𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍

Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

Draco entered the Slytherin common room still in shock. He tried to get rid of the unpleasant feeling, but then the image of his favourite teacher – he would even go so far as to call him friend, at least on occasion – lying on the cold floor would re-enter his mind, and the shock would intensify.

But Potter had felt Severus’ pulse, and the man had stirred after getting the anti-poison draught. He had not died.

Not yet, his mind supplied.

Merlin, how Draco wished the parent visit had never happened. Without it, his father would not have been given the chance to nearly kill Harry with a Bludger, and poison Severus with a—something. Though Draco did not doubt that his father had chosen poison – something about poison had always enchanted Lucius Malfoy more than crude curses, and in the Malfoy library there were several tomes on the subject – he had absolutely no idea what. Something very rare, nearly unheard of, for Severus not to have recognised its effects and countered it with the correct antidote.

And if Severus could not find the antidote, then what chance did anyone else stand of finding it?

The common room felt crowded. Draco, wanting and needing to be alone, crept up to his dorm. He drew the drapes around his bed and lay down, sighing. He closed his eyes. Once again, he saw the scene play out—

Severus prowled the classroom like he always did. Well, almost – his steps were more hesitant, slower, than usual. And then he suddenly stumbled and gripped Potter and the Weasel's table. His face contorted in pain and Draco could hear his raspy breathing, yet could do nothing to help.

Then Severus fell to the floor. Harry gripped his arm, which broke his fall somewhat, but not completely. Draco saw the Severus’ head hit the floor, heard the crack, and saw it bouncing back up as though it was a ball of some sort, before landing again. This time, the man stayed still; too still.

Draco was unable to move. He heard Granger begin to bark out orders, and the Weasel and Longbottom obeyed and disappeared out the door. Only when Finnigan moved to get the healing potion did Draco realise that he was standing with a vial already in hand, and he gave it to Granger. His eyes were locked on the prone form on the floor.

He had never felt so helpless.

Draco shuddered.

Please let him be okay, he begged silently. He's the only one I can stand here.

It was not strictly true – there was one other person he could stand. Only, he could never tell that one person.

You are not supposed to lust after your enemy! Draco screamed at himself.

There was a knock on the window, and Draco opened the drapes. He looked out the window and found one of his father's black hawks. A Malfoy did not use regular owls.