Over the Edge [ Lupin x Evans ]

Chapter 7: Chocolate fever

Madame Pomfrey was clearly not one to lose her composure easily, but even she couldn't hide her frustration at Remus's condition.

"I can't believe you're coming here now!" she exclaimed, her usual calm demeanour clearly rattled.

Sirius grinned.

"True words!" he called out, clearly amused. "I've always known you know best Madame Pomfrey!"

James, however, rolled his eyes.

"Stop flirting, Padfoot," he whispered, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "You do know she's been married for years, right?"

"So what?" Sirius shot back with a shrug. "It's not like that stops anyone. I mean, she's still a hot forty."

James just sighed, not bothering to respond, while the two of them carried on their usual banter.

However, the light-hearted exchange was soon interrupted as Pomfrey moved to uncover Lupin's back. The sight that greeted them was unsettling. An infection had clearly set in, but it wasn't the root cause of Remus's distress. His back, arms, and neck were covered in large, inflamed patches that resembled enormous, festering blisters, oozing a foul, pus-like fluid.

"In the name of Merlin's pants!" Sirius exclaimed, horrified, while James inhaled sharply in shock.

"Both of you, go get Professor Dumbledore now!" Pomfrey commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Without hesitation, James and Sirius dashed out of the room to find the headmaster. When Dumbledore arrived, Remus was burning with fever, mumbling deliriously. His eyes were half-lidded, and his face was swollen, flushed red as though he'd been stung by a hundred bees.

"I initially thought it was the Muggle version of the mumps," Pomfrey explained, sounding a little defeated. "But of course, witches and wizards don't catch that. I'm afraid my knowledge isn't as extensive as I thought. Considering Mr. Lupin's condition, it could be something entirely different."

Dumbledore stroked his long beard thoughtfully.

"May I see the symptoms?"

Pomfrey quickly nodded and pulled back the covers, revealing Remus's bare back. The headmaster's sharp eyes immediately spotted the marks left by the recent full moon.

"There's also a contaminated wound on his back from the last full moon," Pomfrey added. "I'm not sure how it came about, and I'm afraid Mr. Lupin doesn't know either."

Dumbledore's expression darkened slightly, but he remained calm.

"Our friend must have eaten poison ivy, or more specifically, poison sumac, while in his wolf form," he concluded. "It's a deceptive and dangerous plant. Its leaves contain toxins, and unfortunately, both Muggles and werewolves are particularly susceptible to it. I didn't realize it grew in our beloved Forbidden Forest."

Pomfrey's concern deepened.

"So, what should we do now?"

"First, we must remain calm," Dumbledore said with a reassuring smile. "You need to clean all the wounds with Firewhisky," he instructed confidently.

Pomfrey gaped at him. "Firewhisky? All I have is salicylic spirit!"

Dumbledore chuckled softly.

"I think the spirit will suffice. After thoroughly cleaning the wounds three times at three-hour intervals, you should make compresses with dittany."

Pomfrey looked at him, stunned by the simplicity of the solution.

"That's it?"

"Yes, and no," Dumbledore responded with a wink. "Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones." He smiled warmly before heading for the door. The calm, knowing smile Dumbledore wore seemed to reassure everyone in the room, though it was clear they still had much work ahead of them.