Rainstorms and Relapses
a Harry Potter story
by Tina
Hermione and Ginny were surprised and somewhat concerned to not find Harry and Ron waiting for them when the carriages arrived back at Hogwarts from the Wizard Festival. "Do, you think Ron's gotten worse?" Ginny asked with worry in her voice,"Should we check the hospital wing?"
Hermione tried to sound reassuring, "I'm sure he's fine, they probably just got busy and forgot about the time. Let's check the dining hall, it is supper time." Ginny nodded and followed Hermione into the school.
The boys however, were not eating supper. Before Ginny could get too worried Hermione spoke, "Let's go bring our bags upstairs and check the common room and dormitory, if they're not there then we'll go see Madame Pomfrey." She was just as worried as Ginny at that point.
They passed through the portrait hole into the common room and to their surprise found the boys there, curled up in the soft armchairs in front of the fire. Both girls sighed in relief and walked over quietly after realizing they were both were sleeping. Both were covered with warm blankets and the table between them which normally would hold a chess board, instead had a tray with a teapot and empty tea cups and saucers and a large box of tissues. On closer inspection they noted that the blankets over both boys were littered with crumpled, used tissues. There was also a small trash basket on the floor almost full of tissues.
"Well that's not a good sign," Ginny nodded towards the tissues.
Hermione looked at the boys appraising their conditions. "Ron looks better, "she said to Ginny. His color was now back to normal, though his nose remained red from the continued blowing.
"Harry looks a bit peaky though." Ginny replied. Harry was still somewhat pale looking, with the same red, sore nose as his best friend. "Do you think we should wake them?"
"I'm sure they'll want to eat,"Hermione began."Why don't we put our bags away and then we can see if they want to go down to the dining hall." Ginny nodded and they set off to the girls dormitory to deposit their bags.
Just after they exited the common room Ron awoke and realized that they had been sleeping for quite sometime. "Harry, wake up the girls will be back any minute." He shook his arm, but Harry just mumbled and rolled over in the chair. Ron decided to let Harry sleep a few minutes longer while he cleaned up their mess.
He gathered the piles of tissues from both their blankets and threw them into the trash basket He was halfway across the room with the tea tray when the sudden undeniable urge to sneeze was upon him. He closed his eyes, trying to keep the tray steady.
"Heh.......ehhhh...ehhhh...ESHOOOO!!" The sneeze finally came, he tried to catch in his arm without much success. His eyes remained closed as he could feel another sneeze on it's way. He felt the tray being taken away from him and tissues being forced into his hand as he was building up to sneeze again."Thanks mate...ehhhhh,"he murmured breathlessly thinking Harry was up, "ehhhhh .......heh ....HESHOOOOO!!!! ETCHOO.!"he sneezed into the tissues.
"Bless you Ron!,"cried Hermione and Ginny in unison. Ron opened his eyes startled to see them.
"How are you feeling?" Ginny asked giving him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Hermione quickly did the same before he could protest.
He grinned, he was so happy to see them he didn't even mind the affectionate greetings. "Much better now," he reassured them, dabbing at his nose with the tissue.
"You still seem kind of sick though", Ginny commented a little worry creeping into her voice. Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Just a bit really, it's mostly just annoying now. Still sneezing and stuffy mostly. Harry's a bit worse still..." He looked over at his friend still feeling guilty he had gotten sick.
"We thought he looked sick..." Hermione began,"How is he?"
"Well, he's getting better, "Ron said looking down,"But I feel bloody awful he got sick....It's all my fault really."
"Ron, it's not your fault..." Hermione tried to reassure him.
"Well of course it is, I was the one coughing and sneezing my germs all over the place!"
"Well, it wasn't on purpose anyway, " Ginny patted him on the arm "He is ok isn't he?"
"I guess, "Ron agreed sniffling. He really needed to blow his nose, but was too embarrassed in front of Hermione, Ginny was his sister, that was different.
Hermione looked at him and rolled her eyes, "For goodness sake Ron blow your nose!"
He felt his ears turning red, "I'll be right back." he called on his way to the boys bathroom where he could blow his nose in peace.
Hermione and Ginny were laughing after him when they were startled by the sound of more sneezing behind them. "Ehhhhchooo! HehCHOO...ISHOOOO!" Harry had barely managed to grab a tissue and blow his nose when they were upon him bestowing hugs and kisses on the cheek. Ron met his eye as he came back in the room. Harry grinned at him knowing Ron must have just had the same reception.
"How are you feeling Harry?" Hermione asked feeling his forehead.
"I'm loads better, really." He smiled, glad to see his friends back.
"I should've stayed to help you take care of Ron," She began.
"No you shouldn't have," Ron piped up,"Then you'd just have gotten sick too. I feel bad enough that I got Harry sick, I'd feel even worse if was both of you!"
"I'm fine Hermione, really." Harry reassured her "We both are, but thank you."
She finally smiled at them, "Well as long as your sure you're both alright now."
Ginny who had been quietly listening finally spoke,"Well you can all argue later on about who's really responsible for the plague my brother's been spreading, but I'm ready for supper!" She stood up and strode across the common room. She looked back over her shoulder, "Is anyone else coming?" Grinning, the three friends got up and followed her to the dining hall.
Dinner was full of conversation. Hermione and Ginny had tons of stories for the boys about the Wizards Festival, what they had seem, what they had brought the boys for gifts and the trouble started by Malfoy and the Slytherins. Then Hermione pressed them for details of their week.
"Not much to tell Hermione,"Ron told her, "We didn't do anything all week."
"No really Ron, you must have been doing something." she insisted.
"Well we were a bit busy," Harry smiled at Ron,"You know there was a lot of sneezing..."
"And we were very busy blowing our noses and coughing wouldn't you say Harry," Ron joined in."and there was a lot of sweating with those feverish nights?"
Hermione looked at them incredulously "Were you really that sick the whole week?" she demanded.
They nodded. "Hermione," Harry told her, "This is the first time we've left Gryffindor Tower since last week." Hermione was silent for a moment, feeling even more guilty that she had left them.
"You didn't have to go to the hospital wing?" Ginny asked in surprise.
"I think the only reason we didn't end up there is that Hagrid showed up the night that Harry got really sick and took care of both of us." Ron added
"What about your lessons?" Hermione asked. There was supposed to be a week's worth of assignments for anyone not going to the festival.
The boys grinned,"We were excused." Harry told her."For the whole week."
"Snape must have been furious," Ginny looked awed.
Ron remembered the morning Snape had come to Gryffindor Tower with Harry's lessons. "Potter!" he called entering the dormitory. `Don't think you `ll be getting out of your lessons just because your taking care of Weasley! You'll have..." He had stopped abruptly on seeing the scene in front of him. It was the morning after Harry's high fever and he and Ron were both dozing still in his bed. Hagrid was once agin sponging a feverish Harry. "What is going on here Hagrid?"
"The boys is sick, Professor Snape. Both of em with fevers last night sir."
Ron feigned sleep not wanting to endure whatever snide comments Snape would have about him and Harry being in the same bed.
"This is some kind of a trick!" he insisted. "Potter's just trying to get out of his work!"
Now Hagrid sounded angry."Now look here Professor, these boys is sick! Theren't no tricking here! See fer yerself!"
Snape had strode over to the bed. He bent down eyeing them closely and feeling their foreheads. "Well," he conceded, "Perhaps he is sick now. But I'll leave this work for them to complete once their fevers are gone."
"No Professor Snape, I `m afraid that won't be possible." Madame Pomfrey had told him as she entered the dormitory."These boys are far too ill to be doing any lessons at all. They are excused from all work for this week at least!" He started to argue but he had soon realized that she would not budge on the issue. He turned and stormed out of the room.
"He was wild, but you know how Madame Pomfrey is when she makes up her mind." Ron told them. He looked up at that moment and saw Madame Pomfrey approaching the table
"You boys are looking better, are you feeling a bit better as well?" she asked. They nodded their assent. "Wonderful, I would like you both to stop into my office for a quick check after you complete your meal. It's nice to see you well enough that I don't need to make a house call to the dormitory." The boys groaned after she left the table, dreading being anywhere near the hospital wing.
After supper was finished Harry and Ron set off for the hospital wing and Hermione and Ginny headed up to the common room to wait for them. Once in Madame Pomfrey's office they were both examined closely. They were then lectured extensively about the fact that they were still somewhat sick and in danger of relapse if the did not follow her directions to get as much rest as they could before classes resumed on Monday. They asked her about some Pepper Up potion, both longing for an end to the ongoing sneezing and congestion. She explained that while the potion was now almost complete, they had been sick for so long now, and battled the worst of the illness that it would not really be any relief to them. Both were disappointed as they had been waiting to hear the potion was ready.
They were halfway out the door when they stopped and came back in. It was Harry who spoke up, "Madame Pomfrey?"
"Yes, "she looked up from her work.
"We just wanted to thank you..." Harry began.
"For letting us stay in the dormitory,"Ron continued "and not um..... making us stay...here."
She smiled at the boys,"You're welcome boys, to really thank me though be sure not to end up here sick again from not following my instructions." They nodded and headed off to meet the girls.
"What was that all about?". Hermione asked when they reached the common room.
"Just giving us the "You're still sick and need rest lecture' " Ron grinned at her, "It seems to me that I've gotten that one before."He paused a moment, trying to catch a wet sneeze in the crook of his arm,"EtCHOO!"
"Well, she's right you know," Hermione said with a hint of annoyance in her voice,"You two really need to rest until you're completely better."
"What's the matter with you?" Ron asked surprised at her tone of voice sniffling wetly and trying to discreetly look for some tissues in the room.
"Well it's not like you two ever follow directions! You've been really sick!" she looked upset but neither boy could figure out why.
"Hermione, we're ok, really."Harry reassured her,"We'll rest, ok?"
She nodded, not completely convinced. She and Ginny then disappeared to the girls dormitory to get the gifts they had gotten for the boys at the festival.
As soon as she was out of the room Angelina nervously approached them"I hear you were both sick." they nodded "Are you feeling better now?"
"Much better, just about back to normal." Ron answered still sniffling and Harry agreed though he wasn't sure he was exactly feeling that good.
"That's good, "she smiled at them nervously eyeing the door, "well, I was wondering about Quidditch practice. I had scheduled it for tonight...you know not knowing that you were both sick and Hermione told me that you two definitely wouldn't be able to make it today..."
They grinned now knowing why Hermione had been annoyed and why Angelina seemed so nervous. Hermione must have let her have it for even suggesting they practice that night. Angelina continued," So I swapped times with Ravenclaw and I booked the field for Sunday....if you two feel up to it?"
"We'll be there," Harry reassured her and Angelina disappeared from the table as Hermione and Ginny returned, armed with bags of gifts and a box of tissues. Ron still sniffling gratefully reached for the tissue box and grabbed a handful. Harry took some as well, his nose was feeling totally blocked. The girls waited expectantly for them to finish before presenting the gifts.
Ron glared at them, "Can't you at least turn around!"
Harry grinned as the girls giggled and turned around for Ron to blow his nose, rolling their eyes as they did. He would've liked a little less attention himself, but the need for a good blow outweighed his self consciousness. Ron blew his nose as softly as he could, Harry could tell he needed to blow more but was too embarrassed in front of the girls. As they walked across the room together to discard their used tissues Ron turned to Harry, "It was much easier to be sick when it was just the two of us." Harry nodded in agreement. The boys were totally comfortable with each other, and didn't feel any embarrassment with all their sneezing and nose blowing. There had been care and concern between them as well, but certainly none of the smothering they felt from Hermione.
They walked back to rejoin Hermione and Ginny who had brought several gifts for each of them from the festival. The boys really were happy to have them back. Even though Hermione continued to fuss at them with every sneeze and sniffle, they really didn't mind. It felt good to be together again and to not feel so sick. It wasn't long after supper that both boys seemed ready to sleep. Of course they denied it, not wanting to admit it, not wanting to leave the warmth of the fire or their friends. When Harry dozed off in the middle of conversation Hermione sent them to bed without any chance for argument and a promise to meet them for breakfast in the morning. She snuck in one more hug and kiss apiece as they left the common room.
Harry and Ron fell into bed without bothering to change out of their clothes and were asleep long before the rest of the boys came to bed. They also slept late into the morning. Hermione waited for quite awhile but after Neville told her both were still snoring away after 10:00 she went on to eat without them and brought up some tea and rolls for them to eat upstairs.
She finally made her way into the boys dormitory to wake them up when it was almost lunch time. She found Ron still asleep and Harry on the edge of his bed in the midst of a sneezing fit. "Heh...ehhhh .....ETCHOOO! HISHOOOO!!!! hehchooo!!!" He was fumbling on the bed, trying to find a handkerchief. She grabbed a handful of tissues from the box near Ron's bed and handed them to Harry. He nodded his thanks between sneezes, "ISHOOO, hehchooo. ETCHOOO!!" He finally was able to catch his breath and blow his nose.
Hermione handed him more tissues and looked at him with sympathy. She sat next to him on the edge of the bed, "Are you sure you're alright Harry?" He nodded, still trying to clear his nose. She felt his forehead again to check for fever and was a little reassured that it was cool.
"I'm fine Hermione." He smiled at her, thinking maybe a little attention wasn't so bad.
Ron stirred, rolling over to see Harry and Hermione. "What time is it?"
"Nearly lunchtime," she told them smiling, "Remind me not to make any more breakfast dates with you two! "They apologized but were glad to see she wasn't angry at all with them, a bit worried perhaps but at least not mad. Hermione left the two boys to shower and dress with a promise to meet them in the common room before lunch.
The boys met Hermione as planned in the common room and headed down for lunch. It finally felt like they were back to life as usual. Hagrid stopped over to the Gryffindor table to see how they were feeling and to invite them to tea if they felt up to it.. Hermione seemed reluctant, she felt Harry and Ron should stay in to rest, but the boys jumped at the chance to get outside, away from the castle. She protested but they wouldn't hear it. "Well," Hagrid looked somewhat reluctant after hearing Hermione's protest,"As long as yer sure yer ok, I'd love to have ye"
"We'll be there," Harry told him.
"Definitely."agreed Ron. As Hagrid walked away Hermione glared at them and left the table. Ron rolled his eyes."What is her problem anyway?"
"Well, you know she is just worried about us, she feels guilty we were both sick when she was gone..." Harry began.
" I know, but it's like having me mum here at school!" Harry couldn't argue with that point, Hermione did seem to be sounding a lot like Mrs Weasley lately.
They didn't know whether she would be coming to tea with them or not later that afternoon when they made their way to the common room, stuffing their pockets with extra handkerchiefs for their outing. But Hermione was there waiting for them, and the three silently walked down the stairs and out of the castle. They walked along without talking until the quiet was finally interrupted by a sudden sneeze from Ron. "Etchooo!" He sniffled wetly, fumbling in his pocket for his handkerchief. Neither boy said a word, fearing the wrath of Hermione. She was silent for a moment, then she turned to Ron, "Bless you Ron,"she said quietly and upon seeing him ready to blow his nose turned her head back forward to give him the privacy she knew he wanted. It wasn't much but the boys new it was a gesture from her.
"Thanks Hermione," Ron smiled. And Harry breathed a little sigh of relief. They had been wondering how unpleasant the tea would be if she was still mad at them. The three continued on without speaking but the mood had definitely lightened between them.
By the time Hagrid served the tea the three were back to normal. Hagrid was so happy to see Hermione he grabbed her into a crushing hug and he lovingly ruffled Harry and Ron's hair pleased to see them up and around again. He regaled them with tales of the Forbidden Forest and Hermione told of the Wizard Festival. The boys were so happy to be feeling better and back with their friends they didn't even mind what they had missed out on.
The afternoon wore on and it was clear the boys were getting sleepy. Hermione looked out the window and noticed the suddenly darkening sky. "It looks like it's going to storm, we should head back. "
Harry and Ron were about to protest when Hagrid spoke up,"Ye better be gettin back. Don't wantcha gettin caught in the rain." Reluctantly they helped Hagrid clear the table and set on their way. They were only a few yards from Hagrid's cottage when the skies seemed to open up and the downpour started. They thought about turning back but decided to make a run for the castle. By the time they got there they were soaked through to the skin.
Teeth chattering and shivering they made their way to Gryffindor Tower. They parted in the common room with Hermione giving strict instructions for the boys to take hot showers to warm up before supper. They willingly complied with her instructions, feeling like they would never be warm again
Throughout supper Hermione eyed them closely. She was worried they would get sicker and still felt guilty that had both been so sick when she was at the festival. She was also suspicious as she had heard bits of conversation relating to Quidditch practice which abruptly ended whenever she was noticed. Harry and Ron enjoyed their supper catching up with the rest of the Quidditch team and their dorm mates. After supper the conversations and laughter continued on into the night in the Gryffindor common room. Hermione really felt that they should be headed to bed early but wondered if it was even worth trying to argue with them. As the hour got later and later she decided she had to try. She called them away from the group for a minute, not wanting to embarrass them. "Don't you two think you should be heading to bed? Madame Pomfrey said you needed to rest, and after getting caught in the rain....." she began.
"Hermione, " Ron was trying not to sound as annoyed as he felt."Would you stop asking like our mother! We'll go to bed when we're ready!" He stood up and returned to the group.
Harry knew Hermione meant well, though he too had no intention of leaving his friends to go to bed now. They had gone to bed early the night before and missed this chance to catch up with the group. "Hermione, I know you're just looking out for us," He began,"But we're really ok, we're not ready to go to bed yet..."
"Honestly!"she stood up in a huff,"When you get sick again, don't come crying to me!" She stormed out of the room, clearly upset. Harry thought about going after her, but he knew he could never convince her they were fine to stay up and he certainly wouldn't be able to win an argument with her so he rejoined Ron and the other boys.
Quidditch practice was scheduled for first thing the next morning. They were glad at least because they knew even Hermione wouldn't be up early enough to see them heading to practice. However when morning came they did realize that staying up until well after midnight wasn't the smartest thing they had ever done when had to be out on the field at 6:00am. That and the fact that the driving rain had continued on through the night and into the morning made them walk a little slower as they headed out to practice. Angelina, to her credit did check with them to make sure they were feeling well enough to practice. Both had serious doubts but reassured her wholeheartedly that they were fully recovered.
The practice went on for hours in the cold rain. Both Harry and Ron struggled through, battling their fatigue and their ongoing sneezing and congestion trying to stay focused on the game. They clearly were not playing at their usual level. By the time practice was over both were covered in mud, and once again soaked to the skin from the cold rain. As they walked back to the castle they tried to figure the best way to avoid bumping into Hermione until after they had showered and warmed up. They hoped she had assumed they were sleeping in and gone to the library to study.
Hermione had initially believed that they were sleeping in. She felt badly for the night before and had headed to the boys dormitory to check on them and to make peace. She was surprised to find their beds empty when she hadn't found them in the dining hall, common room or the library. She found Neville finally who tried to avoid answering her but finally told her that they went to Quidditch practice. Hermione was furious. Neville uttered the fastest excuse he could think of and headed out of the dorm. Hermione set off to the practice field , she didn't know what she was going to do but she was so angry at them, so worried about them, and wondering how could they be so stupid.
When she reached the main entrance hall she could see the Gryffindor Quidditch team dragging themselves in. She steeped back into the shadows a minute, not sure what she would say to Harry and Ron, but still so very angry at them. She watched the rest of the team go by but no Harry and Ron. She was starting to get more concerned when at last she saw them. They were straggling behind the others, walking slowly, heads hanging down. They were absolutely soaked through and covered with mud. She could see them both shivering and Harry was sneezing as well. Part of her just melted, she really wanted to let them have it but she just couldn't do it. She was too mad though to go and comfort them, so she remained in the shadows, looking after them with a worried look on her face. She decided to let them take care of themselves and went off to the library to do some studying and quite honestly try to think of a way to deal with the boys.
Harry and Ron slowly made their way to the showers. They felt colder than they could ever remember feeling. Neither could get warm, no matter how hot the shower was."You know Harry," Ron spoke first breaking the silence as they dressed."Maybe Quidditch practice wasn't such a good idea...."
"I know Ron," Harry replied," And maybe Hermione was right about us needing to get some rest," He shivered, then paused to sneeze."ETCHOOOO! HehCHOO!! I'm really not feeling so well. How are you doing?"
"Not so bad as you I think, "Ron sniffled, rubbing his nose, "but not so good really." Harry nodded in understanding as they made their way back to the dormitory.
Both felt like crawling back into bed, but that seemed like giving in so they settled into the soft armchairs in the common room. They pulled them as close as they could to the fire trying to get warm. They both shivered still, not feeling nearly warm enough, even though they were nearly upon the fire. They were dreading the arrival of Hermione, especially after Neville had told them she came looking for them and he had reluctantly revealed their location. Neville was worried that Harry and Ron would be angry with him but they assured him they were not. They knew first hand how intimidating Hermione could be. Neville, still feeling badly had brought them a box of tissues and some tea.
The young witch showed up soon after Neville left them. She was still unsure what to say to them about the mornings events. Her feelings were a mixture of anger and worry. "What is wrong with two?" she demanded her voice full of emotion."How could you possibly..."
"Hermione,' Ron interrupted her,"We know we should've listened to you."
Harry agreed, "Trust us Hermione we know we're idiots. It... just seemed like a good idea at the time......eh....eh....ETCHOOO!"
Hermione blessed him and started to lecture them again. "Please Hermione," Ron pleaded, "We really feel bad enough already. Huh - CHOO! We promise we'll listen to you next time. HehCHOO!"
She finally gave in, promising herself she would lecture them once they were feeling a bit better. "Bless you," She grabbed some tissues from the box and handed them to Ron, turning towards Harry. "You two look cold, I'll get you some blankets." She left the common room.
"You don't think we're off the hook that easily do you?" Ron asked after blowing his nose.
Harry shook his head knowing it was a temporary reprieve at best,"I'm sure we'll hear it later."
Ron nodded, smiling slightly, As long as it's not now, my head is killing me." Harry nodded in agreement, smiling back at his friend.
Hermione soon returned with warm blankets and pillows for both. She tucked them both in snugly. "Are you hungry?" she asked, they shook there heads. "You should have something though....how about some soup?" they nodded eagerly. "I'll go find Dobby and get you some chicken soup."
She was almost to the door when Ron called out,"Hermione?" She turned back to face them,"Thank you.......for everything."
Harry nodded in agreement, "We....well.....we really do appreciate it Hermione......we really appreciate you." He looked somewhat embarrassed as did Hermione.
"You're welcome, but don't go thinking you're off the hook! I'm just feeling too sorry for you to yell at you yet." she grinned at them and left to find Dobby. The both smiled after her, snuggling in to their blankets.
By the time Hermione returned they were both sound asleep. She put a spell on the soup to keep in warm and let them sleep, staying in the common room reading so she could keep an eye on them. They slept for over an hour until Harry woke up sneezing. "Ehhhh ehhCHOOO!!!! ETCHOOO!!!" He sniffled wetly searching for tissues which Hermione quickly provided for him. "ISHOOOOOO!!!! Hehchooo!!!"
The noisy sneezes woke Ron who looked at Harry with concern. He felt badly but he was pretty sure Harry was worse off. "Are you ok mate?" He asked, worried about his friend. Harry nodded, blowing his nose repeatedly to clear it.
"You certainly don't seem ok to me!" Hermione insisted. " I think it's about time you two went to see Madame Pomfrey."
"Hermione, we don't need to go to the hospital wing." Ron insisted.
Harry agreed, "Please Hermione, don't make us. We're ok."
Hermione glared at them, "Obviously you two are sick again! You need to see Madame Pomfrey, "Her voice was full of emotion, "You don't want to get really ill again do you?"
The boys felt guilty seeing how upset she was, but neither had any desire to go down to the hospital wing and face the music. Finally Harry spoke, "Hermione , just let us have today. We'll rest, go to bed early, do everything we're supposed to, and if we're not better in the morning we'll go to hospital."
Ron nodded in agreement, "Please Hermione, just one more day."
She relented but she was not happy with either of them. She gave both their bowls of soup ans stormed out of the common room. The boys ate their soup in silence , knowing they probably would find themselves in the hospital wing the next morning. After finishing their soup both felt ready to sleep again. They debated staying in the common room, not wanting to move but fearing another confrontation with Hermione they headed to the boys dormitory.
Harry and Ron slept through til supper time. This time it was Ron who awoke first, his throat aching again and his head feeling stuffed. He thought about letting Harry sleep, but thought it best if he at least had something to eat. He shook Harry gently to wake him. Harry felt miserable waking up, his head was pounding, his nose burning and tickling, his throat raw and painful. "What time is it Ron?" He croaked, making Ron wish he hadn't woken him up.
"It's supper time. I thought maybe we should have some more soup. Sorry to wake you Harry." Ron said apologetically.
Harry nodded, "S'alright. I'm sure Hermione would be here to get us if we weren't up. How are you feeling Ron."
Ron shrugged. "Like we'll probably end up seeing Madame Pomfrey in the morning." Harry again nodded and the two put on an extra jumper each and headed to the hall for supper.
Hermione was already eating sitting at the far end of the table with Ginny and some other girls. Harry and Ron slid silently in at the opposite end of the table avoiding her gaze. They sipped their tea and soup avoiding the rest of the food. They finished as quickly as they could not wanting to start coughing and sneezing with all the professors and Madame Pomfrey in the room. They were back to the dormitory and in bed even before Hermione finished her supper.
She came up after to check on them, she was still angry but cared too much about them to not make sure that they were alright. She found them both in bed sleeping. Harry felt a little warm but not really feverish and Ron seemed ok as she checked their foreheads. It took all her restraint not to march down to the hospital wing to let Madame Pomfrey know they were ill agin, but she decided to keep her word and wait until the morning.
Ron was up first the next day, his throat aching , coughing harshly. Harry rolled over and look at his friend. "You sound terrible Ron." His voice was hoarse.
"You don't sound so good yourself, " Ron smiled at him.
Harry nodded, catching a sudden sneeze in the crook of his arm, "ESHOOOOOO!"
"Bless you, Harry", Ron handed him the tissue box.
"Thanks, " Harry sniffled. He realized that rest of the dormitory was empty. "Everyone else must be a t breakfast."
Ron looked at the time, "It's almost time for first class, we should probably head down to the hospital wing before Snape realizes we're missing Potions."
The boys dressed quickly, filled the pockets of their robes with tissues and headed to the hospital wing. They were nearly there when they ran into Snape in the hallway. "Where do you two think you're going? You're late for class!" He sneered at them.
"To the hospital wing sir, "Harry answered.
"And why would that be Potter?" Snape demanded.
"We're not feeling well sir. " Ron continued his congestion apparent.
"Oh please! If you two think you can carry on with this sick business for another week you are sadly mistaken. You missed enough work last week, you will NOT miss my class this week."
" But Professor...." Harry began but Snape cut him off.
"Don't waste your breath Potter,. Get to class."
"Sir, " Ron tried once last time, "Harry is really ill. Can he at least go to hospital, I'll come to class...."
"One more word Weasley and you'll have both have detention for a week, as it is for wasting my time I'm taking 10 points from Gryffindor!" Snape turned and headed to the dungeons. Harry and Ron reluctantly followed.
Hermione's eyes open widely when they entered the class. "What are you two doing here?" She hissed at them.
Harry opened his mouth to answer but sneezed instead, "Eh......ehshooooo!!!! Snape.....eh.....saw us in the hall.....eh........eh..ETCHOOOO!!!! ishoooo!!! Hehchoooooo!!!"
"Said we weren't sick and couldn't miss class." Ron finished for him while Harry caught his breath and fumbled for some tissues.
Hermione was irate, eyes blazing she raised her hand. "Yes Miss Granger?" Snape called.
"Sir, Harry and Ron are ill. They need to go see Madame Pomfrey...."
"Miss Granger, I will not have you interrupting my class time with such nonsense! The issue has been addressed and we will not discuss it further."
"But Professor Snape...." She tried again.
"Did you not hear me Miss Granger?" He demanded "Ten point from Gryffindor! Any more talk and it'll be fifty next time!" Hermione was seething but remained silent.
The lesson seemed to last forever for Harry and Ron. Ron was coughing frequently and blowing his nose, while Harry continued to sneeze and was starting to look feverish. The other students seemed to be slowing inching themselves away to avoid the germs that the two were spreading. Finally the period ended. Snape passed by their table glaring down at them. "If you two still think you're unwell you're welcome to see Madame Pomfrey now, on your own time, not MY class time!"
He was almost to the door when he heard the crash behind him. Harry had tried to stand up quickly to get going and he had fainted. Snape turned suddenly."What is going on?" He then saw Harry on the floor, Hermione and Ron crouching beside him. He returned to the three and picked Harry up silently carrying him out of the room. Hermione and Ron followed behind as they made their way to the hospital wing.
Madame Pomfrey bustled over to the door, "My goodness what's happened here?"
"It's Potter, ` Snape answered " He fainted after class." Snape deposited Harry who was now rousing onto a bed and abruptly exited.
"Potter, how are you feeling?" Madame Pomfrey questioned him.
"Not well at all, "He answered his voice barely audible.
"You should have come to see me immediately! What were you doing in class?"She demanded.
"We tried to come here this...." Ron began but broke off coughing.
"Oh no Mr Weasley you too?" Madame Pomfrey shook her head.
"They tried to come Madame Pomfrey but Professor Snape wouldn't let them. He forced them to go to class and wouldn't let them leave!" Hermione was nearly in tears.
Madame Pomfrey's anger was clearly visible on her face. "Don't you worry Miss Granger I will deal with Professor Snape. And now you, off to lunch while I take care of the boys. Weasley get into bed!" Hermione was reluctant to go. Madame Pomfrey took her arm and gently guided her out. "I know you're worried, but they'll be alright. Let me do my job and you can come back and visit them at the end of the day." Hermione nodded and left, looking over her shoulder at her friends, who were both in bed with their eyes closed.
Madame Pomfrey returned to Harry and Ron. "Tsk, tsk. It seems you two have earned yourself some Pepper Up after all. I am very disappointed in both of you for not following my directions" Both remained silent, knowing they had no excuse, she was right. Madame Pomfrey continued. "I will bring you both some potion and you will remain here until you are COMPLETELY recovered, at least a day or two."
They both nodded, neither daring to speak. Madame Pomfrey left to retrieve the potion from her office. She gave them both a dose of Pepper Up and had them change into their pajamas. She tucked them both in, giving them each a new handkerchief and shaking her head, left them both to sleep.
"Thank you Madame Pomfrey. We're sorry...." Ron called after her, Harry was already snoring softly.
When Hermione returned at the end of the day she was relieved to find both of her friends looking much better. They were sitting up in bed eating supper She happily filled them in how she had just passed Madame Pomfrey and Professor Snape in the hallway and Madame Pomfrey was letting the Professor have it for keeping the boys from her care. The boys laughed but then realized that their lecture from Madame Pomfrey was due to come any time then since the were feeling better. After Hermione left Madame Pomfrey brought them both a sleeping potion to ensure they both got a long and restful sleep. The two friends drifted off to sleep thinking that maybe the hospital wing wasn't such a bad place if your best mate was there with you and you were finally feeling better after being sick for so long.
Not mine, just playing.