Lifeline - 3

"She'll die anyway if we don't try something," Aberforth said, and Harry found his dispassion disturbing.

He remained quietly beside Aberforth's side, doling out ingredients as the old barkeep asked for them. Madam Pomfrey's disapproval melted as her interest in what Aberforth was brewing grew. The two older people chatted as they brewed, but Harry barely heard them. His mind was solely focused on one person in the other room. He'd been desperate to get to her when Madam Pomfrey had first kicked him out of the hospital wing, but now that she was so close, he was hesitant. He didn't want to see his Ginny so lifeless and without her sparkle.

He swallowed hard and continued handing Aberforth ingredients. When they finally emerged from the office, the same group of Weasleys was still huddled around Ginny's bedside. Bill and Fleur clutched hands as they stood behind Ron and Hermione.

"She's growing weaker, Poppy," Mrs. Weasley said tearfully, clutching Ginny's hand. "She seems to be struggling to take a breath.

Madam Pomfrey nodded and briskly shooed Ron and Hermione out of her way as she approached the bed. She lifted Ginny off the pillows slightly and snapped at Bill. "Hold her up like that. Let me get this potion into her."

"What's the potion, and what's it going to do?" Bill asked, although he did what he was asked.

"It's made from the venom of the spider that killed the snake that poisoned her. The two venoms should attack each other rather than continuing any assault on her," Madam Pomfrey said, spooning the steaming brew down Ginny's throat.

"More venom?" Mrs. Weasley gasped, clutching Mr. Weasley's robes.

He patted her back soothingly. "Will it work?" he asked, his voice tired and strained.

"It's the best hope we've got," Madam Pomfrey replied grimly.

Harry had been silent during the exchange, finally getting his first good look at Ginny. She was ghostly pale against the crisp white hospital linens and even the vibrant color of her hair appeared dull and listless. There was no sparkle, none of the usual warmth or fire that he associated with her.

He dropped his eyes to the floor, unable to look at her for very long. When Madam Pomfrey finished giving Ginny the potion, she moved back, leaving an open space near Ginny's head. Harry felt Hermione's hand on his back, gently guiding him forward.

He kept his head lowered, unable to meet anyone's gaze.

"All we can do now is wait," Madam Pomfrey said, sighing. "There's a battle going on within her bloodstream. If one of the venoms can destroy the other, the surviving venom will be diluted – weakened from the battle. We then have to hope that Ginny is still strong enough to fight it."

Harry lifted his hand, gently brushing away the hair sticking to Ginny's cheek. "'lo Gin," he said gruffly.

"Oh, Harry," Mrs. Weasley cried. "Ron tells me you saved her again." She raised her arms and moved to embrace him

"Don't, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, recoiling from her. "We don't know if she's going to be okay, and if she hadn't been with me…" Harry broke off, unable to continue. He looked away, blinking furiously.

He heard Mrs. Weasley sigh heavily, collecting herself. She laid a gentle finger under Harry's chin and forced him to turn around. "While I've been sitting here fretting, I've been blaming myself for letting her get involved, too. I knew something like this would happen."

Harry flinched, knowing she had every right to blame him but also aware that he couldn't handle her turning on him just now.