April 25th, 1992
For the past few months, I did what I could to cut down on muscle fatigue, malnutrition, and bedsores for my petrified children. I honestly don't know how muggles manage. Colin, Penny, Hermione, and Justin won't be playing quidditch for a while but they are all young and otherwise healthy, so I expect each of them to be fully recovered before the end of the summer holiday.
I am so behind on sleep. I didn't want to stop until they were all up-and-walking. They each could have died. I don't understand why there wasn't another healer on the ward but that wasn't to be - Albus and his trust issues. I really am sick of it.
I was so shocked when Miss Ginny Weasley entered with her parents. The girl was so pale that I thought she was a ghost. Molly seemed to understand and told me that Dumbledore had suggested hot chocolate. I think I was able to recover by the time I returned with the hot drink. The poor cried all through that hot chocolate. Her monitoring spells revealed evidence of prior dark magic throughout her body, although none present at the time of arrival. I did think about administering a Calming Draught or an I-Don't-Care Potion but Molly and Arthur seemed more than capable of soothing their daughter without potional aid. I liked seeing Molly and Arthur comfort their daughter; they are masters at their craft.
My attention was diverted by Colin Creevey asking for his camera. That boy had no understanding of how close he had come to death. He seemed positively peachy to have stared down a basilisk. I did have to do some rather painful spellwork on all of my formerly petrified patients but it will save them weeks of physical therapy. Between spells, I couldn't help sneaking glances at Ginny and her parents.
Minerva came to check on us just after 1am, as I was assessing if Penelope could support her own weight yet. I overheard the Gryffindor Head speak tenderly to Ginny Weasley and I saw the girl nod seriously as her professor spoke, then hugged each of her parents in turn and follow Minerva out of the Hospital Wing to the Great Hall.
Then, of course, I went to the feast and that lasted all night. We all may have imbibed more than usual but it was such a relief to have something worth celebrating after these dark months.
Perplexed that there was no other supply of mandrakes!