Hermione and Viktor joined their group, a small oasis surrounded by what was quickly turning into a wild moshpit of energetic dancing. Someone elbowed Neville hard in the gut as they flailed to the heavy beat of the music. It was a testament to Ron's concern that he didn't make a fuss at their arrival, not that Harry noticed this. Harry was focused on how the lights were spinning and he was getting really, really dizzy.
"There you are!" Hermione beamed at them all. Her face fell at the sight of Harry. "Are you alright, Harry? You look ill."
"The twins gave him a pick-me-up and forgot to share. He must be completely smashed."
"McGonagall will give you detentions for the rest of the year if she catches you drinking again," Hermione tutted.
"I've only had some punch," Harry defended, although his voice came out weak and breathy. "… I feel off."
"Maybe you should sit down?" Luna said, her hand clamping across his forehead and she noticed the layer of hot sweat across his brow.
Harry shook his head, biting down at the wave of nausea that ensued. Sitting down wasn't right, that sounded awful. His legs were shaking with excess energy, and he doubted they would cooperate with him if he tried. He wanted to go outside, into the forest. Yes, that's what he needed. He -
Harry gagged.
"Do you guys mind if we take a breather outside?" He asked. Maybe it was the lights that were bothering him?
The group headed for the courtyard which had been swathed in roses and fairy lights. The sharp blast of cold air soothed his body and he collapsed into a bench. His mind and body were still and calm.
"Viktor, you know Harry, obviously, but these are our other friends," Hermione introduced everyone very awkwardly. Ron tried and failed to keep the adoration and/or hatred out of his eyes at his muttered hello. He and Hermione did not look at each other.
"It was very exciting to watch you in the first task, but it was unfortunate that some of the eggs got crushed and you lost points," Luna stated. "Although at least your dragon was fine."
Harry's muscles cramped up with a sudden, sharp flare of pain, and Harry threw himself out of the seat, fidgeting his weight between his two legs.
"I've told you a million times, Luna. They never explicitly told me I wasn't supposed to kill it, I was told to get past the dragon, how else do you get past a dragon?" Harry murmured. He had his head grasped in his hands as he focused on not spilling up all over everyone's nice shoes. His legs would not hold still. He began to pace around the group.
"Yes, you should not have lost points for that. Was good strategy," Viktor agreed. "Hermione, you are cold?" Hermione shivered in her thin lace gown but shook her head.
"Harry, you are clearly sick. Maybe we could find your mum? She might have a headache potion on her. Either way, I'm getting worried -"
Harry winced at a sudden stab of pain between his eyes. Clutching his forehead, he did not notice the concerned muttering above him. Feeling woozy, he clutched at someone's robes to avoid tipping over onto the stone floor.
Outside, he needed to be outside. Wanted to stay outside and go.
Where was he? How had he gotten out here? A walk, he wanted to go into the forest, that was where he was supposed to be. Deep into the forest alone. Luna had a firm grasp on him and he tugged away from her weakly. His feet shuffled closer to the direction of the forest.
"There's something wrong with him," Luna announced, voice unusually grave and her hand on his forehead. "He's swimming in wrackspurts and his magic is haywire."
"It started with his drink, was he poisoned?" Neville asked. "We need to go find a professor! If it's a magical poison, it can be very difficult to cure. We can try to give him an emetic, I know verbena grows at the edge of the forest, but I think it's already been absorbed into his bloodstream and only a bezoar can help at that point."
"Forest," Harry slurred. He was not listening to the conversation around him, tugging petulantly on Luna's wrist which held him back.
"What was that, Harry?"
"Wanna go - in the - in the forest."
"That is a terrible idea," Ron gently chided him. "You are going to sit down and not move and we are going to fetch your mum."
"I will go get professors," Viktor offered. "You are his friends, stay and keep him calm. If it was deadly, he would likely be dead by now." Well, that was hardly reassuring. Luna kept one hand on his forehead and her other in a tight grip on his wrist as they watched Viktor disappear into the castle.
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