Chapter 69: By Her Side
"Poor thing." Madam Pomfrey said, shaking her head sadly. She was examining Arabella's condition as Remus told her a brief summary of their encounters. Meanwhile, Stefanie soundproofed the part of the hospital wing where they were talking rather loudly.
"Will she be fine??" Sirius asked in anxiety.
"She's fine. Faint of exhaustion." Madam Pomfrey replied. "I check on her again when she's up again."
"How's Lily??" James asked with deep concern. Madam Pomfrey was now examining the unconscious Lily after Arabella.
"She's running a fever." Madam Pomfrey said after touching Lily's forehead and neck. "I get the potion for her." With that, she left the youngsters alone to fetch a potion.
"By the way, what happened to Bell??" James asked suddenly. He was sitting by Lily's side ever since he laid her down on the bed.
"She lost her magical powers." Sirius said miserably, looking at the stilled Arabella. "In order to save you two."
"Oh Merlin!!" James exclaimed in shocked. "That isn't true, is it??"
"Yes, Padfoot is right. Bell gave up her powers to open the Disillusion Box." Remus added.
"What Disillusion box??" James questioned.
"It's a rare box which dark wizards used to keep their captives. Most of them were destroyed centuries ago, but some remained in existence." Remus explained since Sirius was not capable of doing much talking at that moment.
"You and Lily were kept inside and Voldemort was watching you from outside." Stefanie added.
"But he appeared inside the box before."
"The box is only this size." Remus explained and using hand gesture to show how big the box was. "You two were only the height of my fingers inside."
"But it didn't felt like it."
"The box can only be opened when someone give up their magical ability. To prevent misuse." Stefanie told James. "It was used to keep prisoners before Azkaban came about some centuries ago."
"Oh, Bell was so foolish. How could she??"
"She knew she had to do it."
"Why did you say that??"
"She already had foreseen many things. But if she told you all what might happen, then if we prevent it, the harm will come in another way."
"But at least she should have told us." Sirius argued.
"She only told Lils and me. Not everything, only some. But she never tells us how she would lose her powers."
"She's so foolish. It could be prevented."
"No, it can't. If this didn't happen, something worst would. This is why future must not be known. It's just against the nature of things."
"But at least she should have prevent losing her powers or something."
"We had asked her if there is another alternative route, but no. It's either she lose her power or one of us would. And she had chose to be the one."
"That's Bell, always so thoughtful about others and not herself."
"I wonder how will Lily digest this news."
"She already knows Bell is going to lose her power, right??"
"But she didn't know it was indirectly because of her."
"Good morning, my dears." Madam Pomfrey had come into the hospital wing in the morning and woke the four of them who were sleeping on their conjured couches. "Will you get back to your dorm and get some proper rest??"
"We want to stay by their side." James said. He had been resting his head on Lily's bed ever since he dozed off. Now the right side of his face had reddish imprints due to his hand and the bed.
"They're going to be fine, I promise." Madam Pomfrey said. "You few had already missed your lessons for two weeks, better do some catching up today before going for lessons again tomorrow."
"We'll be able to catch up in no time." Sirius said, starting to wake up. The two usual sound sleepers were awake even before Remus, which was usually the other way round. Stefanie was leaning on Remus' right shoulder and both of them were still in their undisturbed rest.
"You few had been through so much in the last two weeks, I would rather you all to have a good rest in your dorm than to stay here. They won't be awake so soon."
"We will leave at lunch time."
"Ok, I take your word for that." Madam Pomfrey said. "Otherwise I shall personally send you up to your dorm."
"That would be really sweet of you, Madam Pomfrey." Sirius added.
"Didn't you few promised to leave by lunchtime??" Madam Pomfrey had come in to check on the two girls as well as the few rugged teens again.
"I didn't. It was James." Sirius pointed out.
"You or James. Same thing." Madam Pomfrey shook her head. "That goes for you two as well."
"I stay alone and keep them company in case they wake up." Stefanie pleaded.
"Nonono. I insist that all of you need proper rest." Madam Pomfrey said firmly. "Especially you." She looked at Remus knowingly.
"There's still three days more." Remus said softly.
"Ok, I'm ordering you four to head back to your dormitory to rest now!!"
"Guys, I think we better head back now." Stefanie ushered the three guys to follow her. Lils and Bell definitely need to talk alone when they wake up.
"Wormtail, we're back." James called out as the three guys entered their dormitory with their backpacks.
"Looks like he's not around." Remus said, accioing his clothes and towel to the bathroom with him.
"Who said you can bathe first??" Sirius said, making a dash to the bathroom.
"You didn't say you want to bathe in the first place." Remus commented and the two guys were standing side by side at the bathroom door.
"Don't argue already." James said from the back. "I'm going in first." He dashed into the bathroom in the blink of an eye and shut the door after him.
"PRONGS!!"
"Stef!! What happened to you??" Joey exclaimed as Stefanie stepped into their dormitory.
"Too much things had happened." Stefanie said monotonously.
"Better get a shower." Samantha said. "You looked so shacked." She helped Stefanie to carry her backpack to her bedside.
"Thanks." Stefanie said and sat down on the nearest chair.
"Where's Lils and Bell??" Joey asked.
"Hospital wing." Stefanie said. "Mind I tell you next time?? I'm really tired and I hasn't had a decent shower in ages."
"Sure thing." Joey said understandingly. "Better get some rest."
"Thanks!!" Stefanie said gratefully. "I'm really glad to have roommates like you."
"That's what roommates are for." Joey smiled.
"Hey, so if we can get out of here safely, will you go on a - date with me??" A familiar male voice asked.
"I will." Strange, why did I agree when I don't know who is the person asking me. His voice is strangely familiar and comforting.
And he smells like Hogwarts hospital ward. What a strange scent. Lily tossed around in the bed, messing up the blankets that were covering her.
Arabella my dear.
Mum??
The day that turns your life has come.
Yes. I know. I always know this day would come.
I just want you to know that whether you're a witch or muggle, I'll still be there.
Thanks mum.
Your life would be greatly affected do you know that??
I know. I lead a muggle life for eleven years, then a witch for five years, and back to being the boring old muggle again.
Life is full of twists and turns.
I understand that.
I'm glad your thinking is more mature than I thought.
Maybe because I've the 'eye' for so many years, unlike other girls.
Well, I think it might be a good thing that your powers are gone. It's a burden for us.
It had been useful.
It definitely is, to some extent.
I was always wondering, why did you teach DADA instead of Divination??
Because besides Dumbledore, no one knows that I'm a seer. Sybil did asked before, but she was never sure whether I was one.
She's a fraud??
No, she did have the gift. But it's not as strong as us. She can only see things to a certain extent. The simpler stuffs actually.
Then why did Dumbledore hire her??
Kids shouldn't know so much, ya know?? You need rest. It's exhausting to drain you from magical powers.
How long have I been sleeping??
A day. But you need more than just a day of sleep.
Oh no!! What happened to Lils and James??
Don't worry. They're fine.
I want to wake up and see them.
You can't. Your body won't allow you to wake.
But I'm thinking. I'm talking to you.
It's your soul that I'm talking to. Not your physical body.
Then what am I supposed to do??
Just rest. You'll wake when the time comes.
I feel hungry. My stomach is growling. Lily turned and laid on her right side of the body. When was the time I last ate?? I don't remember.
Lily opened her eyes and blinked. Where am I?? Body aching slightly due to the stiffness, she struggled slightly to sit upright. She looked around. This place looks so familiar.
"Hospital wing." Lily muttered to herself, finally processing where she was after a few second thoughts. She turned to get off the bed on her right. "Bell!!" Her good friend, Arabella was lying motionlessly on the bed next to her.
"Bell!!" Lily called her friend and held her hand. It's warm. She's fine. "What happened??" Lily felt herself getting weaker as she held Arabella's hand. I'm absorbing her exhaustion. After awhile, she could feel the tiredness creeping through her. She gave a lingering look at her friend and fell asleep instantly on her own bed again.
The exhaustion is draining off. Strange. How?? Arabella stirred a little in a sleep. A renewed energy ran through every nerve in her body. Weird sensation.
Arabella mustered enough energy to open her eyes. Where am I?? Looks familiar. I've been here before. How did I end up here?? She pushed herself to sit upright on the bed.
"Arabella dear, you're finally up." Madam Pomfrey had so coincidently checked on her at the right time.
"Yeah. What happened??" A confused Arabella asked.
"Don't think so much. Better have more rest." Madam Pomfrey shoved Arabella back and tucked her into bed while examining her at the same time.
"Huh. But I-" Arabella resisted.
"No buts. Drink this up." Madam Pomfrey instructed and shoved the goblet to Arabella's mouth, making her shut up and forced her to drink up the potion.
A gush of sleepiness ran through her and before she knew it, she was back to sleep once again.
"It feels strange without Lils and Bell's presence." Stefanie commented. The Marauders and Stefanie were heading towards the Great Hall for their dinner. It was the Monday ever since they got back from their two weeks leave. Many students had asked them about what happened, especially the Marauders' admirers and unofficial Hufflepuff fan club. They, of course, kept mum about everything, even from Peter.
"Shall we go see them after dinner??" James suggested.
"Pomfrey said she'd inform us when they wake up."
"Poppy won't do that. She'll probably make them sleep again." Sirius commented.
"He's speaking from experience, trust him this time." Remus said, laughing slightly.
"Poppy always makes me drink that sleepy potion." Sirius complained.
"That's because you can't be a good patient and sleep in the ward. Always try sneaking off when she's not watching."
"Yes, I'm fully aware that Poppy had noticed that. Especially it happens practically every time after major Quidditch practices."
"I believe she knows us too well." James laughed good-naturedly.
"That's the danger of being a Beater."
"Yes, she might do that to Lils and Bell too."
"I won't be surprised."
"Just as I expected, they're still sound asleep." Sirius boasted.
"Yes, you're right." A familiar female voice said.
"Madam Pomfrey, you drugged them, right??"
"That's too strong of a word. I only fed Arabella with the Sleeping Draught. Lily showed signs of exhaustion, I believed she woke up and tried to heal Arabella but was too weak herself."
"And then she fell back to sleep."
"That's right. It was not possible for Arabella to wake up that soon actually."
"And then you forced her to sleep again??"
"It's for her own good. I don't really want my patients to sneak off when I'm not watching."
"Not all patients do that."
"I'm just preventing the possibility."
"Looks like they won't be up until tomorrow at least."
"You're totally right."
"I supposed we should come back tomorrow."
"I assure you that they would be awake when you come back tomorrow evening."
"That would be great."
"Thanks Madam Pomfrey."
"Thanks Poppy."
"Sirius, that's not for you to call."
"Oops, Poppy – Madam Pomfrey, jeez, thanks."
"Bell??" Lily sat by Arabella's bed. It was in the afternoon and the first thought that stroke her was her friend's well-being. Arabella stirred in her sleep. Lily held up Arabella's hand and tried to heal her in any possible way.
"Lils??" Arabella mumbled weakly, opening her eyes.
"Bell, how are you feeling??" Lily asked, looking at Arabella's paled face. Oh my god!!!
"I'm fine. Just a little tired." Lily helped Arabella to sit upright. "Why are you looking at me with such a strange expression??"
"N-nothing." Lily looked away. The colour of midnight-blue eyes on Arabella was far too strange for Lily to accept but she did not know how to go about asking. Arabella had always been special, especially her eyes and she was thankful for that uniqueness.
"Is something wrong??" Arabella asked again.
"No." Lily gave a weak smile. "I'm just feeling tired. Anyway how did we end up here??"
"It – it's a long story. I want to know too."
"Ok. I'm really glad to see you again. I thought I was stuck at that strange place for life." Lily gave Arabella a bear hug gratefully.
"Yeah, you and James were trapped in the Disillusion Box."
"Disillusion box??"
"That's right."
"Then who gave up the magical ability??"
"I did." Arabella said softly.
"Oh no!!" Lily hugged her friend again, feeling utterly guilty and sorry. "You shouldn't have."
"It's alright. That's my destiny."
"Bell!!" Lily leaned forward and gave her friend a big hug.
"Lils, calm down. You're strangling me."
"Oops. Sorry."
"It's alright. That's you." Arabella gave a small laugh.
"I really don't know how to thank you for that."
"Didn't I tell you last time that I had to lose this magical ability??"
"You did. But you didn't tell us how."
"Because I don't want you to change the natural course of the events."
"If I know that's the case, we won't go to the Undersea City and I wouldn't have wondered off. It's all my fault." Lily's eyes were getting watery.
"Don't be like that. I'm fine. Who knows I might be happier this way??"
"I know you love being a witch and not a muggle."
"Well, I can always go back to the orphanage I grew up in to work or something. You don't need to worry about me."
"How could I not?? When you had done such a thing for me??"
"It's fate I supposed."
"But still-"
"Look, it had happened. It's all right. I'm fine. We're friends. That's all it matters."
"But you lost-"
"I lose some and might gain some. Who knows things might turn out to be a blessing in disguise??"
"I just don't know what to say." Lily gave Arabella another big hug.
"Hohoho. Did anyone see two girls hugging and sleeping on the same bed??" A deep male voice said with a tinge of amusement.
"I noticed that abnormality as well." James added, smiling slightly.
"Hey guys." Lily and Arabella smiled warmly at their friends.
"Hey, how're you feeling??" Remus asked in concern.
"Much better. How long have we been here??" Lily asked.
"Three days. Our dear old Poppy has so tirelessly been feeding you two with the Sleeping Draught."
"No wonder. I'm feeling quite hungry now."
"No big problem. Look what we got here for you??" All four of them held out bulging bags of foodstuffs and put it on the nearby bedside table.
"Wow. What are those??"
"Your lunch."
"You mean all our lunch."
"Of course we can't let you two eat alone here. No one can understand the loneliness in here as well as I do."
"Padfoot, aren't you getting yourself too much unnecessary sympathy??"
"I'm the most experienced here, ya know??"
"We know. The times you sleep here are comparable to our dorm."
"Glad that you noticed my absence at night."
"Frankly we're happier in your absence sometimes."
"Moony!! You're not supposed to be at his side!!"
"I'm just stating the facts."
"Hey!! Hey!! Marauders bickering in Hospital Wing!! News headlines!!"
"Yay!! We're in the headlines!!" Sirius jumped about in a silly manner.
"Hooray!! Headlines here we come!!" James jumped together with silly in a stupid but funny way. The seven of them started laughing because James and Sirius did look retarded in their actions.
"POTTER!! BLACK!! GET OFF THE BEDS NOW!!"
"Thanks for everything!!" Lily said gratefully. The seven of them were gathered in the sixth-year boys' dormitory for a little gathering. The guys had updated Peter about the happenings over the few days. "I really don't know how to thank you all for rescuing me from Volcano's hand." Lily paused and looked at Arabella. "I'm feeling so guilty that Bell lost her powers because of me. And of course James and the rest of you." Lily stood up and gave a bow.
"You're making it so formal." James teased.
"No. I'm really grateful and sorry for everything."
"What meant to happen will happen somehow."
"If we try to stop it from happening deliberately. Things will happen in another way and the result would still be the same."
"You know the best thing that ever happened to me would be having friends like you."
"I thought it was the fact you're born with your hair red."
"Haha. James, very funny."
"I think the best thing that ever happened to be was being born with messy black hair."
"Oh yeah?? Who was the one who complained about messy hair for the last six years??"
"Who was the one who tried combing hair in front of the mirror all the time??"
"Who was the one who tried using all sorts of hair products to neaten your hair??"
"Who was the one who-" A pillow flew out of nowhere and hit Sirius on his face before he could finish his sentence. The three Marauders had been taking turns to tease James about his hair.
"So much for having messy black hair." Lily said and the girls laughed at the comical scene where the boys were doing the magicked pillow fight.