Madam Pomfrey directed Harry to a nearby bed, where he carefully laid Hermione down. "She hasn't woken yet?" The nurse asked.
"No," Harry said. The Floo soon came to life again as Ron stepped through.
"Any change?" Ron asked. Harry simply nodded his head. Ron's concerned features mirrored his own.
"We have given her the potion for the aftershocks though," Harry offered up.
Madam Pomfrey nodded as she waved her wand over her patient in a complicated manner. Almost under her breath the nurse proclaimed, "No, that can't be right." She again waved her wand over Hermione and her face was set in a slight scowl. "I need to run a few more test. She appears to be alright, just unconscious. Please take a seat boys. I'll come talk to you when I am done." With that the mediwitch put up screens around the bed, effectively blocking the boys view of her and Hermione.
Harry paced like a caged lion. He tried to tell himself everything was going to be fine but the fact that Madam Pomfrey seemed a bit confused and concerned did not bode well for what she had discovered. Ron simply sat silent in a chair with his hands pressed firmly together. After a time Madam Pomfrey appeared from behind the screen. Her face was a bit drawn but she offered them a warm smile.
"Is she alright?" Harry asked.
"Please sit down," Madam Pomfrey instructed. Harry didn't feel like sitting but he did so anyway. "I think it may be best if I talk to Harry alone." She eyed Ron for a moment.
Ron looked a bit hurt but turned to Harry who simply frowned at him and nodded before saying quietly, "It's alright, Ron. Just give us a moment."
"I'll just wait outside for you," Ron said. He was reluctant to leave his friends but he consented to Harry's wishes and made his way into the hallway.
"What is going on?" Harry asked.
Madam Pomfrey sighed heavily. "Hermione is…for want of a better word, exhausted."
"That's all?" Harry asked. "She's always tired for a couple days after an attack. She says it takes a couple days to feel herself again. But she's never had any attacks two days in a row and she's never not woken up!" His voice had grown a bit louder with each word.
"Yes, well, the closeness of the attacks definitely played a part in her unconscious condition. She simply did not have time to fully recover before this latest attack happened. There is some concerning findings."
Harry eyed the mediwitch and could tell she was reluctant to continue talking. His stomach twisted in knots at her words. "What do you mean?"
"From my scans it appears that Hermione's magic is being affected by these attacks. Her magical core is…depleted. "
Harry shook his head slightly. "I don't understand."
"Every wizard has a magical core that stores the vast majority of their magic. It houses the deepest and strongest parts of our magic. It is intertwined into our very being. Magical cores vary in power and intensity but each wizard has one. Hermione's core is normally very powerful."
"Yeah, she's been learning how to access more of her magic recently. It's impressive," Harry offered.
"Yes, it is. However, during my scans her core appears to be…weakened." Pomfrey said.
"So, her magic is getting weaker?" Harry asked as he tried to understand what she was saying.
"It would seem so. Have you observed her doing magic recently? Have you noticed a difference?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
Harry tried to think back over the last few days but he couldn't remember a time he had actually seen Hermione use her wand. "No, I haven't seen her do much magic recently."
"Hmmm, that may be because she began to realize it had changed. She may have been conserving her energy."
"Conserving energy?" Harry asked.
"Every time a witch or wizard uses magic it takes energy to do so. Normally, it is such a small amount that we don't notice it. But after a long duel for example, the participates would be quite tired. Both physically and magically." Madam Pomfrey explained.
"Wait, so if she does magic it makes her weaker? Even the small stuff?" Harry asked with some concern.
"Because her magical core seems to be lower than normal it is likely that using magic would cause her to be more tired. It would cost her more energy to cast a spell because her core levels are lower than normal. It can take time for a magical core to recharge, as it were, after using a large amount of magic" Madam Pomfrey explained.
"So, with each attack you think her magical core gets a little more depleted?" Harry asked. This did not sound good at all.
"Most likely."
"But how? She isn't doing magic during the attack," Harry said.
"That is true. However, I would guess that her body subconsciously pulls magic from her core during an attack to try to protect and fight off the pain she experiences."
"Like a defense mechanism?" Harry asked.
"Yes."
"So, will she become a squib then?" Harry asked. He was horrified by the idea. Hermione was a brilliant witch who had a great deal of power. To watch her turn into a squib would be devastating.
Madam Pomfrey shook her head in a sad and serious manner. "No, she would not become a squib. A squib has a magical core that was simply not developed before birth. It is not a vital part of their mind or body. It is a separate and weak part of their being. That is why they have a hard time accessing the little magic they have. Hermione was born a witch. A very powerful one. Her magical core is…well, it's an integral part of her."
Harry scowled as his mind reeled. "So, if she isn't going to turn into a squib what is going to happen?" He was not sure he wanted to hear the answer.
Madam Pomfrey rubbed her head as she bit her lip. She was trying to find her next words with care. "When a wizards magical core run too low or is completely depleted of magic the…the wizard cannot continue to live."
Harry felt like he had just been slapped in the face. His stomach churned and he could feel the blood drain from his face. "She…She's dying?"
"No! No, not yet. But if these attacks continue to come so close together I fear her core levels will not have time recover. "
Harry collapsed into a chair. He was finding it hard to breath. "I…I don't…"
Madam Pomfrey put her hand on is shoulder. "I am sorry I don't have better news."
"How… how low is her core right now?" Harry asked.
"Hermione's core is at 60% what it normally is. I will continue to monitor it every so often for you. It is fortunate her core is so power. If she has a few days between attacks it will rise, if not…"
"It will continue to go down," Harry concluded. "What does that mean for her?"
"Well, her magic would be weak of course and it would be best not to use it at all. Her body would also be weak and tired. I have started to detect slight physical effects in her. She may begin to develop slight shaking in her hands that comes and goes. It also seems to be taking a toll on her mental health. Has she been experiencing headaches?"
Harry sighed heavily. "I…I'm not sure. If she has she hasn't told me."
"Well, keep an eye on her. There was very slight swelling near the front of her brain. Nothing too alarming but she may begin to experience more headaches. Her brain is under stress with each attack. If it becomes worse she may start having small memory slips. I will provide you with plenty of pain potions and potions for aftershocks. I suggest you make sure she rests often. With any luck she will have a few days before another attack hits and her core will have time to recover to some degree."
Harry chocked back his tears. How could this be happening? It was all wrong. She could die. He had never thought it would come to that. He had to make sure it didn't!
"I am so sorry Harry," Madam Pomfrey squeezed his arm in comfort.
He nodded and asked, "May I see her?"
"Of course, dear. I suspect she will sleep soundly til morning. You are welcome to stay of course. I will be in my office should you need me."
Harry nodded again. "Thank you." Harry rose and pushed back the screen. His gaze traveled over Hermione's body. She looked peaceful. Her breathing had evened out and her face was relaxed. Her lips were a bit too pale for his liking. He leaned down and gently kissed her cheek as one of his tears fell into her hair. He clasped her hand tightly and whispered, "I'm here love. Just rest now. Don't go anywhere ok? Please, please stay with me." Harry let his tears fall down his cheeks unchecked. In that moment he let his worry and fear engulf him. He loved her. He loved her and he had just been told he could lose her. After a time he kissed her hand and dried his tears. He needed to speak to Ron. He made his way to the door. As he opened, Ron quickly made his way to him.
"What happened? How is she?" Ron could tell Harry had been crying and it made his heart beat too fast.
"She's resting. She's alright for now," Harry said calmly. "Madam Pomfrey thinks she'll sleep til morning."
"What else did she say? I know something is wrong. Tell me" Harry shook his head and tears unbidden rose up inside of him. He breathed deeply to stop them from falling. Ron was quite alarmed at Harry's behavior. "Harry?"
"She...her magical core is weak." Harry chocked out.
"So, her magic is weak?" Ron asked. "Am I missing something?" Ron didn't quite understand.
"If she doesn't have time to recover between attacks… If her core grows too weak she...she can die." Harry's statement was met with silence. Suddenly Harry was filled with frustration and anger and he shouted, "She could die, Ron!" He pulled roughly at his hair and threw his back up against the stone wall.
Ron didn't know what to say. He could see Harry was beside himself. "No. No. Harry…I…it will be alright. We'll find him. We'll find him and fix this! We have to."
"How can you say that? We can't control the attacks. We don't know where Atticus is! We have nothing!" Harry stormed.
"I know. Harry, I know. But we will find him. You can't give up on that." Ron touched Harry's shoulder in an attempt to provide support and comfort. Harry simply nodded gravely at him. They stood together in silence for quite some time. Each one trying to digest the heaviness of the situation.
Harry broke the silence first. "Thanks for coming."
"Of course," Ron replied. "Should I tell my family?"
"No. Not yet anyway. I don't think Hermione would appreciate everyone knowing about her health before she does. No, let's keep this between us for now." Harry pleaded.
Ron gave him a nod. "Yeah, I understand. Not a problem. I assume you're going to stay?"
"Yeah, I am," Harry conceded.
"I'm glad she has you Harry." Ron gave him a small smile. "I'm sorry about Ginny."
Harry shrugged. "It was a mess. I hope she can forgive me. I hope she comes around."
"She will. Give her time. After seeing Hermione have an attack, I can't imagine she wouldn't be more sympathetic." Ron declared.
Harry simply hummed in reply. "I'll keep you posted and let you know when she wakes up."
"Try to get some rest Harry," Ron said before he moved down the hallway.
Harry laid down in the bed next to Hermione's, his head full of thoughts, none of them pleasant. He wasn't sure how long he laid there staring at her. He needed to touch her. He slowly got up and lay down beside her. It was a tight fit but he didn't care. He wrapped his arm around her and stroked her soft skin. He breathed in her scent, feeling himself relax as he did so. He whispered, "I love you, my sweet girl."
Harry woke slowly. He was still in Hermione's bed. It seemed to be a bit late in the morning. Hermione seemed to be asleep still. Harry carefully shifted in an attempt to get up. A soft moan reached his ears causing him to pause. He looked down into her face and saw her eyelids flutter. "Hermione?" She gave him a small moan and turned her face toward him. "Hermione, it's just me. It's alright." Her eyelids fluttered again before they opened and he saw her rich brown eyes. He gently touched her cheek . "Hey, sleepy head. I'm so glad to see you awake." What would he do if he couldn't look into those eyes? He pushed back the thought quickly and tried to calm his beating heart.
Hermione turned her lips up in a small smile. Her body felt a bit heavy and she was struggling to cast the fog of sleep from her mind. She leaned into Harry's touch and as her body began to wake her mind was cast back to the previous night. She had collapsed in Ginny's room. "What happened?" Her voice was croaky and her mouth dry. Harry quickly lifted a glass of water to her mouth and she drank deeply. "Thank you." Hermione sat up a bit more and eyed Harry. He looked tired and his eyes were a bit puffy. She saw him lean in and felt his lips lightly touch hers.
"What do you remember?" Harry asked.
"I was talking to Ginny, and then the pain erupted."
Harry gave her a sad look and nodded. "You didn't wake up when I touched you. I was so worried. I brought you here to make sure you were alright."
Hermione just realized she was in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. She looked around slowly and then back to Harry. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'm just glad to see you awake. How do you feel?" Harry asked.
"Tired but alright," Hermione said. Harry kissed her forehead and she smiled up at him. "Did you stay all night?"
"I did."
"Harry, you shouldn't have. You need your rest too. I am sure you didn't sleep much did you?" Hermione looked at him with concern.
Harry smiled at her playfully. "Actually, I found a hot witch that was willing to share her bed with me. I got a few hours of good sleep in." Hermione giggled at him and it made Harry's heart leap.
"Well, I'm glad to hear it. Though, I don't think you left a very good impression on this hot witch since she doesn't seem to remember you being there. "
Harry eyed here wickedly. "Well, I shall just have to give her something to remember me right now then."
Hermione smiled as he leaned ever closer to her. Soon she felt his lips capture hers as his hands went to her back and pulled her in close. When he drew away she was breathless and her face felt quite warm.
"Was that impressionable enough for you?" Harry asked with a grin.
"Quite." Hermione smiled as she leaned back against her pillows. "I think I'm hungry."
"Well, I am happy to hear it. I'll just run down to the kitchens and bring you something up." Harry got up and said, "I'll be right back."
"Nothing too rich," Hermione said.
Harry bowed and said, "As you wish."
When Harry returned he found Hermione sitting up in bed and Madam Pomfrey talking to her. Harry quickly set the tray of toast and oatmeal down next to the bed. He was pleased when Hermione took the toast and began nibbling on it. Madam Pomfrey took some scans and gave Harry the stock of potions she had promised. Then the hard part arrived. The mediwitch relayed to Hermione all the information that she had given Harry last night. The only difference was that Hermione seemed to know right away what low core levels could lead to without much explanation. Harry sat on the bed next to her and held her hand tightly. The toast was forgot about. He watched helplessly as Hermione's breathing quickened and her face grew pale. When the nurse was done there was silence. Hermione seemed to be starring off into space. Finally her voice chocked out, "I knew my magic was off but…I didn't realize…I thought…"
"I would suggest you try not to do much magic. That way your core can recover more quickly. With any luck your attacks will not be so close together in the future." Madam Pomfrey said in an attempt to reassure her. Hermione merely nodded. "You are welcome to stay as long as you wish. But you seem in much better health this morning and are free to leave when you are ready. I will keep in touch. I am so sorry my dear." Hermione nodded again before the mediwitch made her way to her office.
Harry wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. He simply held her and waited. Finally he heard her tired voice. "Harry...I don't…I don't want to die." The last of her words were choked out as a sob wracked her body. Harry held her tighter and kissed the top of her head, fighting back his own tears.
"You won't. We can fix this. It's going to be alright." Harry didn't know what else to say.
"No, we can't! We can't! It's all a mess. We can't control it!" Hermione turned into Harry's chest and wept openly. "I'm scared. "
Harry's heart was breaking. The love of his life was scared and hurting and he felt helpless to made it right. "I know you are. I am too. I am too." He rocked her and held her tightly. "But we have to have hope. I am not going to lose you."
When Hermione's tears had run dry she said softly, "Take me home."
"Of course." Harry helped her stand and was glad she was strong enough to walk. Stepping into the Floo together they went back to the Manor. Hermione stumbled a bit on arrival and was grateful for Harry's strong arms around her to keep her on her feet.
"Master Harry! Oh, Miss Hermione! We is being so worried!" Biddy squeaked frantically at their return.
"I am sorry, Biddy. We had a little complication last night. We stayed the night at Hogwarts. Please forgive me for not sending word." Harry explained as he led Hermione to the couch.
"It is alright Master. We is just glad to find you is returning safely." Colby said with a low bow.
"Is you or Miss needing anything?" Biddy asked.
"Some tea perhaps," Harry smiled at her. The little elf bowed and quickly made her exit.
After tea and some cuddling on the couch Hermione said, "I'm so sorry Harry. For all of this."
"Don't talk like that. It isn't your fault. None of this is your fault." Harry took her face in his hands and made sure she was looking directly at him. "Understand this, Hermione. I don't blame you for any of this. I love you and I intend to do everything I can to fix this. I only ask one thing."
"What?" Hermione asked softly. She was held captive by the intensity of his eyes. If he asked her to jump off a cliff in that moment she was not sure she would be able to resist his request.
"Don't give up." Harry watched as Hermione's eyes turned moist. "I give you full permission to cry and fall to pieces whenever you need to. I promise to hold you, and kiss you, and comfort you in any way you need. I give you permission to yell, and shout, and curse, and throw a dish if you need to. But I will not allow you to give up."
Hermione stared at him. His eyes seemed to look into her very soul. He could see her vulnerability and accepted it without finding it a flaw. He saw her strength, bravery and intelligence and was reminding her of its power. She finally nodded. "I promise."
Harry heard her voice as if it had been nothing but a passing breeze. Her words were soft but her eyes spoke of dedication and determination. He wiped a lone tear that rolled slowly down her cheek. "Good. That's my girl." He smiled warmly at her and was pleased when she leaned in and place her lips on his. The kiss was gentle at first but it soon grew with longing and desire. Hermione pressed her body into him and he leaned back to lay on the couch. He felt her hands move into his hair as her weight came down on top of him. His hands were on her waist and he felt his fingertips connect with her skin as her shirt rode up slightly. The need for air pulled them apart. Both were breathing a bit heavily. Hermione settled her head into the crook of his neck. He let his hand draw circles on her back. After a time he heard her say, "Throw dishes, huh?"
Harry smiled and said, "If it helps you feel better."
"I wonder what Biddy would think."
"Well, she probably wouldn't let you step foot in the kitchen again." Harry said with a laugh.
"Probably not." Hermione sighed, "Course after what happened last time, I am not sure she wants me in there as it is."
Harry kissed her head. "It's alright. She doesn't blame you." Harry started to sit up making Hermione do the same. He turned to her and said, "I've been thinking."
"Dangerous," Hermione said with a smirk.
Harry gave her a small smile but said seriously, "Don't get upset."
"That doesn't sound good," Hermione said with a scowl.
"I'm worried about you. Ever since you had the attack in the kitchen, I can't help but worry that you'll get an attack and get injured."
"Harry, it's alright. There is nothing we can really do. I can try to be careful but I'm not sure-"
"But what if you are in the shower and you fall and hit your head on the tub? Or what if you are in the sitting room near the fire and you collapse too close to it while I'm away? Or you fall off the ladder in the library?"
"Ok, I understand your concern but what exactly do you suggest?" Hermione said with a defensive tone.
"I just think maybe…we get someone to stay with you when I'm gone. Maybe Mrs. Weasley or even Ron. I just don't want you to be alone in case something happens. They could just keep an eye on you."
"What? You want me to be baby sat? Harry, I am not helpless. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself! Biddy was in the kitchen with me if you recall and there was nothing she could have done to prevent the accident. Unless of course you think I should just stop doing anything because it might result in my being injured." Hermione fumed.
Harry sighed deeply. This was not going how he had hoped. "I know. I'm not saying…look, I'm just worried about you. I just would feel better if someone was here to help when I'm gone other than Biddy and Colby. I'm not saying you have to stop doing things or be watched all the time. I just…I don't want you to get hurt."
"I understand your concern Harry. But I am not going to give up my independence just yet. If there comes a time when I am too weak to look after myself then I suppose we would need to ask for help. I wouldn't expect you to take care of me alone. However, we are not there yet. My core is recharging as we speak and it may be almost back to normal if I can go a few days without another attack. I feel relatively fine. Besides, even if someone was here and I had an attack, you are still the only person who can stop it. They wouldn't be much help." Hermione could see Harry biting his cheek in frustration but she could also see that he was listening. "I know you worry. I will try to be careful. I will ask Biddy or you to get the books that require the ladder. I will not sit too close to the fire, or handle any large pieces of pottery." She gave him a little smile at that last part. "That's the best I can do right now."
Harry sighed and knew she was right. He couldn't ask her to stop doing everything that might be dangerous if she had an attack. That was unfair. He had over reacted. "You promise to be careful?" She nodded. "And if you things get worse, and you become too weak, you will let me and others help you?" She nodded though he could tell she was cringing at the thought. He pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry. I just…. You are the most important thing to me, Hermione."
"I know." She kissed him soundly. "Nothing has changed. Not really. Not yet. I am just a little more tired than I normally am after an attack. We are still just facing this thing a day at a time. We will just have to see what happens. We have a bit more insight into how this is effecting me, which is good I suppose."
Harry scoffed at that. "I am not so sure I would call the information we received good. I'd say it's anything but."
Hermione sighed, "I know. But there is something to be said for knowing."
Harry embraced her in his arms. He felt her stifle a yawn. "You should get some rest."
"You're right."
"I'll walk you up," Harry offered. He took her arm and led her up the stairs and to her room. "When you wake up I'll have Biddy prepare something delicious for us to eat."
"Thank you, Harry." Hermione gave him a smile, kissed him and then closed the door. She swiftly climbed into bed and picked up the book on her nightstand. She was more determined than ever to find answers. She didn't last more than 20 min however before her eyes betrayed her and were heavy with sleep.
Really guys? Only like 3 reviews last time? I love hearing what your thoughts are! It motivates me! Please write me! Please review. This chapter was tricky. It didn't want to come together and I finally just kind of threw my hands up and decided to go for it. So, let me know if it works.