The Herbology Assistant

Chapter Twenty One

Clarice was still aware of her surroundings, as she could sense herself fall over onto the ground and felt the muddy water staining her clothes. She laid there hoping that someone, anyone, would come and find her, for minutes were feeling like hours and by now it's been a few hours. 

She could hear footsteps coming into the classroom, a gasp, and then rushed footsteps to her side. 

"Oh Clarice dear," She heard Pomona's voice and she was lifted into the air and brought straight to the infirmary. "Poppy! There's been another petrification."

"Oh poor girl, here bring her over here. This spot is more private for her." Poppy said and made a bed quickly for her. "Let's switch out her clothes. She'll probably be more comfortable in her own. Could you grab some from her chambers?"

"I would, but I'm afraid I don't know her password." Pomona said. 

"Dumbledore would know. That man knows everything." Poppy said and Pomona left to get her some fresh clothes.  There wasn't much Poppy could do other than make her comfortable for the time being. A few minutes passed and she heard foot steps coming to her bed. 

"Severus! She's fine! It's just like the other cases. Once the potion is ready, we can get them all back." She heard Dumbledore say to who she assumed was Severus. 

"Albus, you need to fix this issue now!" Severus growled while coming up to Clarice's side. "Claire darling, I'm so sorry."

He sat next to her and held her hand in his.

"Severus, I need to change her and get her out of these clothes. She is covered in mud." Poppy came in with a pair of sweatpants and a tee shirt. Severus stepped outside the curtain where Dumbledore and Pomona stood. Minerva also came into the infirmary after hearing a teacher was attacked. 

"Pomona, I do believe your mandrakes are almost full grown. Is that right?" Dumbledore asked. 

"I'm afraid not. They have about another two months." She spoke glumly. 

"We don't have two months!" Severus spoke. Just then Gilderoy walked in. "Great."

"We also need to consider that the potion itself takes months to brew as well." Minerva spoke. 

"Ah! The Restoration Potion! I've brewed it many times, hundreds of times. I can make it in half the time it would normally take." Gilderoy spoke. "I'll be the one to make it."

"Excuse me, but I believe I am the potions master at this school." Severus spoke. 

"Severus will make the potion, although I appreciate the offer Gilderoy." Albus said. 

"Albus, what do you reckon we do about the... issue?" Minerva asked. 

"To do something, we need to figure out what it is." Albus said and Severus rolled his eyes. Albus knew it was a basilisk, but clearly wasn't sure what to do about it. 

"Well, then we must figure it out." Severus said and walked out without another word. 

About a month had passed since Clarice had been petrified. Severus had visited her everyday to tell her what's been going on around the castle, only today was different. It was a Friday evening, classes were over and Severus had skipped dinner to go see Clarice. 

Severus sat in his usual spot with his head in his hands. He wasn't sure if Clarice could hear him or see him, maybe she could feel his presence or maybe not.  

"Clarice, I don't really know how to start these sorts of things, but having you not with me everyday has been extremely difficult. I miss you. I don't know if you can hear me, I hope you can hear me, but I'm going to tell you some things that I wouldn't have been able to while you were... well awake." Severus started. What did he have to lose at this point?