15. Sage Wisdom From A Hufflepuff

Alastor was released from the Hospital Wing about a week later with instructions from Madam Arden to take it easy for the next week or so. His friends visited en masse twice in the week, but each visited every day. Holden always had a treat of some sort to give Alastor. Alfons and Maximilian always brought Alastor the day's homework and were more than willing to help Alastor with the parts he didn't understand. Both they and Felix would quiz Alastor on his work. Griffith always had something amusing to tell Alastor, either a joke or a story, but he was always willing to sit and listen.

Belladonna would sit on the bed and tell Alastor about her day, sometimes reading to him from her book Hexes and Charms for Defense and Mischief. It was as thick as three volumes and in pristine condition since she took such good care of it. This book, she had told him, she had been working at reading all the way through. She was always giving Alastor updates on her progress and her successes with the new hexes she learned. Percy and Milo would sit and read to Alastor from whatever play or novel they happened to be reading. Rremly always made sure to bring food and was something of a gazette, informing Alastor about what the others were up to.

Daniel would teach Alastor how to play his harmonica, or play his guitar, or tell him about life at the ranch house in Arizona where he lived with his parents his sister, Devonny, and his horse, Sasparilla- Rilla for short. Aurelius would sit and listen to Alastor and give him any news from their parents. Stephen would sit with Alastor as well, with his ever-present book or set of books in his arms. Stephen would either read him a passage from his book on the wildlife of Asia or he would sit and engage Alastor in conversation that interested the younger boy. He was also always inquiring as to how Alastor was feeling, both as a friend and as a healer in training, so to speak. Stewart would serenade Alastor, either with his voice or his violin…

"I do so loathe making decisions… which do you prefer, Al, classical piece or Irish reel?" Stewart asked him as he tightened the strings and played a few practice notes.

Alastor shrugged. "Either would sound fine to me, you know that, Stew."

The other boy grinned. "Irish reel then," Stewart concluded and began to play a lively reel, tapping his feet in time to the music. He played all the way through, tapping his foot and smiling that daffy smile at Alastor, almost as if he were trying to get Alastor to smile or laugh as well. When the reel was finished the sound of clapping was heard, which surprised both boys, for Stewart still had the violin in his hands and Alastor wasn't clapping just yet.

"I do apologize for interrupting; however, I simply had to congratulate you on such fine playing. I did notice you were playing an Irish reel. I take it you are Irish?" Stephen asked, coming into the room with not one, but five books in his arms.

Slightly surprised, Stewart gazed back at him. "My father's Irish," Stewart responded.

Stephen nodded, wearing his quiet smile as he moved towards Alastor's bedside. "I see. I hadn't known you play the violin. I myself play, though I prefer making my music upon the cello."

"My family is quite musical. The cello is what my sister prefers to play when she isn't nicking my violin or tapping out notes on our mother's piano. We also play the clarinet, oboe, flute, and tin whistle." Stewart laughed, setting his instrument back in its case.

Stephen's eyes barely widened in appreciation. "My, why you are quite the musical family. I've only learned the violin, cello, and piano, I admit."

"Well," Alastor's voice chimed in, "I play the harmonica… sort of."

Both Stephen and Stewart turned their heads and glanced at him. "Yes, we've heard you play, mate." Stewart grinned, observing Stephen's response as well.

"Ah, the harmonica. I have not had the pleasure of hearing its music. Perhaps you wouldn't mind playing for us sometime?"

"Perhaps," was Alastor's reply. 'More like never… I can't quite get the feel for this instrument.'

A laugh made Alastor turn his gaze from Stephen to Stewart. "What?"

"Oh nothing… I could just tell from the look on your face, you're not terribly keen on performing for us… and for good reason, too," Stewart grinned wickedly. "Though, I say this with the utmost love and respect, mate."

Stephen's lips twitched amusedly. "I wouldn't for the world press you into something don't wish to do. Don't worry, Alastor."

"Is it that obvious?" Alastor asked, a little dryly, despite his relief that they wouldn't push the issue.

Stewart looked at him incredulously before bursting out in laughter once more. "Obvious? Egad man, you're like one of those huge print novels."

This response immediately merited a glance from Stephen. "I wouldn't have put it quite like that…" he paused, his eyes barely betraying a sheepish expression. "I'm sorry, but I don't have your name. We rather missed the introductions."

"Stewart Pomfrey," he extended his hand with a grin.

Stephen took his hand. "Stephen Carrick-"

"I know your name; I do have my spies you know." Stewart winked, meriting a smile from Alastor. That's Stew for you…

Glancing at Stewart bemusedly, almost as if he couldn't quite figure out what to make of him, Stephen smiled. "Spies? Indeed," he shook his head. "Well met, Stewart. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, but I find I must get on with my practice. A good day to you both, and do remember to get rest, Alastor."

"Pleasure to meet you too." Stewart saluted.

Alastor chuckled slightly. "I can hardly forget to rest, Stephen, when I'm reminded about it every time my friends visit."

Stephen didn't respond, but the small chuckle and backward glance said it all as Stephen left them to enter Madam Arden's office.

Alastor recovered fully from his bought with bronchitis and resumed attending classes without mishap. The rest of February and March slipped away without much incident and Alastor found himself faced with a week at home. His parents had insisted that he come home for the spring holidays instead of 'going off with those friends of yours, particularly the Gryffindors and Hufflepuff.' Having no choice, Alastor spent the train ride to King's Cross brooding, though the others did their best to draw him out.

As they stepped onto the platform, Rremly whispered a reminder to Alastor, "If things get rough for you, use the mirror."

"Right, thanks, Rrem." Alastor offered his friend a faint smile before making his way over to where his mother and Aurelius were waiting for him. Calla looked impatient, but his brother's face was carefully devoid of expression. His mother gestured imperiously for Alastor to follow and turned to leave the station. Sighing, Alastor followed her, towing only his trunk this time. Aurelius had taken his own trunk before Alastor could get to it, sparing him a tiny smile.

Several days later, Alastor dug through his trunk until he found what he was looking for. Lounging back on the bed, he spoke in a clear voice, "Rremly Redgrave."

A moment or two later Rremly's face appeared in the haze of the mirror, a bright smile upon his face as per usual. "Al! Hello there. How are things? You're all right, aren't you?" Rremly asked, his smile sweeping into his trademark concerned look.

"One question at a time, Rrem. Things are all right, I suppose. Yes, I'm all right, thank you for asking," Alastor replied, very pleased to be speaking with Rremly who, with his quiet intuitive sensitivity, always seemed to be most considerate of what others might be feeling or going through.

Rremly looked a bit sheepish for having peppered him with questions so soon after the greetings. "Sorry there. I've just been thinking about you ever since we left. Worried a little, I admit. Oh, and Holden says 'hello,' as do Mum and Dad," Rremly relayed, losing the sheepish expression as it gave way to quiet ease.

"Thanks, Rrem. Tell them I say 'hello' as well," Alastor replied, smiling slightly, despite his confusion. "I actually had a reason for contacting you, aside from chatting."

The smiling eyes turned curious then, Rremly's face appearing to lean in closer to the mirror's surface. "What reason would that be?" Rremly gave voice to his curiosity.

"I wasn't real happy about coming home for the holidays and I'm sure you can imagine why," Alastor explained, his expression darkening a little. "Yet, today, Aurelius offered to take me on a picnic, just the two of us."

Alastor could tell that Rremly was a bit surprised with what he'd said. His eyes held concern and worry mingled with a bit of hope. "He did? That was really nice of him," Rremly remarked, his eyes still thoughtful.

"Yes, it was," Alastor agreed, nodding slightly. "And that's what surprises me."

Rremly bit down on his lip, his expression just barely pensive. "Perhaps he's feeling guilty for all the time he didn't exactly share with you?"

"Maybe," Alastor answered quietly, thinking for a moment. Coming to a decision, he looked straight at his friend's reflection. "I have to tell this to someone and you're the best one to tell. You have to promise not to tell anyone else, though."

Curious surprise crossed over Rremly's sweet face. "You have my word. I promise not to tell anyone."

"Thank you, Rrem." Alastor took a deep breath. "As you've already gathered, I don't have the best of lives here at home. To tell the truth, it doesn't really feel like home anymore, not since I've met you and the others." He passed his hand over his face. "To be honest, my friends, you included, have been a better family than my own." He tried to keep the bitterness out of his voice.

It seemed that Rremly knew of some of what Alastor had spoken about, but he seemed quite surprised with the last statement, and almost looked ready to ask a question, but decided better of it. "I suppose if Stew were here, he'd tell you we're more than glad to have you in our rather eccentric family." He smiled, and met Alastor's eyes through the mirror's glass. "I, however, say that I'm here for you always, just so you know. Your friend and brother in spirit..."

"Thanks, Rrem." Alastor chuckled softly. "I suppose what's truly surprising about my picnic with Aurelius earlier today was that it was actually pleasant. Although I still wonder what exactly possessed him to suggest such a thing. It's not like he's done it before."

"No, indeed he hasn't." Rremly nodded in agreement, playing the part of attentive listener to perfection.

Alastor sighed softly. "Thanks for listening, Rrem. I needed to talk to someone and the only person I could think of was you. I can't go to my own parents about it." Silently, he added, 'Not that they'd care anyway.'

As he'd expected, Rremly ducked his head as per usual when thanked. "Really, think nothing of it. I'm glad I can help, even if only by listening."

"And it's very much appreciated, Rrem, I can assure you of that," Alastor told the other boy. "How're your holidays going? Anything exciting happen yet?"

There was a pause for a moment. "Ah nothing really, just enjoying my time with my family and all."

"Wish I could say the same," Alastor muttered, not realizing he'd said it out loud.

"I know," Rremly murmured quietly, his eyes pained for Alastor.

The other boy's comment startled Alastor into realizing he'd made his previous comment out loud and he hastily added, "I'm sorry, Rrem, I don't mean to ramble on about my problems. It must get rather dull for you to listen to them."

"Actually no, you'll find it isn't boring for me. Nothing concerning my friends is boring," Rremly replied without missing a beat, his eyes serious and voice firm. "But, I really think you should give the others a chance. They can sense more than you give them credit for, and Bella, at least, would completely understand where you're coming from."

Alastor nodded and happened to glance over at the clock on his nightstand. Groaning, he looked at his friend. "I'm sorry to cut this short, Rrem, but I should be getting to bed." Truth was he was a little relieved. The idea of telling the others—of having them know and look at him with pity or worry in their eyes—was a bit more than he could stand at present.

"That's quite all right, Al. I'll talk with you soon," came Rremly's response, a smile lighting up his face. "Good evening."

Alastor smiled back. "Good evening to you, too, Rrem. Say 'hi' to Holden and your parents for me."

Laughing, Rremly saluted a la Stewart. "Why, of course I will."

"Good." Alastor chuckled and reluctantly terminated the connection. He sighed and stared at the mirror in his hand. "Well, at least there's someone out there who'll listen to me." He set the mirror on his nightstand and began to prepare for bed.