Chapter Text
Watching as Hermione lay prone in the hospital wing was something they weren’t used to. It was usually Harry laid up in the bed. The fact Madam Pompfrey couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her was more concerning than the fact they’d swapped positions.
“She’s not overworking herself agian, is she?” Madam Pomfrey and Harry shared a knowing look before Harry shook his head.
“No, ma’am. I keep track of her study hours. After what happened during our third year….” Harry cut himself off. He didn’t like to think about what had happened in their third year. None of them did.
“Well, you’ve best be calling your guardians, Mr. Potter. They’ll want to be made aware of what’s happened to Miss Granger.” Madam Pompfrey waved her wand over the prone witch once more before she jerked her head towards her office. “You can use the floo in my office. Password is ‘Gillyweed.” Harry made his way into Madam Pomfrey’s office before he picked up the floo powder and threw it into the flames. Uttering the password, he sighed before he called out for Grimmauld Place.
“Harry? Is that you? What’s wrong? ”
“Something’s wrong with Hermione. She collapsed and isn’t waking up. Madam Pomfrey is with her now but she wanted me to inform you since you’re Hermione’s magical guardians.” Hermione had been under the protection of House Black since her first year when she and Harry had made fast friends on the train to Hogwarts.
She hadn’t known she’d made friends with a future Lord until much, much later.
Harry could hear Sirius talking to Remus before there was a flurry of commotion on the other side of the floo.
“Remus will call her parents. Step back, son.” Harry stepped back, giving Sirius the room to exit the floo, his healer bag at his side. Giving Harry a tight smile, Sirius did his best to reassure him. “We’ll get this figured out, Harry. We won’t let anything happen to her.” Harry nodded, but even Sirius could see that he didn’t believe his own words. Harry trailed after Sirius only to find the current promptly closed in his face. “Fetch Professor Snape. Quickly, now. Run. ” Harry felt his heart jump into his throat.
If his godfather was asking for Professor Snape, it was more serious than even Madam Pompfrey had even originally thought. Harry took off at a run, making his way through the castle faster than he ever had before. Panting when he finally came to a stop outside Professor Snape’s office, he ignored the curious glances from the Slytherins as he pounded on the door.
“Professor Snape! Madam Pomfrey needs you!” The door swung up, veriotly ready and poised on Professor Snape’s tongue until he took in the state of Potter and his eyes narrowed before he turned back into his office.
“Well don’t just stand there, boy! If you ran all the way from the hospital wing it must be urgent. Speak!” Harry fumbled over his words before a glare from Professor Snape silenced him and forced his words to come out properly.
“Hermione collapsed. They don’t think it’s exhaustion. They’ve run through most of the common aliments. Madam Pomfrey called in Sirius.” At the mention of Sirius, Professor Snape’s eyes narrowed before Harry rushed on. “He’s the one that sent me to get you.” Professor Snape’s mask slid back into place as he grabbed a bag and began to load it with potions.
“In the classroom, in the supply cupboard are some dark red potions. Grab those and everything on that shelf. At least two of each, if not more.” When Harry turned to make his way towards the potions classroom, Professor Snape caught him by the collar and dragged him back into his office. “Use the floo, boy! My office is closer to the hospital wing than the classroom. Floo back here and make your way there. Run, but do not break the potions. They’re tricky to make and I don’t have time to remake them. Now go!” Professor Snape practically threw him towards the fireplace, and Harry’s eyes widened.
Whatever was happening to Hermione had Professor Snape unnerved. He was being brusk, but he was all business. This wasn’t personal but it had somehow shaken the older man to the core. Harry practically vaulted for the floo powder, opened his mouth, and then promptly closed it.
“Potion’s Classroom, you fool! Now GO!” Professor Snape spat out the floo address before he tore off towards the hospital wing; cursing the fact the floo in the hospital only allowed calls and not transportation.
Harry could see the fear lurking in the man’s eyes; it scared him more than the fact they’d had to call Sirius.
Harry was unceremoniously shoved from the Hospital Wing as all three adults gathered around Hermione’s bed. It was only the sight of Remus in the hallway that made Harry breath a sigh of relief.
“Have they said anything yet?” Remus shook his head as he guided Harry to a seat and forced the young man to shit down.
“Can you tell me what happened? I haven’t quite got a clear picture yet.” Harry sighed, running his hands through his hair as he nodded.
“We were in the library and she just suddenly collapsed.” Remus’ brow pinched even as he began firing questions off at Harry.
“What was she doing beforehand? Did she touch a book in the Restricted Section? Where you in herbology or potions before?”
“History of Magic. No, we’d just gotten to the library and didn’t even have time to set our bags down. She just collapsed.” Remus’ brow pinched as he lost himself in thought before he sighed.
“They’ll figure out what’s wrong with her. Promise.” Remus didn’t look like a person would when they believed what they were saying. The commotion inside the hopsital wing had only increased and Harry could hear a canopy of voices that hadn’t been there before.
No. Whatever was wrong with Hermione was serious. Serious enough to need the help of St. Mungo’s if the sheer number of people now in the hospital wing were any indication. So Harry did the only thing he could do.
He dropped his head into his hands and cried.