I love the way that your heart breaks

With every injustice and deadly fate

Praying it all will be new

And living like it all depends on you

Here you are down on your knees again

Trying to find air to breathe again

And only surrender will help you now

I love you

Please see I believe again

Again – Flyleaf

The pain had lessened marginally when Hermione woke up in the hospital wing sometime later. Draco and Harry were sitting next to her bed while Madame Pomfrey was setting vials on the table beside her. When she noticed Hermione was awake, one of said vials was passed to her with a stern glance before the mediwitch briefly dipped into her office.

She recognized the potion immediately. Opius Kratus was a potion with many names. The Draught of Lightless Black. Styx's Kiss. Dram of Painless Death. Highly controlled due to its addictive properties and the complexity of brewing the potion itself, this particular pain potion was only given in circumstances too severe to be handled by standard brews.

A tremor went through Hermione's lips as she carefully drank the dose of dark violet potion.

When Madame Pomfrey returned, she took the vial with a quiet nod. "You're to come to me thrice a day as needed," she said gently. "I take it you're unaware of the identity of your mate, Miss Granger?"

Tears prickled at the edges of her eyes as Hermione nodded. A spike of pain through her temples made her regret the action instantly. "I didn't think I had one," she said quietly.

"I'd feared that may be the case..." Madam Pomfrey said, her expression softening. "I will be alerting your professors of your condition, as I'm sure you're already at least somewhat aware of what's in store should the strain on your bond continue?"

Hermione nodded weakly.

"Would I be wasting my breath by explaining the urgency of your situation?"

Another nod.

When Hermione was released a short while later, Harry and Draco were surprised she was being let go so soon. Madame Pomfrey's obvious reluctance as they left did little to soothe their nerves.

"Any blokes you fancy whose eye color we need to check?" Draco asked as the trio made their way towards Ancient Runes.

"Or witches," Harry added.

"No," Hermione answered, MDD caused fatigue weighing her down. She suspected it would only get worse over time. "Aside from fourth year, I've never even considered people as potential partners. I don't even know where to start."

Sharing a quiet glance, Harry and Draco frowned at one another, choosing to stay quiet for the rest of their walk.

And if you feel you're sinking

I will jump right over

Into cold, cold water for you

And although time may take us

Into different places

I will still be patient with you

Cold Water – Major Lazer Ft. MØ & Justin Bieber

The Opius Kratus made her lingering headache close enough to bearable for Hermione to get through Ancient Runes, but as they neared the Great Hall for lunch, the less effective the potion became. It should've lasted several more hours at the very least.

"You look like you're going to faint again," Harry said worriedly, forcing the three of them to a stop in the main hall.

Her jaw tightened as frustrated tears started to burn in her eyes. "I need to eat," she muttered, sounding whinier than she would've liked.

"Dobby can bring us food in the Heads' suite," said Draco. "It doesn't help you to knowingly hurt yourself."

"How about this," Harry offered, "Draco goes and asks Madame Pomfrey what could be causing you to feel worse in the great hall and we go back to the suite for a night in, yeah? It's not like we have any more classes today."

Hermione was in too much pain to fight them and consented, letting Harry lead her back towards their suite. Her pain didn't relent until Draco returned with another dose of Opius from Madame Pomfrey.

A/N: You guys are just the sweetest, by the way.