"Love Almost Lost"
Chapter 7 Hermione Gets Worse
A/N: Usual disclaimer, I own none of these characters, JK Rowling does. Thanks to all that have read and to all that have reviewed. Now, it's a new year and time for a couple of new chapters.
As he stepped out of the large fireplace at St. Mungos, he remembered why he hated to travel by Floo powder. He leaned against the wall until the queasy feeling passed. Once his stomach had settled he continued on his way to see Hermione, however he decided to drop by the Healer station first to enquire about her condition.
Chief Healer Osbourne was on duty at this time and he noticed a very worried look on her face.
"Is there something wrong with Hermione?" asked Harry very concerned.
"Miss Granger's condition is starting to get worse. While you were out she had three more spells like she did earlier today and they are becoming harder to control. The potions are losing their effectiveness in counteracting the damage caused by the curse. I'm very sorry Mr. Potter, but if we can't have Professor Snape's potion in 24 hours, we won't be able to save Miss Granger," explained Healer Osbourne.
Harry stood there staring into space, finding it difficult to breathe. It felt as if his heart was being ripped from his body. He asked Healer Osbourne if she would contact Professor Dumbledore again, which she said she would.
Harry raced to Hermione's room. He stood beside her bed and gazed down at the young woman he loved. He felt so helpless. Here stood the great Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, the powerful wizard that destroyed Voldemort, yet, he was powerless to save the one person he cared for more than anything in the world.
Tears slowly ran down his face and he made no attempt to hide them, he didn't care anymore. She already looked dead, but he knew she wasn't because of the horrible sound of her breathing. He noticed a slow trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth. He reached over and gently wiped it away with his sleeve. He brought the chair over to the side of the bed and sat beside her. Holding her hand in his, he slowly leaned over and kissed it. Her hand was cold as ice. With his free hand he brushed a stray curl out of her thin, pale face.
"Hermione, I'd give anything to be able to trade places with you. You didn't deserve this. Just hang on a little while longer, please," said Harry.
He jumped as someone knocked on the door. He looked over and saw Professor Dumbledore quietly enter the room. He joined Harry beside Hermione's bed.
"Professor, they say she only has 24 hours left and if they don't get Professor Snape's potion by then, Hermione will die. Sir, I cannot live without her. I love her with all my heart and I cannot bear the thought of going through life without her," said Harry.
"Harry, I know things look hopeless to you, but, we must remember we have the best potions master in our world working to save Hermione's life. Also, our Miss Granger is a fighter. You know she will not give up. She will pull through and I would stake my life on it," said the headmaster.
"I wish I could be as optimistic as you, but I can't," replied Harry.
"The potion is almost ready, Harry. I stopped by Professor Snape's office before I came here. He had already been informed of Miss Granger's declining condition and he assured me it would be ready in time," said Dumbledore.
"Harry, there's another matter I need to discuss with you. You remember what we talked about earlier, concerning Hermione's parents?" said the headmaster.
"Yes sir," answered Harry.
"Your plans have been put into motion. When they are complete, I will let you know when all is ready," said Dumbledore.
"Thank you, Headmaster. It's the least I could do for Hermione since she's helped me so much over our years together. I truly believe if it hadn't been for Hermione's help and friendship, I would have failed against Voldemort. I owe her my life. Also, the Grangers didn't deserve what happened to them. I just pray I won't have to add another Granger to the stone," said Harry as a lone tear slid down his face.
"Harry, it's getting late, and I know you are exhausted. Why don't you get some rest? You're just across the room and if something happens, you are still here with her," said Professor Dumbledore.
Harry agreed. He was rather tired, both physically and emotionally. He leaned over and gently kissed Hermione, then he made his way over to his bed. It felt so good to lie down. It seemed as if all his stress had floated away.
"Harry, I'll be back later in the morning to see how things are progressing. Until then, good night," said the headmaster.
He left the room, but Harry hadn't heard any of Dumbledore's words. The second he laid down he was asleep.