I am special

Part I - Coming back home

The grey eyes seemed so lifeless.

"Can we do anything for you?" asked Dumbledore in a friendly manner.

Snape was silent, but his gaze was piercing.

Draco opened his mouth, and shut it again without a word. Then he shook his head.

Dumbledore sighed. "We will be back in a week. I do hope that you are better then."

"Please go on, Albus," Snape said. "I want a word with our young Mr. Malfoy alone."

Draco looked suspiciously in Snape's direction.

Dumbledore nodded and left.

"There REALLY isn't anything you want to tell me?" pressed Snape.

"I ... no, Professor. Nothing."

"Severus."

"What?"

"I took your custody because I wanted it. And I meant it", the potions master stated.

Draco gaped at him.

"Almost nobody knows my past", Snape continued. "But believe me, I know how you feel, losing mother so early and being betrayed by my own kin at the same time. Maybe I will tell you someday, if you want to, but that's not the reason I'm telling you this. I want you to trust me, Draco, and tell me why you feel so uncomfortable."

Draco still stared at him unbelievingly. "I ... I don't know," he said finally. His leg started to hurt again, and he knew that the pain soon would render him unable to think.

"I think you know exactly what I mean."

"It sounds so ... whiny", he said slowly, then flinched as the pain became more intense.

Snape watched him with a sorrowful expression. "Is it your leg?"

"Yes. But it's nothing, compared to what the next two hours will be like. The pain grows every second."

"Okay, you don't want to tell me, so let me guess. You want out of here, correct?"

"How did you ...?"

"If I were in the same position as you, I'd think exactly the same."

Draco paused a moment, and then he whispered: "I'm going to go mad in here. They treat me like I was the traitor, or they just think I'm a worthless cripple. And ..." he stopped and threw the potions master a helpless glance. "I want to go back to Hogwarts. As things stand right now, it's the only place I can call home."

His face was drained of all colour as the pain became unbearable.

Snape watched him silently, then proceeded to take a small vial out of his robes, giving it to Draco.

"What's that?"

"Take it, if the pain becomes to strong. And please, take very little of it, as it is very concentrated. If you take too much, you could become addicted or even die. I'm counting on you."

"And what is it?"

Snape's smile was thin and didn't reached his eyes. "It hasn't got a name yet. I created it."

"For ..." Draco stopped his sentence.

"No, for Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix," Snape corrected.

"And how much is safe for me?"

"Take two, maximum three droplets, and be careful. It's no Miracle Potion, and don't use it too often. Only when you can't stand the pain anymore."

He rose. "I will talk to Professor Dumbledore. I'm certain we will find a solution."

Draco stayed motionless, but Snape didn't seem to expect an answer. He was almost at the door, and the Slytherin cleared his throat. Snape turned around and lifted one eyebrow.

"T-thanks, Severus."

"You're welcome. Try to trust me. Please." He left the room without a second glance.

Draco clenched his teeth, not because of the pain, but because of the tears which threatened to escape.

***

"And?"

Dumbledore and Snape were sitting at the headmaster's office at Hogwarts.

"The boy wants back." Snape's tone was short and cold as always.

Dumbledore nodded. "As I thought. St. Mungos is not a place for a child, especially not for one which is desperately trying to cope with his new life." He sent Snape a glance.

Snape nodded back. "Albus, we HAVE to get him back. Poppy will take better care of him than the medi-wizards at St Mungos. And I bet a hundred galleons he will reach his full health much faster here then there. Yes, he will loose a year, it will take some time. But he will survive."

"I agree, Severus." Dumbledore smiled thoughtfully. "However, it will be hard to convince Fudge."

Snape murmured something, and it sounded suspiciously like impertinent idiot.

"Leave Fudge in my hands. You arrange comfortable accommodations for the boy."

"I have considered the empty rooms nearby my own quarters."

Dumbledore shook his head.

"No, I do not think that would be good solution. If the Slytherins - that is, the members of your house who are loyal to Voldemort - get to know that, he would not be safe any more, and that would defeat the purpose. And we can not charm any wards, not in the dungeons, and you know that. Leave that idea until Draco can once again start the normal school curriculum."

Snape growled something under his breath, but he knew Dumbledore was right.

"The astronomy tower?" he suggested. "There are many unused rooms in there, and we can easily charm one. Only people without evil in mind could enter."

"Very well. I will talk with the ministry. Tell the house-elfs to get one of the rooms ready. No, tell Dobby. I am certain he knows what young Malfoy likes."

Snape furrowed his brows. "Dobby? Do you think that's wise? I mean, after all what happened at Malfoy Manor ..."

"That was Lucius' doing. You know that." Dumbledore threw his potions master a sharp glance. "Just tell him. He might surprise you."

***

...Two weeks later...

"Mr Malfoy, it's not as luxurious as you're undoubtedly used to, but it's all we can do for you", said Poppy Pomfrey in a strength manner.

Draco was too tired to be annoyed as he was carried on a floating stretcher to his new rooms. He snorted quietly at this thought. He was also glad about it being the summer holidays and therefore having no nosy students around to watch him being carried like a cripple. He felt much more comfortable in this four-poster bed in Slytherin colours, here in the Astronomy Tower.

"It's okay, Madam Pomfrey. Really." But his smile was strained.

"Here are the rules", she said in a stern tone. "You're under my care now, so please understand, you have to follow my orders. The medi-wizards from St Mungos only allowed your departure because I promised them to keep an eye on you. You aren't allowed to have visitors except for me, the teachers and the headmaster. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal, Madam", he murmured, as his eyelids became heavier. "Severus already told me. I don't care."

Madam Pomfrey looked down at the boy, whose breath became deeper, and his face relaxed visibly.

The sleeping face held almost no resemblance to the Draco Malfoy who used to whine about having black eyes because Harry Potter had supposedly kicked him off his broom. This boy had now witnessed and lived too much pain and suffering to ever be the same.

She sighed and stroked a strain of his silvery hair. Then she left quietly.

***

"The new term is starting tomorrow."

Two days later, Severus Snape was sitting next to Draco's bed.

"I know, I know. I'm quiet, grateful and pretending I'm not even here." Malfoys sarcasm was back, at least.

Snape ignored the tone. "Anyway, you should do some studying. The other teachers agreed to bring over some work for you, so you can follow the normal term. I think maybe about the New Year..."

Draco couldn't suppress the gleam in his eyes. "I can go back? Really?"

A swift, but fake move from Snape to his injured leg, and he flinched.

Snape snorted. "I think - and Madam Pomfrey shares my opinion - we can neutralise Nagini's venom soon. It's no promise", he warned. "You should do more on your own. Move around as much as you can, try to strain your leg. Try to catch up, and yes, I think we can let you join the next semester."

"But ... I'm starting where I stopped, aren't I?" Draco frowned. "Potter, the Weasel, Granger ... they're all now out of direct competition, right?"

"You have to live with that." Snape sounded harsh and cold, but his gaze was understanding. "Keep studying, and you can be again top student."

"Nothing will ever be the same, will it?" Now Draco sounded like a little child.

Snape's features softened. "No. You have to start a brand new life."

"And ... after Hogwarts?"

"Draco. You have one and a half years when you're back. Don't you think you'll find something?"

The Slytherin was silent a long time.

"You're right", he said finally, but there was no happiness in his voice. "I have to."

***

Ginny Weasley left Hogwarts Express and took a deep breath. This year - finally - she had decided to quit the silent longing for Harry, and to live entirely for herself.

Oh yeah, Weasley, fool yourself she thought sarcastically. He only has eyes for Cho Chang. Bet he was the lucky guy when Cedric was killed at the Tri Wizard ...

She shook her head vehemently. Where did that come from?

Her thoughts travelled back to the last term. Her new position as the Gryffindor Keeper - she grinned very unladylike - Harry declaration of love - towards Ginny as a friend and Ron's little sister, but not in the way she wanted it ... another shock, but much more unwelcome then the first ... Last Christmas, the attack, the vanishing of Draco Malfoy ...

Any Slytherin who heard Draco's name just turned away. His former friends acted much worse; Goyle had spit on the floor as if he heard about somebody foul and rotten.

Draco was alive, and he was fighting death at St Mungos, but only Ginny knew. It was pure coincidence, only because Percy slipped in front of her, telling something the ministry knew. She asked some questions, around him, around her Dad, so she knew.

She didn't tell any of it to Harry, Ron or Hermione, since she was sure that the trio wasn't interested anyway.

But she very often thought about the little facts she knew. How was life for Draco Malfoy now? Mother dead, and father a declared Death Eater, on the run from the ministry, accused of murdering his wife?

***

A few hours later, said Draco Malfoy was watching the Great Hall longingly through the window. Light illuminated the room, and many, many shadows were moving. He swallowed and turned away.

Draco leaned heavily on his crutch - a gift from Dumbledore, more like a massive wooden pillar, but decorated with the Hogwart's insignia - and limped back to his bed. He stared at the snake, winding its way around the crutch.

Yes, he promised to stay in the Astronomy Tower, pretending he wasn't even there, but ... For the first time, he realised it wouldn't be as easy as he had thought. All his life, he had been taught to be a person who didn't need anybody, least of all ... friends. He had always despised people - naturally Potter and his gang - for declaring FRIENDSHIP as the most important thing in the world.

He was shocked to realise that he missed company.

AND that he felt lonely.

He pushed these unwelcome thoughts away, fast. He took one of the books Severus brought him, and he tried to concentrate.

***

Four weeks later, he watched a Quidditch game through the same window.

Professor McGonagall had given him omnioculars, and they allowed him access to the length of the Quidditch pitch.

Without thinking, he nodded, recognizing the swift movements of the new Gryffindor keeper, Ginny Weasley. She held an almost unholdable quaffle, tricked the three Hufflepuff chasers and scored.

He wandered with the binoculars to the Slytherin curve, and was rewarded with boos and rude gestures to the little Weasley.

Hey, Draco, what about it? If YOU were there, you would do exactly the same!

He almost dropped the glasses.

"No. It's not true", he said, his voice sounding weak. "I changed."

Oh REALLY! Because you wanted to... or because you had to?

"Because I had to!" he screamed, pounding his fist into the wall. "Does it make it any worse? Tell me!"

His inner voice snorted, but it silenced.

Draco stared a long time at his bloody fist, the missing fingers. His leg started to ache again.

Behind the windows, it was beginning to get dark, but he just lit two candles.

A low noise startled him, and he hastily turned around. His gaze travelled to the now open door. A figure was standing there, long, silky hair was flowing down her neck. It shimmered in the candlelight, but her face was hooded by the shadows.

"Who is that?" demanded Draco, but his heart was pounding. "Demask yourself!"

The figure snorted and entered the light. Then she stopped.

"Draco?" said Ginny Weasley unbelievingly.

***

Gryffindor and Slytherin stared a long time at each other, without a word.

"You entered my chambers - uninvited, I might add - can you close the door, at least?" Draco said finally, and it sounded odd to his ears.

Ginny closed it behind her.

"I meant, from outside," he said in his best scowling voice.

"You're alive", she stated, ignoring his acidy tone.

"Really?" he mocked.

"What happened to your leg?"

"Playing twenty questions here, eh, Weasley? Get Out!"

Ginny's eyes began to spit fire. "Okay, if you want to act like an idiot - fine by me! Yes, Malfoy, you can really afford that!"

Draco flinched hard.

Ginny turned around and stormed to the door.

"Wait, Weasley."

"What is it, MALFOY?" She turned again, and her narrowed eyes watched him closely.

He kicked himself mentally, but he continued. "I'm sorry."

"You're what?" Disbelief.

"You heard me." He was irritated and angry. "I meant ... I ... Oh, forget it."

Ginny continued to watch him, but her features softened.

"Okay," she said eventually. She grinned. "Should we start again?"

"You shouldn't be here," he replied. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"Sorry, Your Grace, I'll go, if you want me to." Her voice became cold again.

"I didn't mean it that way. You see ... it's very unusual to sneak into the Astronomy Tower at this time of the night, right? And I'm not allowed to speak with you, either."

"And why?"

"It's a promise," he murmured. "You should go, you'll only get yourself into trouble."

"Don't care." She shrugged. "To answer your question, I always come here when I want to be alone. Normally, the Astronomy Tower is deserted."

"You don't party alongside the Gryffs?" He raised an eyebrow questioningly. "I saw you playing. Good game, by the way," he said, as she looked suspiciously.

"Thanks. I ... No, I wasn't up to it."

He looked closer in her face, seeing the lie in her eyes.

"I don't believe you."

"Think, what you want!" she snapped.

"I just asked! Heavens, don't rip my head off! "

Ginny took a deep breath and counted silently from one to ten.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. But it's not your business." She looked around. "How long are you here for?"

He hesitated.

"You don't have to answer."

"I want ... but ... I promised Dumbledore and Severus - I mean Professor Snape - not to tell anybody that I'm here."

"I won't tell anybody, promise!"

"Bet you would", said a cold voice from the doorway.

Both teenagers startled. Severus Snape was standing in the entrance, and his cold gaze travelled over Ginny and stopped finally on Draco, who began to fumble nervously with his sheets.

"You have an explanation, Mr. Malfoy?"

Ginny opened her mouth, but Draco was faster.

"She is innocent, Professor. I was out, straining my leg on the stairs, and I wasn't fast enough. I didn't mean to."

Ginny stared at him. He was lying, protecting her? Had the world gone mad?

"You broke your promise, is that right, Mr Malfoy? The promise you gave me AND Professor Dumbledore? Answer me!"

"Yes, Sir." Draco swallowed audibly.

"I'll talk to you later. Miss Weasley, to the Headmaster ... now!"

She bowed her head.

"Yes, Professor Snape." She looked up and straight into Draco's face. "I'm sorry, to get you into trouble. Bye."

Draco just nodded, and Snape and Ginny left his room.

***

Snape stroded the corridor in long strikes, and Ginny was hurrying after him. She felt guilty. Whatever Draco needed, that was the last thing.

"Tangerine!" The door to Dumbledore's office opened, and Snape waved her over in an impertinent manner.

"Severus, Miss Weasley. What can I do for you, so late in the evening?" His eyes twinkled at Ginny.

"I found Miss Weasely at the Astronomy Tower. With Mr. Malfoy, I might add", Snape stated icily.

"We just ... TALKED!" bursted Ginny in.

Dumbledore looked from one to the other. "Anything you want to say in defense, Miss Weasley?" he asked in a friendly way.

"No, Sir. But don't punish Draco for it. He tried to get rid of me, he told me twice to sod off, but I was ..."

"Curious, Miss Weasley? I understand, but you have now placed us in a difficult situtation. I hope I don't have to emphasize that nothing that is said here is to ever leave this office?"

"No, Professor Dumbledore." Ginny stared at the floor and wished she was miles away.

Snape cleared his throat.

"A simple forgetting charm ..."

"I don't think so." Dumbledore's voice was still friendly.

A long silence followed.

"I will inform you soon about my decision, Miss Weasley. Please go back now to the Gryffindor tower, it is late."

"Yes, Sir", she said quietly and left the office.

Shit, and what happens next?

***

At the office, Snape paced the floor, while the older wizard watched the younger with an amused smile.

Until Snape realized it, and sat down again.

"I can't see any reason to smile about the situation," he growled.

Dumbledore shook his head, still smiling.

"Don't make this into a disaster, Severus. Sometime in the near future, Hogwarts has to be informed that Draco Malfoy is still alive."

"Not yet. It's far to early."

"It is. But Miss Weasley will hold to her word, I am most certain about that. Maybe this little scene holds some enlightenment for us."

"I don't understand."

"Mr Malfoy can not sit forever in the Astronomy Tower, staring at the walls. Sooner or later he will be strolling around, and that would definitely be a mistake. No, I think Miss Weasley did us a favour. What do you think about making her punishment the task of keeping the boy company, maybe an hour per day, for two weeks?"

"A Gryffindor and a Slytherin?" Snape's brows almost touched his hairline. "Do you really think that's a good idea? And ... she's a girl."

"How did they treat each other? Did they yell?"

"No. On the contrary, they spoke astonishingly friendly with each other. She even told him goodbye."

"You see, they will get along. Inform Miss Weasley, and I am sure, after the two weeks, she will visit him on her own."

"Virginia Weasley, of all people." Snape shook his head unbelievingly.

"She has a good heart. Let us just try. But do not punish Draco too hard, Severus. The whole situation is bad enough for him already."

***

"Excuse me?" Ginny gaped at Professor Snape.

"You heard me," Snape snarled. "No discussion, that is your punishment. And no word to anyone, do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir. But - why me? He hates me and my family."

"You were so clever to start a conversation with Mr Malfoy, you have to live with that now," he said icily.

"Bet he's thrilled," Ginny murmured.