Aurwen awakes to the sun and birds chirping. Her fever hasn't gone down, but has worsened. She groans and sits up to stretch, her back popping. She yawns and looks around the Hospital Wing, the high windows giving a magnificent view of the school grounds. There were other beds, but only hers was occupied. A door opens and Madame Pomfrey walks up to Aurwen with a clean bowl of water.
"Good morning. How are you feeling?" She asks while rewetting the rag from last night. "Your fever's still mighty high. What did you do to get this sick, dear?" She gives Aurwen the same potion from last night and waits until the girl drinks it.
After quickly downing the drink, Aurwen returns the glass. "I always get sick this time of year. And it's gets worse for a week, and then suddenly overnight I'm brand new." She explains as if she has done this multiple times. When Madame Pomfrey gives her a questioning look, Aurwen explains her sickness and what happens during and after it.
"And it happens exactly a week before your birthday?" Aurwen nods. "Hm…well that is a strange illness. I'll have to consult with Professor Dumbledore." The Healer stands and offers Aurwen a hand up. "Do you feel well enough to go to the Headmaster's office with me? We can explain a few things once there."
Aurwen nods and takes the offered hand. Madame Pomfrey leaves the Hospital Wing in the care of her nurse, and the two women make their way to see Dumbledore. On the way, Aurwen is entranced by the paintings, staircases, and the students milling about the halls. Madame Pomfrey explains a few things about the school: the moving paintings and staircases, the ghosts, and briefly goes over the layout of the school grounds.
In a short while they arrive in front of a gargoyle eagle. "Lemon Tart." Madame Pomfrey says. The eagle rotates upward, revealing a spiral stairway. Once at the door, she knocks and enters when answered.
"Good morning, Poppy. Miss Flannery. How are you this fine morning?" Dumbledore asks with a pleasant smile. The great red bird next to him perks up at the two's entrance and fixes Aurwen with his gaze. She watches the bird warily, unsure if it will attack her. "There's nothing to fear with Fawkes, Miss Flannery. He is merely observing you. It's not every day that a young lady comes out of the Forbidden Forest in the middle of the night alive."
Aurwen nods and takes a seat that Madame Pomfrey provides her. The Healer relays what Aurwen told her about her sickness to Dumbledore and the elder man listens on with intrigued patience. All the while Fawkes continues to take in Aurwen, perking up almost when Madame Pomfrey explains the increased fever and "coming back to life" moment. He hops down off his perch and makes his way across the Headmaster's desk towards Aurwen. Upon reaching her, he looks her in the eye and tilts his head.
Aurwen reaches out a cautious hand to Fawkes, asking permission to continue. The bird looks at the offered hand and lowers his head. Aurwen slowly strokes the bird's feathered head and looks at him in wonder.
"Dumbledore, what kind of bird is Fawkes? I've never seen one so regal and beautiful." She asks, not taking her eyes off Fawkes.
"Why, he is a phoenix. One of the great fire birds of legend, and a very close friend."
"Wow."
Dumbledore chuckles and addresses Madame Pomfrey. "Thank you, Poppy. I realize how late it was last night." Turning to Aurwen, he asks, "When is your birthday, Aurwen?"
The addressed girl looks at Dumbledore and stills her hand under Fawkes chin. "March 20, in five days. Ow!" She takes her bitten finger and puts it in her mouth to stop the bleeding. "Why'd you do that, Fawkes?"
The phoenix glides back onto his perch and preens his feathers, giving Aurwen one last glance.
"I do believe he didn't want you to stop." Dumbledore supplies with an amused chuckle. "And now he's giving you the silent treatment."
"Silly bird."
With another chuckle, Dumbledore asks Aurwen, "Since it is nearing the end of the school year, and students are preparing for their final tests I would ask that you not be too disruptive while you stay here. You can talk to the students and teachers before, after, and in between classes but please don't disrupt them unless it's urgent.
"The library is open for your use during hours and you will be eating meals at the head table along with the staff until you are sorted into your house next August. Until we prepare a spare room for you, you will have to sleep in the Hospital Wing.
"One of our house elves will be escorting you around the castle until you get your bearings and feel comfortable enough to wander on your own. She will also explain any questions you have regarding the school or otherwise. Hello, Ellie. This is Miss Aurwen Flannery."
Aurwen starts when a little pink person with long droopy ears, wearing what seems to be a potato sack, appears next to her. "Ellie is here to take care of Miss Flannery. Come with Ellie, please."
Aurwen takes the house elf's hand and follows her out the door, calling over her shoulder, "Goodbye Professor Dumbledore. Bye Fawkes."
Dumbledore smiles and waves, and Fawkes merely nods his head.
"Ya know, Ellie. You can call me Aurwen. You don't need to call me Miss Flannery."
"Very well, Miss Aurwen."
The girl sighs, 'I guess that's close enough.' "Wow. This place is amazing…"
"Yes, we house elves try our best to make sure the castle is clean to our Master's and Mistress' preferences." The little she-elf continues to explain the history of Hogwarts and shows her the main passageways, including some secret entryways behind paintings or tapestries. The two reach the Great Hall in time for lunch to start. Bringing Aurwen to the head table, Ellie leaves for an instant only to appear with a tray of food.
"Once you become a student, Miss Aurwen will eat at one of the house tables." Ellie explains, gesturing to the four tables they passed on the way to the head table.
Aurwen eats her food in silence, preferring to watch the students mingling and eating their breakfast.
EDIT: I do not own Harry Potter, they belong to JK Rowling. I only own Aurwen Flannery and Ellie.