Disclaimer: Coffee, it's like liquid energy!
Chapter 5
"So, you mean he isn't affected by magic?" Draco said in an amazed voice, breaking the stunned silence that filled the room.
"Precisely." Replied Madam Pomfrey briskly.
"But how? I've never heard of such a thing!" asked Hermione, still wide-eyed.
"I'm not completely positive, but I believe it happened because of the head injury he received. It effected the magical part of his brain, causing it to be thrown of balance, and somehow creating a barrier that can block any form of magic used against him; spells, potions, anything!" the nurse explained, "Also, I believe he may acquire new skills, things he's never been able to do before, once again because of the unbalance of magical power."
"That could prove useful." Draco stated and Hermione nodded in agreement.
"But what about his sanity?" Dumbledore asked, obviously concerned, "Will he ever mentally return to normal?"
"I'm afraid not, but though his current state may seem a bit er… unbalanced, it could have been much worse." She glanced quickly at Harry who appears to be counting and naming all the bricks in the room's wall, then turned back to the group, a worried look on her face. "Okay, well he could have been a little worse. After all, he still interacts with people and kept abilities such as eating and talking."
"But he doesn't recognize anyone or anything!" Hermione cried out tearfully, "When Ron was hit he didn't seem to care at all!"
Madame Pomfrey frowned slightly, "I don't know why that is, truth be told, I've never even heard of something like this ever occurring before. I'll have to do more research on the subject."
"Well Poppy, it's been a long, trying day, and I believe that it is time for all of us to retire." Dumbledore stated in a seemingly jovial voice, "Would it be alright if Mr. Potter stayed here for the night? I believe his fellow Gryffindors would appreciate it very much. We can settle what to do about his classes in the morning."
"Yes, that should be just fine." Agreed the medical witch and smiled at the look of bliss that had begun to creep over Hermione's face. "Right then, off to bed, you two." She stated firmly.
Hermione and Draco both said their goodbyes then headed out the door, both very relieved to be away from the mentally disturbed wizard. Few comments passed between the two seventh years as they walked back to their common rooms, for each was absorbed in their own thoughts. They paused when they reached the entrance to the dungeons, where their ways parted.
There was a moment of somewhat awkward silence before Hermione spoke, "Thank you for that change of heart you had today. It seems I've lost both my best friends now, and it's rather nice to have someone I can count on."
Draco blushed, unused to such compliments, and muttered something incoherent before descending the steps to the dungeon. Hermione gave one last look at his receding figure before turning to make her way up to Gryffindor tower.
The next morning dawned bright and early and Hermione woke with a powerful hunger, due to the fact that she had not eaten the night before. Yawning (she had not slept well last night), she went down several staircases and entered the Great Hall. She found a seat between Neville and the still teary-eyed Ginny who immediately began questioning her about Harry's condition. She related the story to them while pouring herself a cup of rather strong coffee and thought that today might prove to be alright after all. This thought was blasted from her mind as she spotted a distraught Professor McGonagall leading an opera-singing Harry toward her. It was plain that the young wizard's voice was not meant for singing opera as several people had covered their ears, faces screwed up at the painful noise.
"Oh Harry, do shut up!" yelled Hermione as they approached. Harry stopped singing, but shot Hermione an angry glare and proceeded to mutter about people who did not appreciate true art.
"Thank you, Ms. Granger." The stressed teacher said with a grateful look, "That was beginning to get annoying. Now then, the headmaster and I have decided that Mr. Potter should continue with his classes as usual, and because you proved yourselves capable yesterday, we are asking you and Mr. Malfoy to keep an eye out for him."
In this brief statement, Hermione's face was replaced with a mask of horror. "But, but Professor-" she stammered.
"Now, now I'm sure you both will do fine." She said in a voice that radiated with false encouragement, then quickly left the table before the dumb-struck witch could mutter another word.
"Hermione, I'll take that coffee if you're not going to drink it, it's still hot." Neville offered, completely oblivious to what had just passed between her and the Professor. Hermione's head hit the table with a loud thunk; it was going to be a long year.
A/N: Hehe, I like torturing Hermione! I hope to update again this week, but I'm going to visit my grandparents so I'm not sure if that's going to happen. Now, why don't you click that little button on the bottom, left hand corner of your screen, write a couple words, and make me very, very happy!