Disclaimer: I don't own Mai hime/ Mai Otome. I don't own Harry potter.

A/N: I don't have a beta, if you find any mistakes please tell me. I have been away on a life changing experience, and now I realised I love to write. I still have the intention to finish my stories.

Warnings: Contains swearing, underlying sexual themes, alternative universe, and out of character.

To my love, this is for you.

Chapter four

By S

"…you have to go back…"

I groan and try to open my heavy eyelids. Who took down my silencing charms?

"…your father is nagging…"

"…Do you know how annoying…"

Which Hufflepuff has such a loud annoying voice? It certainly isn't helping my pounding headache. Can't be Hallard, she knows I have a terrible temper. They should know better than to talk loudly in the morning, haven't they learned anything when I sprayed them with aquamenti during our first year? I'm not ready to get up yet. My eyelids feel too heavy and I just want to go back to sleep.

"…stop drinking your tea and listen to me!" the annoying voice continues to shout.

Who shouts when people are still sleeping? So rude, I don't care who the heck is drinking tea, they need to get out. I feel my temper flare.

"Haruka, I cannot listen if I don't drink tea. Perhaps, you would like a cup?"

The different voice and confusing statement distracts me and instantly clears my mind. Why can't she listen if she doesn't drink tea? Wait…never mind, not important…actually, they don't sound like my Hufflepuff room-mates.

The annoying voice responds with a scream of frustration and a loud foot stomp.

I try to growl to make them shut up, but all that came out was a weak and embarrassing whimper.

"Haruka, you need to be quiet in here," The lovely voice says quietly. "I need to check on my patient."

I hear footsteps getting louder. I open my eyes to a white ceiling, blinking several times to clear the image and feeling my heart race at the unfamiliar setting; I'm obviously not in the dormitory.

My eyes widen in comprehension. Why am I in the hospital wing? What happened?

"Miss Kruger." I look around and see Madam Viola, I frown instantly; I haven't forgotten our last encounter. She waves her wand in a complex motion, casting diagnostic charms, "how are you feeling?"

I'm surprised she actually sounds concerned. "F-fine. " coughing, I feel like I haven't talked in days. For a split second, I see a hint of a smile on her lips.

"Really, Miss Kruger?" she asks with a raised eyebrow.

I scowl and continue to cough. " I-I feel like shit."

"Watch your language young lady!" the loud booming voice doesn't help my headache.

"Haruka! This is the infirmary, please don't be so loud," Madam Viola says crossly,"Please leave, we'll chat later."

"Fine," Madam Armitage huffs petulantly, and loudly says, "Get better soon Miss Kruger, you probably have a lot of school work to catch up on."

I cringe. Oh crap, a lot of school work?

"How long was I out for?" I ask Madam Viola.

"I'm surprised you didn't ask the classic 'where am I?'" she muses, shaking her head. "Never mind that, you still have to rest here for a few days," she says while I frown. "Miss Kruger, you were unconscious in a coma for a whole week."

"A whole week?!" I croak and she nods grimly. I have so much to catch up on. What the heck happened? Why am I in the infirmary? The last thing I remember was drinking from a flask…

Oh yes, a beverage.

…I drank from a flask….

…with pumpkin juice.

….Something about missing my dinner?

That…Mikoto!

"Let me kill that little brat!" I yell hoarsely, struggling to get out of bed.

I almost fall out of bed, and she holds me by the shoulders and gently pushes me back into the bed.

"…Which is precisely why you are staying in the infirmary until you recover your stamina," Madam Viola muses as I slump back into the pillows. "Your friends have mentioned you were lacking the proper nutrients. Are you on a diet, Miss Kruger?" she frowns, "it is extremely unhealthy for a growing child."

I let out a growl of frustration. I hardly ate anything because I was too upset by the mayonnaise. I don't want to stay in this infirmary for days, especially with somebody I can't stand. I'll probably go crazy. And I am not a child; she doesn't even look that much older than I am. What does she know? I've only ever seen her drinking tea. Healer or not, she has no right to tell me off about my diet.

She purses her lips in amusement, "Miss Kruger, you drank a hospital grade sleeping draught, designed for three day comas. Unfortunately, the one you had was brewed so brilliantly, the added full moon added to the potency and doubled the strength. Additionally, due to your lack of nutrients and sleep, you continued to be unconscious for seven days straight."

How the heck did Mikoto get her hands on that? I shake my head; I don't want to think too much.

"What is Mikoto's excuse?" I ask stubbornly, pissed off. Deep down, I don't want to get her expelled. But I hope she is in trouble.

"She said that you had sleeping problems. We have given her a couple of days of detention. You seem to have such a caring friend, just misguided in her ways."

Misguided? Caring? And she got away with it? I grit my teeth in disbelief. You have got to be kidding me. I know it was not just my sleeping problems. It was the food! She protects her friends for food and will do anything for food! She somehow knew it was me who threatened the house elves! It was always the food!

"That aside, Miss Kruger, here is some food." I snap my head to look at the plate of food and my temper flares. "I will be closely watching you eat regular meals for the next few days. " She places the tray of sandwiches on my lap and a cup of juice.

I stare at the plate of sandwiches, fully aware she is silently staring at me. Awkwardly, I stare at the food for five minutes before I realise she isn't going anywhere until I eat. I reluctantly pick up a jam sandwich and start nibbling the end.

As I eat my sandwich, I grow uncomfortable at the awkward silence, fully aware that she's staring, but at least she isn't teasing me.

"Miss Kruger," Madam Viola says softly after I eat half of the sandwich. Surprised, I look up to meet her gaze. "You are the head of the Kruger family, are you not? I've heard your father passed away a year ago."

I flinch at the mention of my father. "Yes, I am," I say tersely and look down on the plate, not understanding how any of this is her business.

She continues in an apologetic tone, "I hate to be saying this when you should be recovering, but this is the only time you will absorb anything I say." She sighs and looks at me in the eye. "As your head of house, I am worried about your conduct. You are the head of the Kruger family, there is more than one life relying on you. Be aware of your actions as there are always consequences. This problem with the house elves, threatening them for a condiment is going too far."

I scowl, and feel the wave of guilt and anger hitting me. She has no right. Who does she think she is? If she gave my petition straight to the headmistress, this wouldn't have happened. I know I am the head of the Kruger family, and there are people relying on me, but she has no right to tell me what to do.

I bite my lip and scrunch up the blanket under my hands to avoid saying anything rude.

"Please leave."

I barely notice her nod and walk towards the curtains.

"Just one more thing Miss Kruger," she says softly, "Have you allowed yourself to grieve your father's passing?"

As she closed the curtains, I looked up at the ceiling and wondered what she meant.

I wake up to the sound of rustling, and see my curtains being drawn.

"Natalie!" and then the deep voice hesitates, "I'm sorry for waking you."

I scowl instantly, knowing who it is. I feel a pang of hurt in my chest, why is he the one here first and not my friends? I quickly push it away. I give him a nod and he sits on the chair next to my bed.

"How are you?" Takeda asks, looking worried.

"I'm fine," I say glumly, still feeling angry and shame from the conversation earlier with Madam Viola.

He smiles at me. "That's great! I was so worried Natalie. So much stuff has happened, the headmistress employed a whole lot of investigators, something about spew – "

"Out!" A stern voice cuts off Takeda's speech.

I look up, feeling warm to see Madam Viola staring at Takeda with pure fury. Despite the lecture earlier, I've never been so pleased to see her.

Takeda wordlessly gapes, opening and closing his mouth, probably just as surprised as I am to hear Madam Viola so angry.

"My patient needs rest," Madam Viola says slowly, "any drama can be dealt after her recovery."

Of course, I am her patient. Why else would she come in here to tell him to leave? The sooner I recover, the sooner I would be out of her eyes.

He instantly scrambles to his feet, "I'm sorry Natalie. I will come back later."

"That won't necessary," I mutter under my breath, but he doesn't hear me.

Madam Viola draws the curtains, and I feel inclined to thank her for getting rid of Takeda.

"Madam Viola," I begin, "Thank – "

"Get some rest, Miss Kruger," she cuts me off, and closes the curtains, disappearing from my sight.

I stare at the gap between the curtains. I feel tears prickling at the edge of my eyes. What the heck did I do?

I stiffen. Wait, what did Takeda mean by spew?

Then it hit me like hippogriff.

Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare!

Shit, shit, shit!

I feel the blood drain from my face. Oh shit, shit, shit. I've completely forgotten about the S.P.E.W Act. After Voldemort was defeated, Professor Granger went straight to ministry and they passed every bill she introduced. Total suck ups. The act states that mistreatment of magical creatures can result in imprisonment for up to ten years. No wonder Madam Viola gave me a lecture – she knew I went down to threaten the elves.

How could I be so irresponsible? Why didn't I think there would be consequences when I went down to the kitchens on impulse?

My friends finally came around to visit me in the afternoon. After plenty of hugs, Mai and Nao sat on the edge of the bed.

"Natsuki, so much happened this past week!" Mai tells me animatedly.

"What?" I fear the worst.

"Professor Granger promised the elves an investigation to find the culprit who threatened the house elves, something about threatening magical creatures and breaching the S.P.E.W Act."

"You were the prime suspect." Nao smirks wickedly as she confirms my worst fear. Why is she grinning? This is nothing to grin about!

"How did that happen? They know it was me, don't they?" I groan in defeat, burying my face with both hands. What am I going to do? I am the head of the family, this was extremely irresponsible. I shouldn't have let impulse cloud my better judgement and threaten magical creatures. What the heck was I thinking? All for mayonnaise? A condiment that will not benefit my future or my family! How could I stoop so low and run around with a mayonnaise petition like some immature child?

I sigh miserably, blocking out whatever Nao is saying. My life is doomed.

Madam Viola was right, there are consequences. I cannot afford for this to happen. Mother and Alyssa are both counting on me. Mother is still grieving for father; and Alyssa is too young to be head of the family –and there is also Nao's family. I'm the only person who manages the finances of the family, what will happen to all the investments? If the suppliers and investors all hear about this, it will affect business. Even politics, my family holds a seat in Wizengamot, if the public finds out –

"Are you even listening to me?" Nao says impatiently, I look up at her and she rolls her eyes, "I said they thought you were the one threatening them, but not anymore."

I stare at her in confusion.

Nao smirks with amusement. "Madam Viola said you were having a chat in the hallway with her during the time of crime, so your 'alibi' is valid." She air quoted with her fingers. "Plus, you were in a coma for a week, and they had no other proof and dropped the case."

"S-Seriously?" I open my mouth in shock. Madam Viola…why would she lie for me? We did meet, but that was before I went to terrorise the house elves. She seemed so disappointed and cold this morning. And we're not exactly on the best terms. I always assumed she hated me by picking on me at any given chance.

She laughs and then smirks. "When they asked the house elves to check your identity," I feel my eyes widen with horror. "They said you were the one there but you weren't the one to threaten them."

"What? " I feel so confused. I was the one there to threaten them!

"They said that you weren't the Miss Kruger that threatened them. Eventually, we all got so confused that the whole investigation was dropped–"

What the hell? Was it because I didn't give them my name?

"–everybody is convinced that somebody took Polyjuice potion to disguise as you to sneak into the kitchens. Hallard even said that the real Kruger would have reacted positively to her flirting ways." Nao rolls her eyes with a smile. "The whole Slytherin table said you were infatuated with a staff member, so you wouldn't be stupid enough to get expelled and do that. Don't worry; they were smart enough not to say the staff member's name."

I feel my eyebrow twitching. This is ridiculous. I don't know if this means I'm really lucky or unlucky. Hallard actually said that? Thank goodness for Hufflepuff loyalty. I can't help but snort and burst out laughing at the absurdity.

"By the way," She places a thick stack of paper on my lap. "Here is your homework," she sing-songs.

I immediately stop laughing. Great, I have so much to catch up on.

"Thanks, Nao."

For the past few days I've been sleeping constantly, recovering from the effects of the sleeping draught. But right now, I can't sleep. I am so bored. It's been the third day and I'm still not allowed to go yet. I don't even feel sleepy any more, why am I still here? Sometimes I feel as if she's keeping me here on purpose. I turn on my side and stare out the windows, watching the Quidditch match outside.

I hear the door open and close, and some girls giggling, I quickly flip over to listen in concentration.

"Hello, Madam Viola,"

I sigh. It's pathetic that I feel excited when there are visitors, and they're not even mine. The only other thing I look forward to is the food.

"Hello girls, what seems to be the problem?" I frown, hearing the concern in her voice.

"Madam, we would like to invite you to join us for tea." The girl says confidently.

Wait…that sounds familiar. Is that Marguerite? Goodness, that sure is one forceful way to ask a person.

"I apologise, Miss….?"

"I'm Tomoe Marguerite, Madam Viola. You may call me Tomoe," I feel myself tense at her tone; she already wants her to address her by the first name?

"Miss Marguerite," I hear her say politely, "I apologise but I cannot attend to you girls for tea right now, as you can see, I have a patient resting in the quarters."

I hear the girls sigh in disappointment; I know Madam Viola could have just cast a silencing charm, which could only mean one thing: she is using me as an excuse.

"I understand Madam Viola," Marguerite says undeterred, "we will return tomorrow."

"I look forward to that, Miss Marguerite. Good bye girls."

After the door closed, I hear Madam Viola let out a loud uncharacteristic sigh. I smirk.

I'm not sure why, but for the rest of the day, I was in a really good mood.

"Miss Kruger may go to class now," She continues to cast diagnostic charms on me. "Please do eat properly from now on; you are responsible for your own body."

Sighing, I nod in defeat. Every day she has been talking to me about 'responsibility'. I think she just wants to drill that word into me.

"I will eat properly Madam."

She looks at me with an eyebrow raised, "I sure hope so, if Miss Kruger still feels drowsy, visit me as soon as possible."

I try my best not to roll my eyes, "Yes Madam, I will go now."

I enter the Great hall and see Mai sitting at the Slytherin table with Nao sleeping on her arm.

"Here, have some eggs. You probably lost muscle by sleeping for seven days straight," Mai loaded food onto my plate. "Your mother told us to keep an eye on your diet."

"Thanks Mai," I give her a smile. "By the way, where's Mikoto?"

I see her bite her lip. "Oh, I think she's hiding from you."

I feel my eyebrow twitch. She better be hiding from me. I still want to know why she drugged me with sleeping draught.

"Kruger," I turn to look at Marguerite, "I would like to express how happy I am to see you out of the infirmary. We were all very worried for you."

Really? Somehow, I really doubt it. I bet she's really glad I'm not in the Hospital wing any more so she could keep forcing Madam Viola into having tea with her. I give her a nod, "Thank you Marguerite."

She smiles coyly and I immediately know I would not like the next thing she says. "So, how was Madam Viola?"

Before I knew it, the whole table was watching our exchange.

"What do you mean?"

Marguerite smirks at me, "Did you...have fun?"

I scowl at her, "Absolutely not." How could I have fun doing nothing all day?

She raises an eyebrow, "If you say so Kruger." I roll my eyes and go back to my plate of eggs. For some reason, after hearing her visit Madam Viola so many times in the past few days, it irks me to even hear her voice.

"Attention please," Headmistress Granger tapped on her silver cup, and the Great hall went quiet, "I would like to announce that the Quidditch and dueling teams captains must have a meeting with Madam Armitage by the end of this week. I suggest an appointment with her as soon as possible."

I feel a shudder go down my spine as I feel the Quidditch captain staring at me from the Hufflepuff table, I've been avoiding her since the start of year. Just a few days more and I'll be safe.

"Furthermore, I would like to address the investigation of the elf abuse." I look down at my food in shame, feeling everybody staring at me. "Hogwarts does not condone elf abuse, please report to me if we find the person responsible for last weeks incident. Thank you."

I quickly put my full concentration on eating my breakfast, feeling all the eyes in the Great Hall looking at me.

Later on during the day, I decided to visit the infirmary to thank the nurse.

"Thank you Madam Viola," I say gratefully, while she sat at her desk, peering up from her glasses in confusion. "For my alibi."

She smiles, placing down her quill. "I did not do much, Miss Kruger." She says wistfully. "It was pure coincidence that you were in a coma when the investigation happened. I think the most you could do is thank your misguided friend. "

I snort. Thank a person who drugged me into a seven day coma? "Mikoto? I really don't think…"

Madam Viola smiles at me. "Miss Kruger should never underestimate people. She is family, is she not? Despite what Miss Kruger thinks, I'm sure she cares deeply."

I hesitate. She has a point. During the last week in the hospital wing, I realised she's actually quite wise. "I…thank you, Madam Viola. I will take that into consideration."

"Have you thought about my proposal?"

I feel my heart race for no reason. "What – "

"My proposal for you to be my health assistant," she stares at me, and then grins widely.

"Oh…" I smack my forehead, I completely forgot about that, I guess it's a good way to repay her. "Yes, I accept."

"That's great!" she says quickly, "I'll see you next Monday. You are free to go. I advise you to take a shower."

"Oh okay, right next Monday…" I say absent-mindedly, and then my head snaps back to look at her in realisation of what she just said, feeling self conscious. "Wait, what? A shower? Why would you advise me to take a shower?"

I resist the urge to smell myself.

"Oh yes. Did Miss Kruger not know I was in charge of bathing you while you were in a coma?"

I stiffen in shock. "You bathed me?!" I screech girlishly but I am too horrified to care.

"How else would Miss Kruger stay clean? I do not see what the big deal is. We are both women."

"You-you…!"

"By bathing I meant it was only a simple cleaning scorgify charm, Miss Kruger. I've been performing the scorgify charm for the past seven days. Thus, I recommend a shower, nothing beats a real shower." She says almost nonchalantly.

"…"

"Why does Miss Kruger look so horrified and red?"

Why wouldn't I look so horrified and red? I attempt to voice my concerns but I am too shocked to speak.

"Oooh, I understand now," she smiles innocently, I grit my teeth. I suppose this is what she meant by don't underestimate people. "Do not worry; I did not remove a single item of clothing, if that is what Miss Kruger is worried about."

"You-you…"

"Am I what? Beautiful? Graceful? The most lovely head of house?" she grins widely.

I glare at her.

"Ah, look at the time!" she exclaims with faux happiness as she casts tempus, "It is time for dinner. Perhaps, you should make your way down to the great hall. I'll see you next Monday evening, Miss Kruger."

I storm out of the infirmary and slam the door. Stiffening, I feel my whole body go cold, my heart racing against my chest. What did I just get myself into?

What did I just do?

Was I distracted by her lack of teasing that I agreed to be her health assistant?

Am I insane? She was right to say not to underestimate people. I assumed she was talking about Mikoto, but I should have been more careful!

I stomp my feet and let out a scream of frustration. Within five seconds I hear the giggle coming out from the infirmary.

A/N: Thank you for letting me share with you. Have a nice day.