McGonagall wraps her arms around her and pulls her in for a tight hug. Her arms barricade her in, her body surrounding Hermione. Her weight supporting Hermione’s shaking body. She doesn’t know what is happening but she has some ideas. Hermione leans into her, tears dripping down McGonagall’s neck. She bites her lips hard, harder even. She draws blood but she refuses to speak the words. She won’t speak the words and give this sickness its desire.