Relentless - A Dramione FanFic

Recovery

The hospital wing was eerily silent.  "MADAM POMFREY!!" Harry called to the medi-witch, as he burst through the doors, holding them open for Draco and the still unconscious Hermione.  Ron and Hagrid, both seemingly in shock, followed closely behind.

The middle-aged witch hurriedly emerged from her office at the far end of the room.  She took one look at the limp girl in Draco's arms and jumped into action.  She motioned for Draco to lay Hermione on the bed closest to her office.  "What happened?"  Her words dripped with urgency.

"She was attacked by the giant squid."  Draco was outwardly in control, but inside he was being torn apart.  "She was underwater for at least two minutes.  I Heimliched the water out of her lungs, but she only took a few breaths before she lost consciousness."

"Well done, Mr. Malfoy.  Your quick thinking probably saved her life.  Most likely she's just fainted from exhaustion.  I'll know for sure after I've completed my examination.  I must ask all of you to leave so I can get to it."  Her strict voice left no room for arguments.  The four men reluctantly shuffled through the door, closing it quietly behind them.

***

"You saved her life"  Ron's voice was barely a whisper.  "Thank you."  His tear-filled eyes meeting Draco's for a moment before shifting back to the floor.

Hagrid's muffled sobs were the only sound in the corridor as the four men waited for Madam Pomfrey to emerge.  Loudly swishing robes coming in their direction drew all of their attention.  Professor McGonagall was rushing towards them, apparently Madam Pomfrey had alerted her to the situation. Her sharp expression landed on the sobbing game-keeper. "Rubeus, would you please explain what you were thinking... Expecting students to get in the lake in such proximity to the giant squid?"

The head mistress' question sent the large man over the edge, and his gentle cries became full on blubbering as he attempted to answer.  "Well, err... I wanted ter..." He blew his nose in a t-shirt sized handkerchief. "I wanted ter show 'em Quill in't as bad as her reputation, Ma'am."  He was inhaling rapidly, almost to the point of hyperventilation.  "Things were goin' well, and then...'Ermione... she slipped, yer see.  It wadn't Quill's fault.  She was just tryin' to protect 'erself."  He sniffed loudly.  "She pulled 'Ermione under, and... I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry."

Harry placed his hand on Hagrid's shaking shoulder.  "It's ok, Hagrid.  Hermione is going to be fine. We know you wouldn't have asked us to help with Quill's bandages if you thought we would be in any danger.  It was just an accident.  Please don't blame yours---."

"Mr. Potter," the head mistress curtly interrupted, "while I appreciate your effort to comfort Professor Hagrid, he must understand that this situation came about due to a serious lack of judgement on his part.  We have rules in place to keep all the students safe, and just because you four have experienced more dangers than everyone else, that does not mean those rules do not apply to you."

"I...I unnerstand, Professor.  I promise I won' be askin' 'em ter do anymore dangerous lessons."  His crying had calmed some, but he still had trouble getting a good breath, causing each word to catch in his throat.

"I should hope not."  McGonagall's tone softened as she added.  "Its obvious how much you care for these children, Rubeus, I'm looking out for your good as well.  I know you'd never be able to forgive yourself if something you asked them to do resulted in permanent harm to one of them."

"Yer right Professor."  A small smile spread across his face.  "I love 'em summat fierce."

Just then, the hospital doors swung open, and Madam Pomfrey joined them in the hallway.  "It was as I expected.  Miss Granger had simply fainted from the stress of the situation.  She is awake..."  The small witch had to place a hand on Ron's chest to keep him from storming through the doors, "but she needs her rest.  In addition to being exhausted, she also has a broken ankle.  I can only allow two of you to visit at a time."