The Potion of Life

Chapter 9: The Professor's Daughter

By the end of the week I finally had some time to visit Lydia in the Hospital Wing. It was something that I had tried to do earlier, but the teachers were adamant on giving me piles of homework.
   So on Friday afternoon I asked Prim to go with me. The Ravenclaw hadn't liked the idea of missing the opportunity to get a head start on her essays, but had relented when I had given her my best puppy eyes.

"Just a quick visit right?" Prim asked me for the fourth time as we walked all the way up to the Hospital Wing. 
   "Of course. I just want to make sure she's doing okay and then I'll leave you to your studies." I assured her again. 

Lydia was sitting up in her bed with a book in her lap. I couldn't read the cover, but whatever the book was about, she seemed to be pretty into it. She looked so frail and young that it was hard to believe she was about five years older than me. 
   "Lydia?" I spoke up softly, not wanting to scare the woman. She looked up sharply, but relaxed when she saw me and Prim. "Oh, hello. How do you know my name?" 
   "Professor Ambrosius told me. I'm Tessa and this is my friend Prim." I gestured to my dark-haired companion. "How are you feeling?" 

"Tessa? So you're the one who got me here?" Lydia looked thoughtful. "I suppose I should thank you. I'm alright. Nothing new for me to fall ill like that."
   Something felt a bit off. She sounded very unconcerned, though her voice was laced with bitterness. 
"I just did what I thought was best. But honestly, Poppy Sweeting did most of the work. She's the one who brought you here." I was starting to feel a little uncomfortable, though there didn't seem to be a reason for that. Beside me, Prim shifted her weight. 
   "The little dark haired girl? She seems... a little peculiar don't you think?" Lydia tilted her head in thought. 

An emotion similar to anger rose to the surface, but I managed to push it down. "She's actually very sweet. I know a handful of students that would've let you lie there."
   The woman didn't seem particularly concerned about that. In fact, she radiated an indifference that was unsettling. 
   "Hm, I suppose." She looked back to her book. "Did you need something?" 
I could tell that Prim was having some trouble keeping herself composed and I patted her shoulder lightly in what hopefully was a reassuring and calming way. Admittedly, I was getting a bit fed up with her strange attitude as well.

"Not really. I'm glad to see you're feeling better." I turned around and grabbed Prim's arm to pull her along when the door to Blainey's office opened and the nurse together with Professor Ambrosius walked out. The latter immediately smiled when she saw me. 
   "Ms. Cole, how fortunate to see you!" She said happily, unaware of the tension in the air. "I was hoping I could have a chat with you." 
   I didn't really feel like talking after the little chat with Lydia. "Sorry Professor, but Prim wanted to start on her essays and I'm not supposed to roam the halls alone."

Professor Ambrosius waved a hand as if shooing my words away. "Nonsense. Your friend can go and do that. You won't be alone when I'm here now would you? Let us have a nice walk back to your common room."
   What was happening here? First her daughter was being a bit rude and strange and now she herself was acting way too happy. Prim exchanged a look with me and it was clear she was confused as well. But maybe it was best to just take the offer and get back to my dormitory. 
   "Sure, Professor. I'll see you later, okay?" I gave Prim a pointed look, letting her know I'd be fine. 
   "O-kay." She reluctantly agreed before nodding to Professor Ambrosius. "I'll leave her to you then Professor." And with that she went on her way to the library. 

Nurse Blainey had gone over to do a check on Lydia and Professor Ambrosius joined for a moment to give her daughter a kiss on her forehead, whispering something I couldn't understand. 
   It made Lydia smile, which lit up her whole face and made her look even younger. She whispered something back to her mother before getting back to her book. 
   The Professor thanked the matron for her help and walked over to me. "Shall we then?"
I nodded and quietly followed her out.