Chances To Come

Chapter Eight

Sidus Morbus

Harry fidgeted impatiently, sitting beside Draco's bed and waiting for Madam Pomfrey to come up with an answer as to what was wrong with him. After a few minutes that seemed like hours to him, he got up and started pacing. Images flashed through his mind, some from nightmares that had started four years ago, some of Draco from when they were seven, and in his mind, Harry watched the gradual changes from his appearance then to the unconscious boy laying in the hospital wing bed a few feet away.

The air felt so heavy Harry had to sit down again because his head was spinning.

Draco…

Harry hoped against hope that it wasn't anything too serious, that whatever it was there would be some easy spell to make it go away, but somehow, he knew there was something wrong with Draco that even magic couldn't fix easily.

Shaking his head, he tried to push thoughts like that away, and he was thankful when Madam Pomfrey returned to the room. In his time at Hogwarts, he had heard about how awfully strict Madam Pomfrey was, but as he looked at her now he saw much of that strictness faded away into worry and sympathy.

"It is too early to tell what exactly might be wrong with Mr. Malfoy, there are many possibilities, and none of them are pleasant," she began feeling her throat constrict slightly at the look on Harry's face. "I'm sorry but there isn't anything I can do for him until I find out for sure what is wrong, otherwise anything I give him might make it worse. Let's just hope the Pepper-Up Potions haven't made it worse already.

"I know you'll want to stay, and you can, but I wouldn't suggest it for your safety as whatever he has may be contagious."

Harry shook his head; "I don't care. I'm staying."

Madam Pomfrey nodded. "I'll be in my office if you need anything. If you would, tell me if he wakes up. It would be useful if I could learn any more of his symptoms."

Harry nodded silently and turned his attention back to his friend. Madam Pomfrey retreated into her office quietly. He didn't even acknowledge her when she came back out and took a sample of Draco's blood.

The more Madam Pomfrey studied the possibilities, the less she liked it. She stared at the open book in front of her, scanning the pages she'd read a million times, trying to solve the nagging sensation in the back of her head that she was forgetting about something.

She turned the page and immediately that something caught her eye. She leaned a little closer to the book, reading.

The Sidus Morbus Disease

Sidus Morbus is translated to mean "Star Sickness" and studies have shown that a rare alignment in the stars can sometimes affect some people with AB- blood. There is no certain age limitation because of the rarity, though so far records have shown that it can affect one as young as fourteen and as old as forty-two.

It takes time in developing and can sometimes be delayed; the longest time span of someone after the disease had taken its affect is four years. Certain medicines and spells can be used, both simple and complex, such as the Compescor Potion or the Freno Charm. But even though these may delay the disease's fatality for a time, there is no known cure, but for what fables and riddles may tell. (For more information see p. 123.)

Madam Pomfrey paused slightly, absorbing what she had just read and mumbling to herself. "Draco is only eleven, but it says there is no certain age limitation… and I'm not sure what type of blood he has, I've never had cause to check. This disease was supposed to be a myth anyway." She frowned. "But if it's real, he may have it…" She stood up and went out to get a sample of Draco's blood to test.

Hermione Granger – in Ron's opinion the most annoying person in Hogwarts – was looking around frantically in the common room.

"What's the matter? Lost a book?" he called scathingly.

She scowled at him. "Actually, I was looking for Harry."

"Harry? Beats me how he can put up with you, Hermione, maybe he's hiding."

"Oh, come on, Ron, at least tell me if you've seen him."

"Not since Potions."

Hermione shifted from one foot to the other. "Maybe we should go look for him. He has been gone a long time…"

Ron considered this for a moment and, grumbling, realized she was right. He stood up. "Alright, alright, I'm coming."

After checking and double-checking all the places they thought he might be, they sat down in Great Hall for a short rest.

"I hope nothing bad has happened to him," said Hermione.

"I'm sure if anything has, he's in the hospital wing. And I guess it couldn't hurt to check, even though I hope nothing bad has happened too," said Ron, standing up and offering a hand to Hermione to help her up. They both paused, confused at the simple gesture, then Hermione took his hand and stood up.

"Well, let's go then," she said, leading the way out.

Harry didn't even turn his head when he heard the door open and close behind him. Or even when he heard his name called. He only acknowledged Ron and Hermione when a hand was laid gently on his shoulder.

"He's sick," Harry said plainly.

"What happened?" said Hermione softly, sitting down in the chair beside Harry.

"I don't know what's wrong with him, he said it was just a stomachache, the next thing I knew he was unconscious."

"But Madam Pomfrey'll fix it," said Ron. "Right?"

"I don't know," said Harry, putting his head in his hands. "She said she wasn't sure what was wrong either, she's in her office trying to figure it out."

Harry couldn't say whether or not he was happy to see his other friends there, but either way he hoped that their questions would stop at that. Ron seemed to realize this and he also sat down, remaining silent.

None of them could tell how long they'd sat there together until Madam Pomfrey came back out.

Upon seeing Ron and Hermione, she felt a bit of her normal strictness returning. "All right, it's getting crowded in here. You're children, you need to go out and do things while you still have the energy to. Go on now."

Ron and Hermione got up obediently but Harry remained where he was. One look at Madam Pomfrey told him she'd meant him too.

"You said I could stay."

"There is no telling how long Mr. Malfoy will be unconscious, it could be days and I need some space to work with him."

Harry frowned and remained seated.

"Go."

"No."

"Now."

"No!" Harry jumped to his feet. "I'm staying."

"Come on, Harry," Ron muttered to him. "Don't get her in a bad mood if she's going to be working."

"Please, Harry, it's almost dinnertime and it will do you good to eat something," said Hermione.

Hermione need not have said anything; Ron's words did the most convincing of any of them. Harry followed them out reluctantly and he gave one last glance at Draco before Hermione closed the door behind them.

The next day, Harry got up early, got dressed, skipped breakfast and went straight to the hospital wing. He was lucky that it was a Saturday and he didn't have any classes or he would have gotten multiple detentions, who knows how many points taken off Gryffindor, and a mountain of homework. Not that he would have cared.

When he walked in, he took his seat in the same chair he'd sat in the day before and he sat and waited. He didn't know how long he sat there, but after what seemed like hours to Harry, Draco started to stir. He groaned softly and slowly, ever so slowly, opened his eyes and looked around.

"Draco?"

Draco groaned again and tried to sit up. "Harry…"

"How are you feeling?"

"Like my entire body is made of lead."

"I suppose that could be expected… hang on, I'll get Madam Pomfrey." Harry stood and went to Madam Pomfrey's office. "Draco woke up."

Madam Pomfrey stood. "Thank you. But didn't I tell you not to stay yesterday?"

Harry smiled sheepishly. "I didn't stay. I just came back."

Madame Pomfrey shook her head and pushed past him on her way to Draco.

"How are you feeling, child?"

Draco decided that with Madam Pomfrey, a detailed answer was expected, so he did the best he could. "My stomach still hurts a little, but now I think it feels more like hunger than anything; my head is sore, possibly from hitting it on the floor; otherwise, just tired."

Madam Pomfrey nodded, checking his temperature. "I'll get you something to eat, but after the mess you made yesterday, don't expect anything too flavorful."

Draco smiled apologetically and nodded, then stopped and winced slightly.

As soon as Madam Pomfrey had gone, Harry moved a little closer to the bed. "I was worried about you, you slept all day yesterday."

"Sorry about that, Harry, if I could have woken up, I would have." Draco tried again to sit up but sighed and fell back against the pillow.

"Maybe you should just stay still," Harry suggested with a small grin.

"You think?" Draco grinned back then winced again.

"If you do something like this again, I may have to sic Kendra on you."

"Oh no, not Kendra… I would be forever in your debt if you didn't tell her about this. If you did, I would never hear the end of this. Ever."

"As long as it doesn't get too serious, I don't see a reason."

"I don't think it'll get any worse. I feel alright, overall, right now."

Harry nodded but still couldn't shake the feeling he'd had yesterday, regardless of his teasing. He was able to ignore it for a while though, now that his friend was awake again, and still his old self, just unable to move at the moment.

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A/N: After reading over this a couple times and revising it a bit, only one thing is bugging me about this chapter. Madam Pomfrey's sudden decision for Harry to leave seems a bit off, but I dunno, maybe her allowing him to stay in the first place is off… either way, I hope it's not bothering anyone too much.

Dahlias: Thanks for the encouragement. Enjoy.

Kaaera: Lol, sorry. I hope you enjoyed this chapter anyway.

The Shadow Bandit: Actually, yes, Draco did teach him that. I was planning on bringing it in next chapter, which I had written beforehand – good timing lol. And yes, they are very close. I was also planning on them referring to each other as brothers later on, not next chapter or anything, but still later. Anyway, thanks a bundle.

hjjhjghj: Okay. Here ya go.

AnimeGirlH: Well, there's some Hermione in this one lol. I just hadn't mentioned her before because there was no need to, that's all. And I dunno about Ron and Draco becoming friends… maybe.

DreamingToThis: Lol, I know, I hate having to make him sick. And I'm glad you liked the Quidditch! And here's one, it's a start, right? Lol. Enjoy!

I've been getting some really good questions in these reviews – keep it coming guys! :: Hands out cookies to reviewers ::

~Sabre Black.