Spellbound Sacrifice: The Hidden Truth (Book 1)

Chapter 10 - Baptism of Fire

Chapter 10 - Baptism of Fire

Hermione spent three days in hospital as McGonagall sent students to check on her regularly and to encourage her thirst for knowledge by providing her with Herbology books to study,

"It is such an honour to learn from you Mrs Weasley. I can't wait to attend your Herbology class when you're better. You're such a legend here" the eager Chinese student said as she placed the tower of books next to the bed and stared in awe.

Hermione shifted in her bed, uncomfortable at her new gawping fan, "All books on Herbology I see. Maybe you could do me a small favour and give me something a little different? Something to really jog my memory? Possibly a book on the Dark Arts?" Hermione tried as the overly keen student giggled at the absurd request.

The young student looked around and flicked her jet black shoulder length hair playfully, "Professor Dumbledore did say you had a dry sense of humour. He was so right" she chuckled as she left the room, leaving Hermione frustrated and underwhelmed at the prospects of teaching the theoretical subject.

"Excuse me, Nurse? Can you tell me how much longer I need to be here?" Hermione questioned as a trainee nurse looked at the charts on the end of her bed confidently.

She squinted at the badly hand written notes made by the previous attending and deduced,

"You are fit and ready to leave today, Mrs Weasley. I just need to do a final check then I will go get your belongings" Her stronger Yorkshire accent sounded like angels singing as Hermione jumped out of bed in excitement as the startled nurse started to examine her body for final confirmation.

The bemused attending quickly left the room to get Hermione's clothes as the enthusiastic patient gravitated to the arched windows and admired the summer's morning haze on the bustling Hogwarts grounds.

Hermione took a deep breath and inhaled the aroma of freshly cut grass as she waved to the gardener as he trimmed the field in preparation for the Quidditch training after lunch.

The friendly old man returned her greeting and resumed his duties as Hermione suddenly paused and slowly lowered her hand. The moisture left her fraught throat and her lips began to tremble,

"No! Not again!" She gasped as she grabbed her clothes from the nurse and dragged them on as she shouted her thank you as she ran through the doors.

Hermione rushed passed the students blocking the moving stairwells as she headed towards the main doors in frantic dash,

"I see your better now" a familiar voice remarked from behind with a sarcastic undertone. Hermione stopped in her tracks and turned round slowly to see Harry's questioning glare.

With a nervous smile spreading across her face, Hermione brushed her tousled hair out of her face and walked over to hug her concerned friend.

Harry flinched away slightly but returned an equally anxious grin as he cautiously watched Hermione's every move.