Who: Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom When: July 15, Noon Where: St. Mungos Why: Neville needs to see Harry. Mostly for his own sanity. Rating: TBD Status: Incomplete
Harry did nothing but sleep the past few days. He'd been poked and prodded at, more potions given to him, bones broken and healed. But mostly, he'd slept. However when he did wake up this time, he was alone. Perhaps Remus and Tonks had gone home to look after Teddy. He wouldn't have blamed them. No need to hover over him, when he was sure Tonks had Auror's standing outside his door.
On the table beside the bed was a tray of food for him. Food. He couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten. Two months..? Living on potions had left him skin and bones and while he felt like he was starving, he wasn't sure if he could handle it just yet.
He didn't even try to sit up. He felt heavy and sore and lying there was the best he'd felt in ages. Hospital beds weren't the most comfortable, but this one could have been stuffed with nails and Harry wouldn't have cared. He was safe, for the most part and that was better then nothing.
After months of feeling guilty about Harry’s disappearance, Neville thought that he’d be able to sleep easy after hearing of the rescue of Harry. But, he hadn’t been. He still felt awful and he had to know what sort of condition his old friend was in. He’d already heard a little bit of talk about how Harry was doing, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy him. This was something that he had to see for himself.
Hands stuffed in his pockets, Neville made his way down the halls of St. Mungo’s. He’d gotten permission to see Harry, so the guards didn’t stand in his way once he’d reached the room. A few deep, slow breaths later, Neville was able to enter.
“Harry?” Neville noticed right away that Harry looked horrible. Beaten and bruised. He winced.
Harry looked around trying to put a face to a voice, but he couldn't even though he thought he recognized it. "Hello?" he asked. Damn; he hoped someone was getting him a new pair of glasses. He made the attempt to sit up, but winced, deciding against it. His was still rather marked up, but cleaner and Merlin only know what state his body was in.
Harry thought about it more and finally hit him. "Neville, is that you mate?" he asked. "Sorry I can't see a bloody thing without my specs."
Neville slowly moved closer to Harry, as if he were diseased, and reached up to rub the back of his neck. This was bloody awful. “Yeah, it’s me, mate. I thought I’d come by to check on you. Everyone said that it would be okay.”
What did one do in this sort of situation? As if he wasn’t awkward enough normally, now he was thrown into this. “I’m glad your safe. Everyone was really worried about you. I was really worried about you.”
It was nice to see someone, even if he didn't want to be seen. Well not before when was writhing in pain. This was a little bit better. People wouldn't feel as sorry for him. Harry was trying to keep his spirits up. One on one wasn't so bad, but when he'd have to face Ron and Hermione? Remus? Hell the whole Order.. Made him sick to think about it. He'd let everyone down.
"Well as safe as I can be right? I was worried about everyone else. Glad to see you made it out all right. Keep finding out who did and who didn't." Harry looked up at the ceiling sighing carefully, but it didn't hurt nearly as bad anymore.