It was a few days until Hermione was in operable condition. Ron visited her without fail. Harry, however, managed only a brief appearance, a gruff hello, and a stiff hug. It was Ginny Weasley, in the end, who become the saving grace.
He's been acting funny all week, that one, she whispered to Hermione, pointing at Harry as he retreated from the infirmary. Hermione sank back into her pillows, feeling, if possible, worse.
We had a fight, right before this happened, she confessed. Ginny rolled her eyes, When aren't you two arguing?. She flicked her red hair over shoulder, and combed her robes for crumbs from the cakes she had snuck in.
It was my fault this time, she said, Snape and Umbridge were having a bit of a tense moment, and when Umbridge knocked over some ingredients, and Snape docked points, Harry got angry for my sake, but I got angry at Harry. She said all this one breath, finally being relieved of the burden of not being able to speak.
But why'd you stick up for Snape? He's a royal pain in the arse, she said sagely. Hermione shrugged, I just don't think we give him enough credit, and he is in the Order and all that. Besides, I was trying to save Harry from any further entanglement with her. And, the first day I fell ill, he showed me something really imporant.
Hermione at the alarmed look on her friend's face, Nothing sexual you prat, he told me who put that poison in my tea. Ginny looked very impressed at her reviled teacher's show of chivalry, So who was it?.
It was Umbridge, Hermione said, and Ginny let out a sharp squeal, Umbridge? Are both of you fools? She works for the ministry. Even she's not stupid enough to poison you under both McGonagall and Dumbledore's noses. She isn't that evil, Hermione, I'm sorry.
Hermione listened to her discourse patiently, Yes, that's well and good, Gin, but Snape showed ocular proof that she did it. Ginny raised an eyebrow, and crossed her arms.
Really? As if Umbridge would leave one of her silly ribbons just lying around in our common room, she said sarcastically. Hermione smiled a serene and beautific manner, Actually, Ginny Weasley, she did.
There was a very satisfactory silence. Hermione crossed her arms, and gave a triumphant look to Ginny, who looked very appreciative of the fact there was a bed beneath her.
You mean, Umbridge left a ribbon...a bright, pink piece of evidence, right in our common room?, Ginny whispered. Hermione nodded. But how can you be sure it was hers? I think bloody Lavender wears things like that all the time, Ginny said. I'm sure Snape wouldn't just go round accusing her, if he wasn't positive. He's in too vulnerable a position to spead things like that, and he doesn't want attention drawn to himself. After all, Fudge is breathing down half the faculty's necks, but even as she said this, Hermione knew she wasn't satisfied with her own rationlising.
Ginny nodded, and glanced at the clock above Hermione's bed. I've Charms now, but I'll be up later. She gave Hermione a swift hug. When she was fully alone, Hermione dressed herself. She was weak, probably with hunger.
Madam Pomfrey?, Hermione called, glancing behind all the curtains. There was a slight rustling coming from a desk that was behind a screen. The healer sat with her back towards her student, writing something in an official looking form.
Madam Pomfrey?, Hermione asked gently, not wanting to startle her too badly. Oh, Miss Granger, up and ready to leave this place, I see?, she replied cheerfully, closing whatever she was writing, and covering it with her back.
I'm quite hungry, I think that I should go to the dining hall and get something to eat, Hermione said truthfully. The woman nodded at her, an uneasiness in her eyes that unnerved Hermione. Is there something the matter?, she asked politely. The healer shook her head, and tittered harshly , No, no, I'm just rather upset that something as brutal as a poisoning has gone on within our walls.
As long as Dumbledore is here, whoever did it is good as dead, Hermione said cheerfully, wishing she could feel as hopeful as she sounded. Madam Pomfrey nodded, and placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder.
Just be careful with yourself, dear. I know you are very fond of those two boys, but they cause far too much trouble for a young girl's mental well being, she said tiredly. Hermione didn't know whether responding with laughter would be considered polite, she so simply nodded.
Er...Madam Pomfrey, might you have any idea where I could find Professor Snape, at the moment?, she asked, feeling a mildly ridiculous flush build up in her face. She put her fingers in her mouth, something that she would normally never do, and bit down on her nails.
Well, its past lunch. I'm not familiar with his class schedule, I'm afraid that you will have to go to the dungeons yourself and see. My dear, are you checking up on late homework? I'm sure Professor Snape would already have alerted you of your missing assignments, Madam Pomfrey's face held a flickering, and ingratiating interest.
Well, I just wanted to...thank him, I suppose, she said thoughtfully. Madam Pomfrey looked very impressed, I'm very happy that you have excellent manners, as well as intellect, Miss Granger.
Hermione, who was absolutely malleable in the face of glowing praise, beamed.
A/N: I would like to extend very heartfelt gratitude to all my reviewers who took the time to read this. Thank you for giving me motivation.
