Chapter Twenty Two -- Morning
Remus Lupin escorted Sirius Black down the dim corridors with their nauseating mint green walls. Sirius was fidgety-he felt out of his element in hospitals. But Sirius would rather be hung than admit that to anyone- especially to Snape, so here he found himself on this self-appointed-- though Dumbledore hoodwinked--mission to try and console Snape.
Lupin knocked on the door to Georgie's room and ushered Sirius inside quickly. Snape was staring at them as they entered in and he didn't seem all that pleased to be seeing them. Lupin mustered his courage as he crossed the room to the man. At least Georgie would appreciate it even if her morose friend did not. Besides, Lupin acknowledged, he wasn't the only one hurt by all this, and it was selfish of him to act as if he were.
"Snape." Lupin nodded.
Severus rose to his feet and through his tightly clenched lips he hissed, "Lupin. Black." He nodded at each of them but his face was a mixture of discomfort and severe distaste for the both of them. He retreated to the far side of the room and stood with his back against the wall, seeming to drag the shadows along with him.
Sirius remained glued just inside the door and couldn't force his feet to cross the floor any nearer to the bed or the other two gentlemen.
Lupin ventured after looking down at the still form tucked into a bed. "She looks much better, Severus, the color's returning to her."
Snape recognized the effort and agreed. He was less accommodating with Black. He just couldn't help it, blast the man. Old habits die hard.
"Nice trousers." Severus growled at the man. Remus saw this as the barb Snape had intended it to be, but Black clearly didn't. He ran his hand down to straighten his untucked shirt. Lupin was used to Black's 'style' and had only frowned for a second when he saw that Sirius had chosen his leather pants and a gaudy button-down shirt to visit their friend in the hospital. Remus felt it wasn't his place to say anything as his own robes were still a bit on the ragged-side. But leave it to Severus to say what he felt.
Sirius became animated. "Yeah I like these heaps, people have stopped me out in the street to ask me where I got them. But I'll never tell-my little secret. An' not just Wizards-Muggles have recognized my style as well."
Lupin concentrated very hard on the floor tiles. Whyever did we come here?
Severus was in full swing of loathing this man once again. Even insofar as to second-guess this newfound acceptance of one another. How could I? This man is everything I hate in anyone....He set his jaw and stared daggers into the man, hoping to pierce his heart. "It must be very difficult to maintain your low-profile status when you're forever being hounded to give the name of your tailor."
Sirius grinned obliviously, "Yes well, I cannot help but stay true to myself, even in these desperate times," He shrugged as if to excuse himself. Severus shot up the closest thing to a prayer he'd ever said in asking that this man be blown to bits in his 'leather pants.'
"Of course that is what is truly important. Staying true to one's self as you say." Snape spat.
Remus bolted across to stand nearer to Sirius, not out of fear of harm from Severus but in an attempt to maybe curtail Sirius from whatever dribble he might take a crack at passing off as consolation. Granted Severus wasn't much of a cooperative partner either, but the man could hardly be blamed.
Black walked around to the far side of her bed and bent down to closely scrutinize her outward injuries. "I was talking with a bloke I met the other night-met him in a Muggle pub. And I was chatting away about this friend I knew, all vague and all that, and he said that oftentimes it's best if cases like this just don't wake up. Says he, the strain of coping with the realities and nastiness of the injuries pushes people over the edge. More often than not they end up killing themselves later on. Throwing themselves before a bus or something." Looking up to Remus more than to Snape, he mumbled, "I'd watch her if I were you. It'd be a nasty business to have her slit her wrists at Hogwarts, you know."
Black called back to Snape, "I'd tell you to keep a watchful eye on her if she decides to take any long baths, but I dare say with you two as thick as thieves as you've been, there's no need for me to be giving you any pointers in that direction. Seems you've been doing something right down in those dungeons of yours."
Sirius ran on before Remus could interject. "She looks like hell, though that's hardly to be expected that she'd appear otherwise now wouldn't it? Now if she's been looking about to get plastic surgery done, now would be the opportune time for it, as the Muggles would say." He chuckled at his own musings. "I mean I hardly would have recognized her if it weren't for the name written outside the door just over there."
Sirius ran his hand through his shining and smartly groomed hair, "You know, I was thinking: what would Georgie say if she were here to see us all? And then it struck me: she'd most likely take out that guitar of hers and sing some witty song about it. Or else stuff herself silly in between fits of laughter." Snape glared at the man, but was too amazed to conjure up anything worthwhile t the moment. It would all be wasted on this dismal excuse for a man.
"And then, now this is a stroke of genius, she's sing one of her favorite songs that would be of so fitting for Severus right now-especially seeing as how it's such a surprise to see me of all people here." Severus stiffened at his being alluded to. Remus could all but gawk as Sirius began to sing.
Girlfriend's in a Coma, I know, I know its Serious.
Girlfriend's in a Coma, I know, I know its Serious-
Sirius' song-and-dance routine was interrupted by a fist curtly slamming into his jaw.
Severus crossed his arms across his chest, obviously pleased at the progression of this visit. He had to give that little werewolf credit: he never thought he had it in him.
Remus set his own jaw and puffed up his chest as he cradled his fist in his other hand. "That is just about enough of that. I think we've done enough cheering up for one day."
He stayed awake all weekend long, every weekend, lying there in the dark of the night listening to her breathe, and in truth making sure she didn't cease breathing. He was exhausted every Sunday night when he returned to Hogwarts, but it was a good sort of exhaustion he reasoned. He'd much rather feel spent and know that he had been there, listening...
One evening he lay in the dark memorizing the ceiling and going over events from his past in his mind. He felt numb and achy, as if he weren't inside of himself, but floating somewhere beyond. "Trewlaney would have a fit if she heard me acknowledge that." He scoffed as he usually didn't allow himself the luxury of speech.
"What was that?" A hoarse voice coughed hard next to him. "Am I dead?"
He sat up gingerly and slowly asked skeptically, "I'm dreaming."
"Only if you dream of my c-coughing." She rasped. Severus sat up at her right hand, and trying to make out features in the darkness. Her eyes were closed, but she was there, coughing and wheezing. "Where am I?"
"St. Mungo's Hospital."
She opened her eyes. "Doesn't look like a hospital," Her voice still hoarse from disuse.
He smirked, "Well it is one."
"Who am I?" She opened her eyes.
He started and starred, "You really don't know?"
"No."
"You are a student at Hogwarts School," He left off the bit about witches and wizards in case it would shock her. "Your name is George Flaing. You really don't remember any of this? You're 21 years old, grew up in Poland."
"Who're you? My father or my boyfriend?" She croaked.
Severus' lower lip quivered with the intake of his breath, but he spoke solidly, "Neither. You're my friend. You really don't remember any of this? Who you are or where you've been?"
"Nah, I was just playing. You're Severus and I'm Minerva." She laughed at the look on his face, before breaking off into coughs.
"Maybe you shouldn't talk." He smiled genuinely down at her.
"Just what you've always longed to happen to me, eh?" She rasped.
"No, not really."
"Groovy." She looked around. "Honestly though, why am I here?"
"You were attacked."
"By whom?"
"I was hoping you'd tell me just that."
She closed her eyes and shivered visibly, "I remember."
"It was terrible?"
"It was terrible." She repeated quietly.
He sat in silence with her for a few minutes, before asking, "Would you like a drink of water?"
"Yes actually I would, thanks." She opened her eyes and smiled. "I have to get out of here, I've got to get back to classes so I can make up my work."
She didn't see Severus in the corner frown to himself as he poured water into a cup. "You'll be in here for at least another week. And that will probably start once I leave you to tell the Mediwizard on duty you're al- awake." He stopped himself from saying alive.
"Damn, that sucks." She shook her head lightly, and winced, grabbing the side of her head. Then wincing in pain at the movement of her broken wrist and arm.
"I thought you'd swear a lot more than that on hearing that." He placed the cup into her other slightly less broken hand.
"Hey, I'm trying to quit." She replied huskily. "'Sides, 'Damn' isn't swearing."
"Well, look on the bright side: you haven't sworn in a month." She smiled at that, then slowly the smile dissolved off of her face as the realization of the word sunk in. "A month?"
He nodded solemnly. "Sorry."
She pouted, "I'm sorry I missed your birthday. I had this whole thing planned out--it was going to be such fun!" She sounded like a disappointed child.
He sat down again, "Well, I did spend my birthday here with you--in a way." He smiled. "Not that I give one whit about birthdays anyhow."
"Why are you being so agreeable?" She asked before she could think twice about it and stop herself.
"Because you almost died--and would've died. You looked dead. Bloodied and bruised and shoved away to where no one could find you. That's not how I like to see my friends. So now you're alive again and I feel very.." He stopped there, as if saying too much.
"Happy?"
He bit on his lip, like she had so many times before. "Something like that. Relieved."
"I'm happy." She agreed with him. And smiled, closing her eyes lightly.
He got to his feet, and stood there an uncomfortable moment. "Do you want help with that cup?" He pointed at the half-sized thing in her hand.
Georgie opened her eyes and nodded, "My hand hurt too much--My muscles feel like mush. I didn't feel like moving it."
"You should ask for help."
"I'm not asking for help. Not used to it."
"Well, you're going to need help for the next few weeks." He helped her sit up and helped her drink the water.
She sat back down. "I don't like feeling helpless." Severus shrugged.
"Will you be alright if I go down the corridor to the station and inform the person on duty and send an owl to Dumbledore?"
"Okily, just come back."
He turned and swept out of the room.
When he returned a few minutes later he was greeted with "Where's my wand?"
He walked around the room, "It was found on you, I know that much." He opened a very old and worn wardrobe and then a chest of drawers. "I'll ask the staff in the morning."
"What can you tell me about that night?" He sat back down at her side, and she closed her eyes. "About the people who did it--nothing else." He finished quickly.
"Erm, there was more than one boy. Damn, I don't remember!" She wailed. "Wait, something about 'potions' and 'mysteries' they said 'we as followers' mumbo jumbo..oh there was something about 'those bastards the Creevys--I think it was Creevys, sounded kinda like Peeves, but with a "Kr- " sound. They said something about the 23rd of March methinks. It's nearly the 23rd now, isn't it?" Severus nodded slowly, trying to store all of this in his memory.
"Anything else?" He sounded just like he did in his classroom--all professional. She had to smile at that.
"No, after that I got." She stopped, she looked down at her paw-like hand all wrapped up in bandages. "I don't know who it was. I wish I did so I could tell you and you could go and murder them in my place."
"I would if I could."
She shrugged, "It's okay. I'm alive right?"
"Right." He nodded, his eyes not as glittery-black as they once were.
She smiled sympathetically. "Severus, I know you probably want to know more, but I hurt everywhere and I just want to close my eyes and sleep. I'm sorry."
"No I'm sorry, go to sleep." He backed off and sat on the edge of his cot.
After a few minutes she called, "Severus?"
"What?"
"I know this sounds stupid--so don't laugh--but could you wake me for the sunrise?"
He laughed, "Not stupid coming from you. Yes, I'll wake you." He could in all honesty actually imagine her reasons.
"Thank you. Goodnight."
He waited until he was quite sure she was asleep by the sounds of her light snoring, before walking off down the hallway to send off another owl to Professor Dumbledore. Though he was quite certain that this letter wouldn't contain the same sort of information, and definitely wouldn't be news spread around the staff room.
Hagrid blubbered, "I'm so 'appy to know she's awake!" He burst into tears once again and Minerva grudgingly thrust her handkerchief into his hands.
Minerva addled up to Remus. "Did Severus say who could have done it?"
Remus shook his head and sat down on the couch in the staff room opposite where Minerva was now sitting down. "Did she remember any of it?" She choked out.
Remus nodded his head sadly. And tried to muster a smile. "She remembered very little about her attackers, but she recalled a few of the things they had said before."
"Oh, how awful. Is she holding up?"
"Yes, Severus did say, in typical Severus fashion, that the only thing not affected was her smart mouth." Minerva smiled. "She'll be back next week if all goes well. Severus says she hasn't been up walking yet, and well.." Remus looked tired all of the sudden.
Minerva smiled, "Well, that we can deal with in time, I'm just glad to hear she's doing fine."
"She'll have missed quite a bit of school."
"She's a quick study, and we'll give her what she needs to know and she'll still pass just fine--mark my words." McGonagall suddenly looked stern. "Severus is returning tomorrow then?"
"Yes."
"Glad to hear it. He was beginning to worry me."
"Beginning?" Remus Lupin prodded.
Minerva ignored that, "Not acting at all like his usual mean-spirited self. More like a half-spirited Severus."
Remus snorted, "Sorry, but that made quite an impression upon my mind. He'll be back to his usual '50 points from Gryffindor' before you realize it."
"Perhaps I was too hasty." Minerva stuttered.
"Can I get a peg-leg?" Georgie was inquiring of the attendants as Severus just scowled and ran his hand down and over his face. "How about a parrot? Or a carrot? Squawk, I'm a carrot, squawk!"
"Georgie, I'm going to murder you myself."
"Oh, get off it. You haven't heard word one from me for a month, you can put up with just a little to start you out again, can't you?"
"I'm out of practice in dealing with you." He growled.
"In dealing with me?" She turned on him. "Broken bones, bloodied and bruised with a gimpy leg, I can still make you eat those words Severus Snape!"
He laughed inwardly at her, as she continued on down the corridors. She walked further down the corridor, with aides on either side of her. Her legs were battered and bruised beyond what she had been told, she had only been told that they were that way from their not being used for a month's time and that the bones were still setting. Severus was finding it harder and harder to not see the truth of what had happened, and harder still to try and conceal it from her.
Not only had she been knocked out and dragged off to another place before being crammed into that tiny trunk and left to rot, but she had been seriously beaten in between those actions. She'd been beaten and cut and blasted and probably kicked around and more. It was disgusting to imagine that another child was capable of such an atrocity. She was so black and blue and swollen and broken and bloodied that the Mediwizards at first had difficulty gathering their own wits about them when they were told a student did that to her. Severus had almost shattered the arm of the chair he was grasping while he had waited to hear if the rape test came back positive or not. Merlin, how he felt like a worried parent these days.
But she didn't need to know that--not yet at least. He didn't know if she'd agree with this or not, but for now it wasn't her decision to make, it was his: and he had made it. What frightened him more was the possibility that she was conscious when a lot of the injuries were inflicted.
Now he just needed to concentrate on her getting better and how she was handling everything. Her parents had visited the first week she was in the Hospital for a few days during the week--Severus was glad he was up at Hogwarts when they came to see her--he didn't know if he could handle them without her there. They were owled from someplace far off--Greece or New Guinea or someplace, Severus hadn't paid any attention to that detail, which is a rare enough occurrence for him. They were in town someplace now, staying with friends and awaiting word he gathered. They were to visit that week before the weekend when Severus and Georgie could leave.
She hobbled up to him, "See? I'm fab. Let's get out of here." She hissed under her breath.
He stood, "Can't let you. Listen, I have to make a visit now that I'm in London. I'll be back tonight. You'll be alright?"
She rolled her eyes and grinned sappily at him, "I'm not made of porcelain-- off with you."
He strode down the hall: no you're not porcelain, but I have seen you broken and that was bad enough. And so Severus Snape made his winding way to The Department of Mysteries.
Professor Snape returned with his usual mean-spirited and snide fervor. Minerva was glad to have him back, but could he possibly let up on her Gryffindors? Siobhan and Niamh were both quite friendly with the man, and would visit him when he was sitting alone in his lounge trying to read and also when they heard Georgie had woken up at last. They liked the man more from Lupin's retelling of Severus' dedication to their friend. And they hardly batted an eye when he awarded 40 points to each of them for their brilliant owl-idea. Though they were slightly insulted at receiving points for something they'd have done anyway.
The week was uneventful and slow for everyone, Georgie especially as she was still painfully recovering from her more serious injuries. She was walking around unaided after the first few days and spent much of her time walking outside in the sunshine, though it was still bitterly cold. Her parents visited her almost daily and were to leave for Greece at the end of the week. It was nice to see them, but being in a hospital magnified everyone's quirks.
Georgie's only highlight was when she received a letter on Friday from Severus. After verifying her identity to the locks put on the paper -typical Severus--I wasn't very long and it was to the point. It explained how the Creevys were a husband-and-wife team of Aurors, who had secretly been gathering information on several Death Eaters. The pair had been found out and their lives were in danger, as a young initiate was being required to hunt them down and kill them. What a surprise it was to young Nott to find a Magical Law Enforcement Squad waiting in hiding in the Creevy's house for him to take a shot at the magically protected couple. So he wanted her to know there was one less member of Slytherin house. Nott broke down and admitted to much, and even implicated that possibly the young Travers was involved as well--possibly the other voice she had heard-- but it looks like that one might get off with a very lenient sentence. He wouldn't break down to divulge the third person involved--although he did let it slip that there was a third person.
Severus added at the bottom, "Just thought you'd appreciate hearing it here first before seeing it in the Daily Prophet. There shouldn't be any mention of you in the paper, but you may be called to the trial. Don't talk about the details until that point though. You helped save their lives in a roundabout but crucial way, you realize. Recover, Severus."
She laughed, how typically Severus.
Saturday came and Georgie sat and waited for Severus to retrieve her. She got her robes back and her wand was finally back in her pocket. But he was late, she frowned. She was itching to get out of there.
He showed up an hour late and Georgie was frowning at him as he entered. He apologized curtly, "But we had trouble getting here, come with me and you'll see why." He looked darkly at her.
"Who's we?" He only motioned for her to follow. The hospital released her and she followed Severus down to the front entrance, after having argued with an attendant about whether she really needed to be wheeled outside. Sitting out front in a Muggle convertible car were Siobhan and a gorgeous Sirius Black sat behind the wheel. Georgie squealed and ran to them leaning in over the car.
"Great surprise isn't it?" Siobhan laughed and opened the door to them.
"It's wonderful, how did you.?"
"Severus planned it." Sirius grinned toothily and pointed at the man towering behind her, Georgie looked up at him "Thanks heaps Severus." She looked at him curiously for a long minute. He was acting so odd lately.. Very unlike his usual self. Must've scared some sense into him.
"Well, get in." Severus pushed her. "I believe you have to be on the inside of this machine for it to take you anywhere."
Georgie rolled her eyes and jumped in the back. Siobhan turned around in the front seat, "Listen, we've got this idea: we're going out for dinner. Isn't that a great idea? We just came up with it. Initially we were supposed to just pick you up and deliver you to Hogwarts, but we'll make an evening of it--see a bit of London, too."
Sirius looked at Severus raising one eyebrow in question, "Alright with you?"
"Ask her." He pointed to Georgie.
"Food!" Georgie and sealed all of their fates as Sirius revved the engine and Severus looked like he was going to be ill.
Georgie was so glad to be back at Hogwarts, she just couldn't get enough of it. "Hospitals really are horrid," she moaned once again.
Severus looked up at her pacing around like a caged cat before the fire. "You recovered there, though." He pointed out. She still had a slight limp, if one could even call it a limp.
"Yes, but you feel so.stuck, so helpless, so sick." Severus bit his tongue. "It's like being buried alive, you're stifled and you can't breath in there." She trailed off. "Also my walls were painted pink: Unacceptable!" She raved.
Severus was momentarily startled by her allusion to being buried alive. He eyed her curiously. He was nearly sure now from snippets she'd dropped in conversations and by the way she constantly wanted to see the sun and walk outdoors, that Georgie remembered more than she had told on that night. But he didn't blame her, and he felt for her. How does one out and tell someone--even a friend--that one remembered being beaten to within an inch of one's life, broken so badly so as to be stuffed into a box and locked away with little air or light for two days. Beyond beaten really--she was shattered. He wouldn't try and pry it from her as well; she probably had enough trouble coming to terms without his pestering. No good person should have to endure that.
And ever since Remus had shown him the Death Eaters card, Severus had felt slightly responsible for it. Not directly, but in an indirect way. They were in his House--they were Death Eaters, he let them carry on when he knew that they involved in the same things as their fathers before.
But Georgie was strong. She'd shooed Severus away every time he offered to walk out with her, threatening him with bodily harm. She'd insisted that next week they take up her 'lessons' so she could vent some of her anger in the physical exercise. No, she didn't cry or complain or pity herself, but instead pretended as if it almost didn't happen. He knew the path, for he had walked it many times. He knew it would end in a horrible breakdown and a realization, but sometimes that was for the best..she'd be surrounded by friends when she fell..
He snorted, "Yes, pink--unacceptable."
She rejoined her classes and stayed buried in her schoolbooks and the library that after a week she was nearly caught up--Except in Herbology. She was starting to lose her motivation as her project marks sunk lower and lower. She told herself she really didn't care, but in truth it hurt her ego a bit. Severus pointed this out and remarked even he didn't have perfection in all disciplines, so not to worry if she was doing her best. That's what irked her: she wasn't doing her best. She would switch-off because she knew everything would go to hell if she touched it, so why trouble oneself?
Severus opened the door one Saturday after having watched a Quidditch match. Georgie hadn't felt like going, as Slytherin wasn't playing and neither Hufflepuff nor Gryffindor excited her. Severus virtually glowed as he stepped inside, and Georgie raised her head then lowered it to her gossip magazine, "Hufflepuff won, eh?"
"What do you think?"
"I think you're pathetic." She smiled vindictively. "Did you ever play?"
"No. I was occupied by loftier pursuits."
"Chasing skirts?"
"Shut-up."
She smiled a secret smile. "I know you were."
"You know no such thing, little fool."
"Than I've been misinformed, forgive me." She tried to sound disinterested and focused in on her celebrity photos.
"Who informed you?" He eventually asked as he sat opposite her.
"No, you're right--foolish gossip shouldn't be passed on. Silly of me, forget I said anything."
And it looked for a minute like he would, but Georgie couldn't wait. "Oh go on, ask me about it already."
"No."
"Damn, you're no fun."
"Neither is my past or personal life." He grimaced.
"Ouch. Lack thereof, I reckon.."
"Cauldron calling the pot black."
"Funny."
He ran his hand through his hair absently, "Yes that's me. Funny." He considered speaking for a moment, before actually continuing the pointless conversation. "You should stop revisiting those things--I try to."
"It's either I pick apart the past or the present, you're choice. I've tried my hand at your future, but well.. Only Trewlaney's got that true gift."
"Pick apart the present then," He said somewhat bitterly as he stood up.
"Where are you going?" Georgie asked eyeing him confusedly, and with a trace of what Severus assumed to be panic.
"To get the door. Someone just knocked." He made fun of her.
"Didn't hear it."
"No?" He acted shocked. "Queen of the Blatantly Obvious makes another earth-shattering declaration." He opened the door then turned immediately away from it, revealing to Georgie's sight a loopy-grinned Siobhan. Siobhan walked in ignoring the cold reception from her Professor and sat by Georgie. "Is that this month's?"
Georgie turned her magazine upside-down, "No, last month's."
"Damn, I can't find anyone with the new one."
"Woe, is the fate of the world." Severus snarled from his stiff perch on his couch.
"No one was asking for your opinion." Georgie hissed, slightly angered. "Want to walk out?"
Georgie now had a habit of most everyday sitting out on one of the castle's Battlements and staring down onto the lake and the Forest. The great stonework partly blocked some of the seasonal winds, but Georgie didn't care even if it didn't. She had her little stone seat and her face upturned for hours to the sunshine and the openness comforted her.
"No, it's too windy. The rain I don't mind, but the wind blows right through you." The other girl shivered just thinking of it. She looked to Severus. "Sorry to hear about Orris McDade, Professor Snape."
Georgie and Severus both halted all thinking and feeling, the silence was heavy and Severus instantly collected himself enough to ask coolly, "What's wrong with Miss McDade?"
"Escaped from Azkaban last night. It's said she had outside help." Siobhan replied matter-of-factly. "Don't worry, I haven't told anyone at all that you knew her--no one would believe me anyhow." She muttered under her breath. "I can't take anymore escaped prisoners..First Black, now her.."
Severus contorted his face, Georgie thought he was going to explode, but she was too busy trying to muffle her laughter, with no effect whatsoever. She howled maniacally, hiccuping as she attempted to cover her mouth.
"What is the matter with you?" Severus demanded.
"Lord, if it's not one thing after another! I swear Hogwarts is the most lunatic place I've ever been, barking insane the lot of you. Nothing can remain normal--no, crazies and killers and twists and turns. One thing after another, if Voldemort shows up tomorrow to serve me breakfast in bed I will take it all in stride. I swear this place is going to mess me up or worse." She choked. "Lord, it's one after another."
"I bet that's what old Mr. Weasley said after Ronald was born." Siobhan giggled taking Georgie in with her.
"Ach, don't worry about it. She's long turned mad, the papers said so-- straight from the Ministry. She probably wandering Surrey eating bark off trees by now."
Severus stared at the Irish girl with repulsion. "Where's Niamh?" He changed the topic abruptly, making both of the women swallow their laughter and sober quickly.
"Don't know. She's been gone all day, figured she'd found her way to the Quidditch pitch or something."
"It's been over for quite some time now."
"Fine," she shrugged darkly, then added, "What are you saying?" She eyed him.
"Do you need everything spelled out for you?"
"Y-e-s." She glared defiantly at him, the funny glow under her skin popping up again.
Georgie had been craning her head back and forth, like someone watching a tennis match, "Niamh can look after herself." She had cleared her throat. "I think we're out of burn salve, I think now's an excellent time to make some up. I could use a hand, Siobhan?" Georgie gingerly using her still sore arm tugged to bring her friend to her feet and out the door to Snape's empty classroom. Siobhan was starting to step out of line, she really ought to watch herself more carefully.
Georgie didn't bring up the tension left behind in that room and to her relief neither did the other two involved. Strange how just some days, things and people act so very odd.
Remus Lupin escorted Sirius Black down the dim corridors with their nauseating mint green walls. Sirius was fidgety-he felt out of his element in hospitals. But Sirius would rather be hung than admit that to anyone- especially to Snape, so here he found himself on this self-appointed-- though Dumbledore hoodwinked--mission to try and console Snape.
Lupin knocked on the door to Georgie's room and ushered Sirius inside quickly. Snape was staring at them as they entered in and he didn't seem all that pleased to be seeing them. Lupin mustered his courage as he crossed the room to the man. At least Georgie would appreciate it even if her morose friend did not. Besides, Lupin acknowledged, he wasn't the only one hurt by all this, and it was selfish of him to act as if he were.
"Snape." Lupin nodded.
Severus rose to his feet and through his tightly clenched lips he hissed, "Lupin. Black." He nodded at each of them but his face was a mixture of discomfort and severe distaste for the both of them. He retreated to the far side of the room and stood with his back against the wall, seeming to drag the shadows along with him.
Sirius remained glued just inside the door and couldn't force his feet to cross the floor any nearer to the bed or the other two gentlemen.
Lupin ventured after looking down at the still form tucked into a bed. "She looks much better, Severus, the color's returning to her."
Snape recognized the effort and agreed. He was less accommodating with Black. He just couldn't help it, blast the man. Old habits die hard.
"Nice trousers." Severus growled at the man. Remus saw this as the barb Snape had intended it to be, but Black clearly didn't. He ran his hand down to straighten his untucked shirt. Lupin was used to Black's 'style' and had only frowned for a second when he saw that Sirius had chosen his leather pants and a gaudy button-down shirt to visit their friend in the hospital. Remus felt it wasn't his place to say anything as his own robes were still a bit on the ragged-side. But leave it to Severus to say what he felt.
Sirius became animated. "Yeah I like these heaps, people have stopped me out in the street to ask me where I got them. But I'll never tell-my little secret. An' not just Wizards-Muggles have recognized my style as well."
Lupin concentrated very hard on the floor tiles. Whyever did we come here?
Severus was in full swing of loathing this man once again. Even insofar as to second-guess this newfound acceptance of one another. How could I? This man is everything I hate in anyone....He set his jaw and stared daggers into the man, hoping to pierce his heart. "It must be very difficult to maintain your low-profile status when you're forever being hounded to give the name of your tailor."
Sirius grinned obliviously, "Yes well, I cannot help but stay true to myself, even in these desperate times," He shrugged as if to excuse himself. Severus shot up the closest thing to a prayer he'd ever said in asking that this man be blown to bits in his 'leather pants.'
"Of course that is what is truly important. Staying true to one's self as you say." Snape spat.
Remus bolted across to stand nearer to Sirius, not out of fear of harm from Severus but in an attempt to maybe curtail Sirius from whatever dribble he might take a crack at passing off as consolation. Granted Severus wasn't much of a cooperative partner either, but the man could hardly be blamed.
Black walked around to the far side of her bed and bent down to closely scrutinize her outward injuries. "I was talking with a bloke I met the other night-met him in a Muggle pub. And I was chatting away about this friend I knew, all vague and all that, and he said that oftentimes it's best if cases like this just don't wake up. Says he, the strain of coping with the realities and nastiness of the injuries pushes people over the edge. More often than not they end up killing themselves later on. Throwing themselves before a bus or something." Looking up to Remus more than to Snape, he mumbled, "I'd watch her if I were you. It'd be a nasty business to have her slit her wrists at Hogwarts, you know."
Black called back to Snape, "I'd tell you to keep a watchful eye on her if she decides to take any long baths, but I dare say with you two as thick as thieves as you've been, there's no need for me to be giving you any pointers in that direction. Seems you've been doing something right down in those dungeons of yours."
Sirius ran on before Remus could interject. "She looks like hell, though that's hardly to be expected that she'd appear otherwise now wouldn't it? Now if she's been looking about to get plastic surgery done, now would be the opportune time for it, as the Muggles would say." He chuckled at his own musings. "I mean I hardly would have recognized her if it weren't for the name written outside the door just over there."
Sirius ran his hand through his shining and smartly groomed hair, "You know, I was thinking: what would Georgie say if she were here to see us all? And then it struck me: she'd most likely take out that guitar of hers and sing some witty song about it. Or else stuff herself silly in between fits of laughter." Snape glared at the man, but was too amazed to conjure up anything worthwhile t the moment. It would all be wasted on this dismal excuse for a man.
"And then, now this is a stroke of genius, she's sing one of her favorite songs that would be of so fitting for Severus right now-especially seeing as how it's such a surprise to see me of all people here." Severus stiffened at his being alluded to. Remus could all but gawk as Sirius began to sing.
Girlfriend's in a Coma, I know, I know its Serious.
Girlfriend's in a Coma, I know, I know its Serious-
Sirius' song-and-dance routine was interrupted by a fist curtly slamming into his jaw.
Severus crossed his arms across his chest, obviously pleased at the progression of this visit. He had to give that little werewolf credit: he never thought he had it in him.
Remus set his own jaw and puffed up his chest as he cradled his fist in his other hand. "That is just about enough of that. I think we've done enough cheering up for one day."
He stayed awake all weekend long, every weekend, lying there in the dark of the night listening to her breathe, and in truth making sure she didn't cease breathing. He was exhausted every Sunday night when he returned to Hogwarts, but it was a good sort of exhaustion he reasoned. He'd much rather feel spent and know that he had been there, listening...
One evening he lay in the dark memorizing the ceiling and going over events from his past in his mind. He felt numb and achy, as if he weren't inside of himself, but floating somewhere beyond. "Trewlaney would have a fit if she heard me acknowledge that." He scoffed as he usually didn't allow himself the luxury of speech.
"What was that?" A hoarse voice coughed hard next to him. "Am I dead?"
He sat up gingerly and slowly asked skeptically, "I'm dreaming."
"Only if you dream of my c-coughing." She rasped. Severus sat up at her right hand, and trying to make out features in the darkness. Her eyes were closed, but she was there, coughing and wheezing. "Where am I?"
"St. Mungo's Hospital."
She opened her eyes. "Doesn't look like a hospital," Her voice still hoarse from disuse.
He smirked, "Well it is one."
"Who am I?" She opened her eyes.
He started and starred, "You really don't know?"
"No."
"You are a student at Hogwarts School," He left off the bit about witches and wizards in case it would shock her. "Your name is George Flaing. You really don't remember any of this? You're 21 years old, grew up in Poland."
"Who're you? My father or my boyfriend?" She croaked.
Severus' lower lip quivered with the intake of his breath, but he spoke solidly, "Neither. You're my friend. You really don't remember any of this? Who you are or where you've been?"
"Nah, I was just playing. You're Severus and I'm Minerva." She laughed at the look on his face, before breaking off into coughs.
"Maybe you shouldn't talk." He smiled genuinely down at her.
"Just what you've always longed to happen to me, eh?" She rasped.
"No, not really."
"Groovy." She looked around. "Honestly though, why am I here?"
"You were attacked."
"By whom?"
"I was hoping you'd tell me just that."
She closed her eyes and shivered visibly, "I remember."
"It was terrible?"
"It was terrible." She repeated quietly.
He sat in silence with her for a few minutes, before asking, "Would you like a drink of water?"
"Yes actually I would, thanks." She opened her eyes and smiled. "I have to get out of here, I've got to get back to classes so I can make up my work."
She didn't see Severus in the corner frown to himself as he poured water into a cup. "You'll be in here for at least another week. And that will probably start once I leave you to tell the Mediwizard on duty you're al- awake." He stopped himself from saying alive.
"Damn, that sucks." She shook her head lightly, and winced, grabbing the side of her head. Then wincing in pain at the movement of her broken wrist and arm.
"I thought you'd swear a lot more than that on hearing that." He placed the cup into her other slightly less broken hand.
"Hey, I'm trying to quit." She replied huskily. "'Sides, 'Damn' isn't swearing."
"Well, look on the bright side: you haven't sworn in a month." She smiled at that, then slowly the smile dissolved off of her face as the realization of the word sunk in. "A month?"
He nodded solemnly. "Sorry."
She pouted, "I'm sorry I missed your birthday. I had this whole thing planned out--it was going to be such fun!" She sounded like a disappointed child.
He sat down again, "Well, I did spend my birthday here with you--in a way." He smiled. "Not that I give one whit about birthdays anyhow."
"Why are you being so agreeable?" She asked before she could think twice about it and stop herself.
"Because you almost died--and would've died. You looked dead. Bloodied and bruised and shoved away to where no one could find you. That's not how I like to see my friends. So now you're alive again and I feel very.." He stopped there, as if saying too much.
"Happy?"
He bit on his lip, like she had so many times before. "Something like that. Relieved."
"I'm happy." She agreed with him. And smiled, closing her eyes lightly.
He got to his feet, and stood there an uncomfortable moment. "Do you want help with that cup?" He pointed at the half-sized thing in her hand.
Georgie opened her eyes and nodded, "My hand hurt too much--My muscles feel like mush. I didn't feel like moving it."
"You should ask for help."
"I'm not asking for help. Not used to it."
"Well, you're going to need help for the next few weeks." He helped her sit up and helped her drink the water.
She sat back down. "I don't like feeling helpless." Severus shrugged.
"Will you be alright if I go down the corridor to the station and inform the person on duty and send an owl to Dumbledore?"
"Okily, just come back."
He turned and swept out of the room.
When he returned a few minutes later he was greeted with "Where's my wand?"
He walked around the room, "It was found on you, I know that much." He opened a very old and worn wardrobe and then a chest of drawers. "I'll ask the staff in the morning."
"What can you tell me about that night?" He sat back down at her side, and she closed her eyes. "About the people who did it--nothing else." He finished quickly.
"Erm, there was more than one boy. Damn, I don't remember!" She wailed. "Wait, something about 'potions' and 'mysteries' they said 'we as followers' mumbo jumbo..oh there was something about 'those bastards the Creevys--I think it was Creevys, sounded kinda like Peeves, but with a "Kr- " sound. They said something about the 23rd of March methinks. It's nearly the 23rd now, isn't it?" Severus nodded slowly, trying to store all of this in his memory.
"Anything else?" He sounded just like he did in his classroom--all professional. She had to smile at that.
"No, after that I got." She stopped, she looked down at her paw-like hand all wrapped up in bandages. "I don't know who it was. I wish I did so I could tell you and you could go and murder them in my place."
"I would if I could."
She shrugged, "It's okay. I'm alive right?"
"Right." He nodded, his eyes not as glittery-black as they once were.
She smiled sympathetically. "Severus, I know you probably want to know more, but I hurt everywhere and I just want to close my eyes and sleep. I'm sorry."
"No I'm sorry, go to sleep." He backed off and sat on the edge of his cot.
After a few minutes she called, "Severus?"
"What?"
"I know this sounds stupid--so don't laugh--but could you wake me for the sunrise?"
He laughed, "Not stupid coming from you. Yes, I'll wake you." He could in all honesty actually imagine her reasons.
"Thank you. Goodnight."
He waited until he was quite sure she was asleep by the sounds of her light snoring, before walking off down the hallway to send off another owl to Professor Dumbledore. Though he was quite certain that this letter wouldn't contain the same sort of information, and definitely wouldn't be news spread around the staff room.
Hagrid blubbered, "I'm so 'appy to know she's awake!" He burst into tears once again and Minerva grudgingly thrust her handkerchief into his hands.
Minerva addled up to Remus. "Did Severus say who could have done it?"
Remus shook his head and sat down on the couch in the staff room opposite where Minerva was now sitting down. "Did she remember any of it?" She choked out.
Remus nodded his head sadly. And tried to muster a smile. "She remembered very little about her attackers, but she recalled a few of the things they had said before."
"Oh, how awful. Is she holding up?"
"Yes, Severus did say, in typical Severus fashion, that the only thing not affected was her smart mouth." Minerva smiled. "She'll be back next week if all goes well. Severus says she hasn't been up walking yet, and well.." Remus looked tired all of the sudden.
Minerva smiled, "Well, that we can deal with in time, I'm just glad to hear she's doing fine."
"She'll have missed quite a bit of school."
"She's a quick study, and we'll give her what she needs to know and she'll still pass just fine--mark my words." McGonagall suddenly looked stern. "Severus is returning tomorrow then?"
"Yes."
"Glad to hear it. He was beginning to worry me."
"Beginning?" Remus Lupin prodded.
Minerva ignored that, "Not acting at all like his usual mean-spirited self. More like a half-spirited Severus."
Remus snorted, "Sorry, but that made quite an impression upon my mind. He'll be back to his usual '50 points from Gryffindor' before you realize it."
"Perhaps I was too hasty." Minerva stuttered.
"Can I get a peg-leg?" Georgie was inquiring of the attendants as Severus just scowled and ran his hand down and over his face. "How about a parrot? Or a carrot? Squawk, I'm a carrot, squawk!"
"Georgie, I'm going to murder you myself."
"Oh, get off it. You haven't heard word one from me for a month, you can put up with just a little to start you out again, can't you?"
"I'm out of practice in dealing with you." He growled.
"In dealing with me?" She turned on him. "Broken bones, bloodied and bruised with a gimpy leg, I can still make you eat those words Severus Snape!"
He laughed inwardly at her, as she continued on down the corridors. She walked further down the corridor, with aides on either side of her. Her legs were battered and bruised beyond what she had been told, she had only been told that they were that way from their not being used for a month's time and that the bones were still setting. Severus was finding it harder and harder to not see the truth of what had happened, and harder still to try and conceal it from her.
Not only had she been knocked out and dragged off to another place before being crammed into that tiny trunk and left to rot, but she had been seriously beaten in between those actions. She'd been beaten and cut and blasted and probably kicked around and more. It was disgusting to imagine that another child was capable of such an atrocity. She was so black and blue and swollen and broken and bloodied that the Mediwizards at first had difficulty gathering their own wits about them when they were told a student did that to her. Severus had almost shattered the arm of the chair he was grasping while he had waited to hear if the rape test came back positive or not. Merlin, how he felt like a worried parent these days.
But she didn't need to know that--not yet at least. He didn't know if she'd agree with this or not, but for now it wasn't her decision to make, it was his: and he had made it. What frightened him more was the possibility that she was conscious when a lot of the injuries were inflicted.
Now he just needed to concentrate on her getting better and how she was handling everything. Her parents had visited the first week she was in the Hospital for a few days during the week--Severus was glad he was up at Hogwarts when they came to see her--he didn't know if he could handle them without her there. They were owled from someplace far off--Greece or New Guinea or someplace, Severus hadn't paid any attention to that detail, which is a rare enough occurrence for him. They were in town someplace now, staying with friends and awaiting word he gathered. They were to visit that week before the weekend when Severus and Georgie could leave.
She hobbled up to him, "See? I'm fab. Let's get out of here." She hissed under her breath.
He stood, "Can't let you. Listen, I have to make a visit now that I'm in London. I'll be back tonight. You'll be alright?"
She rolled her eyes and grinned sappily at him, "I'm not made of porcelain-- off with you."
He strode down the hall: no you're not porcelain, but I have seen you broken and that was bad enough. And so Severus Snape made his winding way to The Department of Mysteries.
Professor Snape returned with his usual mean-spirited and snide fervor. Minerva was glad to have him back, but could he possibly let up on her Gryffindors? Siobhan and Niamh were both quite friendly with the man, and would visit him when he was sitting alone in his lounge trying to read and also when they heard Georgie had woken up at last. They liked the man more from Lupin's retelling of Severus' dedication to their friend. And they hardly batted an eye when he awarded 40 points to each of them for their brilliant owl-idea. Though they were slightly insulted at receiving points for something they'd have done anyway.
The week was uneventful and slow for everyone, Georgie especially as she was still painfully recovering from her more serious injuries. She was walking around unaided after the first few days and spent much of her time walking outside in the sunshine, though it was still bitterly cold. Her parents visited her almost daily and were to leave for Greece at the end of the week. It was nice to see them, but being in a hospital magnified everyone's quirks.
Georgie's only highlight was when she received a letter on Friday from Severus. After verifying her identity to the locks put on the paper -typical Severus--I wasn't very long and it was to the point. It explained how the Creevys were a husband-and-wife team of Aurors, who had secretly been gathering information on several Death Eaters. The pair had been found out and their lives were in danger, as a young initiate was being required to hunt them down and kill them. What a surprise it was to young Nott to find a Magical Law Enforcement Squad waiting in hiding in the Creevy's house for him to take a shot at the magically protected couple. So he wanted her to know there was one less member of Slytherin house. Nott broke down and admitted to much, and even implicated that possibly the young Travers was involved as well--possibly the other voice she had heard-- but it looks like that one might get off with a very lenient sentence. He wouldn't break down to divulge the third person involved--although he did let it slip that there was a third person.
Severus added at the bottom, "Just thought you'd appreciate hearing it here first before seeing it in the Daily Prophet. There shouldn't be any mention of you in the paper, but you may be called to the trial. Don't talk about the details until that point though. You helped save their lives in a roundabout but crucial way, you realize. Recover, Severus."
She laughed, how typically Severus.
Saturday came and Georgie sat and waited for Severus to retrieve her. She got her robes back and her wand was finally back in her pocket. But he was late, she frowned. She was itching to get out of there.
He showed up an hour late and Georgie was frowning at him as he entered. He apologized curtly, "But we had trouble getting here, come with me and you'll see why." He looked darkly at her.
"Who's we?" He only motioned for her to follow. The hospital released her and she followed Severus down to the front entrance, after having argued with an attendant about whether she really needed to be wheeled outside. Sitting out front in a Muggle convertible car were Siobhan and a gorgeous Sirius Black sat behind the wheel. Georgie squealed and ran to them leaning in over the car.
"Great surprise isn't it?" Siobhan laughed and opened the door to them.
"It's wonderful, how did you.?"
"Severus planned it." Sirius grinned toothily and pointed at the man towering behind her, Georgie looked up at him "Thanks heaps Severus." She looked at him curiously for a long minute. He was acting so odd lately.. Very unlike his usual self. Must've scared some sense into him.
"Well, get in." Severus pushed her. "I believe you have to be on the inside of this machine for it to take you anywhere."
Georgie rolled her eyes and jumped in the back. Siobhan turned around in the front seat, "Listen, we've got this idea: we're going out for dinner. Isn't that a great idea? We just came up with it. Initially we were supposed to just pick you up and deliver you to Hogwarts, but we'll make an evening of it--see a bit of London, too."
Sirius looked at Severus raising one eyebrow in question, "Alright with you?"
"Ask her." He pointed to Georgie.
"Food!" Georgie and sealed all of their fates as Sirius revved the engine and Severus looked like he was going to be ill.
Georgie was so glad to be back at Hogwarts, she just couldn't get enough of it. "Hospitals really are horrid," she moaned once again.
Severus looked up at her pacing around like a caged cat before the fire. "You recovered there, though." He pointed out. She still had a slight limp, if one could even call it a limp.
"Yes, but you feel so.stuck, so helpless, so sick." Severus bit his tongue. "It's like being buried alive, you're stifled and you can't breath in there." She trailed off. "Also my walls were painted pink: Unacceptable!" She raved.
Severus was momentarily startled by her allusion to being buried alive. He eyed her curiously. He was nearly sure now from snippets she'd dropped in conversations and by the way she constantly wanted to see the sun and walk outdoors, that Georgie remembered more than she had told on that night. But he didn't blame her, and he felt for her. How does one out and tell someone--even a friend--that one remembered being beaten to within an inch of one's life, broken so badly so as to be stuffed into a box and locked away with little air or light for two days. Beyond beaten really--she was shattered. He wouldn't try and pry it from her as well; she probably had enough trouble coming to terms without his pestering. No good person should have to endure that.
And ever since Remus had shown him the Death Eaters card, Severus had felt slightly responsible for it. Not directly, but in an indirect way. They were in his House--they were Death Eaters, he let them carry on when he knew that they involved in the same things as their fathers before.
But Georgie was strong. She'd shooed Severus away every time he offered to walk out with her, threatening him with bodily harm. She'd insisted that next week they take up her 'lessons' so she could vent some of her anger in the physical exercise. No, she didn't cry or complain or pity herself, but instead pretended as if it almost didn't happen. He knew the path, for he had walked it many times. He knew it would end in a horrible breakdown and a realization, but sometimes that was for the best..she'd be surrounded by friends when she fell..
He snorted, "Yes, pink--unacceptable."
She rejoined her classes and stayed buried in her schoolbooks and the library that after a week she was nearly caught up--Except in Herbology. She was starting to lose her motivation as her project marks sunk lower and lower. She told herself she really didn't care, but in truth it hurt her ego a bit. Severus pointed this out and remarked even he didn't have perfection in all disciplines, so not to worry if she was doing her best. That's what irked her: she wasn't doing her best. She would switch-off because she knew everything would go to hell if she touched it, so why trouble oneself?
Severus opened the door one Saturday after having watched a Quidditch match. Georgie hadn't felt like going, as Slytherin wasn't playing and neither Hufflepuff nor Gryffindor excited her. Severus virtually glowed as he stepped inside, and Georgie raised her head then lowered it to her gossip magazine, "Hufflepuff won, eh?"
"What do you think?"
"I think you're pathetic." She smiled vindictively. "Did you ever play?"
"No. I was occupied by loftier pursuits."
"Chasing skirts?"
"Shut-up."
She smiled a secret smile. "I know you were."
"You know no such thing, little fool."
"Than I've been misinformed, forgive me." She tried to sound disinterested and focused in on her celebrity photos.
"Who informed you?" He eventually asked as he sat opposite her.
"No, you're right--foolish gossip shouldn't be passed on. Silly of me, forget I said anything."
And it looked for a minute like he would, but Georgie couldn't wait. "Oh go on, ask me about it already."
"No."
"Damn, you're no fun."
"Neither is my past or personal life." He grimaced.
"Ouch. Lack thereof, I reckon.."
"Cauldron calling the pot black."
"Funny."
He ran his hand through his hair absently, "Yes that's me. Funny." He considered speaking for a moment, before actually continuing the pointless conversation. "You should stop revisiting those things--I try to."
"It's either I pick apart the past or the present, you're choice. I've tried my hand at your future, but well.. Only Trewlaney's got that true gift."
"Pick apart the present then," He said somewhat bitterly as he stood up.
"Where are you going?" Georgie asked eyeing him confusedly, and with a trace of what Severus assumed to be panic.
"To get the door. Someone just knocked." He made fun of her.
"Didn't hear it."
"No?" He acted shocked. "Queen of the Blatantly Obvious makes another earth-shattering declaration." He opened the door then turned immediately away from it, revealing to Georgie's sight a loopy-grinned Siobhan. Siobhan walked in ignoring the cold reception from her Professor and sat by Georgie. "Is that this month's?"
Georgie turned her magazine upside-down, "No, last month's."
"Damn, I can't find anyone with the new one."
"Woe, is the fate of the world." Severus snarled from his stiff perch on his couch.
"No one was asking for your opinion." Georgie hissed, slightly angered. "Want to walk out?"
Georgie now had a habit of most everyday sitting out on one of the castle's Battlements and staring down onto the lake and the Forest. The great stonework partly blocked some of the seasonal winds, but Georgie didn't care even if it didn't. She had her little stone seat and her face upturned for hours to the sunshine and the openness comforted her.
"No, it's too windy. The rain I don't mind, but the wind blows right through you." The other girl shivered just thinking of it. She looked to Severus. "Sorry to hear about Orris McDade, Professor Snape."
Georgie and Severus both halted all thinking and feeling, the silence was heavy and Severus instantly collected himself enough to ask coolly, "What's wrong with Miss McDade?"
"Escaped from Azkaban last night. It's said she had outside help." Siobhan replied matter-of-factly. "Don't worry, I haven't told anyone at all that you knew her--no one would believe me anyhow." She muttered under her breath. "I can't take anymore escaped prisoners..First Black, now her.."
Severus contorted his face, Georgie thought he was going to explode, but she was too busy trying to muffle her laughter, with no effect whatsoever. She howled maniacally, hiccuping as she attempted to cover her mouth.
"What is the matter with you?" Severus demanded.
"Lord, if it's not one thing after another! I swear Hogwarts is the most lunatic place I've ever been, barking insane the lot of you. Nothing can remain normal--no, crazies and killers and twists and turns. One thing after another, if Voldemort shows up tomorrow to serve me breakfast in bed I will take it all in stride. I swear this place is going to mess me up or worse." She choked. "Lord, it's one after another."
"I bet that's what old Mr. Weasley said after Ronald was born." Siobhan giggled taking Georgie in with her.
"Ach, don't worry about it. She's long turned mad, the papers said so-- straight from the Ministry. She probably wandering Surrey eating bark off trees by now."
Severus stared at the Irish girl with repulsion. "Where's Niamh?" He changed the topic abruptly, making both of the women swallow their laughter and sober quickly.
"Don't know. She's been gone all day, figured she'd found her way to the Quidditch pitch or something."
"It's been over for quite some time now."
"Fine," she shrugged darkly, then added, "What are you saying?" She eyed him.
"Do you need everything spelled out for you?"
"Y-e-s." She glared defiantly at him, the funny glow under her skin popping up again.
Georgie had been craning her head back and forth, like someone watching a tennis match, "Niamh can look after herself." She had cleared her throat. "I think we're out of burn salve, I think now's an excellent time to make some up. I could use a hand, Siobhan?" Georgie gingerly using her still sore arm tugged to bring her friend to her feet and out the door to Snape's empty classroom. Siobhan was starting to step out of line, she really ought to watch herself more carefully.
Georgie didn't bring up the tension left behind in that room and to her relief neither did the other two involved. Strange how just some days, things and people act so very odd.