Chapter 4 fever
The next morning after the two boys ate breakfast, they went up to visit Hermione. To their surprise and concern, they found Madam Pomfrey hovering over her with slight agitation.
"What's going on?" asked Ron.
"Hermione's fever went up again. I've tried every potion and spell I can think of, but nothing's working."
"How bad is it?" asked Harry.
"Dangerously bad. If it stays this high long enough, she will die."
Harry paled.
"Well can't you do something?"
"I've tried. I tried the ice spell several times but it doesn't help."
"So what can we do?" asked Ron.
"Pray and hope for the best." said the school nurse and placed her hand on Hermione's forehead. Her temperature was at about 42 degrees C, far beyond normal body heat.
"There's nothing more I can do for her boys. I'll be walking around the wing if you need anything." She said and walked away. Harry looked at his best friend, the one he had feelings for and sat down by her bedside. Ron soon followed. Her usual active form was now red, sweaty, and very frail. She had trouble breathing. Her breathes were very fast and shallow. Risking getting her fever, Harry reached out, grabbed her palm in his hand, and started to rub it slightly. Soon he was drawing circles in her palm with finger. Knowing how much the gesture meant to him, Ron said nothing despite the health hazard. After getting tired of drawing circles in her hand, Harry just held her palm in his hand for support, hoping she was aware of it. She coughed sickly as she slept, trapped in a painful slumber. The hours went by like minutes and the minutes went by like seconds. Soon it was nightfall and was time for dinner. The boys skipped lunch but by the time, it was time to eat dinner, Ron realized he couldn't fast any longer. So he bid his farewell to Harry and caressed Hermione's hair slightly and walked out. Before long, Harry was getting tired. When he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore, he fell asleep in his chair, with Hermione's palm still in his hand.
Harry wasn't sure how long he was out for. But at some point during the night, he felt something rub against his palm. His eyes flickered open to find Hermione smiling at him, massaging his hand. He smiled.
"Hermione, you're awake. How do you feel?"
"Better than yesterday." She said with a slight smile.
"Good." He said as her smile was returned by his Then he realized he was still holding her hand. It was about to let it go but she stopped him.
"Don't. It feels good. It makes me feel safe." She said and he smiled again.
"I'm glad." He said as they sat there for a while smiling at each other. Soon after, sleep took them over again like a stiff breeze and swept them into tomorrow…
To be continued…
So yeah, again I was improvising a lot. Anyway, I hope you guys liked it.
Reviews are most welcome…
Peace out…