Padfoot and his Pup

31. | Flu Season - Part I

On an ordinary morning in the middle of October, Neville Longbottom caught the flu.

That very evening, Hannah Abbott and Ernie MacMillan developed a nasty cold.

The next morning seven other students from all the houses including Slytherin Quidditch captain Marcus Flint started experiencing similar symptoms. Mr. Flint evidently passed it on to the Gryffindor captain Oliver Wood because of whom the entire team came down with the flu.

Within three days, more than half the student population of Hogwarts was sniffling, shivering, sneezing or coughing.

It truly made for a wonderful teaching environment.

After much deliberation, Madam Pomfrey and two Healers from St. Mungo's arrived at the conclusion that this was simply a case of the viral flu.

A common ailment and nothing to be alarmed about, the healers informed the bewildered professors.

However, owing to the large number of unwell students, everyone simply had to be sent home. At least for a week.

As per Madam Pomfrey's expertise, it was simply not advisable or acceptable for so many unwell children to reside under the same roof.

Madam Pomfrey had a rather onerous discussion with Professor Dumbledore regarding the same.

Don't be absurd, Albus!

Ultimately, the petite healer persuaded (read: bullied) the usually obstinate Headmaster into seeing sense.

That afternoon letters were sent out to all the parents, informing them of the situation and that very evening, all the students were flooing back home through the fireplaces in the professors' offices.

Percy Weasley valiantly tried to perform his prefect duties and assist in the evacuation whilst sneezing splendidly before Professor McGonagall took the boy by his shoulders and all but shoved him into the floo.

Your unfailing valour and dedication have been noted, Mr. Weasley!

Some complained about falling behind with the syllabus — you and me both Miss Granger!— while most of the students were elated at the unexpected vacation.

Harry personally didn't mind the flu season all that much. He would argue that while a blocked nose and sore throat were unpleasant, it was far more preferable to the evil wizard/ weird professor who had been hellbent on trying to kill him last year.

At least no evil wizard was after him that year.

*****

Of all the things Sirius had expected when he had received the letter from Hogwarts, news of a viral flu outbreak hadn't been one of them.

As per the letter, his godson and a majority of the students were down with the delightful blend of a cold, cough, fever.

Harry sneezed bodily in lieu of a greeting the moment he stepped of the fireplace and into Black Manor's impressive sitting room.

"Charming as ever, I see."

He scowled at Sirius, but the man couldn't quite hold back his grin considering that his godson resembled like a disgruntled Pygmy puff.

"You're supposed to be nice to me."

"Now whatever gave you that idea?" Sirius quipped even as he took the backpack from Harry and slung it over his own shoulder.

His other hand made its way to Harry's forehead, not at all liking the heat radiating from him. He allowed himself a moment of concern before winking reassuringly at the kid.