Showtime, I Know Him: laughing

Hamilton Mania, grief: Healer (cloak)

Insane House Challenge: butterbeer

Word Count: 379


"You look exhausted," Aberforth notes.

Poppy can't help but laugh. Exhausted barely begins to describe how she feels. She's been wide awake since the battle had started, and now, hours after its end, she is still awake. "Horribly," she confirms.

"Thought you might be." He lifts a glass of butterbeer, offering her small smile. "Figured I'd bring you a little pick me up."

Poppy feels relief wash over her as she accepts the glass, drinking the warm golden sweetness. It's tempting to down it all in one gulp, but she resists. Her services are needed here, and the last thing she needs is to get an upset stomach. "Thank you," she says, taking another sip.

Aberforth nods, removing his cloak and draping it over the nearest chair. "Do you need anything else, dear?" he asks.

Her heart melts at that. So many people have called Aberforth strange and eccentric, but she's always found him to be kind and gentle. Loving him had been easy enough. How can anyone resist when he's so quick to care for the ones he loves?

Poppy shakes her head. "You need to rest," she tells him. "Go."

His raises his bushy brows with an amused smirk. "Rest?" he echoes as she drains the last few swallows of her drink. "You're one to talk. I'll rest when you rest."

"Not an option for me," she points out. "St. Mungo's is damn near overflowing, and I'm having to treat those I can."

She sets her glass aside and gestures at the chaos of the hospital wing. Beds are all full. Some of the wounded have to sit in chairs or lay on blankets spread across the floor. Students rush from bed to bed, tending to the wounded where they are needed.

"I get the feeling it will be a while before I can rest."

Aberforth presses a kiss to her forehead. "In that case, I'll be back."

"Back? Off to sleep?" she asks, surprised that the stubborn man could give in so easily.

"Back with sandwiches and drinks for you and the helpers," he says. "Can't have you healing others when you're about to collapse from hunger."

She watches as he leaves, laughing softly to herself. Aberforth will never fail to amaze her with his kindness.