"They may not make it."
"DON'T SAY THAT!" Harry gave an angry cry as he glared at Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey. Lupin, Ron, Bill and Charlie were now restraining him.
"Harry listen to me," Lupin had now moved to stand in front of him. "You have to calm down. Madam Pomfrey is going to need all our help to get Hermione and Julia through this," he looked straight into Harry's eyes. Harry's body relaxed but his eyes and face were still filled with anger, anxiety and above all, fear.
Hermione and Julia's bodies were transported back to Hogwarts. Harry along with the Order members followed them back. McGonagall stayed behind to try and help get the rest of the student body back into the castle. As the first group walked back to the castle Harry overheard Mad Eye talking with Lupin.
"The damn bastards got away while we were watching them fall," huffed Mad Eye.
"We'll try and do a sweep of the forest in a couple of days," whispered Lupin. Harry pretended he didn't hear them but made a mental note of it. He was going to get back at those Death Eaters, one way or another. Once they reached the hospital wing Madam Pomfrey took charge.
"Lay them over there Albus. Hagrid I need you to find these weeds in the forest," she was running around in a dizzy trying to prepare anything that might help them. "Professor Snape, if you can I need several phoenix tears along with these items," she quickly scribbled down other ingredients. "Charlie do you still work with dragons?" He nodded his head. "I'm going to need some dragon's blood of a Swedish Short Snout, but it must be a female."
"Right," said Charlie as he grabbed his things and left the room.
"Albus, and Remus go clean up and put those nurses robes on," the two did as instructed. "And have Minerva join us when she can," Madam Pomfrey then looked at Harry.
"What can I do?" his voice shaking.
"Pray," she said in a serious tone.
The next few hours were the longest of Harry's life. They had successfully stopped the bleeding, but both women had lost a significant amount of blood and it was even more imperative that Charlie get the dragon's blood. Dumbledore created a 3-D model of the event so they could watch the impact to see exactly what happened. All the adults along with Harry watched as Hermione's and Julia's bodies collided with steel in slow motion.
"Right there," said Snape. "Back it up a moment. Look," he pointed to Julia who was pulling on the broom. "Now slow it down some more and watch Julia," he instructed. The broom pulled out of the dive and began to skid along the ground. "Julia sees that their going to hit the goal and knows she can't avoid it, watch what she does with her right arm," as the group watched they could see Julia's arm wrap around Hermione's head and body, bracing the young girl for the impact.
"Let's check her arm," Madam Pomfrey walked away from the model and went behind barriers that separated the rest of the hospital wing from Hermione and Julia. When she returned her face said it all. "Her whole arm is crushed," she said with a heavy sigh. "I don't know if we should just re-grow them or try and fix the bones."
"I've got those weeds yer were looking fer," voiced Hagrid as he barged into the hospital wing.
"Wonderful Hagrid, Professor Snape, please take the wormwood and mix it with Fawkes tears, then take the ginger root and prepare it to be mixed with the dragon's blood when it arrives," asked Madam Pomfrey.
"Right away," Snape took the items from Hagrid and left the room.
"Remus can you prepare some daisy root, I'll need it to mix with the bone re-grow," instructed Madam Pomfrey who was becoming visibly tired along with the rest of the group.
"Poppy," the sound of McGonagall's voice came from behind the barriers. "It's time to change their dressing."
"I'll do it, take a moment to rest. You'll need your strength once the dragon's blood has arrived," said a very calm Dumbledore.
"Sir, may I see them," asked Harry who had not said a word since he talked with Madam Pomfrey.
"All right but only for a moment," said Dumbledore with a sad smile. The two walked around the barriers and saw McGonagall preparing new bandages.
Hermione looked deathly pale, her lips had a slight blue tint to them and her once brilliant hair was now tucked away behind the bandages. Julia looked even worse, her arm was so discolored one couldn't tell if it was real or not, and the bandage around her head showed a hint of blood. Julia had taken the hit to the top of her head while the back of Hermione's head took the impact. Harry began to feel overwhelmed. He had lost so much in his life and he couldn't bare any more. He loved Hermione beyond words. She was such a part of him that if he were to lose her, half of him would die as well. Then there was Julia, a friend that Harry had become very close to in these months. She was protecting him in more ways then one and even though he didn't know why, he felt a strong connection to her.
Harry slowly made his way in between the two beds. He looked at the sleeping form of the two women. He bent down slowly and kissed Hermione on the forehead and then did the same to Julia. A hand softly touched his shoulder. Harry knew he needed to leave. Once he was clear of the barriers he saw Lupin preparing the daisy root and Madam Pomfrey preparing another round of potions to administer. His eyes then rested on Hagrid who looked as lost as Harry felt. Harry slowly walked over to him.
"How yer holdin' up Harry?" asked Hagrid. Harry's eyes were brimming with tears he felt so overwhelmed with ten different emotions that he didn't know how to answer. But just then he began to feel light headed and before he knew it Hagrid was holding him up and all the adults were surrounding him.
"I'm all right, just a bit light headed," he said embarrassed that he felt weak.
"Hagrid, Remus why don't you take Harry down to the kitchen and have several plates made up for us," said Dumbledore as he took the bowl of daisy roots from Lupin.
"But Sir, I don't want to leave," pleaded Harry.
"My dear boy all we can do is wait for now, if anything happens while your gone I'll send someone for you," he said. Harry gave in and reluctantly went with Hagrid and Lupin. The group slowly made their way down to the kitchen.
"They'll be okay Harry," said Lupin who nudged Hagrid at the same time.
"Uh yeah, that Hermione she's a strong one," his laugh fell flat.
"So is Julia," said Lupin with a hint of pride. They walked past the Great Hall and the hallway Harry had dragged Hermione into earlier that day.
"I was going to ask Hermione out," Harry blurted. He didn't know why but he thought that maybe if he talked with someone besides Dumbledore about how strongly he felt towards her that they would understand his need to be near her.
"Yer love her don't ya?" asked Hagrid, who seemed to smile at the thought of the two young ones together.
"I do," said Harry quietly.
"Just like his father, falling for the brightest and prettiest, in my humble opinion, witch in the school," laughed Lupin as he slapped Harry on the back. "Don't worry Harry, if she loves you the way I think she does, she's fighting with every breath to come back to you." The trio continued into the kitchen where they were greeted by Dobby.
"Oh Harry Potter Sir, I heard what happen to Miss Hermione, is there anything that Dobby can do?" the house elf was truly concerned for his friend.
"Actually there is, would you mind rounding up a few platters of sandwiches and stuff for us? We've been in the hospital wing all afternoon and haven't eaten since this morning," asked Harry.
"Certainly, just give Dobby a moment," the house elf said as he ran into the back of the kitchen. After a few moments Dobby, followed by Winky, had many platters of food and jugs of pumpkin juice on the top level of a cart, on the bottom were plates, cups and silverware for them. "Once you're back in the hospital just clap twice and this cart will appear. When you're done clap twice again and Winky will come and clean up everything," smiled Dobby.
"Thank you Dobby," said Harry as he gave a halfhearted smile.
"Anything for the great Harry Potter," he waved goodbye as the trio left the kitchen. Once they were back in the hospital Harry clapped twice and the cart appeared. He began to set the platters on a table so they could all grab something. The room had become even quieter then before. Madam Pomfrey had administered all the potions she could and was now waiting on the dragon's blood.
"Professor," said Harry ever so quietly.
"Yes Harry," whispered Dumbledore.
"What's so important about the dragon's blood?" he asked.
"Well, they've lost so much blood that their heart can't produce enough on it's own to catch up, so the dragon's blood with the ginger root will help stimulate the blood to reproduce its self," Dumbledore trailed off.
"What is it Sir?" asked Harry noticing the worry in his voice.
"This potion is only used in extreme cases like this because of its possible side effect . . . the dark sleep," Dumbledore frowned.
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"Hermione and Julia might not wake up," injected Lupin. Harry was about to ask another question when the hospital doors flew open and Charlie ran in.
"I've got it!" he panted.
"Come with me Charlie I'll need some help mixing the potion," said Snape who was the first to react.
"Severus," called Madam Pomfrey from behind the barrier. She appeared just a moment later. "Hurry, we're starting to lose them." Snape gave an understanding nod and left the room with Charlie. Within the hour they returned with the potion ready to be administered. Madam Pomfrey moved the barrier so everyone could see the two patients. Harry slowly made is way over to them and slowly put his hand on Hermione's, but he quickly brought it back as if he had burnt himself.
"She's icy cold," He looked up at the adults, concern on his face.
"We must move quickly," said Madam Pomfrey as she moved past Harry and slowly poured the potion into Hermione's mouth then did the same to Julia.
"Come on Harry, we need to let'em work," said Hagrid as he put his arm around Harry. "Here why don't yer go into the bathroom over there and wash up, I'll have Dobby bring down some clothes fer ya." Harry didn't realize but he still was in his quidditch gear. To tired to argue, Harry slowly walked over to the hospital bathroom and took a long shower. Sure enough when he was done, his quidditch gear was gone and new clothes were sitting on a chair for him. He walked out to find the barriers had been moved and now split the hospital into two halves. The adults were all sitting on the beds across from Hermione and Julia talking in hushed voices.
"We'll do shifts throughout the night," whispered Dumbledore. "Poppy you should get some sleep, the rest of the school will need you tomorrow." She was about to protest when Dumbledore put his hands up. "If anything does happen whoever is on shift will get you. Now I–"
"I'll stand watch tonight," said Harry daring anyone to say otherwise. They all stared at him for a moment.
"I'll keep Harry company until the morning," smiled Lupin softly.
"It's settled then, I'll check in through out the night to see if you need anything," he motioned for everyone else to leave this side of the hospital.
"Harry, talk to them both it will help keep them from slipping into the dark sleep," yawned Madam Pomfrey.
"If you need anything, just clap twice and a house elf will appear, several are on standby for tonight in case you need anything," said McGonagall.
"I've mixed several potions in case they wake up, give them the blue one for pain and the green one for swelling, but only if they wake up," Snape snapped but then softened his expression. "I'll have tomorrow's class transcribed and sent up here for you to look at," as he finished he whipped around and headed for the door.
"If yer feel like getting' outta the castle for a bit, come visit me 'round lunch time," grinned Hargrid. Harry tried to smile back but he couldn't, he just slowly nodded his head and went over and sat between Hermione and Julia. The adults gave Lupin some last minute instructions before they all left, but Harry paid no attention. He continued to watch Hermione's sleeping form, his mind replaying the events over and over. Harry went over everything he could have done until one option came to mind he hadn't thought of. Why hadn't he transformed into a phoenix? He could have held Hermione and Julia and they both would be awake and talking to him. Lupin, who had been watching Harry closely, cleared his throat.
"Harry this wasn't your fault. You know that right?" Lupin had taken a seat on the bed next to Julia.
"Yeah I know," said Harry in a non-convincing way.
"Harry," Lupin said in a more serious tone. "This was not your fault."
"How can you say that?! Of course it's my fault, because she was my friend they went after her! Because I go to school here they'll go after more students. It's all because of me!" he shouted. "I should have saved them, if I had transfigured into a phoenix I could have held them both."
"Harry!" Lupin raised his voice. "There was no way for you to catch them. Rosie was already in the air and she couldn't catch up to Hermione because she was falling to fast. You cannot blame yourself. Hermione chose to be your friend and she chose to stand by you through everything you've gone through. Julia is an Auror and knows the consequences that entails." Lupin stopped and collected himself. "I feel like I'm talking to James all over again." He said as he rubbed his forehead. Harry had a confused look on his face.
"When you're mother told James about the possibility that they might die in order to save you, James started to blame himself for putting Lily's life in danger. What he didn't realize at the time was they couldn't avoid it. They were meant to be together and they were meant to have you. Those things are out of people's control, he finally understood this and enjoyed the little time he had left with her," Lupin began to look sad. "They were so happy, even though they knew they were going to die." Harry looked over at Hermione.
"I was going to ask Hermione out today, I've been waiting to ask her for so long but now I'm scared of what might happen if Voldemort discovers I'm with her–
"Then you will face Voldemort together," said Lupin. He slowly got up and went over to a jar of tongue depressors. He grabbed several and came back to Harry. "Here break this one in half," he handed over one of the thin sticks. Harry took it and broke it in half. "Now try and break these two together," Lupin asked while handing over two of the depressors. Again Harry broke them in half but it took much more effort. "Good, break these four," Lupin handed him the group of four. Harry tried several times but could not break the group. Lupin then grabbed the four from Harry. "This is you," he put one of them on the foot of Julia's bed. "This is love of family," he put the second one next to the first one. "This is love of a friend," again continuing the line. "And this . . . the most important of all is the undying love of another," he put the last one down. "By themselves they can break," Lupin scooped them all up. "But together–
"Together their unbreakable," Harry finished the sentence. "I think I understand what you're getting at," he smiled.
"Good, so then what are you going to do when Hermione wakes up?" asked Lupin.
"Ask her out, just like I intended to do," Harry yawned.
"Here Harry why don't you lie down and take a nap. I'll take the first watch," said Lupin who was still standing at the foot of Julia's bed. Harry thought for a moment and then decided that sleep might be a good idea. He slowly got out of the chair and tucked himself into the bed next to Julia. Before to long Harry had fallen into a restless sleep.
"I swear we're all sick, there was something with that breakfast I tell ya," Harry awoke the next morning to the sound of Ron and several other people in the hospital wing.
"Yeah I think my spleen might be cracked," said Dean Thomas.
"Mr. Thomas do you know where your spleen is?" asked an exasperated Madam Pomfrey. Harry slowly rose from the bed and rubbed his eyes, when he opened them again he saw Hermione and Julia still lying perfectly still but something was different. He reached for his glasses on the nightstand next to him. He put them on and saw that color had returned to both Hermione and Julia's face. Harry breathed a sigh of relief, then notice Dumbledore walking over to him from the window.
"They will both live," he smiled. "But we don't know when they will wake up."
"They didn't–
"No not entirely, they will wake up . . . it's just a matter of when."
"I swear I'm gonna pass out," Harry heard Ron say from the other side of the barrier.
"Go share the good news," whispered Dumbledore. Harry smiled at the old wizard and then turned around and headed for the cloth barrier, he slowly stepped threw it and before he put his foot down he was being called from every angles. Several DA members were there.
"Harry! Are they all right?" yelled Ron.
"Is it true Charlie went and got dragon's blood," shouted Ginny.
"Do they still have all their fingers and toes?" asked Luna. This question caused everyone to stop and look at Luna.
"Yes, they're going to be okay, and they do still have all their fingers and toes," the group giggled.
"Well you know I feel better," smiled Ron.
"Yeah I think my spleen healed itself," said Dean.
"My head doesn't hurt so much," said Ginny as the group slowly made their way out of the hospital. They grabbed Harry and took him into the hallway.
"So what have you got planned mate?" asked Ron
"Got what planned, what are you talking about?" asked a very confused Harry. The group continued to walk slowly away from the hospital.
"To get back at those Death Eaters," said an eager Ginny.
"Oh," said Harry. "I hadn't thought about that."
"Well we can't just go charging into the forest," said Seamus.
"No that wouldn't be good," said Neville. Just then Harry ran into something, he looked down to see Dobby picking himself up off the floor.
"Dobby I'm so sorry I didn't see you," said Harry as he offered his hand to help Dobby up.
"Oh no Mr. Harry Potter, it was Dobby's fault," Dobby started to clean up the sandwiches that had fallen on the ground when Harry noticed his reflection in the silver sterling platter. He bent down and slowly picked it up.
"Maybe WE don't have to go charging into the forest . . . but we'll make them think we are."