Time Heals All Wounds?

Chapter 2-Observation and Confrontation

Harry was laying face down on the floor, his back burning with pain. He tried to get up, but immediately was shoved back down roughly. A quiet whimper slipped passed his lips involuntarily. He had to stay quiet. The punishment was worse if he wasn't. Harry sensed movement from behind him and stiffened in response. Even after all this time, it still worried Harry when he couldn't see his tormentor. The feel of the whip across his back surprised him and caused Harry to jump in response. A growl erupted from the man behind him, followed by the whip snap as it impacts with his skin again. "I told you to say put and stay quiet you stupid fucking fag! You. Will. Do. As. I. Say." Whoosh, the whip came down again and Harry bit his lip hard to prevent crying out in pain. He tried to think of other things to take his mind from the pain that was being inflicted upon him. Just a little longer and it would be over. With one last sting of the whip, Harry heard it drop to the floor and the clink of a belt being undone. "Maybe this will remind you not to make eyes at boys, you disgusting little fag." The voice behind him chuckled menacingly and then there was the rip of fabric. Cool air met his bare legs- Harry shot up in bed, gasping for air. He took in his room and fell back onto the mattress. Everything is okay. He wasn't there. He was safe.

_ _ _ _ _ _

The Slytherin trio were worried, Draco especially. Since Harry's accident on the pitch, he had pulled away from everyone and spent almost all his time alone. He barely ever ate anymore and carried out conversations with people half-heartedly. Something had happened to him and Draco was determined to find out what had put that haunted look in his Harry's eyes.

The three continued to organise their plan of action. They wanted to ensure that it was perfect and considered as many different scenarios as possible. Pansy thought that taking the first step during their Hogsmeade outing would be best. It reduced the likelihood that the meeting would distress Harry because it was neutral territory. Draco was pleased with the progress that the three of them had made and how supportive Pansy and Blaise had been throughout this. Not once had they complained when Draco had basically dragged them into this.

After a week of Harry becoming more closed off, Draco became desperate for answers. He saw Hermione enter the library in a flurry of parchment and books, so quickly changed direction and entered behind her. He dropped down gracefully into the seat opposite the frizzy haired Gryffindor and watched multiple expressions pass through her eyes as she regarded him.

"Hello, Malfoy. Is there something that I can do for you?" the brunette inquired neutrally. Draco had to admire her, as much as he didn't want to. She could keep her composure even though she faced possible ridicule from a known hater of those with an unpure blood status. He wouldn't be here if he didn't have to be. However, there were few people closer to the witch sat across from him watching him curiously. Draco looked her in the eye and attempted a small smile. He feigned indifference as he inquired about Potter's recent behaviour. Granger immediately stiffened and raised an eyebrow.

"Why do you care? No one else to terrorise now that he is never around?" her voice was even but there was a fire in her eyes. Interesting, she was clearly quite protective of Harry. This could pan in his favour, or very much against it.

"Nothing like that, Granger. Just curious is all. No need for such hostility, I have no intention of antagonizing him further. This is purely a pursuit for information, nothing more. I'm sure you can see where I am coming from Miss. Granger, yes?" Draco raised his eyebrow for effect and the Gryffindor girl blushed lightly and nodded once in agreement. Then after a moment she narrowed her eyes at the blonde before they quickly widened. Well crap. Granger opened and closed her mouth repeatedly as if she wanted to say something, but kept thinking against it. Draco sighed dramatically. "Miss. Granger, as much as others might find your impression of a cod fish somewhat endearing. I do not. Please spit out whatever it is you wish to say and stop wasting my time."