The Internal Devices

Chapter 28

Theo woke to intense pain in his chest and cried out, reaching for the boy who usually came to his rescue in moments like these. When he frantically looked around, clenching his torso, he realized he was completely alone. The room was dark, and he couldn't tell where he was. Panic rose inside him, and his breaths started coming in gasps, dripping blood down his chin. He needed air. Where was the air?

Warm hands lifted him into a sitting position, tilting his head backward to straighten his airway, and an unfamiliar spell vanished the blood still blocking the path to his lungs. One second of relief. Then his muscles seized, rattling his body so violently he couldn't see. It wasn't as painful as the cruciatus his father would use all those years ago, but this was much more frightening. He tried to scream, but it led to another round of coughing that silenced him. The gurgling in his lungs sent a wave of nausea through him; it was such a horrifying sound to hear coming from your own body. Those hands appeared, and in a flash, they emptied his throat once more. Another gasp of air. Then the muscle spasms. A round of vomiting yielding even more coughing. Repeat. On and on and on until Theo collapsed in exhaustion, trembling in the small cot, drenched in sweat but freezing.

Finally, the hands, which he realized belonged to Madam Pomfrey, cast a series of spells that relaxed his tense muscles, suctioned out any remaining blood, and warmed his shaking body. He couldn't speak, but had the vague idea that he was dying. It was almost funny, in that it was so incredibly predictable. And yet, somehow, he still wasn't ready. Madam Pomfrey shushed him gently, and he realized he must've been whimpering. Somehow, he didn't have the energy to be embarrassed. She leaned close to his ear and asked if he wanted some cough potion. He delicately turned his head to indicate his refusal. The potions wouldn't be able to help him now.

He swallowed with difficulty. "Madam," he rasped, "where is Draco? Where is Hermione?" He was trying not to become hysterical, but that buzzing anxiety was rising with every passing moment. He was so frightened. He couldn't be alone. Not right now.

"Don't worry, love. They're on their way."

The words didn't help, and Theo tried to roll over. He had to find them, to tell them he was sorry, he was so sorry, he didn't want to leave them, didn't want to die. He didn't want to die. He didn't want to die. He didn't want to die. A sob burst from his mouth, and at the sound, Madam Pomfrey rushed over and carefully pushed him back into a laying position.

"Theodore, sweetheart, I promise– they are coming." Theo weakly fought the arms pressing him down and heard the sound of a door flying open, and footsteps slamming on the tiles. He didn't look, he was too busy trying to push himself up and couldn't see past the tears blurring his eyes.

"Please! Please, Madam," he cried, "I have to find them. I need to go–" Theo stopped abruptly as two sets of hands pinned him down, but instead of being unfamiliar, these were instantly comforting. After a moment, a small hand wiped the tears from his face, and he was captivated by the same brown eyes that had won over his heart. Her perfect lips curled upward, and it sent a shiver through him. Movement caught his attention and his eyes darted to the other side where familiar silvery hair came into view. Theo's heart rate slowed, and he quit fighting, allowing them to press him into the pillows. Everything was alright, because these two were his home, and they were here, and he wasn't alone.

Hermione leaned in close and kissed his cheek lightly. "Hi, Theo." She said it like it was normal, like nothing was ending or beginning, like the moment just was. For some reason, this meant everything to him. Draco crouched to be at eye level and flashed a smirk, squeezing Theo's shoulder lightly.

"If I knew you'd absolutely lose it without seeing my handsome face when you woke up, I would've never walked away, mate."

Theo only managed to hold in his chuckle because of the residual pain in his chest. "Oh, shove off." It was too late though, a wide grin had spread across his face. At the sight of it, Hermione and Draco seemed to take a collective breath.