Poppy stayed up quite late every night the first two weeks of her Hogwarts career gathering information about the Professors and fellow students. She needed to know if there was any potential dangers or liabilities about. It made her more comfortable researching those around her to know who the biggest threat was. Students, Professor's, family history and background information on everyone was something that kept her feeling anxious and suspicious in this new place.
Although the obvious choice for suspicion seemed like Severus Snape, 'former' death eater, the most unpredictable would be the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Quirrell. Nothing much was known about the man. Every year someone a new person took up the position. Why? Cursed perhaps but who could curse a teaching position? How could that be done?
Though it was not all research and information, the secrets of the castle intrigued her and did a little exploring when she could.
On this particular night, Poppy had a nightmare that woke her up drenched in sweat and shouting in Russian so she was fixated on Snape's yearbook to keep her mind occupied. Her research into Snape revealed some fascinating but confusing information. He was in the same year at school as Harry's parents – James and Lily Potter. This was because Harry's dad was a Quidditch star and was plastered all over the yearbook. James Potter and Lily Evans were head boy and girls in Snape's year. Harry looked so much like his father it was surprising. Severus Snape was under the thumb of Albus Dumbledore so it terms of danger it was pretty unnecessary. She would still keep an eye on him but wasn't too concerned.
Very little about Snape was actually in the yearbook except that he graduated second top of his year with Lily Evans beating him out barely then Remus Lupin was third. Sirius Black was eighth and James Potter fifth. There were a lot of photos of four boys together with James Potter and Lily Evans. Poppy wondered if she should show these to Harry or not. She would have to, wouldn't she? What was the connection between Severus Snape and Harry's parents? Is that why he hated Harry? More research was needed. Harry would appreciate seeing photo's of his parents if he hadn't seen these already.
That day she was especially tired, her obsessive researching really draining her. Poppy only got two hours sleep and her wounds were quite itchy. She didn't pay attention in her classes and Harry had to keep nudging her awake. Although she answered all questions correctly much to the irritation of McGonnagall and Hermoine and she really should have dumbed herself down a little beforehand.
Today Harry and Ron chattered excitedly beside her which was basically white noise to her. They had their first flying lesson today. Hermione hovered on the outside of the trio only to be let in when Poppy was there as Ron found her annoying and Harry didn't like how judgemental she was – though he would never say anything. Poppy wasn't too sure how she felt about this dynamics. She liked all of them.
It finally reached their flying lesson and Poppy was now blinking heavily to try and stay awake. Her back stung and itched horribly though she could not touch it. Poppy stood in line with Harry on one side and Hermione on the other. She yawned loudly as Madam Hooch began her lesson.
"You girl- your name" She shouted and it took Poppy a moment to realise it was her she was speaking to. She turned slowly and blinked heavily, the field was a little fuzzy.
"Poppy Stark" She muttered back and tried to focus on the woman's face. She had bright eyes.
The Professor frowned from her place down the field and the young girl looked around her to realise that everyone was now shouting 'UP' furiously at the brooms by their side. Some smugly held their brooms in their hands already and were watching her with varying looks of concern and destain.
A blond haired boy looked superior and was smirking – Draco Malfoy she had found out – and Harry was eyeing her in concern, broom in hand. Hermione was too busy furiously shouting 'up' to notice.
The Professor reached her and was making tutting noises. She watched the women hum and frown at her in confusion.
"Miss Stark you look about to faint. Everyone is nervous their first time flying. You don't have any medical conditions I should know about, do you?" She frowned and then gently grabbed her face only to turn in here and there. Bright glowing yellow eyes looked concerned.
"I-uh. Pardon?" She warbled, her attention waning to the laughing and pointing of Draco Malfoy. She was very confused and dizzy.
"Right, off to the hospital wing it is. Can't have you getting on a broom in the state your in" She declared then stood upright.
Harry then came into her vision with bright green concerned eyes, "Poppy, are you okay?" He whispered.
She stared at her friend and gulped. Was she okay? Her wounds were itchy and her eyes heavy but she was fine. She smiled tightly, "Fine. Just sleepy, this place is exciting you know?" She smiled again but it might not have turned out right for the way Harry was eyeing her.
Madam Hooch gave everyone explicit instructions not to fly while she was gone. Many people have her the stink eye because of it. Poppy walked slowly off the field with the woman beside her. Panic and dread started to fill her. She couldn't go to the hospital wing. One mild diagnosis charm and then she would be ruined. Albus Dumbledore would all over her. Determination filled her and she took a deep breath.
They wandered around the castle, Madam Hooch walking at a brisk pace but her eyes drifting over to Poppy one in a while.
Idly looking out the window and wondering if she would need to make a break for it in her animagus form, she saw something that made her grin. Draco Malfoy on his broom.
Poppy gasped and pointed out the window, "Madam Hooch, Draco Malfoy is on his broom and going really fast!"
Immediately, the flying instructor ran to the windows and looked furious and began muttering threats. When the woman's eyes flashed towards hers Poppy spoke up,
"I'll be fine, you should go, he could really hurt himself" She said while trying to hide a smile and sounding concerned.
The woman seemed uncertain though did leave swiftly after giving her explicit instructions and directions to the hospital wing.
Poppy did not follow them. In fact, she dragged her feet all the way to her head of House – Minerva McGonagall - as she knew that Poppy needed some assurances she wouldn't be sent back to the hospital wing and an ally. The woman had a soft spot for Poppy, she was certain. The first year girl had no idea why but was happy to use it to her advantage.
Reaching the door to the Transfiguration classroom she peeked inside to see her head of House walking down aisles and checking students work. She sighed and rubbed her eyes, not in the mood or having the energy for this. It could be worse.
Rapping on the door, she entered and immediately the class turned to look at her. Older kids, third or fourth years maybe? Her eyes were heavy and she did not care one bit how she looked.
McGonagall did not look happy to see her, "Miss Stark, what are you doing outside of class?" She frowned as she approached. Apparently, McGonagall's eyes took her in also and she frowned heavily.
"Can I speak to you outside Professor?" Her voice was small and gravely from fatigue. It worked to her advantage as she followed her immediately outside with a worried frown.
The woman was kind enough to shut the door behind them and then turned to her expectantly.
Poppy began immediately, "Sorry I'm not in class, I was sent to the hospital wing. Madam Hooch didn't think I should be flying in my state" She explained quietly.
The woman huffed, "Well she is certainly right, Miss Stark, you look like the living dead. Why is it that you did not go straight to the hospital wing as instructed?" She was not happy and seemed to be telling her off but Poppy knew the difference. The woman seemed actually concerned and not truly angry. Poppy knew the difference.
The girl sighed again and looked out the window again, Madam Hooch had not made it down yet and now Harry was on his broom. What was going on? Not wanting to draw attention to her friends misbehaviour she spoke quickly to distract the professor.
"I will if you insist professor but I wanted to talk to you first. There isn't anything wrong with me. I am just really tired. I haven't slept much at all since getting here and unless she wants to give me some sleeping potions there isn't much to be done" She explained, hoping she would buy it.
The woman did not look appeased so she continued, "Look, professor, I have a muggle condition called insomnia" – thank Merlin for her muggle reading – "and it means I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. It isn't too bad usually but the move to the castle is just a little stressful" She explained. McGonagall kept watching her. The woman was not easily fooled. As much as this pleased Poppy she was also just frustrated and exhausted at that moment.
"Please don't tell anyone Professor. I don't need to go to the hospital wing yet. I am fine. I will go to bed extra early tonight. I don't want anyone knowing. Aside from being tired I'll be alright. The condition is fairly common in orphans and I get a lot of nightmares. I really don't want to be known as the girl who misses home too much and then people will start asking about my home life and..." Poppy trailed off and looked up straight into the Professor's eyes. Poppy noticed people were usually more sympathetic and yielding when you looked them directly in the eye. Especially children. McGonagall was no exception.
The transfiguration's Professor's eyes looked concerned and sharp. Surely a good sign.
The woman's lips were tight as she gave her verdict, "Very well Miss Stark. I will not force you to go to the hospital wing, however, I will insist that you go straight to your dormitory and get some sleep. I'm afraid I will also be informing Madam Hooch of your inability to fly due to a medical condition" The woman looked ready for her to violently object. She kept quiet, feeling only relief and nodding in agreement.
McGongall continued, "If you feel you are not sleeping well enough then come to me and I will take you discretely to the hospital wing or provide you with the necessary Potions. It was very mature of you to come and explain the situation to me and not take things into your own hands"
Oh yeah, the woman was a big softy inside shielded with steel. Poppy liked her.
The Gryffindor first year nodded her head meekly to her professor.
"Good. Now off to bed Miss St- what on earth?" The woman gasped and strode right over to the tall windows.
At that moment, Harry came flying right up and caught a ball in his hand before zooming away. Poppy smiled and shook her head at the same time.
McGongall was flustered and eyes bright as she turned back around, "Off you go Miss Stark. I have an issue I need to attend" She spoke tersely.
The woman marched down the corridor in a determined fashion.
Poppy walked back slowly to the common room with a feeling of great relief and buoyancy with only a little concern for Harry. McGongall was alright.
The striped haired girl slept straight till dinner, glad she had a legitimate excuse to leave classes. She stretched and took a quick shower while her roommates were out and began to rethink her situation.
Poppy needed to relax. All of this research and suspicion was too much. She was safe here. To an extent, obviously. Albus Dumbledore would keep dark wizards and her papa away and any danger here is clearly not comparable to her life before. She needed to stop being so paranoid.
Finishing her shower and applying more ointment, she felt quite relaxed. Her scars had healed over mostly by now. They were just so itchy.
Research was okay. Being suspicious and aware of everyone around you was okay. What was not okay by any means was allowing it to intrude on her life and happiness. This was a new start. A new start. Poppy needed to put the past behind her and focus on her increasingly wonderful looking future.
Poppy made her way to dinner that night feeling a dark shadow clinging to her mood. It was like a dementor was on her shoulder and she didn't feel much like eating or speaking with anyone tonight.
Ignoring her feelings, she plastered a bright smile on her face as she sat down next to Harry.
"Hey" She beamed and immediately started piling her plate high.
Ron immediately rounded on her, "Poppy you will never guess what happened" He shouted through potatoes, using hand gesticulations.
She tilted her head and began picking apart food with her cutlery eagerly.
"Harry made the house team" He declared with a sweeping motion to her friend.
Harry himself looked proud but sheepish. She hugged him very tightly in congratulation.
Yes, she was moving on.
Her classes continued monotonously, as usual, her only saving grace was the Hogwarts library. This Saturday, Harry was off at his flying lessons and she decided to spend the day reading some of its wondrous delights.
Entering the library, she winked at the librarian who frowned back. This was the most positive reaction she gave anybody, she liked Poppy and her appreciation for books.
Browsing the shelves she saw a book about Potions, History and development of popular Potions. She picked it up, knowing potions was one of her weak points and looked around for a place to sit. The library was mostly empty so early on a Saturday but she did see Hermione frowning and writing on her parchment.
She made her way over with a smile, "Hey 'Mione. Getting a head start on her homework?" She asked easily. The bushy haired girl looked up with a frown.
"Yes of course. What are you doing here? Your homework also?" She asked and looked a little eager, sitting up straight.
Poppy shook her head with a smile, "Nah, got plenty time for that. Just having a wee browse about" she answered back easily, taking a seat at the table and placing her book on her lap.
Hermione did not look too happy, "You really should get a start on your homework. If you did then maybe you would perform better in class"
Poppy's somewhat friend really annoyed her at that moment. Lectures and a bossy attitude were starting to grate on her nerves and the animagus girl then decided to take her book and never go back to the library again, lest she is lectured again. Poppy was there every few days but Hermione essentially lived there. She could take books out and read them in peace.
Poppy grew increasingly closer to Harry as sometimes they felt lonely and the sting of being Orphans. Like at mealtimes when the owls would swoop down, never with anything for them.
There were problems though. Draco Malfoy and Harry's rivalry which was ridiculous. Hermione's presence would irritate Ron so much, that was just a bubbling cauldron waiting to explode. Severus Snape's attitude and the curious pain Harry would receive from his scar.
Poppy spent a lot of time researching dark scars from then on and found absolutely nothing. She also started researching light magic and found it fascinating and exciting. It was very similar to dark magic in many ways as it was emotion fuelled. It was even rarer than the Dark Arts but that didn't stop her from practising it constantly whenever she was alone.
She was currently trying to master the Patronus charm. She could only manage wisps of pale blue smoke, reminding her very much of her animagus form.
The troll incident at Halloween immediately sparked her survival instincts and paranoia but it brought all of her friends close together that there was thankfully no more tension anymore. They were now a foursome instead of disjointed friendships between a few of them.
The new and strengthened friendship between the four Gryffindor first years gave Poppy a new sense of belonging and feelings of home. It gave her inspiration and joy waking up in the mornings. Her future looked bright.