Harry Potter and the Year After

Chapter Sixty: Whispers at Four A.M.

Chapter 60: Whispers at Four A.M.

Hermione and Ron missed seeing Draco carrying a fighting Ginny by mere seconds. Having not found Harry, they were rushing toward the hospital wing.

"Is he here?" Ron demanded as they ran in through the doors.

"Oh, did you run into Malfoy and your sister?" said Professor McGonagall.

"No," Hermione said sharply.

At the same time, Ron said, "My God, Hermione, you were right!"

Hermione's hand flew to cover her gaping mouth as she saw Harry at the same time.

"He's going to be alright," said Madam Pomfrey consolingly.

Hermione started crying silently, still covering her mouth with her hand. Ron reached an arm out and held her against his chest while he asked, "What happened?"

Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey took turns explaining.

"So Malfoy saved him," Ron repeated in summary.

"Yes," said Professor McGonagall, raising her eyebrows in understanding.

"Well, at least we nearly died to save Malfoy for a reason now."

"May we stay with him in case he wakes up?" Hermione asked, wiping the tears from under her eyes.

"Really, he's faced injuries that were just as bad because of Quidditch," Madam Pomfrey shrugged. "I suppose one of you could stay at a time. He doesn't need a vigil held."

"Do you know when he might wake up?" Ron asked.

"Probably not until morning..."

"I'll stay tonight," Hermione said, "You can come back in the morning and stay with him, alright?"

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to try to get some rest so I will be ready to take care of my patient in the morning."

"Goodnight, Poppy," said Professor McGonagall. "I'll be off too, goodnight, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley... Potter..."

"They both left... maybe I can stay?" Ron suggested quietly.

"Then we'll both be tired in the morning when he actually wakes up. No, you go... get rested, alright?"

"Yeah, I feel bad making you stay up all night though. You don't have to. Harry wouldn't want you to."

"What if he wakes up and no one's here though?"

"Madam Pomfrey will be here."

"No, one of us should be here." She waved her wand, conjuring some books, parchment, ink and quills. "I'll just get some homework done. Maybe I'll do those three feet for Transfiguration. Then I won't feel guilty taking a nap in the morning and missing class."

"Well, your Transfiguration partner is here, so... I'm sure Professor McGonagall will understand..."

"Yes, well, anyway," Hermione kissed Ron quickly on the lips, "Happy Valentine's Day."

"You too," Ron said, kissing her again. "I love you." He let go of her and stepped back a step.

"I love you, too."

***

"Ginny, please..." Draco said, gritting his teeth. He was holding her against him. Because of the Immobulus charm, she was like dead weight, though he hardly noticed. He was terrified. "Please come back to me. You need to stay with me, alright? Don't do this. You're stronger than this."