Written for The Houses Competition

House Hufflepuff

Category: Drabble

Prompt: Anxiety

Word count: 247

Beta: Dark Angel of Sorrow Returns


Poppy Pomfrey was known for her fierce protectiveness of those under her care, especially when they were in the Hospital Wing. The first few weeks of school term were the busiest for her as that was when all the First Years found themselves in her office for some calming draughts, soothing hot chocolate and comforting words. Every student was different, and she did her best to soothe their worries.

Some—notably Purebloods that had familial expectations—were anxious about the House they had been sorted into. They worried what their family would think, if they would wind up being the same as their parents, if other students might be reporting their progress to those still at home. There were other students who just missed their home and family and didn't know if they would be able to survive the following term until the holidays arrived. Muggle-borns worried about living and studying in a brand new world that—until recently—had only existed in fantasy.

After the first week, the flow of anxious First Years tapered off, and the Infirmary was quiet once more. Poppy usually felt strangely bereft at this point. After having student after student come to see her every day, the absence of those students was not an altogether pleasant feeling. Still, there was always next year's batch of fearful new students to both look forward to and calm.

Besides, Quidditch season would start soon enough, and that generally meant she would get some company.