Aymee Parker B2 - The Cursed Mark

Chapter 41 : Hufflepuffs' revenge

Aymee woke up due to a slight knock! in the middle of the night. Her eyelids fluttered for a few seconds before her vision finally adjusted to the darkness.

"Macy?"

The little house-elf jumped. She was putting a bowl of incense on the bedside table next to her bed. Aymee quickly recognized the smell which escaped in small wisps of smoke: it was the same as Kingsley's apartment. Macy rubbed her hands, looking down.

"Yes, Miss."

"What are you doing here?"

Macy hesitated, her gaze jumping from side to side.

"Master Kingsley sent me. It's a soothing incense, to help you recover, Miss."

Aymee sat up in bed. She was so tired and felt so empty that she barely reacted when she learned her godfather had been informed. Just one more misfortune, what could that change? Yet Aymee had a heavy heart.

"Master Kingsley also has a message for you, Miss," added Macy.

Aymee's gaze slid over Macy. She hesitated a little before motioning for her to deliver the message. She was already digging her grave anyway. Macy massaged her hands, staring at the floor with a focused expression.

"Master said: 'Make it clear to her that I am only worried about her. The incense is as much to help her feel better as it is to make her not feel alone. I'm always there if she needs me'."

The ball of fire revived in Aymee's throat. She took a deep breath, doing her best to stay calm. The knot was so big that she had trouble speaking.

"That's all?"

"No, Miss. He also said Miss could never ever ever disappoint him. Oh! And that he can't wait to see you again. That's what he said, Miss."

Aymee clenched her fists around her sheets to bring them back in front of her face. She was crying for real now. Aymee wasn't sure she understood why she was crying. Because Kinglsey knew? Because he didn't seem to hate her? Or for this kind gesture? She had no idea. It was probably a big mix of all of those things and more.

Someone coughed, the kind of cough you do to get noticed, and Aymee froze. She spread her fingers to see who it was. Hepzibah Smtih was sitting in the bed opposite. The Giantess drew her wand and lit a small spark. Aymee took the opportunity to scan the surroundings. They were alone, even Annelise's bed was empty. Hepzibah followed Aymee's gaze.

"They came for her while you were sleeping," she informed her. "She's in St Mungo Hospital now."

Aymee took advantage that Hepzibah wasn't looking at her to quickly wipe her cheeks. Macy stared at Aymee with such concern that she felt compelled to reassure her.

"It's okay, I'm fine."

"I didn't know we could bring our elves to the castle."

Aymee observed Hepzibah. Despite her curious tone, she looked at Macy with an unconcerned expression. The subject didn't sound to be that much of interested to her, but the question intrigued Aymee enough to make her speculate out loud.

"I don't know. Maybe it's an arrangement between Kingsley and Dumbledore given our... special situation. Or did Kingsley send you on the sly?"

"Oh no, Miss!" Macy was quick to reply. "I've been working at the castle during the school year since your first grade, Miss."

Aymee had to suppress a grimace when she learned how long she'd been watched like that. At least Macy was good willed, unlike others... Aymee's eyes rested again on Annelise's empty bed. She couldn't help but imagine her, stretched out and restrained by thick leather straps in one of St Mungo's Hospital's bed, completely delirious with her parents crying over her fate beside her.