Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 179 - Unseen Burdens

The chill of a December afternoon clung to the air as the Marauders wrapped up their classes for the day. The corridors of Hogwarts were bustling with students eager to escape the confines of their classrooms, yet the weight of their final year and the shadows of the world beyond the castle walls were never far from their minds.

Eliza, bleary-eyed and struggling to stay awake, lagged behind the group as they made their way outside for a walk. The crisp air usually did wonders to clear her mind, but today she felt heavier than ever, her body crying out for the rest that her mind refused to grant.

"Eliza, are you okay?" Remus asked, his eyes filled with concern as he fell back to walk beside her. He had noticed her pallor and the dark circles under her eyes had grown more pronounced over the past few days.

Eliza forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine, Remus. Just a bit tired."

Sirius, overhearing, glanced back. "A bit tired? Eliza, you look like you're about to drop. You didn't sleep again, did you?"

Eliza shook her head, her smile faltering. "It's nothing I can't handle."

James, noticing the exchange, slowed his pace to join them. "We're worried about you, Eliza. You need to take better care of yourself."

Peter, always observant, added, "Maybe a walk wasn't the best idea today."

Eliza opened her mouth to protest, but before she could utter a word, her vision blurred. The world tilted, and she felt herself falling into a void of darkness.

"Eliza!" Remus shouted, catching her just before she hit the ground. His heart pounded in his chest as he gently cradled her unconscious form.

Sirius was beside them in an instant, his face etched with worry. "We need to get her to Madam Pomfrey, now."

Without wasting a moment, James and Peter joined in, and together, the four friends carefully carried Eliza back into the castle. Students parted to let them through, their faces painted with concern and curiosity.

When they reached the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey took one look at Eliza and ushered them inside, her face grave. "Lay her down here," she instructed, pointing to an empty bed. "What happened?"

"She collapsed," Remus explained, his voice tight with worry. "She hasn't been sleeping well. Nightmares."

Madam Pomfrey nodded, her expression softening. "I'll do everything I can. You boys stay close, but give me some space to work."

The Marauders backed away, their eyes never leaving Eliza's pale face. Madam Pomfrey worked quickly, administering potions and casting diagnostic spells, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Hours passed, and still, Eliza did not wake. The boys stayed by her side, their worry mounting with each passing minute. As night fell, Madam Pomfrey approached them, her face kind but firm.

"James, Remus, Peter," she began, "you need to leave for now. She needs rest, and you all look like you could use some as well."

"I'm not leaving," Remus said stubbornly, his eyes flashing with determination. "I need to be here."

"Moony's right," Sirius added, his voice steady. "But if anyone stays, it's me. I'm her twin."

Madam Pomfrey nodded, understanding their concern. "Sirius can stay, but the rest of you need to go. You can return in the morning."

Remus opened his mouth to argue, but a look from Sirius stopped him. "Go, Remus," Sirius said softly. "I'll watch over her. I promise."

Reluctantly, Remus nodded, his heart heavy. "Take care of her, Sirius."

As James, Remus, and Peter left the hospital wing, the weight of worry hung over them like a dark cloud. Remus, in particular, felt an almost primal need to be with Eliza, a protectiveness born from both his love and the influence of Moony.

Back in the hospital wing, Sirius sat by Eliza's bedside, holding her hand. "Come on, Eliza," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You've got to wake up. We need you."

Throughout the night, Sirius stayed vigilant, his thoughts a whirl of worry and memories. He remembered their childhood, the laughter and the mischief, the bond that had always been so strong. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, especially not now when they were so close to the end of their journey at Hogwarts.

As dawn broke, a soft moan escaped Eliza's lips, and her eyes fluttered open. Sirius leaned forward, relief flooding his features. "Eliza, you're awake!"

She blinked, disoriented but aware of her brother's presence. "Sirius? What happened?"

"You collapsed from exhaustion," he explained gently. "You scared us all, Eliza."

She tried to sit up, but Sirius placed a hand on her shoulder. "Take it easy. You need to rest."

Eliza sighed, closing her eyes briefly. "I'm sorry, Sirius. I didn't mean to worry you."

"It's okay," he said, his voice softening. "Just promise me you'll take better care of yourself."

She nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "I promise."

The door to the hospital wing creaked open, and James, Remus, and Peter hurried in, their faces lighting up when they saw Eliza awake.

"Eliza!" James exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "You gave us quite a scare."

Peter nodded, relief evident in his eyes. "We're so glad you're okay."

Remus approached her bed, his expression a mixture of concern and love. "You need to rest, Eliza. No more pushing yourself too hard."

She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "I know. I'll try to be better."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of recovery and relief. Eliza, though still weak, found strength in the unwavering support of her friends. They stayed by her side, their presence a comforting balm to her weary soul.

As night fell once again, Eliza drifted into a more peaceful sleep, the nightmares temporarily held at bay by the love and care of her brother and friends. In the quiet of the hospital wing, surrounded by those who meant the most to her, she felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, she could find her way through the darkness.