Prologue to Ch 7

"Malfoy, can you hear me?"

Draco coughed as the dust settled around them. The ringing in his ears wouldn't go away. Maybe this voice was something just in his head?

Apparently not, as it returned louder this time and closer to him. "Draco, are you alright? You're a hero, mate."

Oh, he must be dreaming. Maybe he did really die in the explosion- but then, that wouldn't explain why his ribs hurt so badly. "I almost died and now you're telling me I'm a hero?" He scoffed but stopped as the sharp exhaling worsened his chest pain. "Are you sure you have the right person?" Draco groaned as he rolled over onto his side. "I''m pretty sure you're looking for Potter. He's around here somewhere, I'm sure."

"Oh hell, did you hit your head?" His vision became obscured as Potter's face suddenly came into view. It seemed that the man was kneeling in front of him. "Hang on, I'mma to send a Patronus to Mione before we portkey to St. Mungo's."

His eyes widened. "Hermione. I love her, y'know. Her hair... it's so bushy."

Harry let out a breathy laugh. "I'm never going to let you forget this," Draco heard him mutter. He wasn't sure why he'd need reminding about his beautiful fiancé. He reached his head up to rub curiously at his jaw but paused as he felt something wet against his fingers. Pulling his fingers away, he was met with the sight of crimson blood.

"The wards..." He coughed again, his eyes widening as he remembered what had happened. "We were ambushed! The others-" Another cough interrupted him. "Did they make it out?"

Harry gave him a weak smile as he helped him into a sitting position. "Yeah. You shielded us all from the main brunt of it. That protego of yours is bloody powerful." He draped Draco's arm over his shoulder as he gripped the blond's waist and hauled them both into a standing position. "Now come on. We're getting to St. Mungo's now. Hermione will be there soon."

"Don't let her see me until they treat me," Draco murmured as fatigue set into his bones. "If she sees me like this, it'll only bring back nightmares."

Harry stared at him quietly for a moment before sighing in agreement. "If you say so. But we've waited long enough as it is." Harry handed him a short rope, and Draco shakily took the other end of it, grabbing tight as Harry activated the portkey. "Hospital run!"