The Poisoned Waters

7. January 12th, 1992

The potions and drinks were all disgusting. One after another. Over and over. I had drunk about twenty by the time Madam Pomfrey said that was it. Then she said something that made me feel, well, less than excited.

"You will need to take a round of those every night, before dinner." Madam Pomfrey then bustled back to her office after instructing Hermione no more than five minutes. Because I needed my rest. Haven't I been resting here for...wait. How long has it been? I tried to speak to Hermione, which was actually a lot better, thanks to the potions.

"Hermione, how long has it been?" I ask cautiously, my voice raspy and hoarse, staring her straight in the eye.

"I don't think your ready for that, Hera-,"

"Hermione! How. Long. Has. It. Been?" I asked slowly, anger rising. Why can't she just tell me? I could handle it.

"I can't tell you, Hera. You've just woken up. Let's celebrate that, yeah?" She tried to get my mind off the topic at hand, and the pleading look in her eyes made me give in.

"Fine. What time is it?"

"Dinner started an hour ago."

"Hermione, why aren't you down there? You're going to starve!" I exclaimed, staring at her like she was mad.

"Well, I didn't want you to be alone, especially not right now..." she murmured.

"Go eat. And bring me back some food, I'm starving."

"No wonder..." I heard her mutter as she walked out, and I was alone again. I looked outside the window across from me, and saw snow. Wait- snow? So it's been quite a while, then...

I studied the Hospital Wing until Hermione got back. It was old, gray, but had a coziness to it. Besides the cots lining the walls, and the potions on the shelves, there was a fire off into the corner, and garland was strung up everywhere, and there were Christmas trees in the corners, along with wreaths and cranberry decorations everywhere.

Wait.

Christmas?

As in Yule?

As in, two months since Halloween? I don't remember exactly how I was knocked out, but I knew it was on that night. Suddenly, the door burst open, and here came Hermione, holding two plates piled with food.

"Dinner is served." Hermione placed my plate in my lap, but I just looked at her.

"Hermione. Is it Yule?" I asked nervously. Her fork froze midair as she was just taking a bite. She let out an exhausted sigh, looking back at me with pleading eyes.

"Just eat, Hera. Then go to bed. I'll tell you everything tomorrow, promise."

I nodded solemnly, beginning to eat. The dinner was delicious, much better than usual, and then I noticed Madam Pomfrey staring Hermione down like a hawk.

"I think you'd better go, Mione. It's been like half an hour. Thanks for coming to visit, and for the food." I smiled brightly at her, and she luckily smiled back.

"It was no problem, Hera. Just get some sleep." She gave my hand a squeeze before getting up and walking out, one last wave thrown over her shoulder.

So I did what she said. I went to bed, glad to know that I would wake up tomorrow.

The next morning came without much of a fuss, and Hermione brought me breakfast. And Ron and Harry "What happened to you lot?" I raise a brow.

"Well..." Harry began, but Hermione held up a hand.

"First we need to explain what happened to you."

And so they did.

Hermione said the thing that got me was a mountain troll, and Ron and Harry had tried to lock it in the bathroom. But when they heard our screams, they had to break back in, and save me and Hermione. But they were a little too late for me. Finally they told me how long I was out of it.