RETROUVAILLE // H. Granger x Male OC (Book 2)

30

The hallways of Hogwarts were filled with the usual bustle of students hurrying to their next class, the air buzzing with chatter and laughter. Draven Malfoy had just finished a lesson on advanced Transfiguration and was making his way back to his office. He felt a slight dizziness but brushed it off as fatigue. However, as he rounded a corner near the Charms classroom, the dizziness intensified, and his vision blurred. The next thing he knew, his legs gave out beneath him, and he collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

A group of students walking nearby were the first to see him fall. "Professor Malfoy!" one of them shouted, rushing to his side. The commotion quickly attracted the attention of other students and nearby professors.

Professor Flitwick was the first to arrive. He assessed the situation swiftly and cast a charm to send for medical assistance. "Everyone, step back and give him space!" he instructed, his voice uncharacteristically stern.

Madam Pomfrey appeared moments later, her face a mask of concern. She knelt beside Draven, performing a series of diagnostic spells. "We need to get him to St. Mungo's immediately," she said, her voice steady but urgent. With a wave of her wand, she conjured a stretcher and levitated Draven onto it. As he was being transported, Madam Pomfrey quickly sent an owl to Castelobruxo, wanting to inform Hermione about what happened with Draven.

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Draven woke up in a stark white room, the sterile smell of antiseptics filling his nostrils. He blinked, trying to adjust to the bright lights. As his vision cleared, he recognized the familiar surroundings of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.

Healer Thorne came in, holding a clipboard. "Ah, Mr. Malfoy, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

Draven tried to sit up, but a wave of weakness washed over him. "Tired... and a bit weak," he admitted.

The healer nodded sympathetically. "You had quite a collapse at Hogwarts. We ran some tests, and I'm afraid your condition, neurogenic adumbral syndrome, has worsened."

Draven's heart sank. He had been diagnosed with the rare magical illness years ago, a condition that affected his nervous system and caused unpredictable blackouts and weakening spells. "How bad is it?" he asked quietly.

Healer Thorne sighed, flipping through his notes. "The frequency and severity of your episodes have increased. We need to monitor you more closely and adjust your treatment plan. Have you informed your family about your condition?"

Draven shook his head, his expression resolute. "No, and I don't intend to. They have enough to worry about without adding this to their burdens."

The healer looked at him with concern. "Keeping something like this from your loved ones isn't advisable, Mr. Malfoy. They could offer you support, both emotionally and practically."

Draven's jaw tightened. "I appreciate your concern, Healer Thorne, but this is my decision. I don't want them to worry."