Wands and Wildflowers - J.S.Potter

Healing hearts

The dim light of the hospital wing filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a warm, golden hue over the room. The only sounds were the faint rustle of leaves outside the window and the occasional murmur of Madame Pomfrey as she checked on her patients. The atmosphere was calm, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions that had swirled through the corridors of Hogwarts just days before.

Daisy Dawson lay on one of the hospital beds, her face pale but serene. The wound on her arm had been magically healed, but the emotional scars ran deeper. Rosier's attack had left her shaken, and the emotional turmoil had been as hard to bear as the physical pain.

James Potter had barely left her side since she'd been brought in. He'd spent hours by her bedside, reading to her, talking to her, and simply being there. His own heart ached with guilt and worry. Every time Daisy's eyes fluttered open, James felt a wave of relief, mingled with a pang of fear.

"Hey, Daisy," James said softly, his voice carrying a note of tenderness that he didn't usually show. "How are you feeling today?"

Daisy's eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze. She offered a small, grateful smile. "A bit better," she said quietly. "Thanks to you."

James's heart swelled at her words. "I'm just glad you're okay. I'm sorry for everything. I should have... I should have been more careful. I never wanted to see you hurt."

Daisy's smile grew a bit stronger, though it was tinged with sadness. "You're here now, and that's what matters. I just wish you hadn't been so reckless with Rosier. He... he could have really hurt you, too."

James's face fell, and he looked away, guilt washing over him again. "I know. I was being an idiot. I just didn't want to see him mess with you, but I should have thought things through."

Madame Pomfrey, who had been observing from a distance, gave James a reassuring nod before turning her attention to another patient. The room was quiet except for the gentle hum of the healing spells working their magic.

"James," Daisy said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "I've been thinking... maybe we should talk."

James looked at her, his eyes full of worry and hope. "About what?"

"About us. About everything," she said, her voice gaining strength. "I was really angry with you, and I didn't know if I'd ever be able to forgive you. But I see now... you were trying to protect me, even if it didn't come across that way."

James's eyes softened, and he reached out, taking her hand in his. "Daisy, I never meant to hurt you. I was just scared. Scared of losing you. And I didn't know how to show it without being... well, a bit of a prat."

Daisy squeezed his hand, her eyes welling up with tears. "I was scared too, James. Scared that things might never be the same between us. I didn't want to lose what we had. But seeing you here, with me, I realize how much you care."

James's heart raced as he looked into her eyes, seeing the sincerity and the depth of her emotions. Without thinking, he leaned closer, pulling her into a gentle hug. Daisy stiffened for a moment but then relaxed, resting her head against his chest.

"I'm so sorry, Daisy," James murmured into her hair. "I didn't know what I had until I almost lost it."

Daisy hugged him back tightly, her tears soaking into his shirt. "I'm sorry too, for being so hard on you. It's just that I've been hurt before, and I didn't want to open up to someone only to get hurt again. But you've proven to me that you're different."

They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, wrapped in each other's arms. The warmth and safety of James's embrace made Daisy feel secure and loved, and James felt a sense of peace he hadn't known in a long time.

As they finally pulled apart, James looked at Daisy with a mixture of hope and vulnerability. "So, does this mean we're okay?"

Daisy smiled through her tears, her eyes shining with affection. "Yes, James. We're more than okay. We're better."

James's heart soared, and he realized with a sudden clarity just how much Daisy meant to him. It wasn't just about being friends or even about being close. He liked her. No, he liked her a lot more than he had realized.

"I think I've been an idiot," he said softly, a playful glint in his eyes. "I should have told you sooner how much you mean to me."

Daisy laughed softly, wiping her tears away. "Well, I'm glad you finally did."

As they sat together, basking in the warmth of their renewed connection, James couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. The road ahead might still have its challenges, but for now, he was content just to be with Daisy, knowing that they had overcome the hurt and emerged stronger together.