Disclaimer: I make no money with this.

Chosen By: Corellia

Prompt 1: Sick/Poor Health

Prompt 2: Maroon

Pairing: Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger

WC: 500-1000

Written: June 25, 2024

Story #08

Hermione couldn't remember the last time she felt so bad, her whole body hurt. When she'd finally get some relief from the pounding headache, she would get into a sneezing fit and the headache would come back with a vengeance. To top it all off, her skin would have constantly changing shapes appear at random intervals, her hair couldn't decide on a color and her eyes were going through a myriad of animal eyes. St. Mungo's had put her in an isolated room until they could figure out what was going on, what she had. Unfortunately, it could take a bit of time to figure out due to her traveling so much for her job.

Instead of working for the Ministry as everyone, including her, had thought; she had taken a job with a private company that imported exotic ingredients, ones that were legal to get but difficult to find. The week before her symptoms showed up, Hermione had been to half a dozen countries. The medi-witch in charge was having to research what illnesses were in each country and see if any were what she had.

The only thing keeping her sane was when Neville would visit. They had been dating for six months and he was the one to bring her to the hospital. He came by everyday after classes finished, he was the Professor for Herbology at Hogwarts. He would chat with her or read to her for a few hours before being shooed out due to visiting hours being over. It was sweet and she appreciated his effort immensely.

Her first night secluded, Neville had asked her what he needed to bring for her and she had given a small list to him: her hairbrush, toothbrush, something to sleep in and socks. When he asked what she wanted to for sleepwear, Hermione had requested his maroon shirt. It was a dress shirt but it was so soft and comfy and fell past her bum so everything would be covered, she needed it to help her sleep. Neville had chuckled even as he turned a little pink in the cheeks and told her he would bring what she wanted.

Four days later, the medi-witch had finally learned what Hermione had, the African beetle flu. Fortunately it wasn't easily passed onto others so no one else would have to be quarantined. Apparently, she had walked through an area where the beetles were nesting and had breathed in their secretions. When asked how long the symptoms would last, she was told it could be upwards of two weeks. Well, a week had already passed; hopefully she would be done with this flu sooner rather than later.

Two days later found Hermione being released with several potions to take to make sure the flu had fully left her system and under order to not travel anywhere for the next week. As much as she hated to take more time off from work, Neville reminded her that if she got sick again, it would take even longer if the flu was still present. So Hermione did what she was told and was back to work a week later. However, she had learned to use the bubblehead charm anytime she needed to go into dense foresty area, just to make sure.

~Fin~ (WC 549)