Harry Potter and the Triptych
By Vickles
Rating: It's been moved back to PG-13. I'm not yet sure if it will be moved back up.
Disclaimer: I had a meeting with Voldemort in Knockturn Alley the other day. He agreed to kill JKR for me if I bring Malfoy to him. How can I possibly be asked to make such a choice? I care for Malfoy just as much as the other characters, but JKR must get out of the picture!
Author's Note: There was an embarrassing amount of typing errors in the last chapter, but (I believe) all of them have been fixed, and were not consequential. However, at the end of the chapter it said there was a little boy waiting with everyone in the kitchen. Some reviewers thought I meant little girl, but I actually didn't mean to have either of them there and it was a remainder from one of the first drafts. It's been deleted, so if you would like to go verify what I actually meant it is one of the last paragraphs of chapter 20.
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Chapter 21: Torture
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The Kitchen was quiet, with only an occasional hushed word disrupting the steely silence of the room. While Harry was grateful for the tacit company - it meant that he was not being questioned - he was able to hate it as well. The quieter the room remained the louder his thought persisted.
Images of her being cornered and Stupefied replayed as a constant blur behind the one vision that hurt the most, and consequently remained the most prominent. A blinding light, then all of them gone…leaving her there to die on the cobblestone ground.
She isn't going to die, Harry tried to reassure himself, but it was of little use. Every time he tried to remove the thought from his mind, he would recall the blood - so much blood - that had spilled forth from her abdomen. Harry had seen the one part of Hermione that he was never meant to see. No one should ever be exposed in such a way to the ones they love. Again and again and again the images flashed, with nothing he could do to stop it. Shutting his eyes only made the pictures more vivid, and opening them forced him to see his thoughts reflected through everyone else in the room.
Shaking his head, Harry jumped down from the counter and quickly left the kitchen, unsure of where he was going. Footsteps sounded behind him as he climbed the stairs, and he felt Ron's presence, though his friend did not speak. Without realizing it, they soon found themselves in front of the heavy door that led to the roof. Sucking in a fresh batch of air, Harry turned back to Ron, his voice cracking slightly as he spoke, "Come get me when…" he hesitated, "when there's news."
Ron nodded, "Of course." They stood silently for a moment before he spoke again, "Want to be left alone?"
"Yeah," Harry did not bother being polite, but knew Ron would feel bad about leaving him alone, so went on, "Besides, Ginny and Luna need you more than I do." It was a pathetic excuse, but it would do.
Ron was understanding, "You're right. I'll be back for you later if you don't return."
Once Ron was no longer sight, Harry turned and, his hand trembling slightly, rotated the doorknob, stepped through the door, and walked slowly up the stone stairs until he reached the roof.
The sun was now setting, casting brilliant shades of various colors across the night sky. Harry felt like it was mocking him. Things should never be so beautiful on such an ugly day. A day like this deserved clouds, rain even, though that would be no good either. Rain would only serve to remind Harry of the other time he had been on the same rooftop. Had it really only been just over a month ago? It felt like ages ago as Harry recalled the warmth of her embrace and the coolness of the rain as it fell against their cheeks.
Harry watched as below a boy, undoubtedly Muggle, rode by in a bright red bicycle. Perhaps he was heading home, or maybe he was meeting up with some friends. Harry hoped the boy had friends. Hoped that those friends were safe and that he would never have to go through the things he'd been forced to go through with Hermione and Ron. Hoped that the boy would never have to worry about losing a friend through death.
They'd all talked about it. Ron and Hermione both agreed to stay with him. They understood what they were getting in to, and while he did not like it, somehow Harry had been able to accept it. But now, he was no longer so sure. Could he really continue to let things like this happen? Harry could not face the Weasleys if something were to ever happen to Ron. As it was, he could barely look the Grangers in the eye. How would he ever even stand in their presence if Hermione were to die?
"Please don't let her die," Harry said out loud to no one in particular, "I don't care what I have to do, just don't let her die." He felt himself losing his composure and took a few deep breaths. He would not lose it. Not yet. Not when there was still hope, if only a glimmer.
It was a moonless night and the clouds he had wanted earlier had finally appeared. The streetlamps had just turned on, yet their light did little to illumine those above. Harry heard the door open, but didn't move as Ron came up and stood beside Harry, leaning against the same section of rooftop. Harry couldn't read his features in the darkness, and couldn't bring himself to ask. Ron must have picked up on this, speaking after a moment, "Madam Pomfrey says she'll make it."
It startled him. Harry hadn't realized until just then how much he had resigned himself to losing the one person he loved more than any other on the entire planet. "Really?" he asked, the air sucked right out of him.
Harry felt Ron smile and, without further ado, pulled his friend into a tight hug,. "How is she?"
"She's sleeping. You can see her, but her parents are with her now…" He continued talking, but Harry heard no more as he ran down the steps and through the door, down the hall a short distance to their room, anxious to see her.
Madam Pomfrey was standing outside the door and had a look on her face that Harry took to mean she would not let him through. When he tried to simply side-step her, she stood in his way, blocking his path. "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger already has two visitors. You can see her when they leave."
Harry sighed. This would not do. He apologized to Madam Pomfrey, "Please don't take this personally ma'am, for I do appreciate all that you have done today, honestly, but I really must see her right now." It was the truth. Harry was practically bursting out of his skin knowing that he was standing so close and yet so far away.
Ron came up behind him, talking to Madam Pomfrey, "Couldn't you just let him in for a little while? He's been killing himself for hours."
Madam Pomfrey looked at Harry again and softened - Harry restrained a grin at this - and spoke sternly, "You have two minutes, Mr. Potter."
Harry wasted no time, rushing past her and through the door. Hermione's mother was sitting beside Hermione on the bed, her father at the foot. Both were just watching her quietly, but it was obvious they did not want to be disturbed. However, though he felt a twinge of guilt, the better part of him didn't care. He hurried to the other side of the bed and kneeled on the floor, taking one of her cool hands (the room was rather drafty and Harry suspected her blood circulation wasn't up to par at the moment) in both of his and placing it against his dirty cheek. Happiness overwhelmed him as he watched her chest rise and fall. She was breathing. She was alive.
The tears he had been holding in for the past several hours threatened to finally spill down his cheeks as he kissed her hand once, tenderly, reaching another hand out to stroke her hair. Forgetting her parents, he spoke softly, almost a whisper as he blubbered on with words of no real importance. He kissed her hand again, squeezing it.
A throat was cleared and Harry looked up at the doorway to see a smiling Ron, eyes glistening slightly.
"Yeah?" Harry asked, his voice wobbly.
"Madam Pomfrey's patience is wearing thin."
Harry nodded and looked lovingly at Hermione, torn. He didn't want to leave her, but he knew it was best. It would not do to upset her parents, and Harry suspected a part of her might sense her surroundings, and disturbing it would definitely not be a good idea. Harry decided to wait until her parents left. Giving her a swift kiss, he whispered in her ear, "I'll be right outside." He stood and left the room, avoiding the Grangers' gaze as he did so.
When they reached the hallway, Harry, tired, waved a hand, conjuring a cushioned chair. Once he sat down, he looked up at Ron. "What?" he asked in response to his friend's odd expression.
"How long have you been able to conjure things like that?"
Harry shrugged. "I've stopped keeping track of when weird powers manifest themselves."
"Do you want to come with me to the kitchen to get something to eat?"
"Nah," he shook his head, "I'm staying right here. Besides, I'm not really hungry." This statement was betrayed by the fact that his stomach was growling and his hands were trembling.
Ron grinned, "How about a small sandwich or something?"
Harry sighed, "Fine. Have Malfoy bring it though. I need to have a word with him."
With a nod of understanding, Ron took back off down the stairs. Once he was gone, Harry leaned his head back, allowing his eyes to rest for just a moment. Next thing he knew, someone was tapping him on the side of the head. "Potter," an annoyingly familiar voice kept repeating, "Potter. Wake up."
Harry opened his eyes, finding Draco holding a rather large tray of food. Harry snorted, taking the tray from his hands, "He said just a small sandwich."
Draco ignored Harry's comment, "Weasley said you wanted to talk to me?"
Harry nodded, standing and waving a hand, at which the chair disappeared. He turned to Madam Pomfrey, who was sitting outside the room, occasionally going inside to monitor her patient. "I'll be down the hall if she wakes up, okay?"
The woman nodded. Harry looked back to Draco, "Come on."
At the other end of the hall, in a slightly secluded corner, Harry conjured two more chairs beside a small table that had already been sitting there. Setting his tray on the table, he sat, waiting for Malfoy to do the same. "Surely you know what I want to talk to you about."
Draco shrugged. "I have a hunch."
"What do you know about that thing they hit Hermione with?"
Draco sighed, "I don't know much."
Harry tried to keep his patience, "I didn't ask you how much you know."
"Fine." He took a moment before responding, "It's widely known as a death orb among dark circles, but I know it has another name, I just don't know what it is. Snape is the one working on it, and has been for about as long as you and I have been alive, from what I hear."
"What does it do?"
Draco hesitated, wincing slightly, "It's designed for single targets. Sort of a hit and run. It isn't meant for widespread injuries, which is the reason the Dark Lord has had no real interest in it. He's big on numbers; mass murder. The only reason he's taken any notice of it lately is that he's seeing potential in it; seeing what it could do."
"Which is what?"
"Kill you." When Harry remained silent, Draco went on, "See, not many people know this, but the Dark Lord is very threatened by you, as well as Weasley and Granger. The way he acts and talks, most think that he considers you three pests that simply won't go away, but many on the inner circle are realizing that you three could defeat him given the opportunity."
Harry leaned in now, intrigued, "Really?"
He nodded. "From what people are telling me, he threw a lot of Death Eaters at you earlier, am I right?"
"Yes. There were at least fifty."
"That right there should tell you something. He would never use that many in a simple civilian attack. He'd send about ten thugs and tell them to kill as many as possible. Then, by using the orb, it was like he was attempting to ensure that one of you would die."
"But it didn't work. Hermione didn't die." Harry pointed out.
"She would have," Draco replied grimly.
"What do you mean?"
"The orb is designed to kill, and based on where it hits decides the method of death. Where she was hit, Granger should have bled out, but slowly after the initial blood from the impact."
"How slowly?" Harry asked, horrified.
Draco did not seem to want to say it, "It could have taken weeks."
Harry repressed the vomit that threatened to escape at such an appalling thought. "Do you know why didn't she die?"
"I've been Snape's understudy since about the age of seven. I've worked with him on this thing and know that spells that have gone into it. The orb is like a combination of the Killing Curse and the Cruciatus, but neither of them is actually in the orb. It's a delicate balance of many smaller things, like jinxes and the more dangerous charms. Therefore, all Madam Pomfrey needed was to know what those were so she could reverse the effect."
Harry shook his head, processing this, "I thought you said you didn't know much."
"I don't," Draco replied, becoming irritated, "I only know how everything works theoretically, but most of the progress seems to have been made this summer. So, obviously, I know nothing about that. I can't tell you how they are going to use it any more than you can, and I can't tell you why they hit who they did. All I could do was keep it from doing its job." He had begun speaking faster, his words a bit heated.
Harry knew that he should thank him, but the words simply would not come. "The Death Eater that threw it, the orb just formed in his hand. How does that work?"
"Did you see his lips moving?" Draco asked, curious.
"Yes. Very rapidly."
Draco nodded, "It's a long and complicated spell in ancient Latin, even different from most spells we use. Whoever conjured it had undoubtedly been training to do it for a long time now. I'm not surprised they had four expert fighters to back him up. I can assure you it had nothing to do with you."
Harry chose to ignore that last remark, not at all in the mood for a fight. "They were pretty good. Usually Death Eaters are all about Unforgivables, but these guys actually used strategy." When Draco didn't reply Harry sighed, moving to stand, "I should go check on Hermione." He had no sooner stood than his legs began to wobble.
Draco rolled his eyes, "For goodness sake's, Potter, just eat something. Here," he grabbed a mini sandwich off the tray and stuffed it in Harry's open mouth. "Now chew. Good job." Heading back down the hall, Harry heard him muttering to himself, "Stupid Gryffindor can't even feed himself because his precious girlfriend is wounded…"
Swallowing the food and grabbing another sandwich, Harry headed back down the hall to Madam Pomfrey, who exhaled rather loudly as he took a seat on the floor. "Really Mr. Potter. It could be hours, honestly, and I refuse to crowd my patient. Why don't you get some rest yourself?"
Harry just smiled, "I'm fine right here. Aren't you the least bit glad to have some company?"
The way she crossed her arms and turned away from him answered that question quite clearly, so Harry returned to his sandwich. Not more than ten minutes later did Harry hear footsteps, then a bang. Harry looked up to see Tonks sprawled out on the floor. She smiled as she stood, "And here I thought I had been getting better."
Harry laughed, "Some things can never be completely fixed."
She cocked her head to one side as she took a seat in front of him, "So how are you doing?"
"She's alive."
Tonks smiled, "That's good, but I asked how you are doing, not how she is doing."
Harry shrugged, "I'm not sure I know the difference anymore."
"Well, I have a bit of news that might make you happy." Harry tilted his head, interested. "I've been told that you saved a little girl?"
Harry nodded, "She somehow got lost in the shuffle. I just got her out."
"I met up with her parents," Tonks said, "They were very grateful and wanted me to pass on their thanks, and the girl also asked me to return this to you." She held up one of the small medallions that Hermione had made. "She said you clipped this on her?"
"To protect her."
"And removing your protection in the process," Tonks pressed.
Harry shrugged, uncomfortable, "It was pretty much a no-brainer, Tonks. I am capable of protecting myself. She's just a kid."
"I suppose that makes sense," she admitted, with a small frown, "Anyway, I just thought I'd pass on that, thanks to you, the girl is perfectly fine."
Harry smiled, "That's good."
Tonks looked down at her watch, "And now I've got to be going. The press is going insane, and McGonagall needs all the help she can get, trying to make sure her students are safe while trying to keep random Ministry officials and Daily Prophet reporters from harassing them at the same time. Of course, they would be bothering you too, if they could find you. The Minister of Magic himself wants a private meeting. You want to come?"
"I'm not leaving Hermione."
"I figured as much. I'll see you tomorrow morning for training."
"What?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Hermione doesn't have to come, of course, but make sure you tell the others. Bye!" Before Harry could reply, Tonks was gone.
Ron soon came walking up the stairs, taking a seat next to Harry and keeping him company as they waited. About thirty minutes later, the Grangers stepped out of the room. Both boys got to their feet.
"It's getting rather late," Mr. Granger said, "And the doc-Healer said it could still be hours."
Mrs. Granger nodded, though it was obvious she didn't want to leave. Knowing he would regret this later, Harry opened his mouth to reply, "You could spend the night here if you want."
Both of the adults lit up. "Are you sure you have enough room?" Mr. Granger asked.
Ron laughed, "I think we'll manage. I'll go tell Dobby to set a room up." He left them, walking down the hall.
"Dobby? Do you mean one of those poor enslaved creatures Hermione tells us about?"
Harry was not surprised that Hermione had told them. "Well, yes, but Dobby is paid, or Hermione would never let us keep him." He chose not to mention Dobby's fetish with him or that he probably didn't have to be paid. "Why don't you two go downstairs and get something to eat while you wait? I'm sure you must be starved."
Though they clearly hesitated, both of the Grangers nodded and left down the hall in the same direction Ron had. As soon as they were out of sight, Harry rushed into the bedroom where Madam Pomfrey was monitoring Hermione. She looked up at him, slightly irritated, "Mr. Potter, you may stay, but please do not disturb my patient."
Harry nodded, happy just to be near her again, "I wouldn't dream of it." As the older woman left, Harry pulled up a chair beside Hermione's bed, taking her hand in his again, carefully stroking her cheek.
He smiled as she lay there peacefully, undoubtedly thanks to a Dreamless Sleep potion. Taking a breath, he began to speak softly, "Why do these things always happen to you, Hermione? Do you delight in placing me in cardiac arrest?" He sighed, "I have to say, though, this is one of the biggest scares you've given me. Are you trying to break some kind of record?"
Hermione simply continued to sleep, so Harry went on, "Please try to be more careful from now on, sweetie. I know this isn't your fault, but maybe if you would just quit being so stubborn and let me help you once in awhile things like this wouldn't happen. It's not like anyone doubts how strong you are, hon, we just think that you're human like the rest of us. Is that such a bad thing? Please don't get mad. I respect your ability to defend yourself. I just couldn't bare to lose you, you know that, right? I mean…" Harry stopped mid sentence as Hermione began to stir. He watched as, very slowly, her eyes began to flutter open, looking around the room unfocused.
"Harry?" she asked softly, her voice a bit scratchy.
Harry squeezed her hands, his heart welling up, "I'm right here."
Her eyes followed the sound and finally rested on him, gradually coming into focus. She turned her head, leaning into the palm of his hand.
Harry sighed, not wanting to leave her for a second but not wanting to disturb her more than necessary, "I need to go get Madam Pomfrey so she can make sure you are alright, but I'll be right back, okay?"
Hermione looked at him, as if processing his words about half as quickly as he said them, finally nodding, though still confused, "Okay."
Harry quickly ran to the door, fetched Madam Pomfrey, and speedily returned to her side as she was inspected, kneeling beside her on the bed since Madam Pomfrey needed to stand where he had been sitting. An array of colors lit up around her body, indicating different things that Harry didn't make sense of. He could tell that Hermione still didn't fully understand what was happening and took her hand, rubbing it as a reminder that he was right there. Just as Madam Pomfrey began to speak, the Grangers walked in, somehow having been notified about their daughter. They stood at the foot of the bed quietly.
"Miss Granger, do you know where you are?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
Hermione nodded, "Me and Harry's room." Harry used all of his self control to avoid looking at her parents.
"And what is the last thing you remember before waking up?"
Hermione concentrated, "There was an attack at the train station. I got cornered. Harry and I were fighting because he wanted to get me out. But I didn't want to risk it, and thought I could handle it. Then that Death Eater threw that green thing at me. I just remember feeling a horrible flash of pain right before everything went black. Is that right?" She turned to Harry for confirmation, who nodded.
Madam Pomfrey nodded, "That orb was designed to kill you, but thanks to Mr. Malfoy, I was able to prevent that. I believe you will be okay, but unfortunately I cannot be sure about what kind of long term effects this might or might not have."
Hermione looked at Harry, smiling weakly, "I bet you just hate it that Malfoy did something good."
Harry shook his head, though she was right. "I would have hated it much more if you had died."
Hermione seemed unsure of how to reply, so focused her attention back on the older woman, "What else is there?"
"You're very weak. I expect it to be at least a week or two before you can make it through a whole day like a normal person should, and even a bit longer than that before you can return to your normal rigorous routine. I've got some potions for you to take, but I'll talk to you about that later."
"But I will be okay, though?" Hermione confirmed, brow furrowed.
Madam Pomfrey hesitated briefly, something Harry did not like, "As I said, there is no way to guarantee anything at this point, but my bets are one yes, eventually you will be your normal self again. I do recommend bed rest for at least the next two or three days, though."
Hermione nodded, "Thank you."
"You're welcome. I must be going now. The Headmistress needs my assistance, but I will be back to check on you periodically throughout the night, and don't hesitate to send for me if something happens. Am I understood?" Hermione nodded again, and after a few more exchanges of gratitude, Madam Pomfrey left.
There was a semi-awkward silence before Harry turned to Hermione. "Is there anything we can do to make you more comfortable? Are you hungry or thirsty?"
Hermione shook her head, "Though maybe a cup of crushed ice would be nice. And could you prop me up a bit? I feel odd being completely horizontal."
Harry nodded, getting up off the bed, "I think we have some extra pillows in the closet."
"And I'll go get you some ice, Sweetheart," Mr. Granger said, leaving the room. Mrs. Granger took Harry's seat by the bed. Harry entered the closet and found a small stack of pillows on one of the shelves, and grabbed three, in case she wanted another.
When Hermione saw him coming towards the bed she tried to sit up, but her arms shook beneath her, so Mrs. Granger pulled her up, holding her gently as Harry put two of the pillows on the one already there. Carefully, Mrs. Granger placed Hermione back against the pillows, now sitting up slightly. She smiled, "Thank you, that's much better." A few minutes later Mr. Granger returned with the ice. Not long after that, Dobby popped in, speaking with a proud smile, "Harry Potter's Hermione's parents is having a room ready to sleep in! Dobby is taking them there!"
The Grangers seemed unsure, but Hermione prodded them, "You should go and get some sleep. I'm fine now." It took a few more tries, but finally they consented, leaving them alone as Dobby led them out.
Harry turned and lay down on the bed beside Hermione, every muscle in his body sore. Hermione looked at him with pity, "You should go to sleep too."
"I will in a minute, but I've got to get the energy to carry a blanket and a pillow over to the couch."
"Why would you need to do that?" Hermione asked confused.
Harry chuckled, sitting up, "First of all, because your parents are here, and I cannot morally justify sharing a bed with you when they are under the same roof. Secondly, I don't want to risk kicking you are something while I sleep."
"I see."
Harry got off the bed and set up the couch, pulling off his shirt and pants and putting on some pajama bottoms. "Is there anything you need before I go to sleep?"
Hermione bit her lip in thought, "Well, you should probably put on a top, incase my parents come to check on me."
"Good idea," Harry walked over to the dresser and pulled out a clean white t-shirt. "Anything else?"
Hermione yawned, "How about a goodnight kiss?"
Harry smiled, "I think I could manage that." He strode towards the bed and leaned over to give her a quick, chaste kiss. "Good night."
Hermione smiled, "I love you."
"I love you, too." Harry returned to the couch and it was no more than a minute before she could hear him snoring softly.
A couple of minutes later there was a soft knock on the door, opening after a moment to reveal the third member of the trio.
"Ron!" Hermione whispered happily as he took a seat by the bed, "I was wondering if you were coming."
"I was helping your parents get settled."
"Oh. What about Ginny and Luna?"
"They both went home. They each promised to stop by tomorrow."
"That's good."
Ron smiled, "You really scared us, you know that? Harry practically lost it, and the rest of us weren't doing much better. I think even Malfoy was a bit worried for a minute there."
Hermione nodded, "I heard he's the reason I'm not dead."
"Madam Pomfrey is the reason you're not dead," Ron corrected, "He just had a few useful facts for her."
Hermione winced, "Do you think I have to thank him?" She smiled lightly, yawning.
"I suppose you do," Ron replied sympathetically.
Hermione's eyes began to close, "What does he know?"
"I'm not sure," Ron answered, "But I know Harry talked to him earlier. Merlin, I bet that was uncomfortable. Just imagine it. Poor Harry. I wonder if he even thanked…" Ron stopped talking as he realized Hermione had fallen asleep. Gently, he pulled a pillow out so she could lie down properly, then turned the light out beside her bed, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead before getting up to leave. "Good night, Hermione." Then he shut the door behind him and went to bed himself, putting an end to a very long day.
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A/N: Big thanks to Lady Starlight as well as to all of those who reviewed for the last chapter. Your comments were all really great. Thank you!
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