Wands and Wildflowers - J.S.Potter

We miss her...

The air at Hogwarts was crisp and tinged with the scent of blooming flowers, a sure sign that May had arrived. The castle was abuzz with the usual end-of-year activities: students studying for their exams, the clatter of quills on parchment, and the occasional burst of laughter echoing through the halls. But beneath the surface of this busy routine, there was a lingering concern for Bella Timber, who remained in the hospital wing, recovering from her encounter with the Kelpie.

In the Gryffindor common room, James, Daisy, Ben, Chris, and Gwen were huddled around a table, their textbooks spread out before them. The atmosphere was tense, the seriousness of their study sessions only amplified by Bella's absence. Each member of the group was struggling to focus, their minds drifting back to their friend.

Daisy, with her brow furrowed in concentration, glanced at James, who was tapping his quill impatiently against his notebook. His usual easygoing demeanor had been replaced by a more somber and anxious air. The worry for Bella had taken a toll on him, and Daisy could see it clearly.

"James, could you please stop that?" Daisy said softly, trying to break the tension. "It's distracting."

James looked up, his gaze meeting Daisy's with a mix of frustration and weariness. "Sorry, Daisy. I just can't stop thinking about Bella. It's been weeks, and she's still not back. I'm really worried."

Daisy nodded sympathetically. "We all are. I just hope she's getting better. It's hard to concentrate on anything with her still in the hospital wing."

Chris, who had been quietly flipping through his notes, looked up. "I heard from Professor Longbottom that Bella's making progress, but it's slow. They're taking every precaution to make sure she recovers fully."

Gwen, sitting next to Chris, added softly, "I wish there was more we could do. It feels like we're just waiting and hoping."

Ben, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly spoke up. "It's driving me mad."

Daisy reached out and placed a comforting hand on Ben's. "We've done everything we can. Just being here for her and supporting her is important. She'll get through this."

As they continued their study session, the common room door creaked open, and Professor McGonagall entered, her expression serious. The students immediately fell silent, their eyes shifting toward her.

"Professor, is everything alright?" Daisy asked, her voice tinged with concern.

McGonagall gave a curt nod. "Yes, Miss Dawson. I just came to remind everyone that the end-of-year exams are approaching rapidly. I trust that you all are making the necessary preparations."

The students nodded, and McGonagall continued, "I also wanted to inform you that Professor Longbottom has requested that students stay clear of the hospital wing while Bella is recovering. They need to ensure a quiet and controlled environment for her healing."

James's face fell. "So, we can't visit her?"

"Unfortunately, not at the moment," McGonagall said gently. "However, Professor Longbottom has assured me that Bella is receiving the best care possible."

With that, McGonagall left the common room, and the students returned to their studies, though their hearts were heavy with the news.

Hours later, after a grueling study session, the group finally decided to call it a day. The sun had set, and the common room was illuminated by the soft glow of the fireplace. The weight of their worry for Bella was palpable.

"I'm going to take a walk," James announced, pushing his books aside. "I need some fresh air."

Daisy watched him go, feeling a pang of worry. "Be careful out there."

James gave a distracted wave and headed out of the common room. As he walked through the castle's dimly lit corridors, he found himself lost in thought. His steps echoed in the empty hallways, amplifying his sense of loneliness and frustration.

Meanwhile, back in the common room, Gwen had gathered the others around for a discussion. Her eyes were determined as she spoke. "We need to do something more for Bella. Sitting around and worrying isn't helping anyone."

Chris, looking up from his notes, nodded in agreement. "I've been thinking the same thing. Maybe we can organize a surprise for her when she gets back. Something to lift her spirits."

Ben, who had been quietly mulling over his own thoughts, finally spoke up. "I like that idea. A special welcome-back event could really brighten her day. We should start planning it."

Gwen's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Exactly! Let's make sure it's something she'd love. Maybe a party with all her favorite things."

Daisy, who had returned from her walk, joined the group. "I think that's a wonderful idea. Bella would definitely appreciate it."

As they began to brainstorm ideas for the surprise, James re-entered the common room, his face showing a mix of relief and determination. He joined the group, and together they started to plan a heartfelt gesture for their friend.

Later that night, as the castle grew quiet, James lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. The weight of the upcoming exams and the lingering concern for Bella pressed heavily on his mind. He couldn't help but think about how much he missed his friend and how much he hoped for her speedy recovery.

As he drifted off to sleep, the thought of Bella returning and the plans they had made for her kept him hopeful. The uncertainty of their situation was still there, but the shared commitment to supporting their friend provided a glimmer of light in the darkness.