"Hermione? What are you doing in here?" Hermione's eyes shot open, as Ginny Weasley shook her awake. She wondered she was half laying, half sitting in a seat in the library, before she remembered the events of last night. She had sat down, and must have cried herself to sleep.
Thinking about last night however, brought tears to her eyes once more.
"Hermione, what's going on?" asked Ginny worriedly as she watched Hermione get to her feet, "What's happened?"
She of course knew about Harry's absence, and realized that was the only thing that could get Hermione this upset. Ginny gave her a questioning look as she led Hermione to the common room.
"It's Harry…he…he's…" started Hermione in faltering speech.
"What is it Hermione? Is he alright?" asked Ginny gently, her voice not betraying her fear.
"He's…a werewolf Gin…he's been bitten by Lupin…" Hermione said with a small sob, as they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady. Ginny turned to her friend with shock spreading across her features.
"What? Have you lost it? But...hang on…last night there was a full moon…and Lupin…Harry…the mission…oh God." Ginny said as she put it together. She sank to the floor outside the portrait, placing her head in her hands.
"Where is he now?" she asked quietly, lifting her head no less than an inch.
"I…I…don't know, Dumbledore said they would track both of them down this morning-"
"Ms. Granger? Ms. Weasley?" Both girls looked to see the Headmaster standing before them, looking very tired, " Both Remus and Harry have been found, and have been transported by portkey to the school. They are resting in the Hospital Wing now." Hermione was torn between feeling joyous that Harry was back, or terrified about talking about what had happened.
"Ms. Weasley, could you find your brother, and bring him to the Hospital Wing immediately?"
Ginny nodded, and with a quiet "Certamen" she disappeared behind the portrait.
"Come along Ms. Granger," said Dumbledore as he made to walk down the corridor, "I think you should see him first."
Hermione walked into the Hospital wing a few minutes later, followed silently by Dumbledore. Straight ahead there were two beds, both enclosed by curtains. Hermione heard a faint murmuring begin by one of them. Almost as soon as it started though, it stopped, and Madame Pomfrey walked quickly from behind the curtain, muttering to herself. She stopped when she caught sight of Dumbledore and Hermione.
"Poppy? What's going on?" asked Dumbledore, stepping forward. Madame Pomfrey sighed, and motioned back to the bed with a jerk of her head.
"It's Potter Albus - I mean I know what happened of course, but I've never seen him like this. Or any student for that matter. He's completely unreceptive to anything I say. " She said in a pained whisper, as her eyes turned to Hermione.
"Maybe you can talk to him Ms. Granger. He might listen to you." she finished with yet another sigh.
Looking at the curtains Hermione had a moment of uncertainty before she pushed it out of her mind.
What's wrong with you? , She asked herself, No matter what happened, he's still Harry. He still your best
friend and your boyfriend. You'll be there for him whether he likes it or not. And with that, she strode
purposefully toward the bed, not knowing what to expect.
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"Hurry up Ron! This can't wait all day!" shouted Ginny as she quickly made her way down the Transfiguration corridor. Her older brother Ron was a few yards behind her, moving much slower. Some might even say he was dragging his feet. Ginny turned around and strode toward him angrily.
"Is he your best friend or not? Because right now, you aren't acting like it!" She said in a huff, while Ron looked defiant.
"Not acting like it!?" replied Ron, incredulous, "What do you expect me to do? Go in there and act all sympathetic while I have to watch the 'Harry and Hermione Snog-tacular'? He doesn't need me there!" he finished taking a deep breath.
"I don't think you have any idea what he needs Ron!" Ginny said, her voice increasing in volume with every word. "He's going to be going through a lot -"
"Isn't he always?" Ron replied just as loud, "He's always going through a lot, and they always end up throwing him some award, or plaque, or -"
"Oh shut up Ron!" said Ginny, "Do you have any idea what you're saying? I'm going to the
hospital wing, to see my friend. You can come if you decide you deserve one." And at that, Ginny continued briskly
down the corridor, Ron storming off toward the common room.
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"Harry?" asked Hermione quietly as she pulled back the curtains surrounding his bed. He turned his head at
the sound of her voice.
" 'Lo Hermione," he mumbled quietly, "What're you doing here?" Hermione shot him a disbelieving look she grabbed a chair and sat down.
"Harry…why wouldn't I be here?" she asked as she laid a hand on his motionless arm. He stared at the ceiling as he answered her.
"Dunno…Thought the whole werewolf thing might've scared you off. I might slip and give you the bite you know." he said, his words laced with a harsh cynicism.
"Harry! I would never be 'scared off'! You know there are ways to…suppress…this. Just look at Remus - " As soon as the name came out of her mouth she knew it was a big mistake.
"Don't talk about him. Just don't." he said, his voice colder than ever, "You know why he transformed?" he asked as Hermione shook her head, fearing the answer.
"Harry!" came Ginny's voice, as Hermione turned around, slightly irritated at the interruption. Ginny took a seat as Hermione wondered what could have possibly have prevented Remus from drinking the Wolfsbane potion. There was one way to find out.