dream away dreamer

WHO: Gideon Prewett & anyone WHERE: Outside the Great Hall WHEN: A few hours after the attack

While the battle had left him feeling quite invigorated, the aftermath brought him down quite quickly. The wounded… the dead… it was more than enough to see the solemn faces all around school and those with gruesome looking injuries to make him lose whatever feelings of joy that had come from dueling alongside Emmeline ━ and Thomas, but he didn’t quite care for that lad. Once those feelings had panicked, another one had resurrected from all those years he’d spent worrying about him. Fabian. 

“Has anyone seen my brother?” Were the first words to leave his mouth as soon as he entered the Great Hall, approaching one of the first housemates he spotted. They shook their head, which caused his panic to truly start settling him. Gideon spent the next couple of minutes going through the hall, asking various people, but coming up with the same result. As he stepped outside of the hall again, Gideon stopped the first person he saw right in their tracks, not caring much who they were.

“Have you seen Fabian? My brother?”

Never in her life had Poppy felt as useless as she did in that moment. Her body was still healing from the attack it had been hit with and every step she took was filled with the pain of something like the tendrils of a fire moving up the side of her ribcage. Every breath. Everything. And yet, she couldn’t be taken out by this. She above everyone knew how to heal, it was why she was Head Nurse. It was also likely why she had been attacked so early on. Her abilities were not something she kept quiet about and if she had to think like the enemy, she would think to take out their Healers to help with the destruction. 

She’d just finished healing a huge gash in a young girl’s leg when a shock of short red hair rested upon her lips. “Fabian,” she sighed in relief. One of her most darling students. She wasn’t supposed to have favorites but with the amount of time she’d spent with the boy, she couldn’t help it. “Fabian, darling, are you alri-” It was then that she realized the pain was perhaps more distracting than she had wanted to admit. It became clear to her that it was Gideon she was looking at, greeting as his brother. “Sorry I-” Another flinch, a shock of blinding pain as the curse continued swirling through her damaged nerves. “I thought... I’m sorry, no, I haven’t seen him. I thought you were...” She gripped her side, nearly collapsing with the pain that threatened her ability to do the job she swore to do. “No, Dear, I haven’t seen him.” 

WHO: Ludovic Bagman and anyone  WHEN: 10:30PM, Christmas Day WHERE: The Great Hall, Christmas Ball

Ludovic was having a blast. He was drunk, having had quite a few shots of firewhiskey at the bar. He’d since made his way to the dance floor and had somehow ended up on the shoulders of a fifth year Ravenclaw that was even taller than he was and much, much burlier. He threw his hands high in the air, swaying back and forth as he shouted the lyrics to the song playing. He leaned down to slap his hands against the person before him in a high five, calling their name drunkenly.

Poppy quite enjoyed the cheerfulness that filled the room. It was a joy found far too rarely in these times, and she relished the music and laughter that she heard. Maybe she even found herself bopping her head along to whatever song was playing as she kept a careful eye on the students. Still, a sigh and a laugh passed her lips as Ludovic passed her, his body on top of another student’s. She managed to return the high-five he was requesting, laughing again as she did. “Mr. Bagman if you fall off of there I may not heal you up for a few minutes, my dear,” she teased with a slight lift of her glass towards him. 

“No, no, it’s alright.” He assured her, as she rushed to get his medicine. “I figured you had your hands full. I didn’t want to bother you- but- well, I couldn’t go without it. Not right now.” The stress of the nights events had him tense and the physical and emotional toll were wearing on him. He wasn’t as weak as he had once been, but he wouldn’t become so much stronger overnight. He was tired, and drained, and when he felt like that the likelihood of falling ill was much higher.

He took the vile from her and gave her a smile in return. “Thank you.” He pulled the stopper and drank the potion quickly. It wasn’t terrible, but it left a rather bitter taste in his mouth and he couldn’t help but make a face after drinking it. “I’ll be fine, I’m sure, Gideon and I are-” He was going to say they were purebloods. Their family was listed as members of the Sacred 28, but Fabian suddenly felt extremely guilty about that fact. It wasn’t fair that he got to walk around the school feeling safe when there were other students terrified for their lives. “careful. We’ll be careful.” He said instead, looking away guiltily. 

“I’m alright, just worried.” And Fabian was so worried. His friends, his classmates, they were in danger and he wanted so badly to protect them. Hogwarts had always been a safe place and now that feeling of security would never be quite the same. “Are you alright?” 

Poppy nodded sympathetically, smiled thankfully. She couldn’t blame the students for their fear or worry, but she was more than relieved to not have to break the news to one more friend of a victim of the victim’s death or have to shove one more prying mind out of her Hospital Wing. Fabian had always held a special place in Poppy’s already warm heart and she wasn’t surprised that he was understanding. Still, she couldn’t help but feel bad that she hadn’t worried about him sooner. 

Poppy laughed at the face Fabian made upon drinking the potion. She’d never taken that particular one but from the smell alone she couldn’t imagine it left a very good aftertaste. She took the vial back with a smile and a nod. “You’re welcome,” she told him. “I’m glad you came down and thought of it. I hope you never feel that you have to hesitate to do so.” At the mention that he and Gideon would be careful she held her hands to her chest and nodded. “I know you are – both of you. I don’t think I could handle-“ She nearly said losing anyone else but decided that may be in bad taste. “Fixing up another one of either of your Quidditch injuries.” That sounded better, she thought to herself.

“I’m quite alright. I’m a bit shaken by what’s happened but it’s nothing I can’t handle.” She gave a quick, tight nod. “A lot of things have changed, Fabian, but I will continue giving the best care I can which means you better tell me if you start feeling unwell, deal? Promise?” 

Mary looked at the tea that was set on the table beside her, but then she looked at the nurse that had brought it. The woman had taken care of her great so far and she was grateful for that. She hated being here, all the attention that people suddenly gave to you because you had survived. It was not something for Mary, she had already learned that when the thing with Mulciber had happened a few years ago.

“Thanks,” she muttered for the tea and Mary relaxed a bit as she looked at Miss Pomfrey. She knew that she was there to support, but the word therapy was one word that she didn’t really need. She had overcome this on her own before and even though she wasn’t consciously thinking about it yet, she was going to try that again first. “And thank you for taking care of me.”

Nodding in understanding, Poppy shuffled where she stood. “You are more than welcome,” she insisted, tidying up the area around her out of habit. She found a cleaner space was more conducive to a quicker recovery, although that may have been some sort of placebo effect. Still, she wanted to make sure the girl was comfortable. “You’ve had many people ask about how you’re doing,” she said with a small laugh. “I haven’t been able to let them in because of some security things, but you are clearly very cared about around here. I hope that is of some comfort to you.” 

The woman nodded once more, clasping her hands in front of her. “Of course, Mary. It’s what I’m here for. Now you’re doing very well, so I don’t expect any complications, but if you feel anything out of the ordinary - anything at all over the next few hours I don’t want you to hesitate to tell me. I’m here for you and to make sure you get better, alright?” A warm smile rested on her lips as she looked at Mary. “I’m glad to see you up and at ‘em, really I am.” 

Ludovic’s face fell in disappointment, but he couldn’t say that her words didn’t make sense. As far as she knew, he was the sorry sap who had murdered all of the students coming back to finish the job. He nodded, “I– no, I understand. That makes sense. I should have known that.” He laughed uncomfortably, not sure how he felt about her hand that was patting at his shoulder. He ran a hand through his hair and tilted his head inquisitively, “Uhh– is there anything you’re allowed to tell me?”

Poppy sighed, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear and putting her hands on her hips. With a disappointed expression, she shook her head. “Beyond what I’ve told you there really is nothing more that I can disclose. If you’d like to check back later on this afternoon then perhaps I can give you more but this is a highly secured area at the moment, no one who hasn’t been through extensive clearances can come in and out. I truly am sorry for what happened to your friend, Mr. Bagman. Was there anything else I can help you with before I go back to work?” 

Minerva had found the other shaking that morning and she didn’t have time to be heartfelt about it; she only had time about making sure every matter is taken care of and they’re doing everything they can for no other student to be killed. It has been quiet some time now and she was finally having some time. Because in times like this, she knew no staff was alright, especially someone as affected as Poppy.

‘ Fortunately, no.’ she declared with a solemn nod. ‘ I was wondering if you need to talk  as a matter of fact.’ 

“Oh,” she whispered out in a huff of relief as she recognized Professor McGonagall. Her face melted into something a little warmer and a little less forced as she let herself pause for a moment. “I’m so sorry that I’ve been somewhat of a-of a mess I’m...” Her breath came in shakily and left her lungs just the same. “Well I’m barely keeping it together, but I’ll get through it no matter what. I promise.”

Fabian hadn’t meant to startle her. She was so lost in thought it had taken her a few moment and Fabian clearing his throat a few times before she had noticed him. He didn’t want to bother her, Fabian was sure she was incredibly busy, but he had to. “I’m fine, Madame Pomfrey. I was just stopping by for my medicine.” He explained. 

Fabian could tell she was forcing the smile. He had spent enough time in the hospital wing to know the difference. This was the sort of smile she gave to a student as she sent them off to St. Mungo’s. Worried, sad, and above all else, concerned for her patients. Fabian had been on the receiving end of these unfortunate smiles too many times to count. She couldn’t fool him anymore. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Fabian,” she sighed softly upon seeing the familiar face. They’d known each other for a very long time and, although she held her smile, she was relieved that she didn’t need to be so strict with upholding her faux-cheery voice. “Yes, of course. Oh Fabian I’m so sorry!” Quickly, she rushed to one of the many cabinets in the hospital wing and retrieved his medicine easily. “I am so sorry. I hope you’ll forgive my forgetfulness. It’s all gone a bit bonkers today, hasn’t it?” 

As she handed the boy his medicine, she flashed another smile. This one far less forced and far more appreciative. “At the moment I don’t think there is, but thank you for asking.” She took a sip from her glass of water which had been charmed to follow her around as she cleaned up from all of the chaos. “You just keep yourself safe, okay?” Tucking a piece of her hair back up into the bun resting on her head, she took a deep breath. “Are you doing okay? With everything that is happening? You know I’m nearly as good a listener as I am a healer,” she teased lightly. 

Bertram hesitated. “I uh…tripped, in the rush back to the castle. I probably sprained my ankle or something, I should get it checked out.”

Poppy gave them a small smile and shook her head. “Bertram, I appreciate that I look young enough to have been born yesterday but you walked in here completely fine.” Her voice morphed from strict to joking to gentle. “I’m sorry, Dear. Really I am. But Polyjuice Potion and other deceptive magic needs to be taken into consideration when these things happen. Even if I were to let you in, you wouldn’t get past the first cot.”

Ludo poked his head into the Hospital Wing. He was subdued today, his usual spunk shelved in respect of the tragedy. Spotting Madame Pomfrey from across the room, he headed in her direction. Unfortunately, he scared the daylights out of her. When she turned around, he smiled thinly, “Sorry, Madame Pomfrey, I should have knocked—- and, er, I’m fine.” He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly and shuffled his feet, “I was wondering if Greta was alright? I’d heard she was brought here, but I hadn’t heard anything else, so I was a bit worried. Is she okay?”

As she recognized Ludo Bagman, her face grew less harsh, a warmer expression settling upon her lips and she looked at the boy kindly. “Mr. Bagman, please don’t apologize. I’m already quite an easy scare as it is, Dear. Don’t worry.” She smiled again, listening to his question before nodding. “Ludo, anyone who is brought into my care is given what I must describe not-so-humbly as the best possible care. I can’t give details of who is or is not in that said care right now simply for the sake of safety - we’re all on high alert at the moment, I hope you understand. But I do hope you know that I was made Head Nurse for a reason,” she said kindly, patting him on the shoulder.

“Madam Pomfrey!” Greta said, startled. “I’m okay, thank you. A little bit thirsty, maybe. But would you mind telling me what happened?”

Without even looking, Poppy summoned a glass of water, sitting it down lightly next to the girl. “I’m afraid I’m not entirely sure myself, Dear,” she said softly. Of course that was a lie. The visions of exactly what had happened were burned into her brain. But that was her problem, not her students. “But from what I’ve gathered you were a rather tough little witch who got attacked but you came back to us safe and sound. We’ve got some Aurors here now so... nothing like this will happen again.”

Bertram shook their head. “I need to see her. Can’t I come in?”

“It’s not my decision to make, Bertram. Perhaps you can try to charm my replacement nurse into letting you speak to her but it’s against my morals. I’m truly sorry. Until things have calmed down enough I really can’t allow you in unless you’re in need of assistance.”

Bertram ran a hand through their hair, shifting a bit. “I um…I’m looking for Mary?” They were nervous, they weren’t even sure if they were allowed to be in the hospital wing at the time, they had been told to go back to the common room with the others, and while Bertram had stayed for awhile, they couldn’t just sit around not knowing if she was okay. “I heard she was hurt.”

Poppy’s face melted into a pitiful smile as she looked at the student. “I’m sorry, Dear,” she told them, clasping her hands together in a familiar and warm act of well-practiced body language. “I’m not allowed to disclose any information about any patients we may or may not be taking care of. I’m sure your friend is doing well no matter what. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Arms were tightly wrapped around her body. Mary felt that she was still shaking and she knew that she hadn’t stopped doing that since the time she had regained consciousness in the holed out tree. It had felt as if she had stayed their for ages, but it probably had only been a few minutes while awake in the holed out tree. She didn’t remember the end of the party, she didn’t remember how she ended up in the tree, she didn’t even know about all the others, about the few that hadn’t survived this night.

Mary had been brought into the nursing station and she was sitting on the bed, curled up with her legs up to her chest and resting on her side on the bed. They had examined her and they had told her that she was alright, there was nothing else than a few bruises on her hands and knees, just as a cut on her cheek. All probably gained while she tried to get into safety in the tree.

Startled at the sound at the entrance of the nursing station, Mary quickly got up, wide eyes and all teary. She didn’t relax at the view of the person standing at the door. “Y-Yes?”

Rushing around the Hospital Wing, Poppy was frantic to help with anything she could, giving statements to what felt like a million people. She finished another statement before remembering Mary. Mary, the poor, tough and strong Mary who had survived when others had not. Poppy had to quickly check over her, making sure she didn’t have injuries that were too severe. Now, however, that things had calmed down she returned to Mary, bearing hot tea and smiling softly.

“Mary,” she said soothingly. “I’m so sorry for what happened to you. I wanted to bring you some tea and ask how you’re really doing.” Slowly, she stepped forward and set the tea on the table beside her so as not to startle her more. “If you wanted to talk about it, at least. I just wanted you to know I’m here for you. I have a lot of experience in therapy as well.” 

Greta didn’t remember anything from Halloween. It was all a messy blur. Then she woke up in the Hospital Wing; eyes wide, she saw someone approaching her. It took her a moment to recognize her surroundings. Shakily she said, “D-did something happen? They’re not really dead, are they?”

“Hello Darling,” Poppy said in her gentle voice, thankful the girl was awake. “Try not to worry about all of that right now, okay? How are you feeling? Are you cold, or hot, or anything? We can get you all fixed up before... talking about anything else.”

“I’m sorry,” she said as she realized someone was behind her. She didn’t turn around yet, composing herself before she would. “I’m very sorry, how can I help? Do you need to talk? Or are you hurt?” Finally, she turned around, a shaky smile gracing her lips as she did so.