Aliah Snape (Book 2): Love and War

CHAPTER FOUR: Secrets and Strengths

Aliah fluttered her eyes open. She felt a pain shoot through her neck to her head. Letting out a groan, Aliah struggled to sit up.

"Stay down," a voice said. Aliah blinked to rid of her sleep and saw Snape standing next to her bed, along with Draco. Aliah laid back on the bed, and became aware of her surroundings.

"Why am I in the hospital wing?"

"What do you remember last?" Snape asked.

"I was at the feast. I remember Umbridge talking. After that...I don't know,"

"You were at the feast," Draco confirmed. "According to the Weasel twins, blood started dripping from your nose, then you fainted. The two caught you before you fell."

"Miss Holt I believe? I am so glad you are awake," a pink figure interrupted as she strolled into the hospital wing followed by Professors Dumbledore, Snape, and her grandmother. Professor McGonagall took one look at Malfoy and told him to leave. With a look of reluctance, Draco left the hospital wing.

"My name is Dolores Umbridge. You may call me Professor Umbridge."

Aliah groaned. She knew she would not like this women, not by her clothing or what her father told her the previous night, but her high pitched voice. From experience, anyone with a high pitched voice was not to be trusted.

"Can I ask you a few questions?" Umbridge commanded rather than questioned. "It will only take a few minutes,"

"Dolores the poor is clearly unwell," McGonagall snapped.

"Well, that may be-"

"Let her eat first," Dumbledore interrupted. He waved his wand and food appeared on the small table in front of her. "Miss Holt, gather your strength and we will return soon."

Umbridge narrowed her eyes but had no choice but to follow the headmaster out of the hospital wing. When it was clear, McGonagall leaned down to kiss Aliah on the forehead. "I am very sorry about this. I never wanted this for you,"

"I know," Aliah said. From her peripheral vision, she saw the door slowly open. She almost let out a laugh as she saw a mop of platinum blonde hair poke through the entrance. Draco took a step into the hospital wing but froze when he spotted the two adults in the room.

"Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall," Draco greeted. Snape opened his mouth to say something but was beaten by the deputy headmistress.

"You may come in, Mister Malfoy, I am sure Miss Holt would like to speak with you. Professor and I were just about to leave,"

Aliah knew by Snape's facial expression that he wanted to argue. She sighed in relief when he followed McGonagall out. Draco raced to Aliah's sat and gently caressed her face for any signs of injury.

"I'm alright Draco,"

"How are you feeling?" Draco relaxed. He reached for the chair near the wall and pulled it towards the bed.

"Tired, and hungry."

Draco watched as his girlfriend struggled to sit up. He gathered the pillows on her bed and rearranged them behind her to support her back. He moved the table towards her and opened the lid to the food provided.

"It smells like chicken soup," Draco announced.

"My favourite," Aliah smiled and picked up the toasted bread that laid on her plate. She dipped it into the soup and held it in for a few seconds. She let out a small moan as she devoured the food.

"Good eh?" Draco smirked. Aliah rolled her eyes and continued to eat her food.

"I almost forgot to ask, but what did Snape want to talk to you last night?"