The rest of the story

Chapter Twelve

I blink my eyes open to see fluorescent lights and a drab white blanket draped over me. Pansy is snoring, heaped over in an armchair beside the bed. The rest of the room is essentially empty, neatly folded white blankets over rows of solemn beds, waiting. Madam Pomfrey strolls into the room, sees me, and smiles.

"Well, welcome back." I notice oddly that my clothes aren't wet. They're neat and clean. Madam Pomfrey nods. "Ah, your girlfriend brought those down for you. You were... quite concerned about the other ones."

"Thank you." I glance to see bright rays of sun streaming in through the window. "How long have I been here?"

"Just since last night. You're free to go now anytime you like, but tie your shoes next time." Madam Pomfrey shakes her head, glancing out the window in disdain. "Lucky you aren't a muggle, or it would've been nearly a week." I slide out of bed expecting my knee to protest in response, but it's fine.

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey." I nod before attempting to shake Pansy awake. She hits me in response several times before finally opening her eyes.

"Where am I?"

"The Hospital Wing." Her eyes widen in horror before she glances at the chair she's sitting in and seems to remember she isn't critically injured.

"Ugh, I can't believe I fell asleep here."

"Do you mean to tell me you weren't lovingly watching over me as I slept? Because I'm offended." Pansy rolls her eyes.

"You got a bloody lip and a bruise on your knee. We have magic. It's literally the least big deal thing that's ever happened."

"Uhhuh." I smirk at her as she glares at me. "Did you accidentally ask for that blanket?"

"It was cold in here. I thought you'd be up in like an hour. How was I supposed to know you'd have a bruised bone and a concussion?"

"I bet you feel really bad for making fun of me now."

"Not at all. You definitely deserve to be made fun of more."

"I never knew you could be so heartless." I stare at her in mock horror. She rolls her eyes before shoving my potions book into my arms.

"Shut up and read your stupid book you were so keen on."

"I wanted to read a potions book?"

"While Goyle played Wizard's Chess, yes." Pansy smirks at me mockingly, and I feel my cheeks redden slightly. "It was pretty adorable actually."

"Well, obviously we now know that apparently me hitting my head renders me completely insane."

"Oh, of course." Pansy glances to the side, the corner of her mouth curving into a smile. "I am going to tell Goyle you said that though."

"Well, good luck getting into Slytherin quarters to tell him, Gryffindor."

"You always take that way too seriously."

"Well, I really hate Gryffindors, so."

"Oh, I know you do." Pansy raises her eyebrows, and I stare at her blankly.

"Can we go now?"

"Only if you promise to tie your shoes very carefully."

"That isn't even how I fell."

"I know." Pansy smirks as we step out of the hospital wing. "But Madam Pomfrey thinks so now. I told her you were walking, got scared by a bird, and tripped over your shoelace. She's very disappointed in you, Malfoy."