Harry saw Ron's face pale and his eyes grow large as his gaze traveled past him to something over his shoulder. Harry drew his eyes together in confusion as he heard Luna call out Hermione's name. Turning, Harry saw Hermione falling and using his seeker reflexes struggled to catch her before she hit the floor. He lowered her body gently to the ground, his heart pounding hard against his ribs. The pendant wasn't hot, she wasn't shaking. This was not the direct cause of an attack from Benton. Harry shook her gently, trying to rouse her. There was no response to his efforts and Harry's worry increased as blood ran slowly from both of her nostrils. Hermione's face shimmered a little as the glamor charm Harry had placed on her wore off. He suddenly became aware of the crowd that had gathered around him as they gasped in surprise at Hermione's new appearance. Her color drained to nothing, her facial bones became a little too defined and the circles under her eyes darkened considerably.
"What's wrong with her?" Ron asked. "Was it Benton?"
"She's so pale," Mrs. Weasley commented softly.
"Was she wearing a glamor?" Ginny asked.
Harry raised his hand to stop their questions. "It wasn't Benton. I don't know why she collapsed." Harry directed his gaze to Luna. "What happened?"
"We were just talking. I noticed Hermione kept rubbing her temple. She suddenly gasped in what I assume was pain. She put down her cup and began turning toward you when she went down." Luna's voice was full of concern but remained calm.
Harry nodded and then voiced his next question to the room at large, "Could the glamor have drained her core more?" Guilt was eating him up. What if this was his fault?
There was silence for a moment but then Mrs. Weasley shook her head and said, "Only if she was the one that cast it. I assume she wasn't since she isn't well enough to perform magic?"
"It was me. She asked me to and I didn't have the heart to refuse her. She didn't want to worry you all or have her health be cause for pity," Harry explained while pushing back a curl from his wife's face.
Luna kneeled beside him and touched Hermione's cheek gently, "She's burning up."
Harry had noticed that as well. He carefully picked up her limb form and moved her to the couch. "Ron will you please asked Madam Pomfrey to come? I don't want to Floo her home until I'm sure it's safe to do so."
"Right away," Ron responded as he moved toward the fireplace.
A couple minutes later the mediwitch was standing over her patient, her face drawn and tense. Harry watched as Madam Pomfrey poured a fever reducing potion down Hermione's throat and waved her wand in a complicated manner over her body, focusing her efforts on Hermione's head. Harry made eye contact with the witch and her eyes turned soft.
"I think it should be safe to move her home now. But I intend to stay the night with you if you'd allow me to," Madam Pomfrey said.
The request made Harry's insides squirm with worry. He nodded his consent and asked, "What happened?"
Madam Pomfrey looked around the room at the friends that where gathered there. "Are you giving me permission to tell everyone her condition?"
Harry paused for a moment but then said, "Everyone in this room loves her. They have been helping us from the beginning. They deserve to know."
The nurse nodded slowly. "Hermione suffered a brain aneurysm. "
"What's that?" Ginny asked.
"It's basically a bulge in one of the blood vessels in her brain. I suspect developed due to the ongoing attacks she has suffered. The bulge burst, causing some bleeding. She was fortunate however that the bleeding was minimal and there will should be no lasting effects. She could have very easily suffered from a stroke. We are lucky she didn't. I was able to heal the artery and stop the bleeding. She'll recover but her core levels are going to make it more difficult. She is likely to be very tired, have some muscle weakness and possibly some vision loss but we won't know until she wakes."
The room was silent. The information sat heavy in their hearts. Luna spoke softly, "If you need any help tonight I'd be happy to come with you Madam Pomfrey."
Harry watched as Neville squeezed his fiancée in a gentle embrace. The mediwitch responded, "My reasons for wanting to stay with her tonight are to monitor her blood pressure levels and be sure her fever subsides. It's proved stubborn in the past. If Mr. Potter does not object I would appreciate an extra hand. "
Luna looked to Harry and saw him nod toward her. She noticed that he suddenly looked ten years older. His eyes were shiny with unshed tears and exhaustion lined his face. Even if she wasn't much help with Hermione, Luna was determined to try to get Harry to rest.
"Well, with that settled, I think we should get Hermione to the comfort of her home," Madam Pomfrey said.
The room was suddenly full of low chatter as everyone hugged Harry and expressed their love, concern, and willingness to help at any time. Harry was in something of a daze and after shaking hands and receiving hugs and words of encouragement he picked up his wife and stepped into the fireplace.
Luna hugged Neville tightly, "I'll keep you posted on when I'll be back."
"Try to get some rest when you can," Neville said as he cupped her cheeks.
Luna turned her head and pressed a kiss to his palm. "I will. I think my main job will be trying to get Harry to rest."
"He certainly needs it," Neville said with approval.
"Life is unpredictable. I love you Neville," Luna said softly with a sad look on her face.
"I love you too." Neville kissed her soundly which he was pleased brought a smile to her face. He knew she was thinking about how precious life was. He also felt it in that moment. How would he feel if it was Luna who was suffering so near death? The very thought made his breath hitch and his stomach churn. He quickly embraced Luna again before watching her Floo to the Potters.
Harry stumbled out of the fireplace with Hermione in his arms. Colby immediately popped into the room and began jumping about asking questions, his large eyes full of concern. Harry started to explain when Biddy also appeared bouncing nervously. Taking a deep breath Harry said, "Hermione collapsed just a little while ago. Madam Pomfrey and Luna will be staying the night to help me watch over her. Biddy, please prepare the two guest rooms closest to the Master bedroom. Colby, will you please bring up some tea for us all? Then please direct our guests upstairs. They should be stepping through shortly. "
Colby replied with a quick, "Yes, Master Harry." Biddy nodded her head, still bouncing nervously .
"Hermione will be fine. She just needs rest." Harry had given the simple instructions as he walked toward the stairs with his precious wife in his arms. His reassurance to the elves was as much for his own ears as for theirs. He gave each of them a tired smile before they quickly popped away to do their respective jobs. Harry knew keeping them busy would help them feel at ease. He wished he could be so easily distracted. Truth be told he was more scared then he had been in a long time. He could feel the heat rolling off of Hermione's body despite the fever reduction potion that Madam Pomfrey had given her. As Harry continued up the stairs he heard the alarms ring, signaling that the other two women had stepped out of the Floo. Harry entered their bedroom and gently placed Hermione on the bed just as Colby was placing a tea tray on the desk. He quickly popped away to direct their guests. He quickly took off his jacket, draping it haphazardly on the back of a chair. Returning to Hermione's side he was able to fully observe her. He was not comforted by what he saw. Her skin was ashen, and she was far too thin. Her breathing, while even, seemed too shallow. Her chest rose and fell with what looked like too much effort. Her eyes were sunken and circled with dark shadows. Harry ran his fingers through her hair; even it seemed to be less curly and full. He bent and kissed her forehead, his eyebrows furrowing as her skin was far too warm. Before he could do anything more he was joined by Madam Pomfrey and Luna.
The nurse quickly set down her bag near the foot of the bed and came to Hermione's side, checking her patient over. "First thing is that we need to get her comfortable. Harry would you mind transfiguring her clothes into whatever night time wear she enjoys?"
"Of course," Harry said as he quickly raised his wand. Within a matter of seconds Hermione's warm winter clothes were replaced by soft flannel bottoms and a loose fitting Quidditch T-shirt that clearly belonged to him.
"Let's get her tucked in," Madam Pomfrey suggested.
Harry lifted his wife up and Luna pulled down the blankets of the bed. Once they had her settled against the pillows and partly covered with a blanket there was a moment of silence as they all stared down at the young woman before them.
Luna's soft voice asked, "What can we do for?"
"We need to watch her fever. It isn't responding well to the potion. It's not too much of a concern yet but if you could fetch a cold cloth for her head that may help," Madam Pomfrey instructed.
Luna nodded and turned to Harry as if asking permission. Harry pointed to the bathroom. "Just through there. There should be fresh towels and wash clothes in the cupboard."
Luna soon returned with the cold cloth and placed it gently on the Hermione's head. Biddy popped into the room and squeaked, "There is tea on the table and I is able to bring up biscuits too if you wish!"
"Thank you Biddy, that sounds nice," Luna responded.
"I is doing that then," Biddy said smiling.
"Biddy, perhaps you can show the ladies their rooms first? They may want to rest," Harry suggested.
"Oh, yes! Of course! Please follow me," Biddy said nodding enthusiastically. Before she left she turned back to her master. "I is bringing them right back though. Master Harry should not be alone. He needs his friends. And I is thinking these ladies is agreeing with me."
Harry felt a slight blush creep up his face and he smiled gently at the little elf. Luna beamed widely and Madam Pomfrey simply raised her eyebrow as if surprised the elf would speak so boldly. Biddy led the two woman out the door and down the hall. True to her word they were back within a few minutes time.
"You do have a lovely home here Harry," Madam Pomfrey said. "The rooms are quite spacious. Thank you for allowing us to stay."
Harry shook his head, "I am the one who is grateful. I know we've asked a lot of you recently. Thank you for your help. It means a lot to Hermione and I."
"Of course, dear."
Luna poured tea for everyone. Harry sat on the edge of the bed while Madam Pomfrey took the chair behind the desk and Luna took the chair beside the bed. "Perhaps we should watch in shifts," Luna suggested.
"That would probably be wise," Madam Pomfrey nodded. "No use in all of us staying up all night. I'll take the first shift. Luna you can get some sleep and I'll wake you around 3am."
Luna nodded and rose from her chair. She placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "She'll be alright. Call me if you need me or if anything happens."
Harry gave her a smile and nodded. He felt a bit awkward as he was left alone with Madam Pomfrey sitting behind the desk. He almost felt as if he was back in school and was going to be in trouble with the teacher. He stifled a yawn and let his gaze return to Hermione.
"She isn't likely to wake for a couple more hours. It might even be a day. She has been through quite a lot and as you know she is rather weak," Madam Pomfrey said. Harry just nodded silently. "Well, Harry, I suggest you get comfortable, I'll just step out and let you settle in. You should try to get some sleep. Though I suspect you won't. I'll just pop back in to check on things every once in while."
As he watched the nurse rise he said, "You are welcome to wait in here if you wish." He rose and directed her to the door that led to the library. He watched as the nurse's eyes grew big as she stepped into the adjoining room.
"It is no wonder Hermione loves it here."
Harry couldn't keep a smile from creeping up his face. "She does tend to live in this room. Feel free to go to your bedroom too if you wish."
"I do believe this may be the more convenient spot for me. I think I shall find something to keep me awake in here and I will be close by should you need me."
Harry nodded. Having settled Madam Pomfrey into the library, he took the time to get some more comfortable clothes on. He settled down on the bed next to Hermione. He propped himself up on a few pillows and opened the book he had begun reading earlier that week. Harry tried to focus on his book but was not making much progress. An hour later he saw Madam Pomfrey peek her head into the room. Seeing him still awake she came near the bed and performed some scans of Hermione.
"You really should get some sleep Harry," the nurse said in a motherly tone.
Harry just shrugged at her and looked expectantly at her reaction to the latest scans. "How is she?"
"Much the same. Her fever is still a bit high. I'm not so sure I like the sound of her breathing either. It's even but seems a bit forced."
Harry's brow furrowed. "I have noticed that with each attack she's had recently her breathing becomes more labored."
The mediwitch pursed her lips and nodded, "I'll be back in a little while to check on her again. Do try to sleep. You won't do her any good by being exhausted."
"I'll try," Harry agreed. He watched Madam Pomfrey retreat back into the library. He shifted so that he was lying down, facing Hermione. He leaned into her and kissed her lightly on the cheek. In a soft whisper he said, "I love you. Please wake up soon." He watched her closely but there was no sign that she had heard him. Sighing, Harry clasped her hand and let his eyes close.
He was not sure what had roused him. He was only half awake. His body felt stiff and his eyelids felt too heavy to lift. Something though had stirred his brain. As he started to drift back into the abyss of sleep he felt it; a slight movement. He couldn't place it. Then he heard a soft sound and he felt movement again. This time he was awake enough to register the movement was against his hand. He flexed his fingers and suddenly realized he was still holding Hermione's hand. His mind awakened with a jerk as he heard a soft moan beside him. Harry quickly propped himself up on his elbow and began gently running his thumb across his wife's hand. He almost held his breath when he felt her hand stir in his. He could make out some of Hermione's facial features in the dim light. He heard her moan softly again and saw her eyebrows draw together slightly. Harry suddenly worried she might be in pain. "Hermione? Hermione, can you hear me? It's Harry. Can you wake up love?"
There was no immediate response and Harry gently stroked her cheek. The heat and moisture that hit his hand made his heart hammer in his chest and he quickly sat up crying out, "Madam Pomfrey! Come quick!"
He heard a quick shuffle in the next room and soon the mediwitch was beside him. "What is it? Has something happened?"
Harry was trying to calm his breathing. "She began moaning. I felt her move her hand. I thought she might be waking up. But…she's burning up!"
Madam Pomfrey furrowed her brow and quickly took a scan. She gasped at the readings. Hermione moaned again and moved her head to the side slightly.
"Is she waking up?" Harry asked with some anticipation.
"Hermione, dear, can you hear me?" The nurse asked.
There was a slight hum in response. Harry squeezed her hand, "Come on love. Wake up for me." He watched as Hermione struggled to open her eyes. Her eyes lids partially opened and her weak voice reached his ears.
"H- Harry?"
"Yes, I'm here." Harry tried to get in her line of vision but her eyes soon closed again. He watched Madam Pomfrey lift her head slightly and press a cup of water to her lips. Hermione sipped it slowly. When she was laying down again, Harry said, "Can you stay awake?"
"Mmm, 's cold."
Harry scowled with that information and the fact that her voice had been so weak and slurred. As if to confirm what she had said he felt her body shiver violently. Her muscles tensed as her teeth suddenly chattered. He looked to Madam Pomfrey and his worry increased. The nurse had a strained look on her face.
"Harry, we desperately need to get her temperature down. It's dangerously high."
"How high?" Harry asked in clear concern.
Madam Pomfrey sighed, "105.5. If we don't get it down she could die. Her brain is frying. I'm a bit surprised she hasn't slipped into a coma already."
Harry felt his pulse quicken at the information. He felt Hermione shiver against him and saw the beads of sweat on her forehead. "What do we do? The potion doesn't work!"
"Go get Luna. We'll have to do this the old fashioned way. Hurry!"
Harry nodded and quickly made his way down the hallway. When he reentered the room with Luna close behind he saw Madam Pomfrey had removed the blankets from Hermione and had transfigured her into a white cotton gown. The mediwitch wasted no time in giving instructions. "Luna please go start the tub. Cold water only." Luna quickly moved to obey.
"But she's shivering. Won't that make it worse?" Harry asked.
"She might feel cold but it's the fever. In reality her body is on fire. We have to cool it. Please carry her into the bathroom."
Harry picked up Hermione with ease, and quickly took her into the bathroom. Luna stood by the tub, cold water flowing freely. Madam Pomfrey came toward Harry carrying a bottle of what he recognized as a calming drought. "She is not going to like this," the mediwitch said as she poured the potion into Hermione's mouth. "Hopefully the calming draught will help her but it's going to be quite a shock to her system. Gently lower her in Mr. Potter."
Harry swallowed thickly. "It's going to be alright my dear. I'm right here. We just have to cool you down." He slowly lowered Hermione into the freezing water. The reaction was immediate. Before being placed in the tub, Hermione was simply moaning softly, her eyes closed. When her body hit the frigid water her eyes shot open and she gasped roughly. Her muscles tensed and she began thrashing about weakly as if trying to get away. Harry tried to sooth her but his voice was tight watching her struggle. "It's alright. I've got you. It's ok. This will help." He tried to hold her hands to keep her from splashing them.
"Luna can you try to hold her head steady? I don't want her knocking it against the tub," Madam Pomfrey instructed.
Luna quickly knelt down and gently held Hermione's head between her hands to try to still her friend. Harry watched Luna breathe deeply before she began singing softly. The melody was lilting and slow. Hermione's breathing continued to be stilted and disjointed but her body slowly stopped its weak attempts to fight what was happening. Harry's heart constricted as he saw silent tears running down his wife's face. He blinked rapidly in an attempt to keep his own eyes dry.
"We need to cool her head," Madam Pomfrey said as she transfigured the toothbrush holder into a large cup. The nurse filled the cup with bath water and slowly poured it over Hermione's hair. The water seemed to just sit on top of her bushy mane. "Keep singing Luna. I think it is helping." Madam Pomfrey continued to pour water on top of Hermione's head until her hair was sufficiently soaked and the cold water had reached her scalp. By this time Hermione had closed her eyes, her body was shaking and her teeth where chattering loudly.
Harry heard Hermione moan softly before her lips parted. "P- Please…" The plea was so soft he was sure he would have missed it if he hadn't been watching her mouth move. A pain stabbed his heart. With a hopeful look he eyed Madam Pomfrey.
"Let's get her dry," The nurse declared.
Luna moved to hold Hermione's head and quickly wrap her dripping hair in a towel as Harry lifted her limp but trembling body from the water. He set her down gently on the bath mat. He pulled out his wand to perform a drying spell. Before he could, Madam Pomfrey touched his shoulder, gently instructing, "No heat. I am going to go make up the bed for her."
Harry nodded as Madam Pomfrey exited the bathroom. He wanted nothing more than to help Hermione stop chattering but knew their efforts would be futile if she became over heated again. He waved his wand and preformed a drying spell that did not include any added heat. Luna preformed the same spell on Hermione's hair. Harry held her close and whispered, "It's alright. You're going to be alright." He was pleased that her cheek felt quite a bit cooler to his fingers. Luna grabbed a brush and gently started running it through Hermione's curls. Harry turned to his friend, his voice husky as he said, "Thank you Luna. This would have been harder without you."
Luna gave him a sad smile, "You are welcome. I am glad I can be here for her...for you both."
"She loves having her hair brushed too," Harry commented as he saw some of the tension slowly leave his wife's face as Luna continued to brush the tangles from her hair.
"I think all girls enjoy that luxury. Helps us feel protected. Loved. Though I am not entirely sure why," Luna pondered.
"Should I give Neville a little hint about it?" Harry smiles softly.
Luna's eyes lit up a bit as she responded with a smirk, "That definitely falls under your best man duties I should think."
"Consider it done," Harry responded. He lifted Hermione once again into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Madam Pomfrey was just finishing turning down the covers when he approached.
"I have charmed the blankets with a slight cooling charm. It will ensure she doesn't become too hot. With any luck the fever will break in the next few hours. Lay her down and we'll give her a dreamless sleep potion. Goodness knows she needs a peaceful rest," the nurse stated.
Harry did as she suggested and once he saw that Hermione was deep in sleep he turned to the two women beside him. "What's the plan now?"
"Well, I do believe we have done all we can. Luna is welcome to return home. I think we are past the worst of it. I will stay until she wakes. I want to be sure that fever leaves and do a full examination to be sure there are no lingering effects or concerns from the aneurysm. Relatively speaking, she has held up remarkably well thus far," Madam Pomfrey said with a sad smile.
Luna's calm voice asked, "Are you sure you don't need me anymore?"
Turning a kind smile to the young woman the nurse replied, "I think it is safe to say I can handle it from here. Thank you for your help my dear. I do hope you can get some rest."
Luna smiled, "I am glad to have been of help." She turned to Harry, "I think I'll just go make some tea for you two before I go."
"You can ask Biddy to it," Harry said.
"Oh, no, I would not want to disturb her at this early hour. I'll just be right back," Luna said as she left the room.
Harry turned to Madam Pomfrey, "Thank you for all you have done to help her. I am sorry to have kept you up all night."
"It is no problem. I am just glad her fever is down. If you wouldn't mind though, I am feeling quite tired. If you are alright being alone with her, I would like to lie down for a little while."
"Of course! Please go rest," Harry insisted.
"Thank you. Please don't hesitate to call for me should anything change. I suspect all will be quiet for a few hours however," The mediwitch reassured him.
Harry nodded and then led her to her room, thanking her once more before leaving her to rest. On his way back to his own room he met Luna with the tea tray and helped her carry it to the desk. "Did Madam Pomfrey want tea?" Luna asked.
"I think she was so tired she forgot all about it," Harry confessed.
Luna smiled sweetly as she poured a cup for Harry and handed it to him. "Do try to get some rest yourself, Harry. I hate to say it, but you look awful."
Harry couldn't help but smile at her honesty. "Thanks? Ha, it has been a trying few hours."
Luna watched him take a sip of his tea and said, "She'll be alright Harry. She's a fighter. I'll leave you to rest. Neville will want to know how you two are doing."
"Yeah, you can tell him how awful I look," Harry said with a smirk. "Didn't you want any tea yourself before you go?"
"I suspect Neville is waiting up with some for me." Luna gave him a quick hug. "I'll see you soon Harry. Please keep us informed. We all care about both of you so much."
Harry nodded his agreement, blushing slightly at her comment. "Thank you again. And tell Neville thanks too. I know he was a bit reluctant to part with you this evening."
"Oh, he was alright with it. He knows you needed me. He's a good man," Luna commented a bit dreamily.
"That he is," Harry agreed.
"Get some sleep," Luna said as she made her way to the door.
Harry smiled and nodded as he watched her go. He took another few sips of his tea and laid down beside his wife. He intended to read his book, but his head suddenly felt heavy. A brief thought crossed his mind that Luna might have slipped something into his tea. He didn't have time to process that idea before he was in a deep and dreamless sleep.
Luna walked into the house and found Neville asleep on the couch. He must have fallen asleep while waiting for her she thought. She bent down and gently kissed him as she ran her fingers into his hair. "Hey, sleepy head, I'm home." She watched him stir and slowly open his eyes.
Neville sat up quickly and embraced her. "Is she alright? What happened? I wasn't actually expecting you until about 6 but…what time is it anyway?"
Luna giggled lightly at his sleepy confusion. "It is around 4:30. We got Hermione settled and Madam Pomfrey assured me she didn't need me to stay any longer."
"So, she's going to be alright then?" Neville asked.
Luna sighed heavily but nodded, "I think so."
He noticed her body droop and quickly gathered into his arms again. "Hey, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
"I'm just worried…about both of them. I did manage to make sure Harry got some sleep though."
"How did you do that?" Neville inquired.
"I slipped some dreamless sleep into his tea before I left. I made sure he took a few sips before I departed. He should be out like a light for a few hours. He needed it." Luna confessed. "He looked awful."
"I imagine he did after everything that happened. So you drugged him huh?" Neville smirked amusedly at her.
"Well, it's not like he was going to have a good night's rest without a bit of help! I doubt he sleeps nightmare free, especially after the last few months. And expecting him to relax while Hermione is on her death bed is not likely." Luna said rather fast and forcefully.
Neville paled at her words and furrowed his brow at her obvious state of distress. "Death bed? I thought you said she was going to be alright?"
Luna rose and paced a bit. "She is. Or, will be….for now." She felt tears sting her eyes and tried to blink them away. "Oh, Neville. She's so weak. While I was there she suffered a very high fever. Potions weren't working. We had to give her a cold bath. Seeing her like that… she was pale and shivering. We got the fever to go down and she's resting comfortably. Madam Pomfrey expects her to wake in a few hours and she should be fine. But…she's skin and bone and her breathing…it doesn't sound right."
Neville rose and held her against him trying to comfort her. "Shh, it's going to be alright."
"But it's not. She's dying Neville. Her core levels are dangerously low. I just don't know what to do for them. I can't…What if he loses her? I'm not sure he'd survive it." Luna said softly.
Neville didn't know what to say to that. He simply held her as her tears wet his shirt. He rubbed her back gently. Finally he said, "We just have to hold out hope that they can get Benton to cooperate and reverse the bond. She can recover. We just have to hold out hope." He felt Luna nod her head against him. "You must be exhausted. Let me take you up to bed."
Luna did not object when Neville led her to her bedroom and settled her into the blankets. He kissed her soundly. "Sleep as long as you like. I'll have food ready for you when you wake."
"I love you, Neville," Luna yawned softly. He kissed her in return and let her rest.
-This was not an easy chapter for several reasons. I do hope it came out alright. I wrote it rather quickly so please forgive any mistakes. I didn't want to make you wait too long. Please comment. I would really appreciate any and all reviews even helpful criticism. Cheers!