The Noctis Codex | DRARRY

TWENTY-THREE

Slowly, awareness returned. Harry stirred, feeling disoriented, the world around him swimming in and out of focus. The brightness of the room felt overwhelming; his head throbbed, and he could barely make sense of where he was. The reflection from the snow shined through the windows, and for a moment, he couldn't remember why he felt so awful.

Alone, he noticed. No comforting presence nearby, only the quiet rustle of the wing as the shadows flickered against the walls. The dread settled heavily in his chest as he tried to piece together what had happened. He felt weak, his body drained as if he hadn't eaten in days. Just as he began to sink back into his thoughts, Madam Pomfrey entered with a tray of food, her surprise evident when she spotted him awake.

"Finally!" she exclaimed, a mix of relief and exasperation flooding her voice. "Everyone was so worried about you. But now, everything is going to be alright."

Confusion washed over the boy. Why would everything be alright again? Then, with a jolt, he remembered Draco. After trying to push himself up, he abruptly felt the weight of fatigue pull him back down. "Is Draco here?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

Madam Pomfrey smiled gently, nodding. "He's in class."

"Class?" The word hung in the air, a strange feeling of fear gripping to him. "How long have I slept?"

"Today is the first day of school. You've been out for about two days straight."

A surge of adrenaline shot through him. He needed to see Draco immediately. "How could he be in class already? He must've gone through the same thing as me!" The thought of the blond being alone in class while he languished here was almost unbearable.

"I haven't seen him yet, dear," she admitted, "but I know he returned. That's all I can tell you."

Leaning back against the pillow, Harry's heart raced. What if Draco was struggling, feeling as isolated as he had? "Did he come to see me?" he asked, barely able to contain his worry.

"Not that I know of."

Frustration clawed at him as he sank back into his thoughts. The urge to see the blond intensified, and time felt like it was slipping away.

Hours dragged by, the sterile scent of the hospital wing mingling with the faint aroma of food. As he nibbled on the sparse meal, he tried to regain his strength, but anticipation gnawed at him. Suddenly, the door burst open, and Hermione and Ron rushed in, their faces lighting up at the sight of him.

"You're awake!" The girl exclaimed, her eyes brimming with relief.

Without hesitation, Harry blurted, "How's Draco?"

Silence instantly fell, and the room felt colder. Ron shifted uncomfortably, while Hermione's expression shifted to concern. "He... he looked rough," she admitted, her voice low. "Paler than usual. He even fell asleep in class once."

"Why hasn't he come to see me?" Harry pressed, anxiety creeping in.

Neither of his friends had an answer. "We haven't talked to him since we got here," Ron admitted, his brows knitted in worry.

The exhaustion of the past few days finally caught up with the Gryffindor. He needed a shower, desperately wanting to wash away the leftovers of his illness. "Can you help me stand?"

Ron nodded, and together they managed to get him on his feet. "Oh, and by the way," he added, his voice attempting to lighten the mood, "we heard from McGonagall that you guys don't share a room anymore. You're in separate dorms now."

Instantly, Harry felt a pang in his chest. "What? Why?"

"I'm not sure. Apparently Draco wanted that." Ron explained, trying to remain upbeat.