Chapter 7 – Recovery

Hermione was lost. She felt as if every good thought had been ripped from her mind and all that remained were the bad. At first, they were all mostly trivial to her, like the times she was bullied at primary school for her hair, her teeth or her bookish nature. It made her upset, but only got worse. Afterwards came more, things that happened at Hogwarts, like the way people treated her the first few months, ending in Ron's comments at Hallowe'en leading to the incident with the Troll, and that wasn't the end of it. They continued to get worse with even more terrible memories. She felt herself being hit with the Cruciatus Curse from Quirrel, and getting petrified by the Basilisk, and yet still more came to her. She had begun to see Emma, collapsed in the Chamber of Secrets, unmoving, and repeatedly watched her die, over and over.

She had barely any recognition for her surroundings and couldn't focus on anything but the memories. She wanted it to be over, to stop the bad thoughts, but they were unrelenting.

It had felt like an eternity when warmth started to return to her and she could begin to focus on the present again. She was crying and shaking, as was Ginny beside her. Ron, in front of her, looked unwell, but was mostly alright. Harry, on the other hand, was on the floor by the door, sweat covering his face. She then turned to Emma, who she felt must have taken the effects of whatever the creature was that had done this to them much worse than her, but she stopped half way. Emma was on the floor as well, and unlike Harry who was shaking, was unmoving.

'No!' she shrieked, terrified. 'No, not again, please!'

She leapt off her seat to kneel next to Emma, ignoring everyone else, particularly Professor Lupin who she must have bumped into as he was standing near them, and placed her hand on the side of Emma's face.

'Please, not again.' she muttered, crying and sobbing uncontrollably. 'Emma, please wake up.'

Hermione was panicking. She knew that even if Emma were dead, she'd come back soon, but did she really know that? Nobody knew how she came back to life, or whether she would always be able to. What if this time she couldn't. The thought was unimaginable.

She leaned down and sobbed into Emma's shoulder, mourning her friend again. It felt cruel, as she'd just realised that best friend really wasn't a good enough description for Emma, and even began to understand why Emma was so protective of her, because she now felt the same.

Driven by a new-found determination, she sobered up and tried to think more clearly. First, she checked Emma's pulse. She should have done that first, she thought, as it showed Emma was definitely still alive, just unconscious. That confused Hermione though. Emma was always conscious, even while feeding, even if it didn't look like it.

She then put her left hand under Emma's head, trying to prop it up to face her and tapped the other side with her right hand, trying to get her to wake. While she was doing that, she heard Ron try the same thing with Harry, but he was doing it much less gently. She wanted to tell him off, but she was too focussed on Emma, and besides, slapping seemed to have worked on Harry. Conflicted, Hermione tried it, making the excuse that Emma heals quickly, and was relieved when it worked as well.

Emma shuddered and recoiled a little, still lying on the floor on her side.

'Ow...' she said, groggily.

'Sorry!' squeaked Hermione, leaning down again to hug her. She was still crying as well.

After that, Hermione helped Emma sit up, but Emma was really dizzy and couldn't move very much by herself. Hermione knew she had to give Emma some of her blood again, and would have done it immediately, but Professor Lupin, Neville and Ginny were still in the compartment.

Emma tried to tell Hermione she was fine, but she wouldn't stop fretting and worrying and glancing around the room. She was barely even distracted by Ron and Harry talking, except to worry some more.

'What happened? Where's that – that thing? Who screamed?'

'That was Emma.' flinched Ron.

'What?' shrieked Hermione.

She hadn't heard Emma scream, or perhaps she had, and assumed it was one of the bad memories. It made her fuss even more and all the more desperate to help her friend.

Emma took notice of the others in the room. They looked better than they had before she'd passed out, but were still very pale, Ginny especially. She was distracted, however, when she heard a loud snap. Lupin was breaking off big pieces of chocolate and handing them out.

'Eat it. It'll help.' he said, calmly.

'What was that thing?' asked Harry.

'A Dementor.' replied Lupin, handing a piece of chocolate to Hermione and then Emma, who looked at it like it was poison. 'One of the Dementors of Azkaban.'

Nobody knew what that meant and stared at him, but he offered no more explanation.

Ginny became overwhelmed then, still shaking and stuttered. 'I... I have to go.' before rushing out.

Seizing the moment, quite selfishly she thought, Hermione quickly turned to Neville.

'Go with her. Make sure she gets to her compartment okay.'

'And make sure she eats the chocolate.' added Lupin.

Neville agreed and stumbled after her in a hurry.

Hermione then wondered how she'd get Lupin to leave, but he did that all by himself.

'Eat.' he repeated, staring at the four of them that remained. 'It'll help. I need to speak to the driver, excuse me...'

As soon as the compartment door closed, Hermione grabbed Ron roughly.

'Help me get her up.'

Together, they managed to lift Emma onto the seats and then Hermione pulled out a large vial and a penknife from her trunk and promptly reopened the wound on her hand and filled the vial with blood. Emma protested, but she was too weak to stop her. Once it was full, Hermione put the vial to Emma's lips and again, she tried to resist. It was hopeless though. The smell alone would have done it eventually, but when Hermione said her hand will just keep bleeding unless Emma heals it, she relented and opened her mouth.

Nobody was keeping watch though and before they'd finished, the door slid open. It was Professor Lupin again. Hermione internally slapped herself, mainly because she was frozen in place, while Harry and Ron were dumbstruck.

'Please, professor, we...' stammered Hermione, surprising herself.

'Don't stop on my account.' said Lupin, easily. 'I expect it's the only remedy suitable for her.'

'You know?' gasped Hermione, and Lupin nodded.

'I would be disappointed in any Defence Against the Dark Arts tutor who couldn't recognise a Vampire when they see one.' he said, though it sounded false to Emma. 'Please, continue. And eat the chocolate. I haven't poisoned it, you know.'

Once Emma had recovered from the euphoria and weakness, thanking Hermione and healing her hand properly, as well as pickpocketing the penknife off her so she couldn't do that again, she noticed the others were getting much better. Lupin was right, the chocolate was helping.

'We'll be at Hogwarts in ten minutes.' said Lupin. 'Are you alright, Harry?'

'Fine.' he muttered, clearly embarrassed.

They didn't talk much for the rest of the journey as they weren't really sure how to with an awake teacher there, but they did get the chance to during the carriage ride. Again, Emma and Hermione saw the Thestrals, and noticed how almost nobody else did, and Harry asked what happened on the train.

Emma explained what she saw before passing out and Ron filled in the rest. He had been really very unaffected by the experience compared with the rest of them.

'I felt weird,' he'd said. 'like I'd never be cheerful again...'

'But you didn't... fall off your seat... did you?' asked Harry, awkwardly.

It seemed to Emma that he didn't like that he'd shown weakness. 'I did.'

Harry wasn't comforted by that as Emma had already said it was Lupin's spell and not the Dementor that did that. It made Emma curious as to what exactly a Dementor was, and she could tell Hermione was thinking the same thing. They knew they'd be up in the library sooner or later looking them up.

The carriage stopped after a short while and they filtered out, but a drawling voice was upon them almost immediately, knocking Emma and Hermione out of the way.

'You fainted, Potter? Is Longbottom telling the truth? You actually fainted?'

Emma ignored Draco as best she could. Her skin crawled and she couldn't help remember her claws at his throat and found herself walking to the castle to stop herself from doing it again. Unbeknownst to her in her concentration, Hermione was beaming at her, proud of her restraint.

The boys quickly caught up and they joined the crowd entering the castle, when they heard a familiar voice.

'Potter! Granger! Pearson! I want to see the three of you!'

They all turned, surprised to see Professor McGonagall, and made their way to her, guiltily.

'There's no need to look so worried. I just want a word in my office.' she said. 'Move along there, Weasley.'

Ron stared at them as they were taken up the Grand Staircase. They followed to McGonagall's office and were ushered inside to sit near the fireplace.

'Professor Lupin sent an owl ahead to say that you two were taken ill on the train, Potter, Pearson.'

Just then, there was a knock on the door and Madam Pomfrey bustled in. Harry turned bright red and protested.

'I'm fine.' he said, loudly. 'I don't need anything.'

'Oh, it's you, is it?' she replied, ignoring him and looking for signs of injury. 'I suppose you've been doing something dangerous again?'

'It was a Dementor, Poppy.' said Professor McGonagall, who shared a dark look with the matron.

It was enough to get Madam Pomfrey tutting and complaining, as she usually did about anything she considered even remotely dangerous.

'He won't be the first...' she sighed, among muttering a diagnosis. 'and the effect they have on people who are already delicate...'

'I'm not delicate!' exclaimed Harry, angrily.

'Of course you're not,' said the matron, coddling him.

They discussed treatment, which was chocolate, and Harry said they'd already had some.

'So, we've finally got a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies.' she said, approvingly. 'Well, your turn Pearson.'

'You can wait outside now, Potter.' said McGonagall, probably to Harry's relief.

'I'm fine, honestly. It wasn't the Dementor for me. It was actually Professor Lupin's spell that hurt. Though I'm sure he didn't mean to cause any harm.'

She added the last bit to not get him in trouble.

'His spell hurt you?' asked the adults.

'Yes,' said Emma, calmly. 'Hurt a lot more than the Cruciatus Curse did, that's for sure. I think the incantation was Expecto Patronum.'

McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey exchanged appalled expressions and demanded to know how she knew of an unforgivable curse by name, so she and Hermione told them about Quirrell, though they left out Emma's mother, they weren't sure it was appropriate.

Once they'd gotten past their shock, Madam Pomfrey considered why a Patronus, as they called it, would have such an effect on Emma.

'I've never heard of it being used as a defence against Vampires before.' she said.

'It is an extremely difficult charm.' guessed McGonagall. 'Most can barely hope to form a wisp, let alone a corporeal Patronus. It would be no wonder it's never been tried before.'

She quickly returned to the reason for bringing them to her office though. Speculation could wait. Preferably somewhere she wouldn't be able to hear it, thought Emma.

'Miss Pearson, do you have your Hogsmeade permission slip?'

'Yes, professor. It's in my trunk.' she answered, questioningly.

'Could you bring it to me tomorrow morning when you collect your timetable.'

'Yes, professor.' she repeated, frowning. McGonagall wasn't finished, she looked conflicted.

'Good.' she replied, pausing awkwardly. 'I ask because, due to your behaviour last term, Professor Dumbledore has stated that, until further notice, you are barred from going to Hogsmeade.'

Emma lowered her head, upset, but she knew she should have expected some form of punishment for her actions. 'I understand.'

Hermione, however, complained. 'But, professor... she...'

'The decision has been made, Miss Granger.' she said, sternly. 'One last thing, Miss Pearson. If you do not wish to attend the sorting ceremony, you should accompany Poppy to discuss your new diet.'

'Yes, professor.' she said, even more glumly. 'Can I just ask one thing, before we go?'

'Of course.' said McGonagall, curious.

'I was wondering if... if I might be able to volunteer to help in the Hospital Wing? Hermione's mum said it would do me some good, and I already know the Episkey charm and I'm good with potions, and I want to help...'

She was rambling, and she knew it, but ever since Jane had suggested it, after seeing her heal the assistant in Flourish and Blotts, and take care of Hermione's hand, she'd found herself really wanting to do it. She felt like she might be able to give something back, to make up for last year.

Both Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey smiled at her earnestness, and Hermione had an awed expression on her face.

'Well, that would be up to Poppy, but I don't see why not.' smiled McGonagall. 'Why don't the two of you discuss it while I have a quick word with Miss Granger about her timetable.'

And so, Emma reluctantly left McGonagall's office with Madam Pomfrey, leaving Hermione and a confused Harry behind, and made her way to the Hospital Wing.

Once they were inside, Madam Pomfrey sat Emma down on one of the cots and went to get her bottle of blood. As Emma went to take it when the matron held it out to her, Madam Pomfrey pulled it away unexpectedly.

'From now on you will be fed in here,' she said, seriously. 'so that I can monitor your progress.'

Emma frowned again. It was yet another freedom being taken away, but she agreed. What choice did she have, and besides, she deserved it. 'Yes, madam.'

Nodding, the matron held out the bottle again and let Emma take it.

'As you've been taking animal blood more often recently, we are going to have to wean you back up to the usual amount, and more slowly to make sure you're not having any adverse effects. So, in there,' she said, pointing to the bottle. 'is a rather small amount.'

Emma just nodded. She didn't want to do this. She had no idea where the blood came from and didn't ask because, whether or not they'd tell her, the answer would probably make her feel worse.

'It will be unlike anything you've experienced before,' added Madam Pomfrey. 'so prepare yourself.'

Emma laid down awkwardly on the cot, like a patient and downed the bottle. It wasn't unexpected at all. It was just like drinking Hermione's blood, so she was easily prepared, it's just that there was far more of it. The euphoria and bliss lasted longer, much longer, but not nearly long enough in Emma's opinion.

'How do you feel?' asked the matron once Emma was sitting up again.

'Like I want some more,' said Emma, shyly. 'but otherwise, I feel great.'

'Yes,' replied Madam Pomfrey. 'I'm afraid that will continue until we get the amount back up to normal.'

Emma nodded. 'Thank you.'

'Not at all.' she said, dismissively. 'Now, you asked if you could volunteer?'

'Yes, please.' replied Emma. 'I don't mind what I have to do, I just want to help, and maybe learn some things too.'

'So you would like to do an apprenticeship? I don't know about that...' she pondered. 'We will have to see whether we get a repeat of last year first.'

Emma ducked her head, ashamed.

'However, I'm sure I can find some jobs for you to do. It does get very busy here sometimes. Come back tomorrow after classes and I'll see what I can do.'

'I will!' beamed Emma. 'Thank you! See you tomorrow.'

She ran to the Gryffindor common room with a spring in her step, at least, she did until she got to the portrait of the Fat Lady.

'Password?' she asked.

'Sorry, I don't know it yet.' sighed Emma, turning to leave.

She didn't want to wait, so she considered how she might be able to get inside. The obvious answer was to go and find someone who knew the password, most likely Percy, but that wasn't going to happen as anyone who knew it would be in the Great Hall having their feast.

After a few minutes, another way presented itself. Running to a nearby secluded spot with no portraits on the wall to spy on her, Emma transformed into a bat and flew out of the window. It took her a moment to get her bearings from the air, but she quickly made out the Gryffindor common room windows and flew to them. They were all closed, but there was a wide ledge she could stand on, so when she landed and turned back, she managed to unlock one with the Alohomora charm and climbed in.

When the others arrived from the feast, they were quick to join her, even though everyone else were heading to bed.

'Guess what?' said Harry, excitedly.

'Hagrid is the new Care of Magical Creatures professor!' squealed Hermione.

'Really?' asked Emma, happily before laughing. 'I guess that explains the Monster Book of Monsters!'

'That's what I said.' grinned Ron.

'Oh, and there's going to be Dementors at every entrance to the school grounds. Dumbledore said they're not forgiving, so maybe keep your exploring inside?' added Hermione, tentatively.

'Well, they've banned me from Hogsmeade, which basically means they don't want me leaving the grounds, so I'll stay.'

'That's not like you...' smiled Hermione.

'Wait...' exclaimed Ron, before Emma could reply. 'You can't go to Hogsmeade either? It's just going to be me and Hermione?'

'What did McGonagall talk to you about?' asked Emma to Hermione, ignoring Ron's complaints.

'Oh, nothing.' she replied, clearly anxious at the subject and turned a little red. 'She just wanted to talk about my timetable.'

Emma's eyes widened in surprise. That was such a bad lie, even for Hermione. It was all over her face and her voice. Did she expect Emma to believe her, or was it for Harry and Ron's sake? She didn't get to find out though as the three of them were very tired. Now that they'd given Emma the news from the feast, and the password, they went to bed.