Chapter 34: Pain, questions, and no answers

125 2 0
                                        


Another chapter! This is a special one, one which some people will probably hate a lot. I'm sorry if that's the case for you, I still hope you'll continue reading the next chapters.

IMPORTANT trigger warning: aftermath of abuse
In this chapter we will deal with a medical examination of the effects of Harrison's abuse. So, if you don't want to read that, you can skip this chapter, or read the summary at the end of this chapter.

Have a wonderful day!

**********************************************************

11 September 1992

The hospital wing was eerily quiet as Harrison made his way through the corridors, the stone walls looming around him. His footsteps echoed softly, and he found himself wishing, not for the first time, that Theo or Draco were with him.

He paused in front of the wide double doors, staring at the frosted glass panels, unsure why he suddenly felt rooted to the spot. He wasn't a stranger to medical check-ups. Madam Pomfrey had treated him before for the minor scrapes and bruises that came with Quidditch, but this was different.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The familiar antiseptic scent of the hospital wing filled his nostrils, mixed with a faint herbal undertone. Madam Pomfrey stood near one of the cabinets, sorting through vials and jars. She turned when she heard the door, giving him a small, reassuring smile.

"Ah, Mr. Potter-Black. Right on time. Come in, dear."

Harrison managed a polite nod and stepped further inside, his hands shoved deep into his pockets to stop them from fidgeting.

Behind her, sitting at a desk stacked with parchment, was Professor Snape. The man didn't look up immediately, but when he did, his dark eyes flickered with something unreadable before settling into their usual guarded coldness.

"Potter," Snape greeted stiffly, inclining his head.

"Professor," Harrison replied, his voice quieter than he'd intended.

The interaction was awkward, as it always was. While their relationship had improved somewhat since Harrison had joined Slytherin, there was still an uncomfortable tension between them. Harrison still felt like Snape saw him as a puzzle he couldn't quite solve, and honestly, the feeling was mutual.

"Well," Madam Pomfrey interjected, her tone brisk but not unkind. "Let's get started, shall we?" She gestured toward one of the curtained-off beds at the end of the wing. "Step behind there, Mr. Potter, and remove your shirt and trousers. I need to take a look at any visible injuries first."

Harrison hesitated, his stomach flipping uncomfortably. He nodded and made his way to the curtained-off area, pulling the fabric closed behind him.

His fingers trembled slightly as he unbuttoned his robes, sliding them off and folding them neatly on the bed. Next came his jumper and shirt, leaving him bare from the waist up. He hesitated again before unbuckling his belt and stepping out of his trousers, leaving himself in just his boxers. He could feel the chill of the room against his skin, and he wrapped his arms around himself, wishing he could disappear.

"Ready?" Madam Pomfrey called gently.

"Yeah," Harrison managed, his voice barely above a whisper.

The curtain rustled as she stepped inside, followed by Snape, who remained near the doorway, his arms folded. Harrison forced himself not to look at them, staring instead at the floor.

The hidden side of the Wizarding WorldWhere stories live. Discover now