Song Of The Guardians

The Pledge

Lucius and Narcissa were pleased that the Harbingers didn't seem to have much interest in leaving the manor that day. The last two days had been more than enough excitement. Most of them merely looked tired, but Andy looked as if it hurt him to move. David hadn't even come down to breakfast. Draco had gone back upstairs to retrieve him.

When Draco returned, David was following him rather slowly. He skin was unusually pale and he was moving rather stiffly. "I feel like I've been run over by a hippogriff," David grumbled. His entire body felt sore and tight. He sat down carefully next to Andy, hoping to avoid jarring anything that could cause him more pain.

"I have a potion for you to take," Severus told the two men. "However, it would be best not to take it on an empty stomach."

Caroline set a plate in front of both men, already filled with toast and eggs. "Start with that," she said, watching them anxiously. "I'm happy to get more for you when you finish with that."

David offered Andy a tired smile before looking back at Caroline. "We're fine," David said. "Just relax and enjoy your breakfast. I think we're just sore," he added with another glance at Andy.

Andy nodded, pouring pumpkin juice for himself and David. "We probably just need to sleep a bit more after we take the potion," he said, noting that the hand holding the juice pitcher was trembling. David spotted it at the same moment and reached over to steady Andy's hands and set the pitcher back on the table. Andy blushed, making David smile and look away.

"How are you feeling Hermione?" David asked. "I don't remember much about that fight..." He paused shooting Andy a look that was a bit pained. "But I do recall some idiot jumping out of a tree and knocking you down."

Hermione winced at the memory. "I'm much better now," she assured him. "Lucius said that I had some damage to my spine again, but he fixed it pretty quickly."

"Indeed," Lucius added. "Provided she rests today, and that no one was too rough with her last night, she will be completely healed." His gaze shifted pointedly to Severus, who glared back over the rim of his coffee cup. Hermione's cheeks flushed as she bit her lip and looked down to hide her smile.

Ron, Draco and Harry snorted with laughter. Andy and David laughed as well, but they regretted the action almost immediately. They rubbed at their sore stomachs casting rueful glances at one another.

Severus shook his head at them with a sigh before focusing on Lucius again with a scowl. Lucius winked at Hermioe before meeting his eyes. "Forgive me old friend," Lucius said. "I couldn't resist. I am pleased to see you so happy."

Severus rolled his eyes, but let the matter go when he saw Hermione's playful smirk. He pressed a kiss to her temple before whispering in her ear. "Was I gentle enough for you?" he asked softly, his fingertips brushing lightly along her jawline.

"Of course," Hermione responded quietly, her eyes glittering with mischief. "However, we could try again if you wish to be more thorough."

Severus chuckled, kissing her temple again. He looked around and saw that David and Andy seemed to have lost interest in eating, but they'd managed to clear their plates. Satisfied, he handed each a vial of potion. David and Andy drank the potions quickly.

"Go get some rest," Severus told them. "In a few hours, you'll need a second dose." He looked at them thoughtfully. "Will you make it to your rooms alright?"

"We should be fine," David said, standing up slowly. He moved toward the doorway, with Andy following closely.

"I'll come check on you later," Hermione told them, smiling when they both nodded tiredly.