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Chapter Twenty: In Memorial

"Hogwarts has recently suffered a great loss." Dumbledore looked at the sea of students in front of him, "Never before has such a large number of students been lost at the same time. We are here today to honour their memory. They died on the eve of their graduation from this school, before they could experience life. Alastor Moody died trying to protect them, putting their lives above his own. Remember them, remember what they lost and remember that each minute of life is valuable."

Some of the younger students were crying and not a single person looked happy. Of course most of the Slytherin's were faking but the majority present that day were genuinely upset. One by one, a student close to the deceased stepped forward and placed a bouquet of flowers at the base of the memorial stone.

Once there was a large accumulation of flowers Dumbledore walked back to face the students.

"Go now, and enjoy your last day of school, but never forget Lavender Brown, Terry Boot, Mandy Brocklehurst, Susan Bones, Padma Patil, Ernie Macmillan, Brendan Moon, Dean Thomas or Alastor Moody."

The students slowly dispersed, some staying behind to think of their friends. Hermione and Draco walked hand in hand down to the lake.

"That was sadder then I thought it would be." Hermione said.

"You were thinking of Weasley weren't you?"

"How'd you know?"

"You kept looking at the castle while Dumbledore was talking."

"Oh. Well, I was just thinking how he wasn't metioned at all."

"He isn't dead yet. But I suppose you are right."

"I feel so guilty about it. I mean it was because of me he was there in the first place."

"He loves you. You can't blame him for that."

"I suppose. How's Jaide doing?"

Draco sighed, "Terribly. She still hasn't spoken, she's stopped eating. Madam Pomfrey says she's rapidly deteriorating and won't be able to survive for long in that state."

Hermione shook her head, "It's not fair. We can't just stand by and let them die."

"There's not much we can do love. There's no way to cure the Lingering Death and Jaide has to come round on her own."

"Remus has been trying to see her all day. Snape won't let him in. Do you know why?"

He snickered, "Snape's jealous."

"What?"

"Apparently Lupin had a thing for Jaide back in school. Snape doesn't want the to get any closer then they already are."

"Wonders will never cease. Who do you want to go see first, Jaide or Ron?"

"Jaide of course."

"Hmmm, okay then."

"Severus. Let me in. I only want to talk to her."

"Go away Lupin."

Remus slammed his fist against Jaide's bedroom door in frustration. He had been outside the door yelling all day and Severus till showed no signs of relenting.

'I can't believe he thinks I am in love with Jaide.' He thought, 'Totally ridiculous given she doesn't suit my particular tastes.'

He grinned at the thought and looked up as he heard someone approaching.

"Hello Hermione, Draco."

"Hello Remus. Is Professor Snape still not letting you in."

"Unfortunately. Do you think you could have a talk with him."

"I don't think he'd listen to me." She knocked on the door.

"For the last time, go away Lupin!"

"Professor. It's Draco and Hermione. We want to see Jaide."

The door creaked open and admitted the two teens, however it slammed shut before Remus could gain entry. He sighed and sat down in the deserted corridor.

Hermione and Draco cautiously approached Jaide's bed, aware that Severus was watching their every move.

"She looks so pale." Hermione gasped.

Indeed, Jaide looked so pale she nearly blended in with the white sheets on her bed.

"What's wrong with her?" Draco asked Severus.

"Her spirit is broken Mr Malfoy." He replied, "She quite conscious, but she just lies there. She doesn't sleep, eat, talk or move. Talk to her, she can hear you and she might snap out of it. I'm going to go and get some potion for her but if I find out you let Lupin in here I'll kill you both."

He swept out of the room, leaving Hermione and Draco staring after him.

"Should we let Remus in?" Hermione asked tentatively.

"No. You heard what Snape said."

"I suppose." She turned to Jaide, "They had the memorial service today Jaide. Everyone was very sad. Please wake up, we don't want to lose anyone else."

Draco comforted Hermione as she began to cry, "Jaide, everyone's terribly worried about you. You can't just let them down like this. No one cares if you've got the Dark Mark. You're still the same Jaide Black."

Severus stormed back into the room, followed by Madam Pomfrey.

"Honestly, I am capable of administering her potion."

"Stand back and let me work please Severus." She gasped when she saw Jaide, "Oh dear, this is worse then I realised."

"What's wrong?"

She grabbed Jaide's wrist and felt her pulse, "She's very weak Severus. I wouldn't give her any more than four days maximum in this state. I'm so sorry." She gave Jaide her potion and quickly ushered Hermione and Draco from the room, leaving Severus alone with Jaide.

"Please come back Jaide." He begged quietly, "I can't lose you again."

The only response was her shallow breathing.

AN: Oh no! Poor Jaidey. Lol.