Disclaimer: I do not in any way own nor did I create or write Harry Potter or any related material. I acknowledge the diligent work of J.K. Rowling and that of her publishers.

"Hermione!" Harry frantically yelled as she fainted to the Common Room floor. "Hermione!" Wringing his hands, Harry was internally conflicted. Aloud, he asked himself, "Should I leave her hear and get help or stay with her?" Sweating and shaking from extreme panic, salty tears fell from the corners of Harry's bottled green eyes. As he brushed them unconsciously aside, he attempted to maintain reason. Gingerly, Harry picked up Hermione's light frame and set it on the armchair. With that, he bolted out of Gryffindor Tower for help.

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Harry sprinted so fast that the corridors and staircases blurred before his eyes. He felt no ordinary exhaustion; he did not notice painful side cramp or his dry mouth from running with such incredible haste.

When Harry arrived to Professor McGonagall's classroom, now twenty minutes tardy, no thought of trouble entered his thoughts. His only concern was for the well-being of one of his very best friends. It was an interesting sight indeed for the sixth year Gryffindor Transfiguration class when Harry ripped open the mahogany classroom door, slammed it behind him, and ran breathlessly to McGonagall (staring at him in shock at her desk). The class was shock-still. Ron's eyes were opened in absolute disbelief. However, Harry observed none of this.

"Professor McGonagall! Come quick! It is Hermione…she has passed out in Gryffindor Tower! Please come quick! I think she might be ill!" All but Ron remained silent a second after the dire announcement, who let out a cry like a wounded dog.

Eyes wide with worry, Professor McGonagall sternly announced, "Class, you are dismissed. Mr. Weasley, accompany Mr. Potter to the Headmaster's office, where you both will wait. I will immediately go to Miss Granger now, as soon as I alert Professor Dumbledore. Please do not panic. Madam Pomfrey will see to Miss Granger in record time. Now, shoo! Waiting will only delay my getting to Miss Granger!"

With that said, Minerva went to her desk, fiddled around with a curiously looking notebook, no doubt informing Dumbledore, and swept as quickly as possible for her elderly age toward Gryffindor Tower.

Harry and Ron, still silent, walked slowly toward Dumbledore's office, sick with worry.

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Author's note: I know, unbearably short and purposely incomplete. Hopefully a little suspenseful too. Have no fear, you will soon be reading Hermione's status and fate (not to mention of her friends and teachers). Remember to expect the unexpected: the next chapter may not play out as you would think. Chapter Nine, by the way, should be up by Wednesday.

Thank you, once again, to all of my fabulous reviewers! I hope you are still enjoying this story. If not, please review, so I may improve it and possibly take it in a better direction. If you are still enjoying it, please review as well. Nothing makes an author's day more than a review, complimentary or critiquing, than reviews from readers.

Oh, and a note to those of you most kindly offering to edit for me: Thank you very much, but I now have a friend of mine proofing. However, I most certainly appreciated your offers, and if you find any errors, please let me know in your review. I attempt to make my writing grammatically correct, but I often slip up, so your help would still be appreciated. Thank you.

Now, Have a wonderful week, and review!