Chapter 12
Ivory's POV
I started to wake up as Harry was telling Professor Snape and a different man about Dudley and his gang. Professor Snape asked the question - if they had ever hurt me physically. I knew that Harry wouldn't be able to answer that, and the question grew thick in the air. More out of fear of what would happen if I didn't, I decided to make myself wake up and talk to them.
"Not his friends." My answer was evasive, and I knew it. I didn't know how much information they needed. "Dudley was, but only because Vernon told him to. Vernon wanted to 'teach him the natural ways' or something like that." My voice cracked as I recalled the many instances where I was treated this way. "The worst his friends ever got to was mocking and some unwanted touching."
Professor Snape's face grew more and more livid as I spoke. "What else did they do to you?" His voice was shaking, and I was afraid of answering. I looked away, unwilling to share the rest of what happened. It was painful to recall all the times I was injured, and I didn't want to subject Harry to the knowledge of what happened.
Harry looked down at me and whispered, "You need to tell us. That's the only way Poppy can help you." But I hid my face. I didn't want to. Not only because I didn't want him to know, but also because I didn't want to relive the tragedies.
"Harry, my boy, I feel as though it would best suit our purposes if you and I went down to dinner. I do believe that your friends will be waiting for you? If you are gone too long, you will worry them. Ivory is in good hands here in the hospital wing." Dumbledore's calm voice abated one of my fears at having Harry stay.
"Good hands?" Harry asked in disbelief. "How could this be good hands? All he's ever been is rude to me! Plus, he's a potions teacher. What does he know about medicine or abuse?" Dumbledore, Professor Snape, and I all looked at him strangely.
"She is in the hands of the mediwitch and Professor Snape, who has worked as a healer. Plus, he is our go-to for cases of abuse. So, if you'll just come along with me, we will make way for the Great Hall." I nodded at Harry, and he walked away with Dumbledore, presumably to the feast.
I watched the two of them walk down the long room lined with beds, and out into the halls beyond. Professor Snape looked at me, before sitting down on the edge of my hospital bed. "I know how you feel, that you don't want to tell me. I know that what happened must haunt you every night as you sleep. I can see some of the scars from it and can only imagine that their are more. But I need to know what happened. It'll help me help you."
Poppy came over and held my hand. "We are here for you sweetie. You don't have to tell us now, but can we do some more tests? Maybe even some healing?" I looked up and her and nodded slowly. They both reached out with their wands and started casting diagnostic spells on the young girl.
