Missing the Festival
a Harry Potter story
by Tina
The two boys walked silently together to the dining hall after Quidditch practice, both lost in their own thoughts. Harry was thinking with disappointment about all of the fun that his friends would be having on their week long trip to the Wizard Festival and how he would be missing out. It was so terribly unfair that he could not go on the trip because once again his Uncle Vernon had not signed the permission slip. Ron on the other hand was trying to convince himself that he was, absolutely not getting sick. He felt so very cold, he just couldn't get warm, but he told himself this was due to their prolonged Quidditch practice in the rain. Angelina had worked them long and hard knowing they wouldn't be having any practice for the week of the festival. His throat felt raw, and he'd been sneezing quite a lot today, but surely he couldn't be getting sick, not now, just before the festival.
Their silence was interrupted by three sudden sneezes from Ron." Eshooo! Hishooo! ESHOOO!" They came so fast he didn't have time to try to stifle them. "Bless you," Harry mumbled absently on their way in to the dining room. They joined Hermione and Ginny who were so involved in conversation about the festival trip that they barely noticed them. Harry realized he was starving and eagerly set into his supper. Ron on the other hand realized he was not at all hungry and just picked at his supper and drank his tea.
Hermione and Ginny had just wandered over to speak to Professor McGonagall at the staff table when Ron's sneezing erupted again" Ishooo! ehhshoo! HESHOO!" He sneezed over and over, sniffling wetly in between. Harry's concern for his friend brought him back from his self pity. He saw Ron fumbling in his pockets for something to wipe his nose with. Harry pulled out his own handkerchief and handed it to a grateful Ron. "Thanks, mate." Ron muttered between blows. Harry took a good look at his friend. He really didn't look well, he was somewhat pale and seemed to be shivering. His nose was red and now that Harry thought back he seemed to have been sneezing an awful lot today. One look at Ron's untouched dinner plate confirmed that something was definitely wrong. "Ron, are you alright?", Harry asked with concern.
"I'm fine.", he answered punctuated with another wet sneeze." Ehshoo!".
"You really don't look well at all, are you sure you're not..." , Harry began.
"I said I'm fine!", the redhead interrupted ,"Could we drop it please?"
Harry let it go without further comment but he could tell his friend was feeling under the weather. Ron felt badly he was so short with Harry but he definitely did not any attention because of how he was feeling. They finished most of the meal in silence until Ron couldn't hold in his sneezes any longer. "Ehshoo.! hehshoo! ehSHOO!!!" Harry jumped at the sudden explosion from his friend, and Ron just kept sneezing. His nose was running and he had already saturated Harry's handkerchief. His throat was burning and he just felt terrible.
Harry waited patiently for his friend's fit to subside. He knew he was risking annoying Ron but he had to try one more time to help his friend. "Ron, " he began hesitantly,"Why don't we go to see Madame Pomfrey. She'll give you some Pepper Up potion and you'll be good as new by morning."
"I said I was fine, didn't you hear me? I don't need to go to see Madame Pomfrey because I am not sick!" I'm going upstairs!" He stormed out of the dining hall.
Just then Hermione and Ginny returned to the table. "Where's Ron going in such a hurry?", Ginny asked.
For just a moment Harry considered telling them the truth. But then he realized that Ron would never forgive him. Besides he probably felt bad enough without the girls fussing over him."He's just remembered some homework we had forgotten for Divination" It was the only class they didn't share with Hermione and the fastest excuse he could think of.
"Well I hope he finishes packing as well, we're leaving right after last class tomorrow.", Hermione said, then she thought about Harry, "I wish you could come with us too Harry, it won't be the same without you." Ginny nodded in agreement.
"I do too,"said Harry,"But don't worry about me, I'll get all caught up on my homework, and spend some time visiting with Hagrid. I'm going to go up and finish that homework with Ron." he finished anxious to check on his friend. They walked together to the Gryffindor common room then said their goodbyes as Harry continued up to the boy's dormitory.
He found Ron already asleep. He was curled up in bed wrapped in his blanket. He looked somewhat cold still to Harry so he took his second blanket off his bed and covered his friend. He sat on his bed watching Ron for a few minutes and then decided that he too was very tired and decided to turn in for the night.
He awoke the next morning to the sound of Ron's sneezing. Or rather the sound of Ron trying to muffle his sneezes into his pillow. Harry put on his glasses and glanced over at his friend. He certainly did not look any better than last night. He noticed Ron was reaching around on his bed for something between sneezes. Realizing his friend must need a handkerchief he got out of bed and got one from Ron's drawer. "Bless you," he said softly as he handed Ron the cloth. Ron nodded his thanks between sneezes and blows.
Harry felt he had to try again,"Ron, you really seem like you need to see Madame Pomfrey, you don't want to be sick for the trip...."
"I 'm not going to the hospital wing because I am NOT sick! "
Harry let it go, there was no point in arguing with the stubborn redhead when he was like this. He would let Hermione fight that battle later. Once she realized Ron was sick Harry knew she would be relentless.
Just then Neville came in on his way back from showering. Ron was sitting on the edge of his bed with a presneeze expression stuck on his face. Neville looked over to see his friend not looking well, "Ron are you alright?", he asked with concern.
"I'm fine!", Ron almost shouted, "I wish everyone would stop asking me if I'm alright." He stormed off to the shower.
Poor Neville was shocked to silence. "What's the matter with him?", Lee asked on his way in the door as Ron stormed out.
"He's sick, "said Harry, "But he's not about to admit it." The boys nodded in understanding.
The shower did wonders for Ron's stuffy nose and now aching body. He stayed in as long as he could. He felt almost human by the time he stepped out. He felt somewhat guilty for being short with his friends, but why couldn't they just leave him be. He came in a bit late for breakfast. He mouthed a "Sorry" to Neville who looked at him anxiously afraid he might still be angry.
"Did you finish your Divination homework?", Hermione asked as he sat.
"My what?", he asked confused.
"Harry said you went to finish your Divination homework last night when you ran out of here. I hope you have everything caught up and you're ready for the festival."
"Oh that, right," Ron nodded looking gratefully at Harry,"I'm all caught up." Ron did manage to control his sneezing through the meal but he was absolutely not hungry. Even the tea burned his raw throat on the way down. Luckily for him Hermione was too busy chatting about the festival to notice his poor appetite. He was sure Harry noticed though, and he was glad he didn't mention it.
Their first class was Divination. Both boys were glad to see that they were doing tea leaves. They both had the same thought about the tea being a good thing for Ron. He stifled a few sneezes during the class but otherwise seemed alright. He was aware of Harry watching him but neither said anything about Ron's condition.
The next class did not however go so well for the young Mr Weasley. They headed out to the greenhouse for Herbology with Professor Sprout. They were gathering pollen from the flaming rosaria plant, an essential ingredient in many potions. Ron's sneezing started almost immediately ." Huh......eshhhhhHOO! ishooooo! heh...heh CHOO!" He was miserable . His nose was again running non stop and he could barely catch his breath between sneezes. Harry and Hermione watched him with concern. "Is he ok?', Hermione asked Harry. Harry just shrugged.
"Well Mr Weasley," Professor Sprout was upon him, "It seems that the rosaria pollen must be affecting you." Ron nodded grateful for an excuse."Why don't you run along to see Madame Pomfrey for an allergy potion and you can rejoin us for the next lesson."
Ron nodded his thanks between the continuing sneezes and bolted from the room. "Ron's not allergic to flaming rosaria!", Hermione hissed at Harry. He avoided her gaze. After class Hermione cornered Harry as they walked back to the castle for lunch. "Ron's sick isn't he?", she demanded. Harry nodded reluctantly.
"Well, he needs to get to Madame Pomfrey right away for some Pepper Up before the trip. What's wrong with you two?"
"Look Hermione he's sick but he won't admit it," Harry told her, "I've been trying to get him to Madame Pomfrey since last night and all he's done is shout at me."
"He's been sick since last night!", she began.
"Who's sick?", asked Ginny coming up behind them.
"Your brother,"Hermione answered rolling her eyes, "and apparently he's refusing to see Madame Pomfrey."
Ginny nodded, "He's always so stubborn when he's sick, denies it to that last minute he does. Where is he now?"
"I'll check the dormitory,"said Harry separating from the girls, "We'll meet you at lunch"
He found Ron sitting in the Gryffindor common room dozing in chair pulled close to the fire. He knew better than to ask how he was feeling at this point."Are you ready for lunch Ron?", he asked quietly.
Ron looked up slowly. He looked truly awful, his pale skin was now flushed, Harry wondered if it was heat from the fire or from fever. His nose was red and raw and his eyes just somehow didn't look right. "I'm not really hungry...", he began.
"Come on, "Harry said helping his friend to his feet "I'm sure they'll be some soup. Besides if you don't come down Hermione will be up here to drag you to the hospital wing." Ron nodded in agreement and slowly moved along.
He felt terrible by the time they reached the dining hall. The last thing he wanted was lunch. They joined Hermione and Ginny at the Griffindor table. Hermione was at him the moment he sat. "Just look at you Ron, you look dreadful! You must get to the hospital wing right away. You don't want to be sick for the festival do you?"
"I'm fine," Ron said without conviction,"And I am NOT going to the hospital wing. "
She continued at him for several more minutes not giving him any chance to respond. It was of course at that time that his nose starting ticking again. He tried to answer her, but every time he opened his mouth to speak the urge to sneeze would over take him."I'm .......ehh...ehhh......fine...CHOO!!!. Eshoooo!....eh..ehSHOOOOO.! I don't need. ASHOOOOO!." He gave up even trying to talk at that point. Hermione's look softened as she really did care that her friend was feeling so terrible. "I need to go blow my nose, " Ron announced as he stood up, "See you......", he paused to sneeze yet again, " ISHOOO! in class."
"Well, that's it.", Hermione was determined, "I'm going to tell Professor McGonagall that he's sick!"
She stood up to go and Harry grabbed her arm to stop her."Hermione if you go to McGonagall he'll never forgive you. He won't be able to hide it from her during class, so let her figure it out and then Ron won't be able to blame you." Ginny nodded in agreement, she knew her brother well.
Hermione reluctantly agreed."But if he doesn't get to the hospital wing by the end of classes, I'm going to tell her." The three friends agreed on their plan and set off for class.
Ron arrived in Transfiguration just after Harry and Hermione. He was careful to choose a seat next to Harry but away from Hermione. Professor McGonagall came in and started their lecture. They would be transfiguring small insects into jewelry this class. Harry noticed Ron's sniffling almost immediately. He glanced sideways at his friend and watched him struggling not to sneeze. He soon lost the battle. A string of forceful sneezes rang out "EHHSHOOOOO! Ehhshooo! Ehshooooo! heh...heh.. .......HESHOOOOOOO!" . The entire class jumped in their seats
A startled Professor McGonagall approached him. "Are you feeling alright Mr Weasley?', she asked concerned.
"Yes Professor, I'm fide.", he answered now thoroughly congested. She eyed him warily but continued on with the class. Hermione and Harry exchanged glances. Clearly Hermione was almost bursting.
It wasn't long before Ron's sneezes erupted again. He tried to stifle them, to muffle them but he just couldn't. "Ehshoooo! ishooo! hehCHOOO! ISHOOOOO!!" He was so overtaken by the sneezes that he didn't even see Professor McGonagall approaching him. He caught his breath and took out his handkerchief to blow his now dripping nose. He suddenly felt a cool hand on his forehead. The professor was startled by the heat she felt. "Mr Weasley!" he heard her stern voice, "You most certainly are not fine! Mr Potter please help our Mr Weasley get himself to Madame Pomfrey immediately!"
Ron knew better than to fight at this point and he allowed his friend to lead him to the hospital wing. He continued sneezing all the way there.
Madame Pomfrey directed him to a small bed where she proceeded to examine him."Don't worry Ron," Harry reassured him. "A little Pepper Up potion and you'll be fine for the festival."
"Oh no, I'm afraid not." Madame Pomfrey responded gravely.
"Why not?", the two asked in unison.
"Well, "began Madame Pomfrey, "We have a critical shortage of yellow lilac blossoms one of the crucial ingredients in Pepper Up potion. I've sent Hagrid into the Forbidden Forest to find some but it may take some time. After he locates it, which is a very difficult task, then Professor Sprout needs to treat the petals to ready them for the potion."
"But what about the festival?". asked Ron hoarsely
"I'm so sorry Mr Weasley, you will need to remain here in the hospital wing until you are feeling better." Ron looked devastated. How much worse could it get he wondered, he felt bloody awful, there was no Pepper Up, he was missing the festival and he had to remain in the hospital wing.
"Madame Pomfrey," Harry broke the silence, "Could Ron come back to the boys dorm?"
"Oh no Mr Potter, the dormitories will be virtually empty, he certainly cannot be on his own so sick." she shook her head.
"But I'm not going to the festival, I could take care of him. I know he'd be more comfortable in his own bed." Harry pleaded, "I'm sure I could do it."
She considered for a moment. She knew these boys well, and she knew how close their bond was. They had survived much worse than this together. She felt reasonably sure she could trust the young Potter with the responsibility of caring for his best friend. "Very well Mr Potter, I will allow it." Ron looked gratefully at his friend. "But, " continued Madame Pomfrey, "I will be checking in daily, and of course you must follow all of my instructions."
"Of course," Harry nodded. She led him to her office and gave him extensive instructions in how to care for his friend. Just when he thought he would never remember it all, she waved her wand at a long piece of parchment and all the instructions were written out for him. She handed Harry a small vial with a sleeping potion to administer to Ron once he was tucked into bed. She also gave him a small silver bell. "This bell is charmed,"she told him,"Just ring it if you need me. I will hear it wherever I am."
"Oh, and Harry,"she called after him, "Please be sure to take care of yourself and see that you get enough rest as well. You cannot take care of your friend if you become ill." Harry nodded as he helped Ron up off the bed and out into the hall.
Hermione ran into the boys on their way back to the dormitories. "Are you feeling better now Ron?," she asked smiling at him. He responded by shaking his head and stifling a sneeze.
"What's wrong?," she looked concerned.
Harry explained their trip to Madame Pomfrey as they walked slowly back to Gryffindor House. Pausing frequently for Ron to sneeze and blow his nose.
"Oh no Ron, that's just terrible! I'll stay here too, and help Harry take care of you.", she suggested.
Ron knew how much she was looking forward to the festival and he felt lucky to have two such good friends. "No, Hermione. I mean thanks a lot but..." he paused a moment to sneeze, "Heh shoo! You need to go the festival. Ginny will be all alone if you don't. You can't trust Fred and George to look after her. And besides who'll tell us all about it if you're no there." She started to argue but Harry and Ron convinced her that they would be fine and she really should go on the trip as planned.
Hermione accompanied them back to the boys dormitory and saw Ron safely tucked in to bed. Harry gave him the sleeping potion and he was soon fast asleep. She reluctantly left them to go gather her bags in the girls dormitory. Ginny came in to check on him after hearing the news from Hermione. She bent over his sleeping face and gave him a silent good bye kiss on the forehead before leaving. "Thanks for taking care of him here Harry, you're such a good friend to him. " She leaned over and gave Harry a quick kiss on the cheek before running out the door. Harry felt his cheeks grow hot, and was glad that Ron was not awake to witness the kiss and his reaction.
Ron slept for several hours, Harry busied himself catching up on his homework. He was startled by a knock on the door. He was pleasantly surprised to find Dobby carrying a large tray of food. He had brought all of Harry's favorites for supper as well as soup and tea with honey for Ron. "Thanks Dobby!" Harry had been wondering how he was going to get his supper.
"Dobby is hear to help Mr Harry Potter sir. Anything you need, you just call Dobby sir." Dobby handed him a whistle "How is your Weezy?"
"He's alright I think. He's been sleeping awhile."
As if on cue, Ron rolled over and sneezed. He looked up surprised and a bit embarrassed to see them staring at him. "Bless you Mr Weezy" , Dobby called out.
"Dobby brought us supper, " Harry told him. Noticing Ron's expression he continued, "Just tea and soup for you, don't worry. " Ron smiled gratefully. He turned to thank Dobby but the elf was already gone.
Harry brought Ron some tea and a big bowl of soup to his bedside table. Ron seemed to feel little better despite his long sleep. He still felt freezing cold and his throat and body ached. The sneezes seemed to have subsided momentarily but his nose was so stuffed up he had to breathe through his mouth. "Harry, " he began, between sips tea,"I want you to know how much I appreciate you..... taking care of me."
"Don't worry about it, you'd do the same for me.", Harry answered.
"Just the same, I know it's a lot of work for you and I know I don't really deserve it." He lowered his eyes, "I'm sorry I was such a git about being sick. I just really wanted to go to the festival."
Harry nodded in understanding, " I know, but really it's ok.....Here.", he handed Ron a handkerchief after seeing the look on his face as he tried and failed to fight off a sneeze.
"Ishoooo! Heh...heh...hehchoooo! EhhhhCHOOOO! Oh Harry, I really do feel awful, " he groaned as he lied back down in bed and pulled up the covers.
"I know you do mate, " Harry touched his arm,"Try to get some sleep, I'm right here if you need me." That thought was somewhat comforting to Ron as he drifted off to sleep.
After sitting on his bed watching Ron sleep for a bit Harry realized how exhausted he was as well. His whole body felt tired and kind of achy. He changed into his pajamas and climbed into his own bed after Dobby came to fetch their dishes. Before going to sleep he read over Madame Pomfrey's instructions to be sure he wasn't missing anything he should be doing to help Ron feel better. He really felt bad for his friend, he knew how much he had wanted to go on this trip and how bad he must feel. After assuring himself that he was adequately performing his duties he dimmed the lights and drifted off to sleep.
He was awoken awhile later to a moaning nosie. It took him a few minutes to get his bearings then he realized that the noise was Ron. He seemed to be writhing around in his bed, mumbling but not really awake. Harry assumed he was dreaming. He went to his friend, and tried to wake him from his dream but after getting a good look at him and feeling his forehead he realized that he had a fever. He grabbed Madame Pomfrey's instructions to be sure he remembered them correctly. He then pulled off Ron's heavy blankets leaving him covered with only a light sheet. He then got a basin of water and cloths from the bathroom. He sat beside his friends bed through the night, trying to comfort him and ease his fever, sponging his forehead with the cool cloths. He finally drifted off to sleep in the chair and awoke some time later once gain to the sound of Ron's sneezes.
He looked at his friend and was happy to see that at least his fever had broken. "You alright?", he asked Ron. Ron nodded, rubbing his nose and sniffling. Harry brought him a new handkerchief and got him a glass of water. Ron accepted both gratefully. Giving his nose a long blow and then guzzling down the water to ease his dry, sore throat. The guzzling was a definite mistake as it set him off on a long coughing spell. The coughs were dry and harsh sounding. Harry rubbed his friend's back and waited, wondering if he should ring the bell for Madame Pomfrey or wait. To both boys relief Ron's coughing finally ceased.
"Sorry about that," Ron looked sheepish, he then sipped slowly, carefully at the water Harry had warily refilled in the glass. "That's better." Ron almost smiled.
Harry looked around and realized it was morning. "Are you hungry Ron?" , he asked preparing to call Dobby for some breakfast. Ron shook his head and groaned lying back down in the bed. Harry nodded in understanding, "You need to drink though, Madame Pomfrey said that it was very important to be sure you drink a lot of fluids."
At that moment, as if on cue Madame Pomfrey entered the dormitory. "I see you are doing well following my instructions Mr Potter, excellent. And how are you feeling Mr Weasley?'
"Ok, I guess," Ron croaked, trying to clear his throat without success. Harry gave her a full update of the nights events. She nodded, pleased as he described his treatment of the fever. She left some more of the sleeping potion for Ron to be used when he was really feeling unwell and was unable to sleep. She also looked Harry over and insisted that he take time to rest while Ron was sleeping from the potion. She left them then with a promise to return later in the evening.
Dobby soon appeared with breakfast. Harry found himself much less hungry than he had been the day before. Ron just sipped his tea, and Harry had a few bites of his food only. Ron soon felt weary enough to lie back down and was able to go back to sleep without the potion. Harry sat and watched his friend for awhile to be sure he was resting comfortably. Once he was sure that Ron was settled he decided to take Madame Pomfrey's advice and get some rest. He felt so tired, he was sure it was from being up with Ron during the night.
A short while later Harry was jolted awake once again from Ron's sneezes. "Eh CHOO! Ehh ehhh choo! ishhoooo! Eh..TCHOO! Harry rolled over to see his friend. He was sitting up in bed, holding his handkerchief in front of his face. "Sorry.....ehhh Harry.", he said breathlessly... "ehhhchoo! I was trying not to wake you." The sneezing continued and then developed into another coughing fit. Harry got up to sit with his friend. He brought him some water for when he was ready, but mostly just sat rubbing Ron's back until he finally stopped.
Harry looked worried, "Are you sure you're ok here Ron? Do you want to go to the hospital wing after all?' He just seemed so sick to Harry. He worried he might make a mistake and somehow hurt him.
"No, really I want to stay here. Unless.......unless it's too much bother for you. You must be tired of all this...." Ron felt guilty about causing Harry so much work. Harry reassured him that he did not mind at all, he was just concerned that Ron get the care he needed. They both agreed to continue on in the dormitory.
After sitting up for bit, sipping some water Ron seemed ready to go back to sleep. This time Harry gave him some sleeping potion so he would get a more comfortable rest. Harry drifted off shortly thereafter and both boys slept well into the afternoon. Ron awoke just a few minutes before Harry to see Dobby standing watch over them.
Dobby smiled a big smile at him,"How is Mr Weezy?"
"I'm ok Dobby," he answered in raspy voice. Dobby handed him a warm cup of tea with honey and lemon. Ron smiled his thanks to the elf.
Harry rolled over and awoke with a sneeze "Ahhh chooo!" It startled both Ron and Dobby.
"Are you alright?" They both asked him in surprise.
"What no bless you? I'm fine, " He answered stretching himself awake, "How are you feeling Ron?"
"Bought the same I reckon. This tea is wonderful Dobby"
Dobby nodded and after being assured that the boys were not in need of anything he left them with the promise of returning with supper in an hours time.
The boys sat talking for awhile, wondering what Hermione and Ginny were doing at the festival. And wondering what trouble Slytherins could be causing. Soon Dobby arrived with supper. Both boys seemed only interested in the soup and tea. Ron eyed Harry suspiciously as he seemed to be sniffling quite a bit. "Harry," he asked cautiously "you're not getting sick are you?"
Harry looked up surprised, "No, at least I don't think so. Why?"
"You just seemed to be kind of sniffly," Ron felt embarrassed. "I'd just feel really bad if you got sick from taking care of me."
Harry smiled at him. "I'm ok, don't worry."
After supper they talked for a bit and then both started to drift off to sleep. Harry remembered the potion and got up to give some to Ron. He stayed up a few minutes after Ron was asleep and then was just too tired to stay awake. He fell asleep on top of his covers fully dressed. Madame Pomfrey came in shortly after the boys fell asleep. She eyed them both critically, checking for fevers, covered Harry with his blankets and then left them to sleep.
Harry woke during the night, but it wasn't because of Ron. He woke to a very dry ,very sore throat. He got up and got himself some water which he drank slowly and carefully. Ron rolled over and saw Harry up. "Y'ok mate?", he asked.
Harry nodded, "Just thirsty." and he poured Ron some water as well. Ron sat up to drink and continued to eye his friend. He really was concerned that Harry was catching his cold. Perhaps he should've stayed in the hospital wing after all, at least then his friend wouldn't end up sick. He decided not to ask Harry how he was again, but vowed to himself to keep a close watch on him.
Both boys slept through the rest of the night without incident. Harry woke in the morning to realize that his throat was still sore. His nose felt kind of tickly too but he was really more concerned with Ron than himself. He was pleased to see than Ron actually looked a little better. He wasn't so pale and didn't sound quite as congested. When Dobby bought breakfast Ron even managed a few bites of oatmeal with his tea.
Madame Pomfrey made her rounds and seemed pleased to see Ron looking a little better. "You are still sick though Mr Weasley so you must continue to rest as much as possible. These things take so much longer to resolve without the Pepper Up potion." He nodded."Please be sure to use the sleep potion at least for one more night at least to be sure you are getting enough sleep. And Mr Potter, "she was eyeing Harry now. " You are still feeling well?"Harry nodded as well. She looked as though she didn't quite believe him but carried on with her instructions and a promise to return later in the day.
Harry decided that he really wasn't interested in eating but he knew Ron was watching him. He really didn't feel sick, just a bit of a sore throat really, but he didn't want either of them to have to end up in the hospital wing. So, he put on a good front and tried to seem like he was enjoying his breakfast at least a little. He found his breakfast interrupted by a sudden need to sneeze." EhhhSHOO! eshoooooo! ehCHOOO!" He quietly got up to get one of his own handkerchiefs aware than Ron's eyes were on him. "Really I'm fine,"he said without turning around,"I'm not sick." Though he was in truth beginning to feel really stuffed up.
Dobby returned then for the tray, giving Harry an escape from the questioning he knew was coming. Harry asked Dobby if he would stay with Ron while he ran for a shower and he agreed. Ron wanted a shower too but after he tried to get up quickly and became quite dizzy, they decided he was not yet well enough for one. Harry took a long shower, savoring it's effects on his stuffy nose and aching body. He felt much better by the time he returned to the dormitory. He even managed to almost convince Ron and the now(thanks to Ron) suspicious Dobby that he was fine.
He was however so very tired after his shower and fell asleep while in the middle of conversation with Ron. He was vaguely aware of Ron covering him with a blanket and tucking him in. Ron who was feeling a bit better fell asleep soon thereafter and both slept until Dobby came in with lunch. For the first time in days, Ron who was still quite congested and sneezy did have some interest in real food. He couldn't really taste much of it, but at least it didn't pain his throat on the way down. Harry on the other hand didn't even want the soup. His throat burned and he was busy trying to hold back the sneezing fit he knew was coming. He did manage until Dobby was out of the room, but then he just lost it. He started sneezing and just felt that he could not stop. "Ishoo! ehh shoo! ehCHOOO! Eh...eh..EHSHOOOO!!" Ron felt useless to help his friend and guilty he was sick. He eyed Madame Pomfrey's silver bell and considered ringing but he knew Harry would not be happy with him if he did.
Finally, Harry stopped sneezing, and had a moment to catch his breath and blow his nose. He was afraid to look up and meet Ron's eyes. He had really botched this he had. He couldn't even take care of Ron without getting himself sick as well. Ron on the other hand was feeling that it was totally his fault that his friend was now getting his horrible cold. Both started to apologize at the same moment and stopped , grinning at each other. "Maybe it's noone's fault." Harry said finally and Ron nodded.
Ron still felt terribly guilty. "Why don't you lie down for awhile mate." Harry nodded, he felt too badly to fight it anymore. Ron got up, slowly to get his balance and covered Harry up with his blankets. He then found one of his handkerchiefs and placed it with a glass of water on Harry's bedside table. Harry smiled his thanks to Ron and drifted off to sleep. Now it was Ron's turn to sit and watch Harry sleep a bit before drifting off himself.
When Ron awoke again it was evening and the room was dark. He found his wand,"Lumos". He lit the room. He saw that Harry was still sleeping and that Dobby must have dropped off a tray with tea without awakening them. He expected him to soon be along with supper. He got up and lit the lamp, letting the light from his wand fade out. He walked over to Harry's bed and sat in the chair watching his friend. He felt his forehead and Harry stirred. He seemed a little pale, but Ron was glad to see he didn't seem to have a fever. "How are you feeling?", Ron asked with worry in his voice.
"I'm ok, " Harry croaked, but hearing his voice it was hard to believe.
Ron looked doubtfully at him. "Want some tea?" Harry nodded and started to get up. "No," Ron said placing his hand on Harry's arm, "Let me get it." They sat in silence for awhile drinking their tea.
When Harry spoke, his voice was much clearer, " You look a little better Ron, how are you feeling?"
"I do feel a bit better, I'm actually hungry and I haven't wanted to eat in days" Harry smiled with relief. "But Harry, " Ron continued, "I'm really worried about you mate. You really are sick now aren't you?"
Harry thought about lying, but there really was no point. He just nodded.
Just then they were interrupted by the arrival of Dobby with supper. Dobby told them that Madame Pomfrey was busy with Professor Sprout preparing for Hagrid's arrival with the lilac blossoms. She would be up later in the evening to check in unless they needed her now. Ron was about to speak when Harry interrupted him. "Tell her that we're fine Dobby. And that Ron is felling a little better." Ron glared at him but remained silent.
Ron, finally hungry ate well. Harry only sipped at his tea until Ron repeated Harry's own instructions about drinking a lot of fluids and having some soup. Their dinner was interrupted by another bout of sneezing from the dark haired boy. "Ehh SHOO! Hitchoo! EtCHOO! Eh....eh..eh CHOO!" The force of the sneezes exhausted him, and he climbed back into his bed.
Ron sat watching him with concern."Harry, " he offered, "Why don't you finish off the sleeping potion so you can get some rest. I'm sure I don't need it tonight."
But Harry refused, "That's for you Ron, Madame Pomfrey said to take it at least one more night."
"But what about you Harry, you're getting really sick!"
"Really, I'm ok, I'll sleep. ", Harry promised. Ron looked doubtful and decided not to take the potion so he'd be able to wake up easily if Harry needed him. Both were ready to sleep again soon after supper.
Ron awoke a few hours later, he felt somewhat hot and sweaty. He realized he probably still had a bit of a fever. He remembered his Mum saying fevers were usually worse at night. Then suddenly he thought of Harry. He lit the lamp near his bed and glanced over at his friend. Harry seemed restless and had kicked most of the covers off his bed. Ron went over and felt his forehead. It was burning hot. He covered him back up with just a sheet and made his way slowly to the bathroom to get the basin and cloths as Harry had done for him. He sat on the edge of Harry's bed, too tired to move a chair over and tried to help his friend, sponging his forehead with the cloths Harry had done for him. Finally without realizing he lay down on the bed and slept.
And that is how Hagrid found them an hour later. He had returned from his trip into the Forbidden Forest and upon hearing from Madame Pomfrey that Ron was ill, had gone to the dormitory to check on his young friends first thing. He was surprised to see them both head to feet in Harry's bed. It was Ron who woke up to find Hagrid sitting in the chair watching over them. "How are ye Ron?", he asked with concern.
"Better, thanks,"Ron answered, "But I'm worried about Harry, he's sick now."
Hagrid leaned over and felt Harry's forehead, he was surprised how hot he felt. He then noticed the basin and cloths and realized why the boys were in the same bed. "Now don't ye worry Ron. Ye get yer rest and I'll take care of Harry." Ron smiled gratefully, now that he knew someone was taking care of Harry he could drift back to sleep without worry.
Harry stirred, opening his eyes. He looked dazed for a moment but then saw Ron next to him and the reassuring face of Hagrid leaning over him."Hagrid, you're here.", he murmured smiling.
"Yeh, I'm here Harry, I'm right with ye.", he squeezed the boys arm. Harry felt secure knowing Hagrid would watch over both him and Ron and he happily fell back to sleep.
Madame Pomfrey made her rounds late that night after preparing the blossoms with Professor Sprout. With luck they would be able to start brewing more Pepper Up potion in two days time. She was surprised at the scene in the boys dormitory, the boys sleeping at opposite ends of Harry's bed and Hagrid was leaning over Harry gently sponging him with the cloths. For a moment she considered moving both boys or at least Harry to the hospital wing so she could care for him. It did however seem that would be unfair though, as he had gotten sick trying to keep Ron out of the hospital wing. She then looked at Hagrid caring for the boy so lovingly and she knew he would be with him all night, and as long as it took for him to get better. After silently examining both boys she nodded good night to Hagrid and quietly closed the door behind her.
Harry awoke slowly the next morning, his head pounding and nose tickling. His first thought was Ron, looking over to his bed he was surprised to see his giant friend asleep there, his arms and legs hanging off the sides. He then noticed Ron's feet beside him and smiled. He didn't quite remember the night but he knew his friends had been taking care of him. His nose started itching furiously and though he tried to stifle his sneezes they were too strong. "ETCHOOO! HETCHOO! Eh...eh..eh...ETCHOOO!"
This time Ron awoke to Harry's sneezes, "How are you feeling mate?", he asked with concern.
"Bloody awful, " Harry admitted.
"I'm really sorry Harry....", he was interrupted by a sudden sneeze. "ISHOOO! It's my fault...."
"No Ron, don't.... it's not your fault, ", Harry began.
Ron sneezed again," Ishoo! HetCHOO!"
Harry grinned at him sniffling himself, "We're quite a pair aren't we?"
Ron nodded ,"Well you know what they say Harry....misery loves company."
I don't own anything, I'm just playing.
My first story, this was inspired by Weekly Hatching # 26 Misery Loves Company. I had written the whole story when I realized I left out the "misery loves company" line, so I just added the ending. Hope it's ok.