Nerves

Characters: Poppy Pomfrey & Filius Flitwick

As Poppy went through her list of new Half-blood students, she cross-checked their medical records with their names to see if they were up-to-date with their magical vaccinations. When she hit her fifth student who wasn't properly vaccinated she grumbled, "One would think mothers or fathers could find some time between receiving their child's Hogwarts letter and sending them off to school to get them up-to-date on their vaccinations!"

Poppy wondered if she shouldn't mention it to the Headmaster. Perhaps he could have an advisory note attached to the children's school-letters for their parents? It was one thing with Muggleborns, they and their families knew nigh nothing about the magical world, but the Half-bloods! They had mothers or fathers who were more than aware of the shots and potions children were given to protect them from magical maladies. Honestly, Poppy didn't mind giving the vaccinations, but sometimes they just weren't enough. It wasn't uncommon for Half-bloods and Muggleborns alike to catch something between their visits to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley for supplies, the stations, and the train to Hogwarts.

Once they were sick, they were stuck in her hall and not in their classes. Everyone knew the first several classes were of utmost importance for students to not only learn about the subjects they would need to know for their futures in the magical world, but to make friends with their housemates and classmates. Poppy wanted to give all the children the same advantage and if that meant she had to chide parents into vaccinating their children themselves, she would make it happen. Reaching for parchment, she began to sketch a message for parents. However, before she could finish it a soft knock from her doorway drew her attention away from her parchment.

She smiled. "Why Hello Filius, what's brought you by?" Poppy asked upon spying the new professor.

He ducked his head bashfully. "I was wondering if you might be able to give me a bottle of calming draught, actually. I'm a little… Unsure of how my first class may go and think it may help sooth my nerves."

Poppy put down her quill and said, "I could. Or perhaps we could just talk about what's making you nervous? Talking can be just as effective, you know."

Filius fidgeted with his wand. Finally, with a belly-deep sigh, he moved forward and pulled himself onto the chair in front of Poppy's desk. Staring straight at her, he said, "It's not just the class itself I'm nervous about."

"Oh?" Poppy replied.

"Teenagers, as a whole, are… They aren't kind. I'm sure you know that, though. You've been a nurse here nearly longer than I've been alive. I had my problems growing up, just as all do, but what I'm worried about now is that they will repeat themselves."

Poppy nodded. She needed no more elaboration. Poppy knew exactly what her new colleague was fearing and was sure she could offer him useful advice. "I remember your time as a student and the… incidents that arose from your smaller stature. I know you found a way to cope then and I'm sure you'll find some of those same tactics will work on the students now. Though, in regards to teaching, there are two methods I might suggest you try to deal with any problems that may arise while in your classroom."

He perked up, a look of relief softening the lines in his forehead. "Go on."

"You can laugh off what they say, show your students that you have no problem with what it is you lack and do your best to keep your class on track with your plans. Or if you do not like that idea, you could be strict. Take points away. Threaten them with detentions and other things until they learn not to mention it."

Filius nodded slowly. Crossing his arms, he looked away for a few minutes. "I don't really fancy being strict with them. I want them to enjoy my class, not dread it."

Poppy smiled. "That's an admirable thing to want," she said. "You know, you wouldn't have to start strict with students. You could try the first method and if it fails to give you the results you want or need… Well, the option to be sharp with them will be there."

"Hm," he hummed. "That could work."

She folded her hands together on desk and said, "I'm happy that I could help."

Filius stood up on his chair and offered his hand. "Thank you, Mada – Poppy."

"You're welcome," Poppy replied as she shook her colleagues hand. "If you like, I could still give you a small vial of Calming Draught." She winked. "Just in case."

The new professor shook his head. "No, I'll be fine. You were right, talking it out has helped me considerably."

Watching him hop down from the chair she told him, "You'll tell me at dinner how your day went, won't you Filius?"

"Oh yes," he agreed with a wide smile. With a short wave, he was off.

Alone once more, Poppy gave a small, happy sigh. Sometimes, she just loved her job.

I've found Filius isn't a character that's written about very often in fanfiction in addition to Poppy. So, I thought him and Poppy interacting would be particularly interesting. What do you think?

Thank you for reading and please review :)