.”
There was a lot of moaning and groaning as most of the students hadn't bothered to bring their texts with them and Professor Snape informed them that it was much too late to go back for them.
Harry just shrugged, he'd brought his and extra materials as well. Hermione was the only other student who had brought a text book. Neville was now prime partner material.
Harry eyed a Slytherin he didn't know and barked, “You had your chance years ago. Bugger off.” Neville just rubbed his wrist where the boy had grabbed him. “You ok?”
“Yeah, just wish they'd keep their hands to themselves.” He looked around. “Lets go this way. Draco?”
Draco just smirked a bit. “I know how to do this. Father taught me before first year. Do you have that list?”
Neville produced a list from a pocket and they bent their heads together to look it over and try to figure out which plants they were most likely to find.
“Well, Snape did say that there were several here in the forest. We could go this way.” Harry pointed so they went that way.
Neville consulted the list and said, “There's one here, the Greater Thistle. It's rare but I've seen it here. It's used in several potions that help nervous conditions. If we could find it, that would be a real coupe. I've heard that it's really hard to harvest successfully. Anyone can cut it and it's good for lots of potions. But there are special conditions for harvesting it for others.”
Harry nodded. “I remember. Snape bored on and on about that. Here. What's this?” Harry pointed to a rather gaudily orange fungus.
Neville eyed it for a moment. “That's Fairy Table. It's on the list. Shall I?”
Draco and Harry just stayed out of his way as he harvested enough for all three of them, carefully wrapping the portions in paper and handing them out.
Draco found the next plant, which was a lank looking bluish grass that was used as a catalyst for bases. He harvested this and passed each of the others some.
Draco sighed. “This is really nice. The weather is even co-operating. What could possibly go wrong?”
Harry moaned. “Draco, damn it, you just hexed us. Something horrible is bound to happen now.”
Neville nodded. “That’s right. Just so you know.”
Harry led the way out into a small clearing, looking for something that grew in the sun. They were supposed to have one fungus, one grass, something that grew in the sun and something that grew in the shade. They had three of the four in the two plants they already had so all they had to do was find something that grew in the sun.
Neville stopped and pointed. “There. That's Sunsprite. I don't remember what it's used in but it's on the list. Harry? You want to do the honours? You haven't harvested anything yet.”
Harry sighed, this was way too much like gardening for him. “I guess so. Just cut it at the base? Or pull it up by the root?”
“Cut it. The only plant on the list you pull up is the thistle.”
Draco nodded. “Yes and the nasty thing has to be harvested per a patesco manus manus. Ouch.”
Neville thought for a moment. “I swear the text says, per manus manus.”
Harry checked his notes and his sketches. “Well, my notes say a patesco but the text just says per manus manus. I'm inclined to go with my notes. They're from a book in the Malfoy library and backed up by another from the Black library. Hogwarts texts are notoriously imprecise. I swear...” He trailed off then he pointed. “Look! Is that a greater thistle or am I bonkers?”
Neville hurried to the plant and examined it carefully. “It is. What should we do? Draco?”
Draco looked at the plant like it was his hope of heaven. It just might be, it was the prime ingredient in the potion that would cure his Sensatus Nervosa.
Neville made his decision. “I'll go get Professor Snape. I can hear him talking to someone. Stay right here.”
It didn't take long for them to return. Harry heard the professor telling someone else to take themselves off as they only had one ingredient and weren't to be dilly-dallying around.
“Well, where is it?”
Harry just pointed off to the side.
“It is the Greater Thistle. Excellent eye, Mr Longbottom.”
Neville just pointed to Harry. “He saw it.”
“Well then, excellent eye, Mr Potter.” He turned to Neville, holding out a hand. “I would appreciate the loan of your gloves, Mr Longbottom.”
Harry grabbed all his courage with both hands and managed to say, “There's a question about the method of harvesting.”
“Indeed?” Snape was actually desperate enough to listen.
“I consulted several books to make sure my drawing is exact. Two books said the same thing, but in the text it says something different. The books, one from the Malfoy library and the other from the Black, say per a patesco manus manus while the text, which has been in use since Dippet's time says per manus manus. I know you have your own notes, so which is it?”
Snape thought for a moment then decided to take them seriously. “I've consulted several modern works, not having access to older works except for one in the Restricted Section. So ... but who has the nerve to pluck a Greater Thistle with their bare hand?”
Harry eyed the thing for a moment. “If it gives Draco a chance...” he just reached out, grasped the thistle with his bare hand and pulled it up. “Here you go.”
Neville rushed to wrap the plant in paper, careful not to touch it himself.
Snape made sure that the plant was safely in his trug then took Harry's hand in his own.
Harry had let go of the thistle the second Neville got the paper around it. Now his hand was stinging and burning something awful. He'd accidentally grabbed a thistle a few times while weeding in the Dursleys garden but this was ten times worse.
“Fool boy. Let me see.” Snape eyed the reddened and rapidly swelling member. “Not too bad. At least you had sense enough to grasp the stem only instead of getting a leaf. I have some cream that will take care of that.”
He pulled a tin out of a pocket, opened it and slathered Harry's hand with the grayish cream. Harry breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thank you. That feels much better.”
Draco just stood and stared, until Professor Snape was done with Harry's hand. Then he hurried over to examine it for himself.
“You wanker! What are you thinking?”
“I'm thinking that it's a chance for you to be well. I'd do anything to help you get better.”
Draco gave Harry the blankest look imaginable. “Oh. Well.”
Snape gave Harry a narrow eyed look, but refrained from comment. Instead, he handed the tin to Draco. “He'll need at least one more application. When it starts stinging again, put on more.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” Draco turned to Harry, his expression soft and open. “Thank you, Harry, you shouldn't have hurt yourself like that.”
Harry flushed. “It's nothing.”
Draco just snorted and said, “Prat.”
Harry grinned back. “Rotten snake.”
Neville just shook his head and went to harvest the Sunsprite.
Draco fussed over Harry a bit then calmed down as the salve took the swelling and redness out.
They returned to the class room to turn in their trugs, carefully labelled with their names.
Snape had them sit at the tables and addressed them. “I do hope you were very careful gathering your ingredients as you will be using them in a potion. The potion you produce will be predicated by what you have gathered. Next session you will be given your ingredients, carefully preserved by detentionees. Therefore, your assignment is to research which potions can be produced by the ingredients you have found. Mr. Longbottom, thank your Grandmother for getting you into this class.” He gave Neville a look that said plainly that he'd been coerced somehow and was regretting the fact. “Your groups will be the one which you were in on our little expedition. Malfoy, I expect you to restrain Longbottom's propensity for exploding, melting, or otherwise damaging cauldrons, or the lab in general. Dismissed.” He waited until everyone was on their way out then called, “Potter, Malfoy a moment, if you please.”
Harry, whose hand was hurting again, muttered, “Or even if we don't please.” but he obediently turned to face Professor Snape with Draco by his side.
Snape, who'd heard that, as intended, just gazed at Harry for a moment then asked, “How is your hand?”
Harry clenched the member in question and answered, “Hurts. It'll be fine in awhile. I've grabbed a thistle before.”
Snape just held out his hand. “Let me see.”
Harry held out his hand, which was still a bit swollen. “See, the swelling is going down.”
Snape examined Harry's hand closely. “So I see. I've never seen anyone just grab a thistle like that. Most who have to do it, have to brace themselves.”
Harry just shrugged. “There was no thinking about it. If it could help Draco ... well, there's no thinking involved.”
“So I see. Draco, continue applications of the cream every two hours until the swelling and redness are completely gone. If it lasts until morning, come see me. I have another cream we can try. Now, shoo.” He flicked his fingers in the direction of the door. Harry notice that his dark eyes held a very assessing expression but didn't think much of it.
Lunch was a rather leisurely affair as Snape had let them go twenty minutes early, an unheard of thing.
Hermione got a good look at Harry's hand when he reached for a platter of roast beef and had to withdraw it, hissing in pain. She grabbed it, hurting him again and demanded, “Harry! What did you do? This is inflamed! You're such a goof. Tell me what you did so that I can figure out how to fix this. I would say that you should go to Madam Pomfrey but after that potions disaster, I'm not sure.”
Harry finally managed to wrestle his hand away while Draco ordered, “Granger! Let go at once. You're hurting him worse. Fool.”
Hermione gasped and plopped back into her seat, exclaiming, “Oh, Harry! I'm sorry. But ... I just ... You're so careless with yourself that you just drive me mad.”
Draco took the lead. “Hermione, calm down. Harry found a Greater Thistle and pulled it with his bare hand. Like the recipe says to. Severus gave me a cream for it. Now. Put a slice of that beef on his plate.”
Hermione did as requested, babbling about Greater Thistles and the potions that could be created from them. No one paid much attention, now used to the fact that, when she was nervous or upset she had a tendency to ramble, boring on about random facts.
Harry found that he couldn't handle a utensil with his right hand, it was still very painful. He tried with his left but only managed to fumble a blob of mash and gravy into his lap.
Draco just snarled, “Oh, give me that.” and flicked his wand to clean Harry's robes. Then the Great Hall was treated to the sight of Draco Malfoy feeding Harry Potter-Black from his own plate. Purebloods, who were aware of all the ramifications of that act, stared. Those who didn't understand the declaration of shared food, stared for different reasons.
Harry looked at Ron and Neville and asked “What? It's not like he hasn't done it before. When I was sick. At first, I was so weak I couldn't do it myself. Papa and Draco took it in turns. Mmmm.” Draco took that opportunity to shove a forkful of mash into his mouth.
“Eat! Babble later. Now, you do realize that me feeding you off my own plate, in public is a declaration of sorts. Right?”
Harry nodded. “Yes, it's a declaration that you and your family will offer me sanctuary at the cost of your blood, if necessary. I wish my hand didn't hurt so much. I'd feed you back.”
Draco gave Harry a smile of such joy that Harry had to look away. “Maybe tomorrow?”
“Deal.” Harry opened his mouth for a bite of beef, completely ignoring the whispers that filled the hall.
Draco continued to feed Harry all through lunch even feeding him a huge piece of treacle tart.
When it was time to go to Arithmancy, Ron picked up Harry's school bag and said that he'd take it to class for him.
“Ron, you'll be late to your own class.” Draco held out his hand for the bag.
“Not really a problem, as it's Magical Creatures. All I have to do is tell Hagrid why I was late and he'll give me a pass. Besides, it's grindylows. Bleh.”
Professor Vector took one look at Harry's hand and told him to just borrow Hermione's notes, with her permission. She looked at Hermione for her co-operation, Hermione just nodded.
Harry smiled at her and said, “Thanks, Hermione. Between you and Draco, I'm set.”
The lecture was actually interesting as it was on the formula to figure the actual power of a wizard.
“Now, the wizarding world has developed a system where by each wizard or witch is assigned a title that indicates their power. They aren't used much except in the duelling circles but everyone should know their level. Why this isn't covered in Defence or Charms, I don't know, but we will cover it here. You'll work out your level yourself, using this formula.” She turned to write it on the board. As she wrote she continued, “Write this down, as well as the titles, which are; Wizard, Magician, Master Magician, Sorcerer, Grand Sorcerer, Mage or Warlock, and Magus. For comparison, Professor Snape is a Sorcerer, while Professor Dumbledore is a Grand Sorcerer. Most of you, as seventh years, will probably test out as Master Magicians. Some might edge into Sorcerer, but I doubt it. Now, we'll do the tests and work the maths over the next two weeks. We'll spend the rest of the class reading the applicable chapters in Arithmancy Through the Ages and I am handing out a list of other books you'll need to use to finish your research into the methods of acquiring the data needed for the formula. Better get to the library before the Ravenclaws get all the books. Now, read, please.”
Harry sighed. He was really tired of the Ravenclaws getting all the books and hogging them until the last minute. Hermione grumbled and groaned about the same thing.
When class was dismissed the whole group rushed to the library to grab as many of the books as they could manage. They were too late by several hours, Madam Pince told them that Ravenclaw had everyone of them.
Harry snarled and threw his book bag onto the table. “Damnit! How are we supposed to do our work when all the books are in Ravenclaw and won't show up until ... well, fucking never. Shite!”
Hermione didn't even call him on his language. Draco just flopped into a chair and grumbled, “You're right, Harry. I wish we could go home to do the research. Malfoy library is one of the best in the world.”
Harry snarked, “Yes, but can we use it? Hell no. We're forbidden to leave campus. I can't even go to my own library.”
Dobby, sensing that Harry was very upset, popped in exclaiming, “Harry Potter, sir. What is upsetting you so?”
“Books. I've got books that we could be using for research, without having to hurry so that others can use them, and I can't get to them. Fuck!” Harry kicked a chair, causing Madam Pince to hiss at him. He stuck his tongue out at her, knowing she couldn't see him.
Dobby nodded his understanding. “You is hurting and not being happy. Your snaky is not being happy either.” and it was true, Aspis was weaving his head back and forth by Harry's ear, hissing softly
Harry took a moment to soothe Aspis with the promise of a mouse, while he was doing that he had an idea.
“Dobby! You're my elf now, we've bonded, right?” Dobby grinned widely and nodded. “So, you can go to any of my properties anywhere and bring back anything?”
“Yes, Dobby can do. If Missy Hermi is giving Dobby a list, Dobby can be bringing any book, or anything else that is being wanted. But where is Dobby to put these things?”
Harry smiled an entirely evil smile. “In my trunk. It's Papa's old travelling trunk. After you put the books in place, lock it with your magic. Make it so that only I can unlock it.” he glanced around a bit apologetically. “That way no one can claim I'm being irresponsible with valuable books or letting anyone have unlimited access to dangerous property. Draco, you might have Dobby check the Malfoy library too.”
But Dobby shook his head at that. “Dobby is being sorry to be difficult but Dobby is never returning to Malfoy Manor. Dobby will be going to another of the Black or Potter residences if Harry Potter, sir returns there after school is being out.”
Draco just nodded. “I'll send an owl to Father. I'm sure he'll be able to figure out something.”
Harry shrugged. “Just have him send them by Gerard.”
Dobby looked relieved, Harry had forbidden him to punish himself except on express orders to do so. He'd expected at least a mild punishment for refusing a direct order, even with a good excuse. He murmured, “Harry Potter is a great and kind master. Dobby is being so lucky.”
Hermione interrupted these musings by giving him a sixteen inch list of books that she would like to have. He examined it for a moment then said, “Dobby is knowing that some of these books are not being in either library.”
Harry just shrugged, “Then find them and buy them. You've got limited access to my vaults.”
“Yes, Master Harry, Dobby is going now.” and he popped away to search out the books on the list.
Hermione gave Draco another list, causing him to question, “How the hell does she do that?” He sat down to write a letter to Lucius, telling him about Harry picking the thistle and the need for books on what was called the 'Merlin Test'.
The books all showed up in his trunk by the next afternoon.
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Authors notes.
Well, another chapter done. I'm not going to do much more with classes, most of the story will occur after or between classes, on the week-ends and during training sessions or Quidditch practice and games. Things are going to pick up a bit with lots happening fairly quickly.
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With a bare hand - per a patesco manus manus
by hand - per manus manus