SuperPotterLock - The Order of the Phoenix

Christmas on the Closed Ward

John slept through the whole day, only waking when the smell of food drifted up to him through the house.

'I can go and get some for you,' Sherlock offered, watching John try and fail to push himself up.

'No, it's fine. Just give me a minute.' His whole body was heavy, he could barely open his eyes, but the gnawing in his stomach motivated him to pull himself together, albeit slowly.

He eventually made it to his feet, and held onto Sherlock as they made their way downstairs.

Mrs Weasley beamed at them when they entered the kitchen.

'I've saved you something to eat, I hoped you'd be able to come down.'

'Thanks, Mrs Weasley,' John mumbled, sinking faintly into a chair. He struggled to pick up his fork, but felt much better as soon as he managed to eat something.

She bustled off, and John turned to Ron who, along with the other Weasleys, were glancing up at the ceiling nervously.

'What's going on?' John asked. 'Where's Harry?'

Ron glanced furtively at his mother, then leaned closer to whisper to him. 'We heard them all talking about Harry, saying he might be possessed by You-Know-Who.'

John frowned. 'But that's ridiculous.'

'Well yeah, obviously, but Harry took them seriously. He's pretending to be asleep.'

John grimaced. 'I can see why he'd be worried about it...' He trailed off as Mrs Weasley returned with more food. 'How is Mr Weasley?' he asked.

'Oh, he's going to be fine as soon as they can work out how to stop the bleeding,' Mrs Weasley smiled. 'He's already sitting up and reading the papers.'

'That's good news,' John said in relief.

'It really is.'

John finished his dinner, and got up to make himself a cup of tea, but Mrs Weasley pushed him back into his seat.

'Let me get that for you, dear.'

John smiled at her, sensing that despite her chirpy mood, she needed to keep her hands busy.

This extended to the following morning, when she insisted everyone help her put up Christmas decorations. Harry had retreated even further into the house, hiding in Buckbeak's room. He ignored Mrs Weasley's call for lunch.

At around six o'clock, the bell rang, waking Mrs Black. Her screaming reverberated through John's head, but she was soon quietened, and in came Hermione, Sam and Dean - Dean tripping into the kitchen.

'I thought you were going skiing with your parents,' John said to Hermione.

'It's not really my thing,' said Hermione, her face pink from the cold. 'Mum and Dad are a bit disappointed, but I told them that anyone who's serious about their exams is staying behind to study. They want me to do well, so they understand.'

'They're making us stay here again,' Dean grumbled, dumping his trunk with a loud thump.

'It's probably for the best,' Hermione said sympathetically.

'Not really, I'd rather be at home.'

'Where's Harry anyway?' Hermione asked.

'Upstairs with Buckbeak. He's hiding,' John told her. 'He thinks he's been possessed by Voldemort.'

'Oh, well that's silly,' said Hermione.

'Try telling him that.'

'Actually, I think we will,' Ginny said, grabbing Hermione's arm. 'Come on, Hermione.' She dragged Hermione out of the room, and they heard them both climbing the stairs with purpose in their steps.