⭐sit back and relax ⭐

Not caring to grab her books, Leonora rushed out of the classroom, towards the bathrooms. Slamming the door open, not caring who was in there or not, Leonora ran into one of the closest stalls and fell to her knees. As soon as skin touched cold granite, Leonora began to throw up glops of black ooze. No smell permeated from it but as it ran up her throat and through her lips, the cold sludge sent shivers down Leonora’s spine.

“Sick, leech?” a melancholic voice echoed throughout the stalls. Leonora didn’t look up as a hand was placed on the base of her spine, slowly rubbing circles to try and ease the pain. Or, it wanted to at least, for the touch of a ghost wasn’t dissimilar to that of a passing breeze. If anything, it made matters worse,” or just a bad case of the Mondays?”

“Shut it, Myrtle,” Leonora spat out. She opened her mouth to speak again until another mouth full of sludge erupted from her mouth.

“Oh, I think it’s you who's shutting up, not I,” Myrtle spoke. She removed her hand from Leonora’s back and floated around the young Gryffindor until she hovered directly over the toilet. Myrtle frowned as she watched the black ooze fill up the toilet,” I do hope that flushes. This is my favorite stall, y’know?”

“Please, Myrtle,” Leonora threw up again. With one final heave, almost all the contents Leonora had this morning floated on top of the toilet water which now resembled that of tar instead of actual water. Myrtle grimaced as the ooze inflated little bubbles on its surface, cringing every time they went pop and sizzled out of existence.

“Alright, alright, leech. You know I’m only joking,” Myrtle said as she tilted her head,” but you still have to flush it.”

Leonora glared at the ghost and leaned forward to flush the toilet. As she pulled the small chain and watched as the ooze slowly drained away with the rest of the toilet water, Leonora slumped across the toilet bowl and let out a shaky sigh. She looked back at the hand she coughed on, gagging at the ooze that still stuck to it, and shakily hoisted herself up to her feet.

“So what happened, leech? Tried to eat normally again?”

“Yup,” Leonora said, her voice gravelly from all the throwing up. Shuffling towards the sinks and turning on the faucet, Leonora scrubbed her hands clean as Myrtle floated ahead. The ghost scoffed.

“C’mon, leech! You know better than that!” Myrtle exclaimed,” you’re supposed to be the least dumbest person I know! And I’ve met a lot of idotic, stupid, and inspid people during my time here.”

It was true. Leonora knew full well that not only were grains inedible to her, but vegetables, fruits, and any white meats could prove deadly if eaten without the proper follow up. And that proper follow up was something that made Leonora want to drink her own urine rather than put it in her own mouth. 

“I mean honestly! I thought being undead would give someone an upper hand on these mouth breathers,” Myrtle continued, “but even I can be wrong sometimes, I suppose.”

“Myrtle, if you don’t stop―,” Leonora held her breath as the bathroom door creaked open and a group of girls shuffled inside. They chattered amongst themselves and one of them went inside the stall Leonora just exited from. Leonora felt her stomach drop as a blood curdling cry bounced against the bathroom walls. The girl ran out from the stall and collapsed on the ground.

“Deliah! What’s wrong?”

“There’s something moving in there!” the girl pointed to the stall, her hand shaking in fear. Myrtle, at the sound of the commotion, wandered off, leaving Leonora with her back to the group of girls. As more of them dared a peek into the stall, Leonora quickly wiped her hands on her skirt and skittered away.

“Hey! What the hell happened there?” one of the girls had shouted but Leonora had already thrown open the bathroom door and ran out. With no clear destination in mind, Leonora hastily walked the hallways with her hands clawing at her scalp. Her breathing became uneven as the world around her grew fuzzy and her vision blurred. Leonora placed a hand on the castle walls as they closed in on her, feeling her way around corners and corridors in search of something, anything, able to help her stabilize.

“Ms. Varney? What on Earth are you doing out of class?” Leonora turned around to find Professor Slughorn behind her. His brows were raised in concern as he took in his student’s sickly complexion. Taking a step forward, Slughorn extended a hand,” by Merlin, Leonora, you look a footstep away from death. It’s a good thing I ran into you, then. I was on my way to Madame Pomfrey and―.”

As Slughorn continued to speak, Leonora felt her knees begin to shake and the weight of the world push harder down on her shoulders.

“I―I’m fine, Professor. Just needed,” Leonora huffed,”―needed a breather. Professor Binns' class can get―ugh―congested.”

“Ms. Varney!” Slughorn called out and the whole world went a dark, sickly black.

Leonora never liked surprises. The anticipation, the anxiety that came with entering a dark room and then being bombarded by a whole orchestra of screams was something Leonora absolutely hated. Especially if that surprise happened to be waking up and being face to face with the Headmaster of your school and one pissed off nurse.

“Ah, you’re up, Ms. Varney,” Dumbledore spoke. Though his voice was calm, it didn’t help ease the fear coursing through Leonora’s veins. Almost sensing it, Dumbledore placed a hand on Leonora’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze,” no need to fear, Leonora. You’re not in any trouble.”

“Not with you that is,” Madam Pomfrey said as she walked through the curtains towards Leonora’s bed. She placed a large dish covered in small tinctures on the table next to Leonora and gave a rather deep scowl. The nurse crossed her arms over her chest and puffed out her cheeks,” but I, for one, am furious.”

“Now, now, Poppy,” Dumbledore said,” Ms. Varney will explain to us as to why she’s been missing her weekly dosages.”

“She can explain while she takes them, Albus.”

The Headmaster only chuckled at his old friend as she began to fuss around with the tinctures, mixing them accordingly as she grumbled underneath her breath. Leonora gulped as Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and ushered her to speak.

“Well to put in plainly,” Leonora winced underneath Madam Pomfrey’s glare,”I just forgot?”

“You forgot?!”

“Poppy, please. Do continue, Ms. Varney.”

“I really did! Tests and all the drama Veronica’s been roping me in has made me lose it a bit, Professor. I guess time just escaped me,” Leonora bit her lip and unknowingly drew a bit of blood. As the black fluid ran down her chin, Dumbledore grabbed a napkin from his pocket and dabbed at the small cut.

“Madam Pomfrey and I both know what ruckus happens within these walls. Quite well in fact,” Dumbledore said. He removed his hand away from the cut and gave the stained napkin to Pomfrey, who promptly shoved it in her own pocket for later disposal,” but those students don’t have the same cravings as you do. What would have happened if you’d throw up in Professor Binn’s class? Or in the hallway, out in the open? You know you can’t risk such things, Leonora.” 

“But everyone thinks I’ve got some eating disorder which, I mean I kind of do, but―,” Leonora looked down at her hands and began to pick on a loose nail,”―but I rather be some girl that can’t eat a whole chicken breast without upchucking before third period than some girl that can’t eat a whole chicken breast without having to kill the actual chicken with her bare fucking teeth.”

“Language, Ms. Varney!”

“Poppy,” Dumbledore warned. The Headmaster let out a quiet sigh as he briefly took his glasses off to rub at his eyes. Putting them back on, he looked at Leonora with a concerned gaze,” that is no excuse for putting your life in danger, Ms. Varney. You must think thoroughly next time, for there will be a day neither I, Madam Pomfrey nor Professor Slughorn will be there to rescue you. Do you understand?”

Leonora gritted her teeth.

“Yes, Professor.”

“Good,” Dumbledore smiled. He turned back towards Madam Pomfrey and gave a small nod,” I’ll be going now, Poppy. I expect to see Ms. Varney good as new tomorrow morning.”

“Of course, Albus.”

“And another thing, Pomfrey,” Dumbledore said as he opened the doors to the Hospital Wing,” it’s a full moon tonight. Be prepared.”

“As always, Dumbledore.”

Leonora raised a brow as she watched Madam Pomfrey add the finishing touches on her dosage. 

“What does he mean by that?”

The nurse sighed as she placed the dosage in Leonora’s hand. The bottle was small and the liquid inside it was a harsh black, not unlike the vomit Leonora spat in the toilet some few hours ago. The only difference was that this dosage smelled of rotten flesh and Leonora gagged as she rose it towards her mouth.

“Nothing you need to be concerned about,” Madam Pomfrey said as she wiped her hands off on her apron. She walked towards the curtains and drew them out of her way,” now, after your dosage kicks in and you wake back up, I’ll have your food waiting for you. Dumbledore insists you start shaving off that hunger of yours soon rather than later. I trust you can do it yourself, Leonora, but―.”

“I know―,” Leonora coughed as the vulgar liquid crawled down her throat,”―I know. The Beast within and all that crap. Just please tell me it’ll already be dead?”

Madam Pomfrey gave no answer as she let the curtains fall behind her. 

Now, sitting with an obnoxiously large cast on his right leg and bandages lining both his fingers and face, Regulus sat in his bed with a deep frown.

“Any higher,” Madam Pomfrey had said whilst putting on the cast,” and you’d have much more to worry about than a broken bone.”

Regulus huffed as he tried to move his foot around, only succeeding in wiggling the toes that were peeking out from underneath the cast. He supposed it could’ve been worse, like diving head first into the stands or slamming into a wall, and had half heartedly agreed to Madam Pomfrey to ‘take it easy’ the next couple of days. Regulus chuckled to himself. As if he was one to take anything easy.

“You look like shit,” a voice said. Regulus looked up and despite his best efforts to maintain his signature scowl, the corners of his lips jutted upwards as his friend since 2nd year walked towards him,“must’ve been quite the fall, eh? How’d it feel?”

“What kind of question is that?” Regulus furrowed his brows in amusement as he saw [Y/N] drop her bag into the chair next to her and plop herself down on the edge of the bed,” you know you can use the chair to sit, right? It’s not a coat hanger.”

“Oh, I know,” the Hufflepuff smiled as she leaned back and ran a hand over the cast,” just that I want’ta get a closer look, is all. Heard McLaughlin was the one that made ya fall. Cute kid but an utter clutz I hear.”

“Has terrible aim, too.”

“You’re telling me,” [Y/N] giggled. She looked back at Regulus and the smile that danced on her lips grew wider. Regulus straightened his back and subconsciously swallowed an invisible gulp of air.

“[L/N]?,” Regulus’s voice wavered,” what are you planning?”

“Nothing. Why’d you ask? Something on my face?” [Y/N] smiled again and, jumping up from the edge of the bed, rummaged through her bag until she pulled out a thick, black sharpie. Regulus’s eyes shot up and his back, despite the frigid air of the hospital wing, began to sweat.

“Don’t you write anything stupid on me, [Y/N].”

“I’m not writing on you, Reg. I’m writing on your cast.”

“It’s still on me, though.”

“Potato, tomato. There’s a difference.”

‘That’s not how it—,” Regulus sighed as he slumped further into the mattress, watching as [Y/N] shuffled over to his foot with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes,”—just don’t write anything stupid, please.”

“You already said that,” [Y/N] said as she began to doodle. The sound of marker on fiberglass stung Regulus’s ears and he recoiled slightly, jerking his leg away from [Y/N],” hey! Stop moving! You’re gonna mess it up.”

“I’m sure it’ll be alright,” Regulus mumbled. As the room fell silent, Regulus watched as [Y/N] continued to draw on his leg. A soft smile played on his features as he watched [Y/N]’s face contort in concentration, tongue stuck out in deep thought. He felt a familiar warmth blossom in his chest and slowly creep up to his cheeks. As his face reddened, Regulus quickly looked away and found that the small scratches on the bedside table were far more interesting than whatever his friend was doing.

Sparing a glance towards [Y/N], Regulus saw her smile once again and stand up triumphantly.

“Take a looksie, Reg.”

Shifting his foot around so he can see, Regulus couldn’t help but hold back a quiet laugh.

“Is that supposed to be a snake? What’s wrong with its head?”

“No. It’s a Snadger,” [Y/N] pointed at the crude drawing and circled her finger around what appeared to be a head of a badger placed on the body of a snake,” y’know? Like a snake and a badger?”

“Sure. But why’s it look angry?”

“It’s not angry! It’s smiling. Can’t you see the teeth?” Regulus’s smile grew wider as he watched [Y/N]’s cheeks turn red in frustration. Combing a hand through his ebony locks, Regulus looked back down at the drawing and laughed once again. [Y/N]’s face turned a shade darker as the Slytherin continued to laugh,” what’s so funny? At least I can draw.”

“No, it’s just that—,” Regulus took a deep breath to compose himself before looking back at [Y/N], watching as she nervously shifted her weight from one side to the other,”—thank you, [Y/N]. I needed a laugh.”

“Course you do. You’re always so uptight about everything,” [Y/N] said. She threw the marker on to the chair and plopped herself down on the bed next to Regulus, ”bet if I shoved a coal up your ass, there’d be a diamond in a week.”

“Very funny, [Y/N],” Regulus sighed as he glanced down at his bandaged fingers and picked at one of the loose Band-Aids. A [S/C] hand stopped Regulus from picking it any further and caused his gaze to flutter upwards. With a lopsided grin, [Y/N] laughed as she intertwined her fingers with Regulus’s. He raised a brow,” what are you planning now?”

“Nothing,” [Y/N] leaned closer to Regulus and the Slytherin swore he felt his heart stop for a second. Eyes drifting from [Y/N]’s gaze to her mouth, Regulus felt his own mouth get dry as the Hufflepuff whispered in his ear,” just can’t wait till you read what’s on the other side.”

“What?” Regulus’s face paled.

[Y/N] let go of Regulus’s hand as she jumped off the bed and threw her bag over her shoulder. 

“See you tomorrow in class, Reggie,” [Y/N] smiled as she spun around and began to walk towards the Hospital Wing’s doors. Regulus quickly sat up and leaned over, a mix of panic and confusion drenching his features.

“What did you do, [Y/N]?! What did you write? I told you if you wrote anything stupid—!”

“Oh, calm down, Black!” [Y/N] called from the door,” it’s nothing too ludicrous! Well I mean—all that matters is that it’s funny! Don’t worry about it! Everyone’ll get a kick out of it!”

“Merlin, what did she—?” Regulus tried and failed to raise his leg,” [Y/N]? [Y/N]! Hey! Get back here! Tell me what you wrote! [Y/N]!”

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here’s a Snadger :) and yes, reader wrote the snadger and drew hearts around it as well