Harry Potter and A New Chapter of Life

Chapter 11: Death's Doorstep

As Harry entered St. Mungo’s he found Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt standing at the receptions desk talking hastily with an older frail looking wizard in lime green robes. The older wizard had long thin silver hair that rested on his frail shoulder as he red-faced talked fervently to Kingsley. Harry sensing that they were having an argument cautiously approached the pair in an attempt to give them a chance to finish their conversation.

“Potter, I assume you’re here to badger my patient?” The older wizard grumbled as he shot Harry an annoyed glare, which caused Harry to recoil slightly from being approached in such manner from a complete stranger.

“Harry thanks for coming. This is Healer James Timbleton,” Kingsley greeted giving Harry a firm handshake while motioning to the wizard in lime-green robes. “Please forgive Healer Timbleton manners, he seems to be of the opinion that we should wait until Draco fully recovers before we question him, says the stress of it all could make his health relapse.”

Harry eyed Timbleton curiously before proceeding to say, “If I am not mistaken sir, I am here at Draco’s request am I not?”

“Well yes Potter he did ask to speak with you, but I must insist that you postpone, his health is too fragile at the moment.”

“Your concern is noted Healer Timbleton, but as of now this is official Ministry business,” Kingsley stated and then turned to Harry, “Harry if you’ll follow me please.”

Kingsley led Harry to the elevator lift as Healer Timbleton eyed the pair angrily. As they stepped into the lift Kingsley let out and exhausted sigh. Harry noticed and asked, “Long day Minster?”

“You could say that Harry, been here arguing with Healer Timbleton since I received news that Draco had awakened.” Kingsley answered attempting to rub the fatigue from his eyes.

The pair finished their short ride in silence as they got off on the fourth floor. Kingsley led Harry down a long hallway that seemed curiously deserted to be a hospital ward. As they proceeded down the hall Harry took quickly glances in rooms as they walked by, finding each one unoccupied.

Kingsley noticed Harry’s actions and gave a soft chuckle, “Been kind of slow here Harry. Oh they were extremely busy once Tom Riddle took over and for a while after the Battle of Hogwarts, but things have started to return to normal for the most part thanks to you.”

Harry remained quiet as they walked, and continued to peer into rooms as they walked by. Finally they reached the end of the hallway and approached the last remaining door which was firmly closed. Harry was about to open the door when he stopped and addressed Kingsley, “Minister do you mind if I go in alone at first?”

Kingsley curiously eyed Harry before giving him a curt nod and said, “Not at all Harry I’ll be right out here.”

Kingsley then took a place in one of the chairs that had been placed against the wall across from the door. Harry knocked on the door and without waiting for a reply from the other side walked into the room. As he closed the door behind him he casted the silence charm so that they would not be overheard.

As Harry turned to face Draco he found him sitting up in his bed resting against pillows as he quietly watched. Draco face was pale and sickly. Harry was shocked at Draco’s appearance, no longer did he portray the arrogant smug look that Harry had become accustomed to, here Harry saw a boy his age whose eyes full of fear, sadness, and pain. Harry felt sorry for Draco, but still found the irony in the situation for if anyone were to have looked deep into his eyes before the defeat of Tom Riddle they would have found the same look.

“Potter, finally thought I would die here of old age waiting for you,” Malfoy said with obviously force smugness.

Harry didn’t respond just walked across the room and took a seat in the chair next to Malfoy’s bed and looked at Malfoy as he pondered how to approach him. Finally with a sigh Harry said softly, almost in a whisper, “Why?”