Battle For Her Life

Summary : When she becomes ill, Hermione works non-stop to keep on top of her studies, which consequently makes her more ill. She appears fine, until she collapses and falls down the stairs leading up to Gryffindor tower while talking to McGonagall. No treatments will work because of the illness, Hermione is on her own. Can she win the battle for her life?

Disclaimer : All characters belong to JK Rowling. All plot-lines belong to me.

Chapter One

Hermione was feeling ill. She couldn't deny it anymore. She'd been feeling a little under the weather for weeks now, but she had tried to ignore it by keeping herself busier than ever, which consequently made her more ill. It'd come to the point now where she was earning regular detentions from Professor Snape, due to her being unable to concentrate in Potions class. After Transfiguration, the final class of the day, Hermione was aware of Professor McGonagall's eyes watching her like a hawk. She had a feeling that her Transfiguration professor was going to ask her to stay behind after class and, feeling that she would faint if she didn't get to the common room soon, as soon after the Professor dismissed them, Hermione bolted from her seat and made for the door as fast as her legs would carry her. Although she was dimly aware of the crowds cheering for the end of the school day, she couldn't really hear them. In fact, her hearing only came back when she realised that Professor McGonagall was following her up the stairs towards Gryffindor tower. She stopped at the top of the winding staircase and, a few seconds later, Professor McGonagall joined her there.

"Miss Granger."

"Professor."

"Are you quite well, Miss Granger?"

"Perfectly. Why do you ask, Professor?"

"I understand that you have recieved numerous detentions from Professor Snape, for not paying attention. This is most unlike you, Miss Granger."

"I assure you, Professor, I am perfectly...fine..."

At this point, Hermione began to breathe heavily, as though she were completing a marathon. Fear and panic flashed in both her eyes and Professor McGonagall's. The latter stepped forward as Hermione's knees buckled beneath her, but she was too late. Hermione was tumbling down the spiral staircase, screaming. Then the screaming stopped. It took Professor McGonagall a few moments to take in what had happened. She stood in a daze until the Fat Lady swung aside and a large group of fifth-years crammed through the doorway and started piling onto the stairwell, before Professor McGonagall shooed them back into the common room, giving them instructions not to leave under any circumstances. She then flew down the steps and, upon seeing Hermione's lifeless body crumpled upon the stone, sent an urgent Patronus down the corridors, towards the Hospital wing. Then, gathering Hermione in her arms, she opened the door and approached the fireplace. Murmering the words 'hospital wing', she stepped through the green fire and emerged in the hospital wing, where Madame Pomfrey immediately ran over and swept Hermione into a bed, where she immediately began performing magical tests. When she'd completed them, she beckoned Professor McGonagall into her office, shutting the door and putting a silencing charm on it. McGonagall sat down and Madame Pomfrey sat opposite her.

"Is she going to be alright?" asked McGonagall desperately.

"Minerva, I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do. The stairwell injuries are, uncured, fatal."

"But isn't it curable?"

"Yes, but, due to her illness, her defences are completely up against cures."

"What are her chances?"

"Evenly matched. It's up to her now."