Chapter 10
"We need to get Harry back to Hogwarts." Said Ron quickly,
"I'm okay," said Harry weakly, though he knew every second he was fighting to stay standing,
"No, Ron's right, Harry. You really need to get some rest." Hermione murmured,
"I'll stay with Snape, you three get back to McGonagall and get some Order members back here, and get Harry to the hospital Wing." Hermione nodded,
"Will…you…be alright?" Harry gasped out, Lupin nodded,
"Fine, get to McGonagall!" he almost shouted, a panicked look on his face as he watched Harry stagger over to the grate with Hermione and Ron on either side ready to grab him if he fell.
"I'll go first," Hermione decided. Harry knew she wanted to be ready to catch Harry if he fell out of the fire at the other end, but he was quite glad, he didn't know how much longer he could stay conscious. His body was beginning to convulse gently with pain, and his breathing was very laboured. He barely noticed Hermione disappear through the grate, and Ron throw the dust into the fire, shouting 'Hogwarts'. He slowly released his steadying grip on Harry's arm as he staggered forwards towards the swirling green flame. He almost shut his eyes as the warm flames tickled him, but forced them to stay open, he had no idea what would happen if he fell unconscious during a floo trip. Suddenly he went flying forwards, luckily straight at Hermione who was standing ready to catch him in front of the fire in the charms classroom.
"Are you okay?" She asked quickly. Harry groaned in answer, "I'll take that as a 'no'." She muttered, glancing at the fireplace as Ron came through. "We need to get Harry to the hospital wing," She said to Ron, who nodded,
"No, we need to tell…McGonagall…about Snape…Lupin…if he…" Was all Harry could manage before Hermione 'shushed' him,
"Okay, okay, just calm down Harry, we'll go get McGonagall." She relented, though she looked at Ron worriedly. Harry began walked towards the door, barely able to stay up, the convulsions in his body getting stronger and more frequent. Harry knew his body was exhausted, but he had to get to McGonagall before Snape did something to Remus. They left the charms classroom, Harry screwing up his eyes against the pain. Ron and Hermione had a hand under each armpit from either side. He knew better than to argue with them, besides he was quite aware of the fact that he needed their support, as another convulsion span through his body. Ron looked at him worriedly. As they staggered down the stairs to the entrance hall, Harry could hear noise coming from the hall, and realised with shock that it was the first day of term, and judging by the amount of noise and the time, it was the start of term feast. He groaned,
"No…Dumbledore," he muttered,
"No, mate," Ron said, "Only McGonagall. Weird, huh?" Harry tried to nod, but another convulsion wracked his body as they pushed the door to the great hall open with a bang. Harry looked up as he staggered in. All four house tables fell silent and looked their way. Harry glanced to the right and saw McGonagall stand up suddenly,
"Potter!" she cried, and at once flew from the staff table. Harry wrenched free of Ron and Hermione and staggered over, trying to reach her before the blackness invading his minds eye took over completely. He made it about two steps before he went crashing to his knees. Vaguely he was aware of the entire student body going into uproar and Ginny sprinting towards him, panic etched across her beautiful face. Students began to shout about Voldemort, as Ron and Hermione grabbed him under the armpits. McGonagall rushed over and knelt down in front of him,
"Harry, what happened to you?" she asked quickly. Harry knew he must look terrible, but she really needed to send someone to Lupin, what if Snape did something to Lupin, what if he performed the cruciatus? He panicked irrationally.
"Snape…" he managed, "At Sirius's…" She paled instantly and a fire erupted in her eyes. Harry knew she was almost more eager than he was to capture Severus Snape and make him pay for his treachery. She nodded, and shouted over the panic of the students,
"Filius! Alert the members of the Order! Send as many as possible to Black's house! NOW!" Harry saw Flitwick jump from the stage and hurry past them out of the hall. Finally, his mission accomplished, Harry allowed himself to sink into the deep unconsciousness that had been fighting so hard to claim him.