After the door to the bathroom was closed, Draco pivoted on his heel to face Harry. Crossing his arms in front of his chest, he gazed at the younger boy for a minute or two. Then, when it became obvious Harry wasn't going to offer any information he asked "Well? Are you going to speak up on your own or do I have to pressure you into it?" Though Draco knew Slytherins were known for patience, he reckoned that some excuse could be made about his lack of it. After all, they both were still First Years.

Harry didn't hesitate, knowing that the other boy was sure to figure it out far quicker if he did. So he told a quick lie, hoping that it would be bought "I fell down some steps, that's all." After he said it, however, it was obvious even to him that it was a very lame excuse. Draco quirked an eyebrow (looking much like their Head of House), and shook his head. In a calm voice, the silver-haired boy stated "That isn't good enough. You don't let out a hiss of pain just from falling down stairs. Try again."

Harry backed up, running into the wall which was behind him. As his abused back made contact with the hard surface, he let out a yelp of pain. Draco was by his side in an instant, eyes wide with worry and concern. Despite all of Harry's protests, the other boy managed to ease up his shirt just enough to reveal the bottom-most part of his back. Quiet once more reigned in the raven-haired boy's ears, before twin orbs of silver locked with his own eye. Horror was written all over Draco's face.

"Who has done this to you?" whispered the blonde in awe-struck horror. Harry squirmed for the second time that day, and he mumbled "Just some people who wished to make their displeasure of us Slytherins known." Draco paled, and his eyes flashed with fury for a brief moment before he returned to his half-calm state. He said "Well that explains the bruises, but not the lattice-work of scars and welts I could see. Care to explain that?"

Blinking, Harry said "Uhmm...thorns?" Draco sighed, shaking his head once more. He said "No matter, you need to have your wounds seen to. Come with me." He headed for the door, preparing to open it. The smaller boy asked in a quiet voice "Where are we going?" Draco answered "To Professor Snape's office. He should be grading papers about now (despite the fact that it's the first day). No questions about it, Harry. The open sores could easily become infected if they haven't already. Do you want to spend the first weeks of school in bed?" After Harry shook his head, the silver-haired boy opened the door and led the way out of the Slytherin House with only a brief interruption by Marcus, who wanted to know where they were going. It was simple enough to answer, and they were soon on their way down the corridor.

As they walked, Harry worried. He had tried his hardest to hide his past punishments from the adults, but he hadn't counted on one sharp-eyed friend to find out his secret. Now he was in serious trouble, for undoubtedly the adults would find out everything. Then Vernon would find out, which would mean more punishments. He felt his left eye briefly, remembering the last time he had told a teacher what went on at home. That had been when he was about six, and the resulting lesson had stuck with him these five years.

His reverie was interrupted as Draco came to a stop in front of a door. The silver-haired boy looked at his companion in reassurance, before rapping politely on the wooden surface. They heard a 'come in' from inside, and Draco opened the door. Stepping in first, he beckoned for the reluctant Harry to follow. As Draco had said, the Professor was sitting at his desk marking papers. As the door shut again, his onyx eyes looked up. Seeing two of his First Years there, Potter in particular, caused the dour man to lower his quill.

"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter. To what do I owe the unexpectedness of this visit? To my knowledge, neither of you has earned detention with any of your teachers." said Severus in his silky baritone. Draco stepped forward, and said "Shall I start from the beginning sir?" The Potions Master said dryly "That usually is best, Mr. Malfoy." Draco nodded, looking a bit sheepish. Then he began his tale.

"Well, sir, you see, I told Harry here to meet me after classes today. He never showed, and I was a bit annoyed that he had apparently forgotten me. After dinner, I found him sleeping in our dorm. I woke him, and asked why he hadn't kept our meeting. He said that he'd gotten lost, and I let the matter slide. But when Harry got up to do his homework, it was obvious he was in pain. It turns out that he's been attacked by some students, elder I'd say from the amount of damage I could see, who dislike Slytherins." After he was done, Draco had to take a deep breath, as he'd said the lot on nearly one breath.

Severus' face had grown grim when Draco began. At the end of it, it was obvious he was barely controlling his fury. He turned to Harry and said softly "Is this true, Mr. Potter?" At Harry's nod, the Potions Master sighed. He got up and headed for his fireplace, saying "I think it would be best if I notify Pomfrey. Take a seat you two. Whether Mr. Potter goes to the Hospital Wing, or she comes here, this is going to take awhile."

Draco and Harry did as they were bid as their Professor threw a pinch of Floo powder in the fire, and stuck his head in calling "Hospital Wing, Hogwarts!" The two boys tuned out the following conversation in favor of looking at each other. Draco's eyes were more searching this time, while Harry's good eye pleaded with his friend to let him get out of this. Harry wished he had bolted when he had the chance. Now it was too late, and his secret was about to be discovered. He wondered if he was going to live to see his twelfth birthday.