Gideon Drake and the Fire Within (Harry Potter Sequel/Spinoff)

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Tricks and Treats

'What would you recommend, Matron?' Professor Voronov asked Madam Longbottom on Gideon's behalf.

'First and foremost, Gideon needs rest, so I suggest he stay here for the remainder of the day and overnight for observation. Beyond that, there are several options. However, given what's happened, I'd feel better about consulting the Headmistress. She's far more experienced in such matters. If you'd be kind enough to contact her, Professor, I'll prepare a sleeping draught and a stronger dose of Dreamless Sleep.'

'Of course. Thank you, Matron,' the professor said kindly, 'Mr Maxwell, you'll stay here. I will inform your teachers and your dormmates of your absence.'

Gideon nodded in agreement as the adults both left the room. He couldn't help feeling a little guilty. Professor Voronov had an imposing presence and manner, which intimidated most students, Gideon included. However, the man had been nothing but fair and caring since Gideon had divulged the truth about the dorm fire.

About fifteen minutes later, he noticed out of the corner of his eye, somebody appear and head straight into the matron's office. From the momentary glint of her gold-chained spectacles, Gideon deduced it was the headmistress.

Professor Dandridge entered the Hospital Wing after a lengthy discussion with Madam Longbottom. 'Mr Maxwell,' she announced, the arms of her chocolate brown robes billowing behind her as she swiftly made her way over to his bed. 'Sorry to keep you waiting.'

'Oh, no—no problem, my fault,' Gideon said clumsily, embarrassed to be bothering the head teacher with his problems.

She smiled and continued, 'Madam Longbottom has filled me in. She is preparing some potions for you. We want you to get some rest. The problem is, I know from my own experience that you have a natural resistance to sleeping potions. In addition, it seems that Dreamless Sleep doesn't work on you very well!'

'Sorry,' Gideon replied.

'A hearty constitution is nothing to apologise for,' she informed him. 'It does pose a problem for us here, though. I may have a solution if you'll indulge me?'

'Sure.'

'Well, what I would like to do, is remove the dream that's bothering you from your consciousness. Temporarily, of course! However, it is a rather drastic measure. So, with your permission, I would like to assess your dream first—I won't ask you to explain it. Would that be alright?'

'Erm,' Gideon wondered aloud, unsure whether he wanted to share his dream. Still, she wouldn't know what it was about, Gideon didn't even know that. Honestly, he was too tired to give the question the consideration it deserved. It was just a dream, after all, so he agreed, 'Okay.'

'Good. I promise you won't feel a thing. Scoot back on the bed for me, please,' the professor told him before taking out her wand and touching it perpendicular to his forehead. 'Now, if you would, try to relax and think back to the last time you experienced the dream. Try to replay it in your mind's eye.'

Gideon took a breath and reluctantly forced himself to relive the awful vision. As he did so, he heard the headmistress whisper, 'Somniostendo.' Unbeknown to him, a widening light had emerged from the back of his head like that of a projector.

While Gideon's eyes were closed in thought, Professor Dandridge watched a choppy version of the boy's nightmare play out behind him like a silent movie. She saw the woman reaching out for the tiny hands and looked away as Gwendoline Drake was consumed by flames.

The headmistress adopted a stern but solemn expression. She gathered herself as Madam Longbottom entered the room and removed her wand.

'Are we ready, then?' the matron asked.