In the Hogwarts Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey gave Jerry a thorough, meticulous examination. Then her brow furrowed slightly, deep puzzlement showing on her face.
"Severus, are you certain you said Mr. Green fainted?" Madam Pomfrey asked, sounding somewhat doubtful of Snape's account.
"Of course I'm certain," Snape said seriously, his brow tightly furrowed. "Poppy, do you think I would joke about something like this?"
Seeing this, Hermione hurried to add, "It's true, Madam Pomfrey. Jerry looked terribly weak just now. He didn't even have the strength to stand!"
"All right, all right, I believe you." Madam Pomfrey sighed softly. Looking at the rosy-cheeked, lively Jerry on the bed, she shook her head gently. "But as far as I can see, Mr. Green is in excellent health, full of energy, and mentally alert. His condition bears no resemblance whatsoever to what you described."
"I told you, I really am fine. Nobody needs to worry about me." Just as Madam Pomfrey had said, Jerry now felt an indescribable sense of comfort and ease. His mind was clearer, his thoughts more active.
Snape stood to one side, his brow furrowed and his expression grim. He knew Poppy Pomfrey was an excellent healer and would never deceive him. Yet Jerry's weakness in Hogsmeade had not looked like an act.
Just then, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall hurried into the Hospital Wing after hearing the news. Seeing Jerry's healthy complexion and excellent spirits, both breathed a sigh of relief, though concern and puzzlement lingered in their eyes.
Professor McGonagall approached Jerry's bedside, her voice carrying a trace of reproach and worry. "Jerry, weren't you and Granger going to Hogsmeade? What happened? Why are you back here again?"
Snape told them everything that had happened in Hogsmeade and, just now, in the Hospital Wing.
Professor McGonagall sighed