Hermione Zabini

Chapter Seventeen

A/N: I felt bad for not updating sooner, so here is another chapter. Hopefully two chapters in one day will make up for the fact my updates haven't been so frequent. Recently I ordered next years study books off the internet and I have been throwing myself into learning the syllabus so I have basic knowledge and understanding of everything for September. A bit like Hermione I suppose. Anyway, thanks for putting up with my bullshit. :)

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Cosmias Pov

I wasn't top of my class in any subjects and my grades weren't the best. Although they have improved since Serafina has arrived at Hogwarts. 

But one thing I can tell you, is that I know how to recognise poisonings from a mile away. Father had taught me from a young age as Mother was died in a 'freak accident' by another wizard and died a slow and painful death by poision. 

I didn't know much knowledge of magic when I first stepped foot into Hogwarts all those years ago, but I did have an experts knowledge on how to recognise posionings, the symptoms and cures. 

So as soon as Serafina fainted and I swept my eyes across the girl, I knew this was none of your typical 'fainted from lack of food or water' situation. 

I mentioned this to Pansy who looked panicked but after I pointed out a few of the many signs of poisioning that I had been taught, she didn't hesitate to make a plan of action. 

Magical poisonings are different from the muggle versions, contamination is a tricky thing to conquer in the magical world. As Pansy, Leona, Beth, Blaise and I had rushed over to her, leaving her side wouldn't help her now. However Pansy set Beth on guard duty and I remember her faintly speaking to Potter. 

Daphne and Draco were in Charms and as soon as we left the classroom Pansy asked me to go get them. Serafina was the leader but Pansy was second in command when Serafina couldn't be. 

I darted over to charms as Blaise carried his sister to the Hospital Wing. I burst into the classroom and the professor stops to stare at me. 

'Miss Richardson, may I help you?' He asks and I ignore him. 

'Draco, Daphne... We need you.' I pant and turn away. The class erupts into whispers at what they just heard but I didn't care. Within seconds Draco and Daphne had appeared at my side. 

'What is going on Cosmia?' Draco asks and I motion for them to follow me. I didn't say anything and we pretty much sprint through the corridors. Thankfully we didn't run into any staff and I stop outside the closed doors of the Hospital Wing. 

'Serafina...She is sick.' I pant and Draco turns to me in horror. He quickly turns to the doors and slams them open and darts inside. Daphne and I exchange concerned looks and we follow him in.

Serafina lay on a bed, Madam Pomfrey was bustling around her checking her vitals. Blaise sat in a chair next to her holding her right hand in his, he looked like his favourite cuddly toy had just been torn appart. Pansy didn't look much better, but her expression was guarded. Beth however was always rubbish at hiding her emotions, tears were streaming down her face. Daphne walks over to the sobbing girl and pulls her in for a hug. 

There was no one else in the Hospital wing so at least we didn't have to worry to much about reputation. Daphne's face looked grave but she comforted Beth. All of us had grown really fond of Serafina. 

If necessary we would give our lives up for her in a heartbeat. She has gained our trust and we will protect her with our lives. 

My expression is heavily guarded and if you didn't know me you would assume that I was unbothered. But Pansy had gotten good at reading me and as she spun around to face me, she motioned for me to stand by her.