Aperta Vulnera - drarry

The Thoughts

Draco had never felt such serenity in his life. And it was all at the hands of Potter. It was as if all the fog had been cleared from his head. Madam Pomfrey walked in. She immediately noticed the bandages across Malfoy's chest and actually congratulated Potter on his good work.

Malfoy was not too pleased about this, how hard is it to put on what is essentially a big plaster, he thought to himself. Also, Draco recalled he did most of it himself, maybe less than Potter but shouldn't he be congratulated too?

Draco sat upright, preparing to listen to what Madam Pomfrey had to say.
"Well Draco, i'm sure you know what i'm about to say right now, considering you've been here 20 times in the past month." Draco flushed in embarrassment, did she really need to say it like that. Sure the beatings were frequent but still, way to rub salt in the wound. More so in front of Potter, who looked quite smug standing, arms crossed, next to Madam Pomfrey.

"Young man i do not know what's going on nor do i care, i have far too many patients, however i would advise you to stay out of troubles way, which you clearly have a hard time of doing."

Malfoy, now more alert, sat upright on the bed and started buttoning up his shirt.

"20 times, i'd have to say that's a record Malfoy!"

Without a response, Malfoy stood up and slung his satchel over his shoulder and walked out, muttering a thank you to Madam Pomfrey.

The next few hours went by surprisingly quick, Harry could not wait to recount this experience with Ron and Hermione, as Ron in particular would definitely enjoy the fact that Malfoy had been getting daily beatings. Malfoy was the one usually carrying out the beatings, but it was quite satisfying how the tables had turnt.

As he made his way down to dinner, he saw Malfoy for a second time, clearly being intimidated by older years. Sure, Harry and Draco were in Fifth Year and were already quite developed, it was clear Draco would not be able to put up a fight against the older years. Malfoy's robes were already torn and even from his distance Harry could spot a blotchy black eye forming. Although Harry was used to being a saviour he decided to sit this one out, mostly for his own benefit as the older years may of bruised him up as well. Just as Harry was about to turn on his heel, he heard a very concerning scream the suggested this was not just a beating, perhaps a Hexing.

Harry stepped slowly and quietly has he made his way to the staircase where it was happening. He didn't plan on helping but just wanted to observe.
What he saw frightened him.

Malfoy, on his knees in front of older years, them pulling his hair. Being hexed so painfully he cried out, to which the older year Ravenclaws just laughed, and slapped him round the face. And just like he'd planned he did not help. Instead he walked away, as though he had never seen what he saw.

Harry stepped into the Great Hall and took a seat by Hermione and Ron, who were having a heated discussion on the topics of quidditch.

"Hermione, i know you don't understand the actual depths of the game!" Ron exclaimed, his voice breaking. This was clearly something he was passionate about but Hermione simply couldn't care less, it wasn't something that she spent her time thinking about, unlike her.. friend Ron. Harry coughed as he sat down, still feeling uncomfortable when he sat down. After what he witnessed it placed him on edge. Trying to act as normal has possible, he placed mashed potatoes clumsily on his plate. As he went to take a bite he realised he wasn't quite hungry.

Hermione and her instincts lead her to believe something was wrong with her best friend. She watched him closely as he pushed around the food on his plate.

"Harry, what's bothering you? You've barely touched your food, and usually you're competing with Ron." She spoke softly. Ron looked offended.

Harry snapped out of his train of thought quickly in order to meet Hermione's worrisome eyes.

"Nothings wrong Mione, i'm alright, just tired." Though his heart was not in the answer. He wasn't worried about Malfoy, heck, the git in some ways deserved his harsh treatment, but still the sight was disturbing and he simply couldn't take his mind off it. Had it been anyone else, he would've intervened, but helping Malfoy would just be awkward for everyone.

Hermione shrugged this off, if Harry wanted to confide in her he would.

"So how was your detention at the Hospital Wing? Anything interesting happen?" She tried to clear the mist of awkwardness that had settled on the group.

Harry perked up again. "You'll never believe who walked- no, fell, into the doors today."

Ron looked quite amused with this statement and practically begged Harry to continue.

"Malfoy, and Merlin i didn't know someone could get beat up that badly! I mean he had cuts everywher-." Hermione interrupted.

"He got beaten? By who? That's ghastly." She seemed quite concerned for Malfoy which surprised Harry, she was concerned about the same boy who'd called her a Mud-Blood for 4 years straight. This was quickly overruled by Ron.

"It's not like he didn't deserve it, the coward. He should get beat up more often, that's his karma for being a murderer." He said, mouth filled with sausage and mash, which Hermione did not approve of, shown by her disgusted impression.

"Well, get this, he was bleeding a lot, and had a damn good Stinging Hex placed on him by Zacharias." This was music to Ron's ears. If anyone hated Malfoy the most it'd be Ron, of course shortly followed by Harry and then perhaps half the school.

Dinner had finished quicker than Harry would like it. Which meant he had to go back to the Hospital Wing for another 3 hours, something he was not looking forward to.

When he eventually dragged himself there he could hear familiar screams, coming from the one and only Malfoy.