Trigger Warning: Mentions of suicide and depression, along with anxiety.
After Potions, the Gryffindors had Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Quirrel on the third floor. Marcus, who had a sensitive nose, could faintly detect the scent of rot from underneath the garlic that permeated the classroom as Quirrelmort – he chuckled in his mind – began to teach them. In this class, not wanting to draw the attention of a Dark Lord and his servant, he resolved to act like the other students. Marcus, glancing over at Harry, could see that the poor fellow was suffering from a bad headache, likely due to the horcrux in his scar sensing its main soul was nearby.
Aside from the horrific stuttering, which made Marcus decide to simply read his textbook and do the practical work here, the class passed quickly enough.
After the class was over, Marcus separated from the main group of Gryffindors, explaining that he had to attend to some personal matters. In reality, he went to the hospital wing. He sighed, knowing it was time to disclose his mental health condition, but he couldn't deny he was nervous. After all, he was unaware of the wizarding world's stance on mental health. Did they have professionals like mind healers, or was that just from fanfiction? These thoughts triggered his anxiety, so he leaned against the wall and began to control his breathing.
'Why am I in this world?' Marcus thought. 'Did I die in my sleep? Will I be able to return eventually?'
After calming down his anxiety, he continued walking and found the entrance to the hospital wing, knocking on the door. After a moment, the door was opened by a woman wearing an old-style nurse's uniform.
"Hello, young man. What brings you to the hospital wing?" said the matron.
"Hello," said Marcus, "Are you Madam Pomfrey?"
"Yes," replied Pomfrey. "Are you injured?"
Marcus said, "I have a medical condition I wish to discuss with you if you have some time right now. It relates to my mental health."
Madam Pomfrey said, "Of course, dear. Come, follow me to my office."
After Marcus and Madam Pomfrey entered her office, she closed the door behind them.
"Now then, young man, what is your name?" Madam Pomphrey said, grabbing a piece of parchment, a clipboard, and her quill.
"Marcus Castle, ma'am," Marcus said.
"Alright, Mr. Castle, so far you've mentioned that you have a mental health condition you wish to disclose. Can you provide more details for me?" said Madam Pomphrey.
"Yes, ma'am. I have depression and anxiety, and I've attempted to commit suicide in the past," Marcus revealed.
Madam Pomfrey, looking up from her clipboard, said, "I'm sorry to hear that, dear. What method did you use, and how long ago was this?"
"I tried to overdose on Muggle medicine about a year and a half ago," Marcus replied.
Madam Pomfrey noted down this information. "Alright. I'm going to give you a questionnaire to fill out so I can have a better understanding of how you're feeling right now."
She handed Marcus a sheet of parchment with questions such as "Over the last two weeks, how often have you had little interest or pleasure in doing things?" and "Over the last two weeks, how often have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?" (A/N: Based on the British PHQ-9)
After Marcus completed the questionnaire, Madam Pomfrey scored his answers and said, "Alright, Mr. Castle, these results show that you are currently moderately depressed, but you are leaning towards a more severe level of depression. Would you like to discuss your treatment options now?"
"Yes, ma'am," said Marcus.
"Good! First, I must inform you that your treatment here is confidential due to my Healer's Oath. However, I will have to inform your head of house and headmaster as they are your guardians in loco parentis. Do you understand what that means?"
"Yes, ma'am. It means they are 'in place of parents' and can make legal decisions on my behalf."
"Very good! Now, there is a special derivative of Draught of Peace known as Draught of Stability. It is not as potent as Draught of Peace and is primarily used to treat those with depressed moods, restoring them to normal levels of emotional stability. It has also been shown to help with depression. Would you be interested in trying it?"
"Are there any side effects I should be aware of?" asked Marcus.
"No, although I've heard the taste can be somewhat off-putting," said Madam Pomfrey.
"Alright. I would like to try the Draught of Stability. Are there also options for counseling?" Marcus inquired.
"Yes, you and I can schedule counseling appointments to check on your mental status and talk about how things are going. Additionally, we can have the Draught of Stability brewed in-house by Professor Snape if you prefer. He will need to know that he is brewing it for you for his records, but it will be covered by what you've already paid to attend Hogwarts," said Madam Pomfrey.
Realizing the cost-effective alternative and not minding if Professor Snape knew, Marcus said, "Yes, please, that would be preferable. How soon will I be able to get the draught?"
"We can start your treatment on Wednesday morning. I'll have Professor Snape brew the potion for you. As for counseling, we can meet at this time every other week," Madam Pomfrey suggested.
"Yes, ma'am, that works for me. Thank you so much," Marcus expressed his gratitude.
"We want you to get better, Marcus. If it ever becomes too much, I want you to come here immediately. If you can't reach out, find a prefect or professor. They are here to help you," Madam Pomfrey assured him.
"Thank you, ma'am. Is it alright if I head to lunch now?" Marcus asked.
"Of course, dear. I'll escort you out," said Madam Pomfrey.
Marcus and Madam Pomfrey then exited her office, and Marcus was escorted out of the hospital wing. He proceeded to go to lunch, enjoying a ham sandwich along with some water. He was relieved that things seemed to be working out in regard to treating his depression.