Hermione’s screams echoed as the four were engulfed in precipitate darkness...

“Look, Mr. Turner, I’m serious…you won’t believe it…” Hermione sighed, “…but if you insist…”

“Hermione!” Ron hissed, grabbing her sleeve again. “What the hell are you doing? You can’t tell him!”

“Can’t tell me WHAT?” Will’s eyes narrowed.

“Ron...” she hissed right back, “we have no choice. It’s the truth, or the Commodore.”

“Hermione!” gasped Ron, rushing to her side. “Hermione, speak to me!”

Harry stared. “What’s the matter with her?” he asked, joining Ron by the cot.

“I dunno, mate…” Ron was getting slightly panicky, and Harry was randomly reminded of how Ron had reacted during second year, with their giant spider rendezvous. “She looks like she’s been hexed or jinxed or cursed!”