𝐓𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄

Chapter 20

Chapter 20: The Dire Prognosis is Given, A Trip Away Ensues, Ministry Man Wets His Pants

"I need to go to the bathroom," Harry said as he slid from under the covers and walked toward the back of the wing where Poppy was dividing out potions into vials. "Poppy?"

"Yes? What is it, Harry?" Poppy asked as she poured.

"Today is the day we need to do the test," Harry said quietly. "I want you to take the test now and give me the results."

"Right now?" Poppy asked looking to him in concern.

"Yes," Harry said seriously very quietly so that the others wouldn't hear. "I need to know how long I'll be living. I don't want you to tell anyone else. These are my results and I want them withheld."

"I understand," Poppy said putting down the vials and wiping her hands on her apron. "I'll need to draw a bit of blood and then I'll add it to the testing vial which will show if there are any traces of the virals and if your body is still producing them." Harry nodded that he understood the procedure. As Poppy began to set up the test, Harry went to relieve himself in the bathroom. When he returned, Poppy sat Harry down in the chair and took the blood from his vein. When she had enough she healed up the tiny mark she'd left at drawing the blood. "This will take about fifteen minutes. I'll...I'll come let you know then." There was a grave concern on her face. Harry nodded solemnly.

"Fine," Harry said as he stood and walked back to his bed and sat underneath the covers silently. All the others were talking about the upcoming press conference with the Daily Prophet and the Ministry's imminent arrival to question everything concerning everything.

"...isn't that right?" Draco asked. Harry sat staring at he foot of his bed in a daze. "Harry?" Draco asked as everyone turned to him. Harry never moved or blinked as he was caught up in the stare and deep thoughts of living or dying he didn't know which.

"Harry?" Albus asked. Harry still never moved. Draco went to snap his fingers in Harry's line of vision and Harry jumped.

"Are you okay?" Draco asked. "We've been trying to get your attention."

"Oh...um...I was just...thinking about...things," Harry said. "I'm okay. Really. What was it you asked?"

"It was nothing," Draco eyed Harry quizzically. "You're not okay at all. You're...not even here. What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing much," Harry said. "I just...got lost in thought there for a minute." Harry's tone of voice was thick with worry and everyone noticed.

"Do you need lie down?" Lupin asked.

"No. I'm fine," Harry tried that smile that never quite worked when he was not feeling it and he knew everyone knew he was upset about something. "I'm tired a bit. Maybe I will lie down." Harry lay on his bed and pulled the sheet up to his shoulders as he curled up a bit and tried not to think how that it was eight minutes until he'd know the result. The others talked on about things as Harry lay in tensed silence. Albus watched him closely.

"Harry," Albus said simply. Harry didn't look for a few seconds to the voice but when Harry raised his eyes slowly to look at Albus the truth was between them.