An Orchid By Any Other Name

Chapter 9- The potion of sleeping death

Orchid tried to stay calm as she followed her aunt to the side of Draco's bed.

"We are bringing him home tonight. We- we will have a private ceremony at the manor- I- " Narcissa choked and sobbed, and Orchid placed a hand of her shoulder, though she felt like recoiling. "You must be tired, dear. Why don't you go and rest. Pack up your things and be ready to come home with.. us... in the afternoon."

Orchid left. She was trying to figure out how to get to Dumbledore's office, but it was too confusing. She saw Neville, the only student around that she recognized, and asked him for help. Neville led her up the stairs.

"Do you know where Harry is?" he asked her on the way.

"Yes," she whispered, "but no one is supposed to know that, Neville."

"I can keep a secret."

"Harry and I were married yesterday."

"What?"

"Yes, and after what happened, well... Dumbledore is trying to help us. Harry is at Grimmauld Place."

"If you need anything else, I'm here. Luna and Ginny too... if you need us," said Neville as they stopped in front of the gargoyle.

Orchid muttered the password, ascended the spiral staircase, and knocked on the Headmaster's door. The door swung inward and she saw that he was inside.

"Mrs. Potter," he said, standing up, "Harry has gone?"

"Yes, sir, and-"

"And the charm is completed?"

She blushed. "Yes, sir, and-"

"Good. You have seen your aunt? She is here."

"Yes, sir, that's the problem. My aunt said that my parents want me to go back to the States after the funeral, and I don't know how I can refuse without telling them about Harry."

"I suspected this might happen. They cannot take you against your will; the charm is too powerful. However, for the time being, we have to protect you. If your marriage to Harry is known, the Death Eaters will surely use you as bait to get to him. If you can trust me, I have another plan, one that is not without its dangers."

"I just want to be with Harry... can't I go to Grimmauld Place too?"

"You could, but your family would search for you, and while Grimmauld Place is very well hidden, I would rather not take the risk. I want you to fake your own death, and then join Harry in exile when the time is right."

"How can I fa-"

"There is a potion, the draught of sleeping death. It works immediately and gives the appearance of death. Even breathing stops. The soul does not leave the bode, however, and when the effects wear off, some 12 hours later, you simply wake up as if from a good night's sleep."

"It won't kill me?"

"No."

"When can I do it?"

"You are as brave as your husband. I have to get the bottle from the Potions Master's storeroom. You can use it as soon as you can. I will send word to Harry about our plan. When you wake, if you are alone, you can use the nearest fire place to reach Number 12, Grimmauld Place. Have you used the Floo Network before?"

"Once."

"Well, we have no other choice. Take this pouch of floo powder, go to your dormitory, and wait. I will send a house-elf to you with the potion."

Less than 30 minutes later, Orchid was startled by a small voice behind her.

"Are you Mrs. Harry Potter?"

"Shhh. Yes, I am. What is your name?"

"I am Dobby, Missus, and I am so pleased to meet you. Professor Dumbledore asked me if I could do a favor for Harry Potter's wife, and Dobby said? Harry Potter is married, Sir? He told me yes, and what a lovely girl you are too. Dobby says 'Of course Sir, anything for Harry Potter, Sir.' You must be a very special witch to be Harry Potter's wife. Dobby is very, very, pleased to help you in any way Dobby can, Missus. Dobby is very, very, fond of Harry Potter, and very grateful to him."

"How do you know Harry?"

"It was Mr. Harry Potter who set Dobby free, yes! Now Dobby is a free elf- no more serving bad mean masters who are bad dark wizards, no Missus! Now Dobby works for Professor Dumbledore and he is much, much more happy now."

"Dobby, did you work for the Malfoys?"

"Yes, Dobby did! Do you know the Malfoys, Missus?"

"Yes, and I think I remember you now. I am a Malfoy, or at least I was until yesterday. Harry set me free too. I am Lucius's brother's daughter."

"Well, you and Dobby have something in common then, don't we? Please let Dobby know if he can help you. It would be my pleasure, actually it would be an honor if I could help you and Harry Potter in any way at all, Missus."

"Don't you have something for me, then, Dobby?"

"Oh! Yes, of course! Dobby was getting to that Missus. Professor Dumbledore sends you this and he says 'drink it all, and go straight to bed.' Missus is not ill, is she?"

"Well, Dobby, I hope everything will be ok after I take this. Thank you very much."

When Dobby left, Orchid wasted no time. She showered, put on fresh robes, and put her wand and her floo powder into an inside pocket. She drank the potion, which was actually quite pleasant, and laid herself down on her bed. Her eyelids quickly became heavy, and she saw that it was 10 o'clock just as they closed.