The Spellfull Sixties

Chapter Eleven: Ted the destroyer

The Hospital wing was quite unnerving at night. Andromeda had only just gotten used to sleeping in her dorm room, and the change was not very welcome. The tall ceilings and cold rattling windows made it hard to rest when not under the influence of potions. She had wanted to return to her room, but Madame Pomfrey refused to let her leave until her arm was completely healed. She'd already missed two lessons that week. Though professor Slughorn had come into the room to give her some work which she regrettably could not do due to her injury. Instead she read through it and thanked the man for his kindness. He had been her only visitor. Well until that evening. She was propped up with some pillows, eating her dinner off of a tray. It was some sort of soup with Skelegrow infused into it . She wished that Madame Pomfrey could have just used a spell to make her injury better, but apparently it was a far nastier break than it seemed. Nasty enough to require the re-growth of some bones.

"I have been called to go and speak to the Headmaster". Pomfrey, who had doted on the girl with a kind, pitiful smile, tucked her in. She then reached into her pocket, revealing a letter. It was from Alphard. She could tell by the stamp. "This arrived after we informed your family of your injury. Now your more rested I suppose you should read it". 

"Thank you", smiled Andromeda, attempting to take the letter. As she did, the woman pulled it back, using her wand to set the letter to unfolding and floating in mid-air. "Right- I can't use my arm". 

"Yes- or it'll heal slower- and I am hoping to have you out of here tomorrow morning". The woman stood, flattening the spot where she had sat as Andromeda began to read. By the next time the girl looked away from the paper, Pomfrey was already on her way out, and the chilling sounds of Hospital wing filled the air again. With every creak of the room, or every gust of wind, she was expecting to be terrified by a ghost, or attacked by Peeves. 

Dearest Andromeda, 

I apologise that I have not been able to write as of late. It seems that the Owl has been peculiarly preoccupied. Yet when I heard of your injury I could not hesitate to write. How are you my dear. It seems your injuries are being well dealt with, but how did they happen? Is it true that someone caused you harm? Please give me the details soon, or in fact, perhaps provide them when we are once again together.

Now, regarding your other query. I am sorry I could not respond earlier, and I fear that my lack of response may have had something to do with your injury. However I was going to state that your decision is, or was not one I could make for you. It was something you had to do for yourself. However my advice would be to let yourself pass judgement on people, and not just your sister. Do not let the relationships you make in school become at risk due to prejudices. Embrace them and the futures that may come with them, even if your sister does not seem to agree. 

I have also heard the name Prewett before. If I recall correctly we used to be forced to the same galas, balls and whatnot.  I knew an Ignatious Prewett, who was rather like your Aunt. He married 'dear' miserable Lucretia. You'll probably meet her at some point or another. I recall she came to visit you when you were born. Therefore you and that young Prewett may be related. That is an argument you may use with your sister, and your sister only, if she disregards your taking to the girl. Though I surmise your new acquaintance is the child of Prewett the younger. Deri, I believe his name was. He was quite nice. We got along once at a summer party. He was what your mother would call a 'radical'. I've not heard much of him since.

Now I must go. I have been commanded to come down for luncheon. 

Take care and be well Andromeda.