Snape wondered if Dumbledore had lost his mind. Malfoy and Harry were sworn enemies. Did he really expect the boy to talk?
He remembered there was still a bottle of Veritaserum on the left side of the cabinet in his office...
Judging by Malfoy's usual behavior, he would surely say, "My father..."
But today, to Snape's astonishment, Malfoy cooperated and told them everything. "I was coming back from the High Tower and wanted a glass of apple juice. Then..."
Malfoy recounted how he had discovered Voldemort, how he had been petrified, and how he had watched Harry fight him. But when he reached the end, he remembered Will's eyes and his threat.
He glanced at Will standing beside Dumbledore and hesitated. "In the end... I don't know where Voldemort went."
Dumbledore listened with a frown, his expression grave. "Mr. Malfoy, let Madam Pomfrey examine you, then go back and rest."
Dumbledore had expected this. He knew Malfoy would say nothing more, but that was for the best. After all, Malfoy was the witness he and Will had chosen.
He watched Malfoy leave, then exchanged a glance with Will and gave a slight nod. The plan was proceeding smoothly.
"Don't worry. Harry isn't dead. He's been petrified," Dumbledore concluded.
Hermione and Ron finally relaxed a little.
"Certain potions can reverse it, but I need Mandrake leaves." Snape's expression eased slightly.
"Professor, the school's Mandrakes probably aren't mature yet," Neville reminded him. "They'll need about two more months."
"For these next two months, we must protect Harry. Word of his condition cannot get out," Dumbledore said sternly. "He'll have to wait in secret until the Mandrake potion is ready."
"Then some unpleasant rumors may spread," Snape said after a moment's thought. "Are you sure?"
"It's a necessary price." Dumbledore sighed. "Miss Granger,