chapter four: first impressions

Marius ran as fast as he could to the hospital wing, carrying the unconscious child in his arms. He recognized the kid; he often saw him running around various parts of the castle, although he never paid much attention to him until now.

Finally seeing the familiar wooden doors of the hospital wing, Marius gave a sigh of relief as he pushed them open with his shoulder and promptly set him on one of the beds near the entrance. Miss Granger then rushed to his aid, a look of concern on her face as she saw Gavroche's pale face.

"What happened to him?" she asked Marius, who was standing beside her.

"I-I'm not really sure," Marius replied, still catching his breath. "I saw Enjolras with some Slytherins and they were—it can't be good." He was worried; his friend was outnumbered, and those Slytherins were not afraid to use the Unforgivables.

"He's running a fever," Miss Granger said, running a hand over the boy's forehead. She stood up to get a clean washcloth and placed it on his forehead. "I know this kid. He's a good boy; just not with a good family. Would you mind looking after him for a few minutes? I'll just go get his sister."

"Not at all, Miss Granger," Marius smiled softly. "I'll look after him."

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Éponine gave a soft sigh as she stretched her arms and put on her coat. Her fist day on the job wasn't so bad. Cosette and her father were absolutely lovely to the point of making her feel uncomfortable; but she'd take it rather than enduring hostile remarks she received on her previous jobs.

Cosette never brought up their past, which she was thankful for. Oftentimes, she felt guilty just looking at Cosette, but she seemed genuinely nice to her and it was unnerving. Cosette made her tea during breaks, and Mr. Fauchelevent would make her lunch. She wasn't used to such treatment. But it was nice.

She waved goodbye to Cosette and her father, who smiled at her. Sticking her hands inside her coat pockets to keep them warm, she trudged the winding footpath towards the castle. As soon as she reached the entrance hall, she was greeted by Miss Granger, her face grave.

"Miss Granger? Is there something wrong?"

"Your brother is in the hospital wing, Miss Thénardier," Miss Granger replied. "I suppose he ran into bad company."

"Is he—Is he hurt?" she asked, her face worried and anxious. Gavroche was all she had, and if something happened to him… "Please, Miss Granger, I need to see him. I need to see my brother."

Miss Granger nodded and started walking towards the hospital wing, Éponine trailing worriedly behind her. Éponine quickly ran to her brother's bedside upon arriving, her hand cupping his face.

"He's got a fever and he's unconscious right now, but he'll be alright," Miss Granger said, opening the windows to let the light in. Éponine nodded.

"Miss Granger, may I go?" Marius said, standing awkwardly between the two women. He caught Éponine's eye and gave a timid smile.

"Why yes, of course," the mediwitch smiled. "Don't let me keep you. Marius, this is Éponine, she's Gavroche's sister. Éponine, this is Marius; he brought your brother here."

"Lovely to meet you, Éponine," Marius held out his hand in good courtesy.

"Good to meet you, too, Marius," Éponine smiled and shook his hand. "Thanks for looking after my brother."

"Don't mention it," he smiled at her again and waved at Miss Granger. "I'll be off, then!"

Miss Granger smiled as he left and remarked, "He is such a nice boy. Lovely to have around every now and then."

Éponine watched as he walked away and smiled to herself, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He really was a very nice boy.

Not long after Marius had left, another boy entered the hospital wing. Éponine knew him. He was one of the boys who had stopped the Carrows from cursing her on their last Dark Arts lesson. She hated feeling vulnerable and being rescued, but a small part of herself that she did not dare acknowledge was grateful for what they had done.

Enjolras—that was his last name—was limping. And is that blood on his face? Every attempt at motion made him flinch. He was bloodied up pretty bad. An expression of curiosity mingled with shock was on her face. What the hell happened? Éponine caught his eye but immediately looked away; it was none of her business. But those wounds…It can't be anything good.

Miss Granger started tending to his wounds without question, as if this were some daily occurrence, and Éponine kept her mouth shut in an unspoken agreement. Planting a kiss on her brother's forehead, she stood up and cleared her throat.

"Er, Miss Granger? I'm just going to pop in my dormitory for a bit. I'll be back later."

"Sure thing, Éponine," Miss Granger smiled kindly at her. "Take care."

She nodded curtly at Enjolras, who nodded back, and walked back to her room. On the way, she met Marius.

"Hi, Éponine," he greeted, and Éponine nodded in reply. "Where are you off to?"

"Just the common room," she said. "I've got a few things to take care of, but I'll go back to the hospital wing. Someone's got to look after my brother."

"I'll go with you."

"Er, sure, alright. I'll just be a minute." She nodded and ran to her room, changing into a loose, more comfortable shirt and gathered her hair into a messy ponytail. She grabbed a box of chocolate frogs and ran downstairs and outside the portrait hole to meet Marius.

"What's that?" Marius asked, pointing at the box she carried with her.

"Chocolate frogs," she replied. "They're for Gavroche. Chocolate always makes him feel better."

Marius smiled. "That's good."

"Hey, um, you're friends with Enjolras, right?" Marius nodded. "He's in the hospital wing right now. He doesn't look too good."

"Is he?" Marius's relaxed expression turned into that of worry and shock. "I-I'm sorry, Éponine, I'm going to have to leave you. I need to tell the others. I'll be there later, okay?" Éponine nodded. He put his hand on her shoulder and gave a comforting smile before he turned and left.

Éponine could not help tracing small circles on the spot on her shoulder that he had touched, a subtle smile playing on her lips.